Specialized Turbo Vado SL: An Incredible E-Bike (User Club)

[Jeremy McCreary]

Now, I might need your advice The rear wheel of my Vado SL (28", 12x148 mm, Thru-Axle, Centerlock, 21 mm internal width, 28 spokes) has almost given up. Yes, it might be trued but I know how it ends (it ends up badly soon!) The wheel was used for almost 5 years. I'm a heavy rider and often ride in rough terrain. I happen to take a pannier with me, which adds up to the weight as well.

One of the issues is the availability. Actually, I could narrow it down to only two available wheels:

• Shimano Deore XT M8200, 622 mm rim diameter, 25 mm internal rim width, 28 spokes, Centerlock, 12x148 mm Boost axle spacing, machine bearings, Microspline or
• DT Swiss HG 1800 SPLINE DB 25, 622 mm rim diameter, 24 mm internal rim width, 28 spokes, Centerlock, 12x148 Boost axle spacing, DT Swiss Road Freehub Body Shimano 11SP Forged Alu (ASF11) / for DT 370 LN. The product code: WHG1800TIDMSA24287

Now, it is all clear to me regarding the Shimano wheel. Yes, I would probably convert to 12-speed, especially as my new derailleur/shifter will work with it with no issues. I, however, have a big issue to understand the DT Swiss wheel. All the signs indicate it is a HG freehub body, so I could just reuse my 11-speed cassette and chain. Am I wrong?

I wouldn't mind to convert to 12 speeds. Is the 25 mm internal rim width appropriate for 42 mm tyres?
On the other hand, I trust DT Swiss. Selecting that specific wheel would allow me to retain my current 11-speed system* without extra expenses. So, is the freehub body here indeed the HG? Necessary to mention DT Swiss recommends the new LN 370 rear hub to be used with e-bikes.

Any useful input is greatly welcome!
------------
*) It is very practical when your both e-bikes operate on the same number of gears. Think of the replacement chain and master link compatibility!

Sorry about your rear wheel. I think you should go straight to the ENVE 45 mm deep-section carbon wheels I just saw at my LBS. Only $2,050 each!
;^}

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Sorry about your rear wheel. I think you should go straight to the ENVE 45 mm deep-section carbon wheels I just saw at my LBS. Only $2,050 each!
;^}

If the wheel choice were just the matter of price than I wouldn't hesitate for a moment! Why not Mavic or Zipp?

Something educating for you Ye Goode Olde Specialized chose the Road Boost hub size for our Vado SL, thus greatly limiting the replacement wheel choice. The same silly decision was made for Creo 1. Later, Creo 2 came with the proper hub sizes, making that e-bike a proper gravel one with a vast wheel selection.

I once was forced by our respected bike mechanic Jakub W. to learn about how bicycle wheels were built, so he told me to do my homework and come back with the parts; then he would build a wheel for me. He added: "A hint: you might have a look at the DT Swiss 350 rear hub first" Jeremy! That was a wonderful time to learn about the wheels! After some two weeks I visited his shop with a rim and a hub. I said to him: "Mr Jakub, I admit I was too stupid to choose the spokes!" His reply was: "A good choice. I will take care about the spokes myself!" I still have that wheel on my Vado 6.0! Ya, but building a custom wheel is pretty expensive.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Let me tell y'all my choices were I to order a wheel build

Rear Hub
12-speed version:

• Application: MTB
• Product name: Classic
• Axle system: 12 mm Thru-Axle
• Built-in dimension: 148 mm (Boost)
• Brake interface: Disc Center Lock
• Cassette interface: Shimano Micro Spline
• Freehub system: Ratchet DEG 72
• Number of holes: 32

DT Swiss Rear wheel 350 DBCL Boost for thru axle 12mm, H350TCD2R32SA5242S

11-speed version: Same as above but Cassette interface = Shimano MTB.
Model: DT Swiss Rear wheel 350 DBCL Boost for thru axle 12mm, H350TCDBR32SA5255S

Price for either model: EUR238 + shipment

Rim
DT Swiss: E 550 700c 30 mm DB VI, RDE055CDPW32SA2413

• Application: Road Enduro
• 622 rim diameter
• 32 spokes
• Rim inner width: 22 mm

Price: EUR46 + shipment

Spokes
No idea

If you add the price of the rear hub, the rim, the spokes, and labour, the wheel would greatly exceed the EUR235 for a complete DT Swiss wheel that I could just order. Only... I wouldn't have the 32 spokes but 28, which makes a difference in a long run.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[BlackHand]

I think for your weight, tire size, and usage the HG 1800 makes more sense.
- the 24mm inner rim width is more appropriate for 42mm tires. The 22mm of the E550 is more road/gravel width of several years ago.
- I believe the HG 1800 has a higher max system weight of 140kg. That's more important than spoke count.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Thank you so much, Steve!