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

[Stefan Mikes]

Stefan, I put the SQL inner bars up against my grips and did move the brake levers out a little. It’s not a problem at all and the brake levers are still an easy reach from both the grips and the inner ends.

Thank you @Calcoaster! I'm going to look more closely to these grips.
Sometimes, I'm jealous about what roadies can install on their bikes...

Quick-Release Clip-on Aerobars

The Quick-Release clip-on Aerobars let you switch from road to aero on-the-fly on the bike you already own. The patented quick-release mechanism allows you to attach or remove the aerobars in a few seconds without any tools so you can choose the best riding position for any ride. Along with the...

redshiftsports.com

@mschwett & @kahn: putting a rack on a road e-bike?! Yes yes. It is your bike. Add fenders and a kickstand too! Err... Wait....

Ah. Now as I can see the Bike Insights comparison, I think I should have paid closer attention to Creos!

 

[kahn]

Thank you @Calcoaster! I'm going to look more closely to these grips.
Sometimes, I'm jealous about what roadies can install on their bikes...

Quick-Release Clip-on Aerobars

The Quick-Release clip-on Aerobars let you switch from road to aero on-the-fly on the bike you already own. The patented quick-release mechanism allows you to attach or remove the aerobars in a few seconds without any tools so you can choose the best riding position for any ride. Along with the...

redshiftsports.com

@mschwett & @kahn: putting a rack on a road e-bike?! Yes yes. It is your bike. Add fenders and a kickstand too! Err... Wait....

Ah. Now as I can see the Bike Insights comparison, I think I should have paid closer attention to Creos!

I've had racks on my road bikes forever except for my Trek Madone (Trek said limit any weight to less than 10 pounds). More comfortable than a pack on my back.

As for a kickstand:

http://www.click-stand.com/about-click-stand.html

One of the guys in the pictures/video thread uses it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I've had racks on my road bikes forever except for my Trek Madone (Trek said limit any weight to less than 10 pounds). More comfortable than a pack on my back.

As for a kickstand:

http://www.click-stand.com/about-click-stand.html

One of the guys in the pictures/video thread uses it.

Well, several of my gravel cycling buddies use racks on their bikes. I only thought I would like to be very kosher if I were to own a real road bike, hahaha! Additionally, you get a lot of vibration on rough roads and that makes me think of a backpack instead of the rack...

What do you think about aero bars for my Vado SL? Weird, eh? But they would fit!

 

[randyhat]

I just purchased the SL 5.0 and am coming from a Cannondale Quick 2 Hybrid. I am noticing some back pain that i suspect is related to a slightly lower handlebar on the SL. It is not obvious to me when I switch from one bike to the other so I am only guessing that this is the issue. Has anyone raised their handlebar on a bike with the future shock? Can it be done? I know that there are some issues with raising the bar but if I understand correctly, it can be done. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[kahn]

Well, several of my gravel cycling buddies use racks on their bikes. I only thought I would like to be very kosher if I were to own a real road bike, hahaha! Additionally, you get a lot of vibration on rough roads and that makes me think of a backpack instead of the rack...

What do you think about aero bars for my Vado SL? Weird, eh? But they would fit!

I stopped worrying about kosher when I ate lobster for the first time.

I've probably mentioned it but my neck does not appreciate the drop position on the Creo. The headtube and risers on my custom road bike lift the handlebars substantially and I can use the drops there more often.

But as has been recently mentioned in this thread - it is YOUR bike. Make it work for you. I've re-worked tents and some clothing over the years to work better for camping. Same goes for the bike.

 

[kahn]

I just purchased the SL 5.0 and am coming from a Cannondale Quick 2 Hybrid. I am noticing some back pain that i suspect is related to a slightly lower handlebar on the SL. It is not obvious to me when I switch from one bike to the other so I am only guessing that this is the issue. Has anyone raised their handlebar on a bike with the future shock? Can it be done? I know that there are some issues with raising the bar but if I understand correctly, it can be done. Correct me if I am wrong.

CREO, here.

I used the spacers that came with the bike and used all three of them to raise the handlebars. I definitely noticed the difference. I've actually done and undone it about three times seeing how I liked it and using one, then three, then none. And back to all three. I wonder if I could add one more (safety???)

There's a video and I actually purchased his machined aluminum spacers to replace Specialized plastic (nylon, whatever).

 

[Allan47.7339]

CREO, here.

I used the spacers that came with the bike and used all three of them to raise the handlebars. I definitely noticed the difference. I've actually done and undone it about three times seeing how I liked it and using one, then three, then none. And back to all three. I wonder if I could add one more (safety???)

There's a video and I actually purchased his machined aluminum spacers to replace Specialized plastic (nylon, whatever).

You can probably get away with four. I've seen it referenced on the FB Creo page. I was able to get it set with three spacers and a shorter flipped stem.

 

[kahn]

You can probably get away with four. I've seen it referenced on the FB Creo page. I was able to get it set with three spacers and a shorter flipped stem.

I did get a taller stem to give me a bit more height.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Guys,

You wouldn't believe how comfortable has my Vado SL become after that dramatic lowering of handlebars! Strange, isn't it? I used to suffer neck and back ache with the previous setup, and now I know I could ride long distances without painful aftereffect. Moreover, riding upwind (and it is really blowing now!) was easier, as I could easily lean more forward when I needed that.

A guy from Redshift named Dylan has disillusioned me regarding the possibility of swapping Vado SL flat handlebars for drop bars. The Vado remote is a ring of the internal diameter of 22.2 mm that has to be slid onto the bar while a drop bar is of 23.8 mm diameter in its grip area. He has, however, told me many people ride their flat bar bikes with aerobars. Now I'm torn: aerobars or innerbarends?

P.S. @Calcoaster: I have ordered Innerbarends 411. We'll see how that works!

 

[TS25]

Stefan, I put the SQL inner bars up against my grips and did move the brake levers out a little. It’s not a problem at all and the brake levers are still an easy reach from both the grips and the inner ends.

So did I:

Changing Grip in Vado

I use the Ergon Biokork grips with GP3 bar ends from other worn out grip sets. They have more clearance for the mirrors while still providing more positions to relieve hand numbness. The bar ends are at ~45° and the palm rests are basically level. YRMV. Vado 5 cockpit with size large...

electricbikereview.com

And I still prefer the SQlab innerbarends to the Ergon GP3 which I tested in between.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Calcoaster & @TS25: I hate you. Because neither of you showed the details of installing of SQLab Innerbarends. Can you see anything wrong here?

Yes, it is. With this setup, the thenar eminence (Mount of Venus) of my palm rests on the remote. Not nice.

To make this wrong setup, I had to:

• Remove the (precisely setup) Mirrycle mirror
• Remove the Ergon GP2 bar-end (meticulously tuned for angles)
• Cut the GP2 to remove 22 mm of its width (I won't let my controls travel another 22 mm to the right here!)
• Insert the Innerbarend and set it in a right position.

So, do you ride with the remote under your palm? Your mount of Venus: what is it supported on? And you call it ergonomic?!

Now, that could be cured by swapping the remote with the brake lever mount:

• Remove the Ergon grip
• Remove the Innerbarend
• Remove the bars from the Redshift stem (because of the insufficient cable slack to remove the remote and the brake lever)
• Untie the cables
• (write the rest yourself)....

But no! The left brake lever has no cable slack left! Impossible to move the brake lever to the left any further!

I'm going to explode. That little piece of .... German "engineering art" is so small it barely fits my large hands, and will be useless when I put thick winter gloves on...

 

[TS25]

@Calcoaster & @TS25: I hate you. Because neither of you showed the details of installing of SQLab Innerbarends. Can you see anything wrong here?
View attachment 104639
Yes, it is. With this setup, the thenar eminence (Mount of Venus) of my palm rests on the remote. Not nice.

So, do you ride with the remote under your palm? Your mount of Venus: what is it supported on? And you call it ergonomic?!

Now, that could be cured by swapping the remote with the brake lever mount:

• Remove the Ergon grip
• Remove the Innerbarend
• Remove the bars from the Redshift stem (because of the insufficient cable slack to remove the remote and the brake lever

Calm down, Brownie
I thought my pictures in this forum present since 2020 were self-explanatory. Of course you better put the brake levers next to the grips, as shown:

Raising the handlebar on a '19 Vado 3.0

I use Ergon GP3 grips for that :) More space... Well, I'm perhaps pampered with the Vado 5.0 with its unique lighting etc. The only thing I cannot really use is the handlebar bag. Of course, I understand your preferences Terry, just saying Vado is not the easiest thing for modding it ;) I...

electricbikereview.com

No need to remove the bar from the stem, or the remote, for that. Just remove the left brake lever completely, slide the remote to the right and set the brake lever back, next to the grips.

I agree shorter grips are best. I've been trying to source Ergon Dual Twist Shift grips but they've been sold out for months.

OK, here is an offer for you: bring your bike along and I'll fix your grips while you're doing my gardening. And take your time - so will I - as there's a lot to do

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Whoever has invented SQLab Innerbarends shall deserve a slow & painful death...

Now, the two smaller fingers of my left hand are in conflict with the brake lever unit.

Useless crap. You own me a new set of GP2, both of you. You can share the cost And I'm throwing the Innerbarends to a dustbin after the first ride!

 

[Calcoaster]

Whoever has invented SQLab Innerbarends shall deserve a slow & painful death...

View attachment 104641
Now, the two smaller fingers of my left hand are in conflict with the brake lever unit.

Useless crap. You own me a new set of GP2, both of you. You can share the cost And I'm throwing the Innerbarends to a dustbin after the first ride!

Too bad they didn’t work for you. I have large hands (XL glove size) and they work fine for me, with no interference. I put my SQL up against the grips with the +/- switch next. The SQ bar end is small but it just fits the crook of my thumb to index finger and leaves my other fingers to rest on top of the brake lever. My palm (base of thumb) does just touch the +/- switch housing (never the switches themselves) but it has never bothered me. When I use the ends, I am leaning forward and lowering myself down a bit, which pushes my hands forward against the SQL end. I do need to move my hand off the bar end to change the assist level, but I rarely do that.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

SQlab Innerbarends Finally Mounted...

The process required shortening the GP2s, removing the handlebars from the stem, loosening all controls on the handlebars, reorganizing some controls, re-tightening and readjustment.

Everything to install that weird contraption It is even not rubberized! Fancy holding it during the frost, snow, in the rain or sleet... I only hope my nearest rides could convince me to this invention...

P.S. The way I reorganized the left side gives me access to the remote, and even to the bell... Only I need to remove my hand from the innerbarend to operate the remote. (I can operate the remote from the main grip without issues).

 

[Calcoaster]

SQlab Innerbarends Finally Mounted...

View attachment 104649
The process required shortening the GP2s, removing the handlebars from the stem, loosening all controls on the handlebars, reorganizing some controls, re-tightening and readjustment.

Everything to install that weird contraption It is even not rubberized! Fancy holding it during the frost, snow, in the rain or sleet... I only hope my nearest rides could convince me to this invention...

P.S. The way I reorganized the left side gives me access to the remote, and even to the bell... Only I need to remove my hand from the innerbarend to operate the remote. (I can operate the remote from the main grip without issues).

When I first installed mine I thought they were going to be too small and uncomfortable. When I’m using them on a ride they feel fine. I only use them when I’m riding into a headwind or want to have a few minutes of a more aero position on my SL, and to vary my hand positions on a longer ride. Hopefully yours will fit you better when you’re using them on a ride.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Hopefully yours will fit you better when you’re using them on a ride.

Sure I will give them a try

 

[Rider51]

That seems like an awful lot of work for a little benefit, unless someone absolutely, positively must have inners. I personally don't like them much (though ends are terrific).

I'd like to see someone set up a Vado SL (or Creo for that matter) with either a flatbar, or even old cowhorns, with short aero bars. I don't mean like a true TT bike, those are way too aero. I'm thinking circa 1996. If you ignore the full TT bike and aero position, and just look at the bars, this is what I'm thinking.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

That seems like an awful lot of work for a little benefit, unless someone absolutely, positively must have inners. I personally don't like them much (though ends are terrific).

I'd like to see someone set up a Vado SL (or Creo for that matter) with either a flatbar, or even old cowhorns, with short aero bars. I don't mean like a true TT bike, those are way too aero. I'm thinking circa 1996. If you ignore the full TT bike and aero position, and just look at the bars, this is what I'm thinking.

View attachment 104703

The Redshift Sports guy Dylan told me their L-Aerobars (Long) are the common choice of most of the users as these allow assuming easy riding position even with flat bars. While S-Aerobars are for TT pros. Just saying.

 

[Rider51]

The Redshift Sports guy Dylan told me their L-Aerobars (Long) are the common choice of most of the users as these allow assuming easy riding position even with flat bars. While S-Aerobars are for TT pros. Just saying.

Yeah, but they'll stick out like heck. It also depends on rider position. It sounds like Dylan has put a lot more thought into this than I have, but the reach of a bike is going to have a lot to do with that. The longer the reach on the frame the shorter the bars are likely needed. Of course, that also depends on the rider's size, and comfort level. I honestly don't know what position which bars would put you in on your Vado SL! Will you be really stretched out? Or riding with the pads on your wrists instead of near your elbows? Too much to figure out for me!

Also, if you watch a lot of bike racing you'll also see TT configurations where riders on technical courses will be shorter, or more compact on the bike, whether that has to do with bar length to what degree I don't know. The classic example of how not to position goes back to the 2006 Tour when Rabobank decided to put Michael Rasmussen on a TT bike set-up for speed on the flats, with really skinny tires...except the course was really technical. I can't even remember how many times he crashed that day, on his own. Oh, and he flatted too.