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

[mschwett]

How can you Tune your e-bike when you already are in the Let's Ride mode? Care to explain?

Secondly, having a smartphone on the bars does not quite agree with the gravel-cycling where you often ride as rough terrain as the singletrack.

you can change the settings while in a ride; just tap the four squares at top left, go to settings, and change them. i’ve done it many times. they change immediately and when you go back to the “ride” tab the ride continues without interruption. you don’t need to stay on the “ride” screen during the ride.

perhaps our gravel is smoother, i’ve never had a problem with the phone on the bars in gravel riding. a second before and after this photo my phone was on the quad lock mount seen on the bars:

 

[Stefan Mikes]

perhaps our gravel is smoother,

This is the "gravel cycling" of Poland That descent completed a genuine singletrack!

From another "Polish Gravel Cycling Ride". Just come to Poland, Mark! We will rent a Creo for you for a day Or, for a weekend!

 

[DanInStPete]

The new SL 4 came in yesterday. Clearly I am a minimalist

Changes and upgrades so far:

- Thudbuster ST seatpost
- WTB Koda saddle
- CrankBrothers Stamp 1 pedals
- 30 degree ShockStop stem
- Ergon grips
- Removed lights

I also have a set of 2" Schwalbe Almotions coming from Bike24. Range extenders are back ordered so I could only get the cables.

I'm not sure about the 30 degree stem but I can swap it for the 6 degree if I need to. I've only been on a couple of test rides around the block but it feels great so far. I will report back this week after I get some miles in.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Congratulations, Dan!

 

[BEC111]

The new SL 4 came in yesterday. Clearly I am a minimalist

Changes and upgrades so far:

- Thudbuster ST seatpost
- WTB Koda saddle
- CrankBrothers Stamp 1 pedals
- 30 degree ShockStop stem
- Ergon grips
- Removed lights

I also have a set of 2" Schwalbe Almotions coming from Bike24. Range extenders are back ordered so I could only get the cables.

I'm not sure about the 30 degree stem but I can swap it for the 6 degree if I need to. I've only been on a couple of test rides around the block but it feels great so far. I will report back this week after I get some miles in.

View attachment 123272

Congrats. I look forward to hearing how your mods work out.

 

[ronaan]

Your bike looks nice Dan, very clean

 

[rochrunner]

perhaps our gravel is smoother, i’ve never had a problem with the phone on the bars in gravel riding. a second before and after this photo my phone was on the quad lock mount seen on the bars:

Right from the start, I was never sure what the industry meant by "gravel bike" and why they seemed to be basically drop-bar road bikes with wider tires. You'd have to be a masochist to ride one of those on the unpaved roads around here, where most of the "gravel grinder" crowd ride full-suspension MTBs! We've generally referred to those roads as "dirt roads". There is gravel involved, but (especially at this time of year) there are also ruts, washouts, potholes, and long stretches of teeth-rattling washboard. Maybe elsewhere there is mile after mile of smooth gravel road -- almost like a crushed-limestone trail -- but that ain't around here.

 

[DanInStPete]

Congratulations, Dan!

Thanks all! I just rode 12 miles with my GF, her on her Liv Tempt E+ 3. 10-20 MPH winds. I could not keep up with her into the wind but it was fun!

 

[PDX Sid]

Congrats. I look forward to hearing how your mods work out.

My Redshift StopShock stem is now working great after about 60 miles of break-in, as the manual states. Awesome compliment to Redshift suspension seat post. Thanks to posters who urged me to buy them. Happy riding out there!

 

[rayray]

The new SL 4 came in yesterday. Clearly I am a minimalist

Changes and upgrades so far:

- Thudbuster ST seatpost
- WTB Koda saddle
- CrankBrothers Stamp 1 pedals
- 30 degree ShockStop stem
- Ergon grips
- Removed lights

I also have a set of 2" Schwalbe Almotions coming from Bike24. Range extenders are back ordered so I could only get the cables.

I'm not sure about the 30 degree stem but I can swap it for the 6 degree if I need to. I've only been on a couple of test rides around the block but it feels great so far. I will report back this week after I get some miles in.

View attachment 123272

Beautiful bike! That picture surprised me though, as I hadn’t thought about how much 30* amounts to. I have a 6* stem on my Creo. Flipping it raised my handlebars a bit more than 1/2 inch if I recall correctly, which is also the amount I then raised my seat, so my legs are now properly extended when pedaling. I had dropped the seat a bit to save my neck….it’s funny how such a small adjustment can make such a big difference. Anyway, I’m going to ride with that for a while, and add 15mm of spacers (the Creo limit) if I want a slightly more upright position. I think I’m liking the current 6* positive position though. Maybe in a couple of years, or a couple of weeks, I’ll feel differently.

 

[CodyDog]

The new SL 4 came in yesterday. Clearly I am a minimalist

Changes and upgrades so far:

- Thudbuster ST seatpost
- WTB Koda saddle
- CrankBrothers Stamp 1 pedals
- 30 degree ShockStop stem
- Ergon grips
- Removed lights

I also have a set of 2" Schwalbe Almotions coming from Bike24. Range extenders are back ordered so I could only get the cables.

I'm not sure about the 30 degree stem but I can swap it for the 6 degree if I need to. I've only been on a couple of test rides around the block but it feels great so far. I will report back this week after I get some miles in.

View attachment 123272

Very nice Dan! I'm test riding one later this week. I'm having a hard time deciding between the SL and the regular Vado. I just sold my Turbo Levo Comp and enjoyed the power. Looking forward to seeing how the SL motor feels on a lighter bike. Hoping it's enough for me.

 

[DanInStPete]

Beautiful bike! That picture surprised me though, as I hadn’t thought about how much 30* amounts to. I have a 6* stem on my Creo. Flipping it raised my handlebars a bit more than 1/2 inch if I recall correctly, which is also the amount I then raised my seat, so my legs are now properly extended when pedaling. I had dropped the seat a bit to save my neck….it’s funny how such a small adjustment can make such a big difference. Anyway, I’m going to ride with that for a while, and add 15mm of spacers (the Creo limit) if I want a slightly more upright position. I think I’m liking the current 6* positive position though. Maybe in a couple of years, or a couple of weeks, I’ll feel differentlyI

I didn't like the 30-degree sticking almost straight up in the air so today I swapped it for a 6-degree. The 6 with the stock bars turned out to be a neck killer (I feel ya) so I changed to Deity 50mm riser bars I had from my Vado 5. I think this setup will work nicely.

@CodyDog I had the same concerns. The Vado and Vado SL are two completely different bikes. Too early for me to say too much but the difference in power is big. But so is the weight and the feel of the bike. I think it comes down to how you will use it.

 

[CodyDog]

I didn't like the 30-degree sticking almost straight up in the air so today I swapped it for a 6-degree. The 6 with the stock bars turned out to be a neck killer (I feel ya) so I changed to Deity 50mm riser bars I had from my Vado 5. I think this setup will work nicely.

@CodyDog I had the same concerns. The Vado and Vado SL are two completely different bikes. Too early for me to say too much but the difference in power is big. But so is the weight and the feel of the bike. I think it comes down to how you will use it.

Thats one of the things I'm trying to figure out....how I will use it. Exercise on the flats of Texas or very long rides with large climbs in Colorado. From the looks your post it appears you had a Vado 5.0. Do you still have it or did you change to the SL. If so, why did you change?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Right from the start, I was never sure what the industry meant by "gravel bike" and why they seemed to be basically drop-bar road bikes with wider tires. You'd have to be a masochist to ride one of those on the unpaved roads around here, where most of the "gravel grinder" crowd ride full-suspension MTBs! We've generally referred to those roads as "dirt roads". There is gravel involved, but (especially at this time of year) there are also ruts, washouts, potholes, and long stretches of teeth-rattling washboard. Maybe elsewhere there is mile after mile of smooth gravel road -- almost like a crushed-limestone trail -- but that ain't around here.

Gravel-cycling is for adventurous types. And no, it is not just a road bike with wider tyres. Gravel-cycling is about:

• Riding far (Double Metric Centuries are common, not even mentioning Ultra Marathons)
• Riding fast (21 mph on the pavement, and 15 mph in rough terrain is typical)
• Riding in groups but not in the peloton
• Mixed terrain, and what you described perfectly fits what gravel cyclists ride here, plus the forest. Plus the sand.

Gravel bike:

• Is to be lightweight, so it can be easily carried over obstacles, or over a long stretch of mud
• The geometry is relaxed, and the drop handlebars are flared for better handling in rough terrain
• The drivetrain is a hybrid between road and mountain bikes to make it easier to move in rough terrain, and to be invulnerable to, say, twigs met on the trail
• Wider, supple tyres, typically in tubeless setup, at low inflation pressure to improve the traction and to make the ride smoother
• Many attachment points for water bottles, tools, and bags (racks/panniers are allowed).

A lightweight bike is far less shaky than a heavier one. "A masochist"? The guy who attracted me to that kind of adventure riding often says: "Gravel bikes give us freedom and fun!" You cannot ride that fast on the pavement with an MTB, and an e-MTB is too heavy for that kind of sport! I know it since I rode a metric century with gravel cyclists on a Trance E+ 2 Pro...

Having said the above: a Creo EVO is an adequate gravel e-bike. A well customized Vado SL can do for that kind of rides within the Metric Century realm.

A typical gravel cycling group ride in Poland. Far above my station! Nine hours in the saddle!

Too early for me to say too much but the difference in power is big. But so is the weight and the feel of the bike. I think it comes down to how you will use it.

Precisely! For instance, I'm glad I took my full power Vado for the last weekend long trip. I would have had a hard time to pedal 100 km against a strong headwind on Vado SL on last Sunday... On the other hand, I shudder to think I would need to ride into the forest on my heavy Vado (it can only be ridden very slowly there); it has to be the Vado SL!

 

[DanInStPete]

Thats one of the things I'm trying to figure out....how I will use it. Exercise on the flats of Texas or very long rides with large climbs in Colorado. From the looks your post it appears you had a Vado 5.0. Do you still have it or did you change to the SL. If so, why did you change?

Why did you sell the Levo? I also have a Haibike FullSeven 9.0 full-suspension eMTB that I bought just as the lockdown began, so I had that and the Vado at the same time. I put 2.8" Smart Sams on the Haibike which have a center bead that works well on the street, and also added a BikeSpeed RS to remove the speed limiter. I found that whether I was riding dirt or street I was choosing the Haibike every time, so I eventually sold the Vado. Fast forward a couple of years and I realize that the FullSeven is just not cut out for high mileage street riding. It's a big, burly beast.

The two bike solution works best for me. I have a 25,000 acre preserve to ride in so I won't give up the eMTB. I will also use it for street on very windy days as the SL does not have enough power (for me) for big wind.

If I had to choose only one bike it would be a hard-tail eMTB like the Turbo Terro. To me that is the best all-around bike since I need a dirt solution. The SL would not stand a chance against the terrain I ride in.

@Stefan Mikes can tell you about big climbs, for which I believe he chooses his regular Vado. You might need a couple extra range extenders for that.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A very good post, Dan! Indeed, a two e-bike solution is the best.

Regarding big climbs: There is certain power amount to be delivered to the cranks (legs + motor) to be able to climb a hill of a given grade at the speed that lets the rider maintaining the momentum. If the rider's legs and the e-bike motor are powerful enough together, there is some gearing necessary to be able to rotate the cranks. A powerful motor is necessary to do really steep climbs. (@mschwett often refers to this matter, and he is fit enough to climb reasonable hills either with the SL motor of his Creo or even unpowered on the most lightweight road bike available). The rest of us need a powerful motor and a mountain-grade gearing. (I was capable to climb a 10% grade short ascent on my Vado SL with difficulty).

Climbing is battery intensive, although it is possible to save a lot of battery charge by coasting on descents. My most adventurous mountain ride was 77.7 miles with 5,060 ft of elevation gain. It had to be my full power Vado with 38-46T mountain gearing, and I used as much as 981 Wh from two batteries. I would not manage that on the Vado SL regardless the number of Range Extenders. Not with my legs.

I agree with Dan that a Tero (in my case 5.0 EQ) could be an all-rounder, and my needs would involve buying a spare battery if only available... Still, owning two so different e-bikes such as Vado and Vado SL is just fantastic! (I cannot fancy carrying a big Vado -- or Tero -- upstairs where I live).

 

[CodyDog]

Question for the SL riders/owners.

I have found both a 2022 SL 5.0 and SL4.0. The price difference on the Specialized website is $1,250 USD. Is the price difference with it in your opinion?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Question for the SL riders/owners.

I have found both a 2022 SL 5.0 and SL4.0. The price difference on the Specialized website is $1,250 USD. Is the price difference with it in your opinion?

5.0: Carbon fork, FutureShock stem, a better drive-train.
Exceptionally for me, I chose the 4.0 when I was buying mine because I spent the price difference for customization -- to fully make the SL "my bike". And a Range Extender fit in my budget, too. Otherwise the 5.0 is an excellent e-bike for people who can afford it.

 

[DanInStPete]

Question for the SL riders/owners.

I have found both a 2022 SL 5.0 and SL4.0. The price difference on the Specialized website is $1,250 USD. Is the price difference with it in your opinion?

I specifically bought the 4.0 also. I didn't want the future shock since I had it on a Sirrus X and prefer the ShockStop stem. I also don't need or want racks or bags (I prefer backpack). I would prefer the 12-speed drivetrain but 11 is working fine so far.

Oh, I also liked the color better

 

[fatshark]

I've got the 5.0 but didn't really have the option of the 4.0 as they were even more difficult to find at the beginning of the year. However, I've no regrets about the purchase. Whether it's worth the price difference is questionable. I don't think the carbon fork makes a whole lot of difference (when compared to non-carbon bikes I've ridden). The FutureShock stem is neat, infinitely preferable to the other types of suspension forks I've seen for road use. I've got mine on the medium spring and am going to try a stiffer setting as it bottoms out rather more than I'd like. I like the top bar display (another difference), and prefer it to things hanging off the handlebars. It's there to read if I need it, which I generally don't. I changed the chainring for a smaller one (38T) on account of the hills and am delighted with the improvement. I find it easier to maintain the right cadence and it improves my climbing. The 12-speed is good because it covers a wide range without excessive 'jumps' between them. The same thing in 10-speed might feel 'notchy', though Microtune might be able to compensate?

Not sure if you're thinking of the EQ version or not. I've got the EQ. I've yet to use the rack, but am pleased with the guards. Unfortunately the rack is used to support the rear guard.