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

Just fitted the new Ortlieb Quick Rack to my SL 5.0!

Really easy to fit/remove and there’s an option to add a mudguard if needed.
 

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waghmare said:
That RTP Mountain Bike Trail looks sweet.

I am also finding the same utility of 22VSL5 where I can haul kids in a trailer to school in the morning, commute to work, pick up kids from school, go on a paved bike trail like "Lake Washington Loop", enter some gravel roads like "Redmond powerline" and even get into some single tracks once in a while like "Thrilla in Woodenvilla or Redmond watershed". And I leave my phone in pocket/backpack all the times given mastermind has everything I need to see during the rides. There was so much around my home that I never discovered in last decade.

I simply love the go anywhere nature of this bike with addition of futureshock, carbon fork, 1x12 10-50t and pathfinders. I am going to put innerbarends to see if I can lean forward bit more for paved rides but other than that its perfect combination of utility, speed, climb and workout.
Click to expand...
@waghmare keen to hear how you tow your kids on what trailer? I am looking for options with my 3yo.

Thanks
 
Hello everyone from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 ! I'm proud to say it's taken 4 days in between work and juggling my 3 year old but I've made it through the 76 pages of content!

It seems a bit neive of me to ask in a post like this if you think this bike is incredible (as built) as there has been plenty of discussion of modifications 😆 I'm hoping go keep mine stock.

It's wonderful and inspiring to hear of people of all ages and different medical conditions out and about thanks to there trusty SLs.

I'm in my late thirties and on the heavier side about 105kgs - keen to convert my commute on the train (round trip) of approx 1.5 hours into the same or less time doing a 17.5 km ride each way/35 km round trip which sounds like it may be achievable with some assistance. The ride on my non ebike is about 2:10.

I’m trying to choose my LBS (now I have learnt what that means :) ) there are 2 contenders - I’ve emailed each to try and get myself across the line! I’m right on the edge of saying yes to a 2022 turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ.

@Stefan Mikes many thanks for all your contributions to this post and the forums I feel as if I have gotten to know you!

My outstanding items are

- Price - it’s a huge outlay so trying to secure a good deal some other retailers have them on sale the moment

- Insurance - do you have it? Do I need it? Ky current insurers for home contents won’t cover it

- rack/kids seat/rear light - tried to work with Specialized and Thule to resolve this but couldn’t - they’ve both concluded in need to work with LBS - I need a rack that can take the OEM rear light but also hold 25kgs in the most light structure possible so I can carry my 16kg 3yo on a bike seat 🤞

- lighting - I’ll take all your advice on board but will need better lighting for the end of my ride at this time of year the path on the last 4kms home is essentially pitch black

- Trek! Have just launched a 2023 bike I stumbled upon at a shop near work the other day https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/fx/fx-2/p/35850/ it’s $3499 whereas the Vado SL 4.0 EQ rrp is $6000 here… worth a look? Thoughts? Yes he’s rear hub motor
- Other brands for the price - did anyone look at Bianchi, Cannnondale, Cannon? Is there other brands/models I should look at?

- great idea about hiding AirTag in frame! Keen to hear how anyone has done it? If so how?

- I had not been looking at the 5 as I am fortunately young enough to still take the bumps - but am intrigued by the Mastermind control with security built in - is it good or a gimic - the extra $1800 is a big stretch for me - not sure it’s worth it? But I am terrified of bike theft disclaimer I do work in and love tech…

- Does the 4 SL EQ have the ability to have a front rack installed?

- 300 charge cycles is mentioned - can someone please explain this to me? Surely the bike will not only charge 300 times from empty? Any info appreciated.

Thank you so much for reading my post and for everything you’ve all shared.

Wish me luck! I think im sold!? 😱
 
Good morning from the USA. I've owned the Specialized Vado 4 SL and the Vado 4 (full power). Both of great e bikes, really well engineered. If I had to choose between the two, I would take the Vado 4. Why? Well....even though the Vado 4 is heavier, the 70 nm of torque make up for it. On some hills, the Vado 4 SL felt under powered. I never have to use Turbo mode on the full powered Vado, Eco and Sport are more than enough. I am 6'3 and of 250lbs. The Vado 4 charges very quickly too. I also have a 2022 Trek Allant 8s. This is also a great bike, and the power is crazy (85nm), but I am not a fan of the rack or the Cobi display. For the sheer enjoyment of riding and the total package, the Vado 4 is the bike to beat.
 
Quick comment on the AirTag (which I know little about). The first place I'd think of is to remove the TCU (single screw) and adhere it either to the inside of the top tube or maybe the bottom of the TCU? But will it work if it's shielded inside an aluminum frame? The reason I ask is that if for some reason I want to lock my car with the remote-entry key inside -- which it normally will not let you do -- I just have to wrap it in a piece of aluminum foil and put it in the console (I have another way of unlocking it from the outside without the key and used to do this so I didn't have to carry the bulky fob when running).

Also, the way the fender and rack are integrated on the Vado line would seem to make it difficult to use a 3rd-party rack. On the other hand, the non-EQ gives you a lot more options, and there are various 3rd-party options for fenders front and rear.
 
Kris Mason said:
Hello everyone from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 ! I'm proud to say it's taken 4 days in between work and juggling my 3 year old but I've made it through the 76 pages of content!

It seems a bit neive of me to ask in a post like this if you think this bike is incredible (as built) as there has been plenty of discussion of modifications 😆 I'm hoping go keep mine stock.

It's wonderful and inspiring to hear of people of all ages and different medical conditions out and about thanks to there trusty SLs.

I'm in my late thirties and on the heavier side about 105kgs - keen to convert my commute on the train (round trip) of approx 1.5 hours into the same or less time doing a 17.5 km ride each way/35 km round trip which sounds like it may be achievable with some assistance. The ride on my non ebike is about 2:10.

I’m trying to choose my LBS (now I have learnt what that means :) ) there are 2 contenders - I’ve emailed each to try and get myself across the line! I’m right on the edge of saying yes to a 2022 turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ.

@Stefan Mikes many thanks for all your contributions to this post and the forums I feel as if I have gotten to know you!

My outstanding items are

- Price - it’s a huge outlay so trying to secure a good deal some other retailers have them on sale the moment

- Insurance - do you have it? Do I need it? Ky current insurers for home contents won’t cover it

- rack/kids seat/rear light - tried to work with Specialized and Thule to resolve this but couldn’t - they’ve both concluded in need to work with LBS - I need a rack that can take the OEM rear light but also hold 25kgs in the most light structure possible so I can carry my 16kg 3yo on a bike seat 🤞

- lighting - I’ll take all your advice on board but will need better lighting for the end of my ride at this time of year the path on the last 4kms home is essentially pitch black

- Trek! Have just launched a 2023 bike I stumbled upon at a shop near work the other day https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/fx/fx-2/p/35850/ it’s $3499 whereas the Vado SL 4.0 EQ rrp is $6000 here… worth a look? Thoughts? Yes he’s rear hub motor
- Other brands for the price - did anyone look at Bianchi, Cannnondale, Cannon? Is there other brands/models I should look at?

- great idea about hiding AirTag in frame! Keen to hear how anyone has done it? If so how?

- I had not been looking at the 5 as I am fortunately young enough to still take the bumps - but am intrigued by the Mastermind control with security built in - is it good or a gimic - the extra $1800 is a big stretch for me - not sure it’s worth it? But I am terrified of bike theft disclaimer I do work in and love tech…

- Does the 4 SL EQ have the ability to have a front rack installed?

- 300 charge cycles is mentioned - can someone please explain this to me? Surely the bike will not only charge 300 times from empty? Any info appreciated.

Thank you so much for reading my post and for everything you’ve all shared.

Wish me luck! I think im sold!? 😱
Click to expand...
Insurance: I had a Trek Powerfly Sport EQ that I locked up outside a restaurant, Went in and came out 30 mins later and it had been stolen. I had insurance the first year, forgot to renew it the second year. Get insurance.

Air Tag: I hide the air tag deep in on the underside of the saddle as far as I can get it. Wrap the air tag in a little cling film then black duct tape it to the saddle.

TCU: See comment above regarding insurance. I turn the lock on EVERY time I step away from the bike in a public area. But it won’t stop the bike being stolen, just prevent someone from riding it with the motor working.
 
Badders said:
Insurance: I had a Trek Powerfly Sport EQ that I locked up outside a restaurant, Went in and came out 30 mins later and it had been stolen. I had insurance the first year, forgot to renew it the second year. Get insurance.
Click to expand...
What type of a lock did you use on your Trek that was stolen, and was it cut? Locked to a secure spot? Time of day? I'm trying to judge if/how a bike is ever reasonably safe for going into a shop for a coffee or quick lunch.
 
GGinMP said:
What type of a lock did you use on your Trek that was stolen, and was it cut? Locked to a secure spot? Time of day? I'm trying to judge if/how a bike is ever reasonably safe for going into a shop for a coffee or quick luncIt
Click to expand...
 
It was a Bontrager cable lock. Silver level I think. Not really suitable for that value of bike tbh. Yes it was cut. Locked to a bike stand next to the restaurant at about 4:30pm. This is in a city so there‘s a lot of people traffic. If you go into a shop for a coffee or lunch and you do not have constant eyesight of the bike and it’s in a city, you need a gold or diamond standard lock (if not two). I have a Hiplok tie lock for when I stop for a coffee and I have a constant view of the bike. any other time, it’s a D Lock diamond standard.

Here in Edinburgh the little rascals like to use battery angle grinders in broad daylight.
 
Badders said:
Air Tag: I hide the air tag deep in on the underside of the saddle as far as I can get it. Wrap the air tag in a little cling film then black duct tape it to the saddle.
Click to expand...
I don’t understand what use an Air Tag would be, since according to a review I read the range is only ~800 ft. A thief would be that far away in no time.
 
Cary W said:
I don’t understand what use an Air Tag would be, since according to a review I read the range is only ~800 ft. A thief would be that far away in no time.
Click to expand...
800' (or more like 50') feet away from ANY iPhone, not just the owners.
 
Last edited:
I saw some youtube videos where Airtag was placed below Saddle, inside stem and inside top tube while measuring the distance for iPhone find my phone to detect/direct you to the bike location. He concluded that inside stem and inside topbar was 70-80% loss of signal between iPhone and Airtag. However below saddle worked the best with 30+ft detection and giving exact direction to find bike location.

I had put below saddle but its too obvious so I flipped the bike, opened the motor cover (1 screw) and put the Airtag close to that small hole (drain?) in black motor cover. I get 30+ft coverage in finding the bike and it has served well so far.
IMG_4095.jpg
 
waghmare said:
I saw some youtube videos where Airtag was placed below Saddle, inside stem and inside top tube while measuring the distance for iPhone find my phone to detect/direct you to the bike location. He concluded that inside stem and inside topbar was 70-80% loss of signal between iPhone and Airtag. However below saddle worked the best with 30+ft detection and giving exact direction to find bike location.

I had put below saddle but its too obvious so I flipped the bike, opened the motor cover (1 screw) and put the Airtag close to that small hole (drain?) in black motor cover. I get 30+ft coverage in finding the bike and it has served well so far. View attachment 129431
Click to expand...

that’s where mine is, almost. very securely taped to the inside of that cover - but there are only a few spots it’ll fit. it’s not visible through the hole on my creo.

i wonder if being inside the top tube of a carbon bike would suffer the same signal loss?
 
Thanks for your replies everyone I happen to have a spare AirTag from a multipack I bought they’ve been great to help us find keys when in a rush after my 3yo has hidden them somewhere (aka I’d put them somewhere stupid).

@Sefutau2020 thanks for your thoughts I’m keen on a bike I need to ride and push to try and really improve my fitness (and drop a few kgs) hence I’m hoping the SL will assist in making me ride when I otherwise wouldn’t.

@rochrunner it appears in Australia we are only able to get EQ models so I’m stuck here.

@Badders sorry to hear your bike was stolen that’s horrible. Sounds like you have a 5.0 with Mastermind - I’m struggling to justify $1800 for the security feature and $400+ a year for insurance regardless of 4.0 SL or 5.0 SL. I emailed specialized who told me there is no way that now or in the future to change a 4.0 to have mastermind - I suspect 2023+ models may have it. The reply I got was “Our SL range of bikes are still in their first generation of the system. This new Mastmind TCU came along with the new generation 3 Levo bikes. As the SL range has not moved towards the second generation of the design yet, it still is using parts designed for the generation 1 system.”

Great spot @waghmare.

My LBS’s reopen today so keen to see what email replies I get to my questions.
 
Kris Mason said:
Hello everyone from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 ! I'm proud to say it's taken 4 days in between work and juggling my 3 year old but I've made it through the 76 pages of content!

It seems a bit neive of me to ask in a post like this if you think this bike is incredible (as built) as there has been plenty of discussion of modifications 😆 I'm hoping go keep mine stock.

It's wonderful and inspiring to hear of people of all ages and different medical conditions out and about thanks to there trusty SLs.

I'm in my late thirties and on the heavier side about 105kgs - keen to convert my commute on the train (round trip) of approx 1.5 hours into the same or less time doing a 17.5 km ride each way/35 km round trip which sounds like it may be achievable with some assistance. The ride on my non ebike is about 2:10.

I’m trying to choose my LBS (now I have learnt what that means :) ) there are 2 contenders - I’ve emailed each to try and get myself across the line! I’m right on the edge of saying yes to a 2022 turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ.

@Stefan Mikes many thanks for all your contributions to this post and the forums I feel as if I have gotten to know you!

My outstanding items are

- Price - it’s a huge outlay so trying to secure a good deal some other retailers have them on sale the moment

- Insurance - do you have it? Do I need it? Ky current insurers for home contents won’t cover it

- rack/kids seat/rear light - tried to work with Specialized and Thule to resolve this but couldn’t - they’ve both concluded in need to work with LBS - I need a rack that can take the OEM rear light but also hold 25kgs in the most light structure possible so I can carry my 16kg 3yo on a bike seat 🤞

- lighting - I’ll take all your advice on board but will need better lighting for the end of my ride at this time of year the path on the last 4kms home is essentially pitch black

- Trek! Have just launched a 2023 bike I stumbled upon at a shop near work the other day https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/fx/fx-2/p/35850/ it’s $3499 whereas the Vado SL 4.0 EQ rrp is $6000 here… worth a look? Thoughts? Yes he’s rear hub motor
- Other brands for the price - did anyone look at Bianchi, Cannnondale, Cannon? Is there other brands/models I should look at?

- great idea about hiding AirTag in frame! Keen to hear how anyone has done it? If so how?

- I had not been looking at the 5 as I am fortunately young enough to still take the bumps - but am intrigued by the Mastermind control with security built in - is it good or a gimic - the extra $1800 is a big stretch for me - not sure it’s worth it? But I am terrified of bike theft disclaimer I do work in and love tech…

- Does the 4 SL EQ have the ability to have a front rack installed?

- 300 charge cycles is mentioned - can someone please explain this to me? Surely the bike will not only charge 300 times from empty? Any info appreciated.

Thank you so much for reading my post and for everything you’ve all shared.

Wish me luck! I think im sold!? 😱
Click to expand...
Hello from USA. I did serious research before spending thousands of dollars and believe the Vado 4.0 SL EQ is well worth the price.
Specialized offers a discount for your first online sale, so buying bike online and having your local LBS assemble it should save you some money.
I think the bike as sold is awesome. The standard front and back lights are bright, but agree they can’t be too bright!
Haven’t bought additional insurance, but I don’t ever let it out of my sight. Like a frisky puppy.
I believe I saw post saying front panniers are no problem, but I have no experience with a child seat. Some think back rack should hold bit more weight.
Finally, I believe 300 battery charges is correct, many many years for a casual user like me and my LBS quoted a price of US $1,000 for new battery installed.
My 2 1/2 cents. Good luck out there.
 
PDX Sid said:
Hello from USA. I did serious research before spending thousands of dollars and believe the Vado 4.0 SL EQ is well worth the price.
Specialized offers a discount for your first online sale, so buying bike online and having your local LBS assemble it should save you some money.
I think the bike as sold is awesome. The standard front and back lights are bright, but agree they can’t be too bright!
Haven’t bought additional insurance, but I don’t ever let it out of my sight. Like a frisky puppy.
I believe I saw post saying front panniers are no problem, but I have no experience with a child seat. Some think back rack should hold bit more weight.
Finally, I believe 300 battery charges is correct, many many years for a casual user like me and my LBS quoted a price of US $1,000 for new battery installed.
My 2 1/2 cents. Good luck out there.
Click to expand...
Thanks PDX Sid! great to hear from the US.
Specialized in Australia are sold out of basically everything so I have to buy from a LBS (3 stores, each only have 1 in my size and colour) I have managed to get 10% off secured at one of them so far.
Great to hear you think the bike it worth the cost I don't know how well the USD price is compared to AUD.
I think I will definitely supplement at least the front light.
I tried to find that post - but haven't managed to yet.
After the 300 charges is the battery just degraded? but could still work but with less capacity?
 
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