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.
Kris, you can absolutely ride your future Vado SL with stock components. Let me explain why I bought an SL 4 instead of 5 and why I felt modifications seemed necessary for me.
- SL 5.0 is equipped with FutureShock 1.5/carbon fork and superior drivetrain. I used a part of the price difference to buy full RedShift ShockStop system instead. As my daily rides do not involve significant climbs, I am satisfied with the less expensive 10-speed drivetrain. I have even chosen a smaller cassette with more equal gear spread as "the cadence is the King" in my case.
- I used the rest of the price difference for buying a Range Extender as I need to be pedal-assisted at all times
- I am a fan of good tyres. Hence, I chose Specialized Pathfinder Pro as superior gravel tyres.
- Vado SL is my daily e-bike. I would do everything to make it as much comfortable and perfect as possible. Hence the choice of SQlab Innerbarends for long hours of pedalling.
(Some of us are just fanboys of modifications)
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 started with e-biking at 107 kg
My longest Vado SL ride has been 116 km in 5 h 41 min (moving time). And yes, I had a Range Extender on the bike (136% of batteries consumed). FYI, the average assistance level was 55/55%. The average speed was 20.4 km/h.
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.
Good choice. Provided it is not much raining where you live, you could safely remove the front mudguard from the bike (but keep the rear one for the rack and tail-light).
@Stefan Mikes many thanks for all your contributions to this post and the forums I feel as if I have gotten to know you!
Glad to be of help!
My outstanding items are
- 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
If your way home is indeed pitch black, you might consider -- for example -- one of Knog (Australian) or Lezyne or CatEye (such as CATEYE AMPP 1100) headlights.
- 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
A no-name hub motor, 250 Wh battery, and no connectivity? Your money. For me, Trek has totally lost its sense of direction. Nowadays, they offer:
- Bosch E-Bikes, older system
- Bosch E-Bikes, Smart System
- Fazua motors
- No-name hub motor
- A TQ motor.
If this won't make the company go belly-up someday, I would be very surprised.
Specialized offers only two systems: Brose and Mahle, and the brand owns both systems... Including the electronics, which is served by a single app called Mission Control. With full connectivity and ANT+.
- Other brands for the price - did anyone look at Bianchi, Cannnondale, Cannon? Is there other brands/models I should look at?
Most of other brands is either Bosch E-Bike (the older system) or Mahle X35 hub-drive motor, It's your money.
- 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…
You would not be happy to look between your knees to read data from Mastermind TCU
The older TCU is great because it allows you using a 10 EUR wonder app called BLEvo. Giving you far more information Specialized ever wanted to show you. The new Mastermind killed BLEvo.
- 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.
A "charge cycle" is based on pumping fresh 320 Wh into your main battery. Partial charges are calculated. Whenever the sum of partial charges of the battery reached 320 Wh, a full "charge cycle" is being recorded. Having said the above: I have been riding my Vado SL 4 for 13 months. I have ridden for 5869 km. The main battery got 67 full charge cycles, and it is currently at 94% health, that is, storing 302 Wh instead of 320. This information comes from BLEvo, which shows the facts Mission Control would rather hide from you (MC always reports 100% health). With my rate of riding, I expect reaching the 300 charge cycles in 4 years and 10 months since the purchase, or will ride for some 26000 km. Not bad. Note: I use Range Extenders too, and these make the use of the main battery less profound.
Wish me luck! I think im sold!?
Yes you are. As long as you stop considering silly alternatives
