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

[Texasbill]

Just returned from our LBS with one Vado 4.0 SL (for me) and one Vado 5.0 SL (for the wife). I've read through all 91 pages of this thread and have learned a lot from all of you. We are excited to begin this journey! Let me start with a few questions:
1) I have a Garmin Edge Touring Pro cycling computer that has ANT + capability. I am able to pair the device and see the odometer, but most of the fields are blank. I'm finding it very hard to find any info on line regarding how to use the Garmin with an ebike. Any advice as I'd love to get this to work?
2) I read that some of the modern bikes are firmware upgradable though Mission Control but our bike shop thought only the 5.0 SL was. So we have to go to the bike shop for the 4.0 SL?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Congratulations!

2) I read that some of the modern bikes are firmware upgradable though Mission Control but our bike shop thought only the 5.0 SL was. So we have to go to the bike shop for the 4.0 SL?

If the SL 5.0 has the Mastermind and the SL 4.0 has the Gen 1 TCU then the answer is "Yes".

No experience with Garmin so I cannot answer (1).

 

[Te. S]

Just returned from our LBS with one Vado 4.0 SL (for me) and one Vado 5.0 SL (for the wife). I've read through all 91 pages of this thread and have learned a lot from all of you. We are excited to begin this journey! Let me start with a few questions:
1) I have a Garmin Edge Touring Pro cycling computer that has ANT + capability. I am able to pair the device and see the odometer, but most of the fields are blank. I'm finding it very hard to find any info on line regarding how to use the Garmin with an ebike. Any advice as I'd love to get this to work?
2) I read that some of the modern bikes are firmware upgradable though Mission Control but our bike shop thought only the 5.0 SL was. So we have to go to the bike shop for the 4.0 SL?

congrats Texasbill, you can use Garmin connect IQ app to download E-Bike app from Garmin to your phone and then update your Garmin device next time you connect to it I have Edge 830 and it works it shows me the power level assist level and distance Battery you have to go to your setting on Garmin and then chose E-Bike for one of your screens good luck

 

[aj1]

Really been enjoying my Turbo Vado SL 4.0 for about a year and a half now. I just got done with its first major maintenance, replacing the brakes. It’s also now on its second chain replacement. Still on original tires. They seem fine. I did catch one flat but roadside patched it and it’s been going without issue.

I can’t wait for a lightweight bike with an internal hub gear system and a belt drive. That’s probably the only thing that’ll get me to upgrade. Otherwise, it’s been an excellent commuter bicycle for me, doing about 80 miles a week. I’d be much happier without cleaning and lubing the chain

 

[David C]

A few months ago Rene from Rider Care said they had no plans for a belt drive Turbo Vado SL at the moment. A belt drive system would make me want to upgrade from my 2.5 year old Vado SL 4.0 which has also been fantastic, on my second motor now.

 

[aj1]

A few months ago Rene from Rider Care said they had no plans for a belt drive Turbo Vado SL at the moment. A belt drive system would make me want to upgrade from my 2.5 year old Vado SL 4.0 which has also been fantastic, on my second motor now.

Second motor? Wow. What happened to the first?

 

[David C]

Warranty replacement at 2 years and 10,000+ miles.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

IGH will make the SL the NRSL (Not Really Super Lightweight). Como SL with IGH is about the heaviest SL e-bike (not much more lightweight than the Como with the derailleur).

 

[aj1]

IGH will make the SL the NRSL (Not Really Super Lightweight). Como SL with IGH is about the heaviest SL e-bike (not much more lightweight than the Como with the derailleur).

Here’s hoping the rest of the bike gets lighter weight to offset it

 

[Kris Mason]

Gday from Australia
I love my bike - anyone else?
I also being able to take my daughter around!!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Here’s hoping the rest of the bike gets lighter weight to offset it

Don't think so!

 

[coffeemaker]

With fenders off, anyone running larger than 42's on the SL/SL EQ? I currently have 38 Pathfinders. I will be doing more riding on gravel and dirt in the upcoming new year. Thinking a little bit more traction on the single tracks would be warranted.

I have the Electrak 2.0 Armadillo 700x51 on the rear because if its very good puncture resistance.
Very tight clearances and had to true the wheel to prevent it from rubbing against the seat stay and chain stays.

 

[PSm]

Don't think so!

Ha! Wish it were possible, but we’re at the point that significant weight reduction is not realistic (without sacrificing range or durability).

My fantasy e-bike is a 20 lb IGH with 100 mile range on the internal battery, but I know that is not possible!

 

[aj1]

I checked my Mission Control app. I don’t normally check it.

2200 miles on my bike. As mentioned, two chain replacements and one set of brakes replaced. I haven’t changed the tires but they seem ok? Any recommendations on tires for this bike? I just ride on paved roads that are in pretty good condition.

Also, is there a way to upgrade the firmware without going to the Specialized bike store? I don’t want to shell out cash for a firmware update for the bike when everything seems to be OK.

 

[PSm]

I checked my Mission Control app. I don’t normally check it.

2200 miles on my bike. As mentioned, two chain replacements and one set of brakes replaced. I haven’t changed the tires but they seem ok? Any recommendations on tires for this bike? I just ride on paved roads that are in pretty good condition.

Also, is there a way to upgrade the firmware without going to the Specialized bike store? I don’t want to shell out cash for a firmware update for the bike when everything seems to be OK.

A great resource for tires is https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/

As for me, I highly recommend Continental Grand Prix 5000’s for road riding. Great low rolling resistance, light weight, with decent puncture resistance.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Any recommendations on tires for this bike? I just ride on paved roads that are in pretty good condition.

In my experience, nothing can beat the Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss for this e-bike. 3553 km and no sign of wear, no puncture, very fast rolling and supple. Will install them again in the warm season.

Also, is there a way to upgrade the firmware without going to the Specialized bike store?

In case you do not have the Mastermind, you need to see the LBS. I do not do any updates and am happy

A ride of today. I use Schwalbe Winter Plus tyres right now.

 

[Te. S]

I checked my Mission Control app. I don’t normally check it.

2200 miles on my bike. As mentioned, two chain replacements and one set of brakes replaced. I haven’t changed the tires but they seem ok? Any recommendations on tires for this bike? I just ride on paved roads that are in pretty good condition.

Also, is there a way to upgrade the firmware without going to the Specialized bike store? I don’t want to shell out cash for a firmware update for the bike when everything seems to be OK.

your LBS or Specialized dealer should not charge you to update your firmware on your bike good luck

 

[aj1]

Got a quote from LBS and Specialized dealer for $50. No thanks… anyone in Seattle know of a place?

 

[Te. S]

Got a quote from LBS and Specialized dealer for $50. No thanks… anyone in Seattle know of a place?

did you buy the bike from them reach out to specialized on line may be they will set you up with a Bike shop that can do it for free.

 

[Howie7]

I checked my Mission Control app. I don’t normally check it.

2200 miles on my bike. As mentioned, two chain replacements and one set of brakes replaced. I haven’t changed the tires but they seem ok? Any recommendations on tires for this bike? I just ride on paved roads that are in pretty good condition.

Also, is there a way to upgrade the firmware without going to the Specialized bike store? I don’t want to shell out cash for a firmware update for the bike when everything seems to be OK.

Interesting, I have done the same mileage as you, replaced chain once, at 1700 miles, still with original brakes, and I haven’t installed the latest software upgrade either ( too awkward to get to LBS).