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

[Löhmraagondein]

Here's my one, it's a podsacs made by Planet X & here's a link to the online shop so you can see dimensions etc. I deliberately got the half size so I could still have bottles or range extender. But even so it still feels cramped as the top tube curves towards the head tube. But you'll have more space in the front triangle in size L for sure.

PODSACS Waterproof Frame Bag | Planet X Bikes

Waterproof frame bags from PODSACS that allow you to conveniently carry all your important items on any trip without upsetting the balance of your bike. Adventure-tough 7-point fixing system Stormproof 500D Tarpaulin fabric Waterproof external zip Retroreflective detailing 2.2L Capacity (small)...

www.planetx.co.uk

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Damn, it's super classy in black! Thanks for sharing. The frame surely looks quite smaller.

 

[Wookie]

Sad update on my acquistion of a Vado SL 4.0. Ordered the bike through an Atlanta dealer over 3 weeks ago and was told it would arrive in 7 to 10 days. Was told multiple times it should arrive in a couple days. Late last week I finally had a date and was told by the LBS that it would arrive Tuesday of this week. Early on the LBS said they would give me a tracking number. Never received a tracking number. Today I found out it hasn't even shipped even though the bike is in stock and is in the warehouse. Each time I've inquired about it, the LBS said they needed to "track down" the bike. There is no world in which it should take a month to get an in-stock item from a warehouse in one part of the lower 48 to a dealer in some other part of the lower 48. Cancelled the order -- I'm not giving business to a LBS that's just doesn't seem very interested in its customers. During the sales process I received prompt and quick responses to my emails. After they received my money, its been taking 2-3 days before I get a reply. No longer have a warm and fuzzy feeling about the transaction. The sales person at this particular LBS was very effective and I chose to place my order with that shop rather than another shop which actually HAD the bike in the color and size I wanted. Now the size and color is not available locally anywhere. I'm going to pull back from this whole thing for the moment and re-evaluate, essentially starting over. What a clusterfuck.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Sad update on my acquistion of a Vado SL 4.0. Ordered the bike through an Atlanta dealer over 3 weeks ago and was told it would arrive in 7 to 10 days. Was told multiple times it should arrive in a couple days. Late last week I finally had a date and was told by the LBS that it would arrive Tuesday of this week. Early on the LBS said they would give me a tracking number. Never received a tracking number. Today I found out it hasn't even shipped even though the bike is in stock and is in the warehouse. Each time I've inquired about it, the LBS said they needed to "track down" the bike. There is no world in which it should take a month to get an in-stock item from a warehouse in one part of the lower 48 to a dealer in some other part of the lower 48. Cancelled the order -- I'm not giving business to a LBS that's just doesn't seem very interested in its customers. During the sales process I received prompt and quick responses to my emails. After they received my money, its been taking 2-3 days before I get a reply. No longer have a warm and fuzzy feeling about the transaction. The sales person at this particular LBS was very effective and I chose to place my order with that shop rather than another shop which actually HAD the bike in the color and size I wanted. Now the size and color is not available locally anywhere. I'm going to pull back from this whole thing for the moment and re-evaluate, essentially starting over. What a clusterfuck.

How about the online order and Specialized Delivery?

 

[Wookie]

Stefan, I'm not sure where the disconnects were on the order -- whether they were with Specialized, with the LBS, or with both. The bike was in stock in a specialized warehouse but was never even shipped even after 3 weeks. It was going to be another week before I received the in-stock product -- after having been told I would have the bike in 7-10 days. So I'm just kind of soured on the experience right now, athough that might change if I can be convinced that the product (specifically the Vado SL) ticks all the boxes for me in a way that no other product on the market does. Right now I'm just frustrated and disappointed. The actual "problem" was never really explained to me except for oblique references to the fact that we're dealing with "Specialized." I'm not knocking the product -- I have a carbon frame Sirrus that I still ride that I bought at 15 years ago and I love that bike. But another thing that has been puzzling me here in Atlanta is that Specialized leased space for a huge corporate "experience center" here in Atlanta. It was supposed to open early this year but the opening date was postponed several times and they're no longer giving a date for the actual opening. It still sits closed with all kinds of marketing material over the windows at the site. I was really disappointed because I thought this was going to be a huge space where the brand could really showcase its products, but you can't even see into the space. I emailed the "experience center" in Atlanta -- theres a website and email address for it -- to get an idea of when or if they will finally open. NO RESPONSE TO THAT EMAIL. Its just frustrating. I thought with going with a brand like Specialized I would always be able to get accurate information about stock levels and prompt service if I need parts for example, but if they can't even ship me a bike when its in the warehouse, do I really want to support the brand? One other thing that disturbs me is Specialized's pricing on the Vado 4.0 SL (not the EQ version). Right now the price is a sale price -- $3K -- for what I still believe is a premium product, so I think there is value there at that price. But the "regular" price of the Vado SL 4.0 is now 3750, so when the SL comes out with the new 1.2 motor the bike will likely be close to $4K which, when you look at the stripped down Vado SL 4.0, I'm wondering if there's real value in the product at that price. So I'm rambling a little bit here. Just mostly disappointed at the inept treatment I received.

 

[Wookie]

After another week of looking at and riding other options and considering one or two direct to consumer manufacturers, it was clear to me that the SL was pretty much the best option for me just because it felt like "my idea" of a real bike whereas all the heavier bikes felt really kind of plodding and well, heavy. Keep in mind I've been riding a carbon frame sirrus for about 15 years so that Sirrus is what I'm used to. Specialized also finally opened their "experience center" here in Atlanta. So YAY, late yesterday I DID buy and today took delivery of, a new Vado SL directly from the company experience center. I considered waiting for the 1.2 motor to arrive but with the sale price differential on the current model, I decided to go ahead. New member of the club.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

After another week of looking at and riding other options and considering one or two direct to consumer manufacturers, it was clear to me that the SL was pretty much the best option for me just because it felt like "my idea" of a real bike whereas all the heavier bikes felt really kind of plodding and well, heavy. Keep in mind I've been riding a carbon frame sirrus for about 15 years so that Sirrus is what I'm used to. Specialized also finally opened their "experience center" here in Atlanta. So YAY, late yesterday I DID buy and today took delivery of, a new Vado SL directly from the company experience center. I considered waiting for the 1.2 motor to arrive but with the sale price differential on the current model, I decided to go ahead. New member of the club.

I'm so happy with your decision Wookie! It was June 23rd 2021 when I bought a Vado SL on the spot and it was one of my best decisions ever! A trouble free e-bike now approaching its 2nd anniversary, and my primary e-bike for an upcoming 160 mile gravel race! (Because of the light weight and excellent handling in rough terrain!)

 

[Jdh147]

After another week of looking at and riding other options and considering one or two direct to consumer manufacturers, it was clear to me that the SL was pretty much the best option for me just because it felt like "my idea" of a real bike whereas all the heavier bikes felt really kind of plodding and well, heavy. Keep in mind I've been riding a carbon frame sirrus for about 15 years so that Sirrus is what I'm used to. Specialized also finally opened their "experience center" here in Atlanta. So YAY, late yesterday I DID buy and today took delivery of, a new Vado SL directly from the company experience center. I considered waiting for the 1.2 motor to arrive but with the sale price differential on the current model, I decided to go ahead. New member of the club.

Congratulations on your new ride! I have had my SL for over 2 years and have ridden it almost every day since as my commuter and taken it on multi day tours fully loaded and it has never missed a beat. On the rare occasions that I ride the bike without panniers it still surprises me how agile the bike is! Hope you have have many enjoyable miles ahead of you .

 

[Projectman]

I just ordered a Turbo Vado SL 4.0 (non-EQ) and was curious if Specialized sells a MIK compliant rack for this bike. Also, I'm not sure which fenders to order for the bike. I want the Dry-Tech fenders and assume the size is 40mm. Can someone confirm the fender size and the MIK rack?

 

[Scott Eakin]

Sad update on my acquistion of a Vado SL 4.0. Ordered the bike through an Atlanta dealer over 3 weeks ago and was told it would arrive in 7 to 10 days. Was told multiple times it should arrive in a couple days. Late last week I finally had a date and was told by the LBS that it would arrive Tuesday of this week. Early on the LBS said they would give me a tracking number. Never received a tracking number. Today I found out it hasn't even shipped even though the bike is in stock and is in the warehouse. Each time I've inquired about it, the LBS said they needed to "track down" the bike. There is no world in which it should take a month to get an in-stock item from a warehouse in one part of the lower 48 to a dealer in some other part of the lower 48. Cancelled the order -- I'm not giving business to a LBS that's just doesn't seem very interested in its customers. During the sales process I received prompt and quick responses to my emails. After they received my money, its been taking 2-3 days before I get a reply. No longer have a warm and fuzzy feeling about the transaction. The sales person at this particular LBS was very effective and I chose to place my order with that shop rather than another shop which actually HAD the bike in the color and size I wanted. Now the size and color is not available locally anywhere. I'm going to pull back from this whole thing for the moment and re-evaluate, essentially starting over. What a clusterfuck.

I might check in with the new Specialized factory store on the Beltline near Krog St market. They appear to have stock and its a cool shop.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I want the Dry-Tech fenders and assume the size is 40mm. Can someone confirm the fender size and the MIK rack?

I cannot confirm it but the Dry Techs are not the best choice in my opinion. Their long mudflaps are troublesome.
Perhaps consider SKS Speedrockers, the best gravel bike fenders.

 

[Nubnub]

I cannot confirm it but the Dry Techs are not the best choice in my opinion. Their long mudflaps are troublesome.
Perhaps consider SKS Speedrockers, the best gravel bike fenders.

Really depends on your use case. There was a lot of continuous rainy days here this year. While I don't intentionally ride in the rain, there were plenty of in between times where the roads are still very wet and puddles abound. The dry techs do a fantastic job keeping the wet splatter to a minimum. In off road or other conditions where they may be branches, twigs or other small debris around the front fender does tend to pick them up and rattle around until I stop to clear it. Fortunately the front fender is easy to remove/install. I've removed my front fender on my 4.0EQ until the next rainy season.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I've removed my front fender on my 4.0EQ until the next rainy season.

I removed it permanently and replaced with an AssSaver. Good enough! I also had to remove the rear mudflap. If I need to transport my Vado SL in a small lift, I need to do it vertically. That damaged the Dry Tech rear fender mudflap.

 

[Badders]

Does anyone know the “factory” wheel circumference in mm for a Vado Turbo SL 5.0 2022 with stock Specialized Pathfinder Sport 700x38c tyres?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Does anyone know the “factory” wheel circumference in mm for a Vado Turbo SL 5.0 2022 with stock Specialized Pathfinder Sport 700x38c tyres?

It is 2,180 mm for me.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Did Anyone Say The Lezyne Headlight Was Not Bright Enough?

Me finishing a 263 km gravel race on my Vado SL.

 

[Badders]

It is 2,180 mm for me.

Great - thanks.

 

[Wookie]

Well I've had my Vado SL for about a week now and I was out on the silver comet trail yesterday, had ridden about 15 miles, and suddenly lost power and the display went blank. Tried turning it back on, which worked for about 5 seconds then it turned itself off again. That happenned about 3 times before it became "unresponsive." Each time the battery level light went up to about where it had been, I got a second or two or power, then went back to 0 and off. Took it back to Specialized Atlanta and they swapped out the on/offswitch battery monitor thing with another one and still couldn't get the bike to power up. They put my on/off switch thing on another bike and the switch did seem to work, so they think its the battery and are going to swap it out for a new one. Minor annoyance. I've been TOTALLY enjoying this bike. It provides just enough power and I find that if I keep it on ECO I have just enough boost to keep me going longer distances. I think I'm actually getting about the same exercise as before (on my Sirrus) but just riding longer and enjoying it more. Its also REALLY nice having the power to get up the 3 or 4 hills between my house and the trail. Totally loving it.

 

[Wookie]

So Specialized Atlanta (company owned stored/experience center) told me that it seems my bike which was dead after a ride (prevous post above) kind of resurrected itself without much intervention. No battery replacement was necessary. The two items that were suspect for it failing to power up were either (1) mud or something on the speed sensor on the rear wheel or (2) a bit of moisture entering the charging outlet. (1) seems more likely then number (2) to me. Kind of puzzling. According to specialized either one of those situations would render the bike unable to "turn on." ANOTHER UPDATE. I purchased the bike about 2 weeks ago and when I went back I asked them if they would honor the further price reduction that posted Friday. They DID honor it, and refunded me the further $500 price reduction + tax. Thanks!

 

[mogulman]

Couldn't wait any longer for the Pathfinder Pro in 42 to be available. Got Tufo Thundero 44. Seems to fit fine. Going to go for a ride today.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Nice looking tyres!