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

[Stefan Mikes]

The same thing in 10-speed might feel 'notchy',

Yes, it does. Specifically for that reason, I replaced the original cassette with Shimano CS-M771 (11-36T), 10-speed. This cassette is missing the granny gear (so it is not recommended for the hills) but the higher gears are nicely and equally spread.

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.

There is a good thing about the rear mudguard/fender in the EQ: It supports the tail-light. Users of the non-EQ version have to struggle with the tail-light being integrated with the saddle. It makes using anything else than a Specialized saddle difficult, and you are also limited as to the selection of any suspension seat-post. For the practical terms, only a 27.2 mm Kinekt 2.1 seat-post with a hole drilled (to route the tail-light wires) could be used. Popular Redshift ShockStop seatpost cannot be used for the non-EQ.

The EQ front mudguard/fender is useful during the wet season but is a pita if one wants to ride in the forest, as the mudflap attracts small objects making the wheel blocked often. I remove the front guard for the warm season.

 

[fatshark]

Actually ... there's another thing that's good about the rear rack. It conveniently hooks over the top of the bike stand I use, making the bike almost wobble free and vertical. Very convenient for doing minor maintenance tasks.

It's also a useful place to tuck your gloves when stopping for a coffee or to look at the view ...

 

[DanInStPete]

I replaced the original cassette with Shimano CS-M771 (11-36T)

@Stefan Mikes could you expound on this a little? No granny gear, but how do the others change? Might this be a good change for flat Florida? I probably never need the top or bottom, so a closer spread would be nice.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes could you expound on this a little? No granny gear, but how do the others change? Might this be a good change for flat Florida? I probably never need the top or bottom, so a closer spread would be nice.

This is a Deore XT cassette, Dan. It comes in three flavours (32 or 34 or 36T the largest cog size).

CS-M771-10 | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

bike.shimano.com

The gearing (36T) is 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36T. As you can notice, the 6 higher gears (6-10th) are equally spread. It makes your cadence pretty constant on longer rides.

As I said, the standard 44T chainring combined with the 36T lowest gear let me climb a 10% grade incline in SL Turbo mode. And of course, Deore XT is a higher groupset. The beauty of that cassette is you can get on a pretty high speed with tailwind with the 11T sprocket, and climb moderate hills with the 36T. That specific cassette was recommended to me by several EBR Forum members, (especially @TS25) when I was considering the replacement of the drivetrain to 11-speed. It saved me a lot of money and effort!

 

[DanInStPete]

This is a Deore XT cassette, Dan. It comes in three flavours (32 or 34 or 36T the largest cog size).

CS-M771-10 | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

bike.shimano.com

The gearing (36T) is 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36T. As you can notice, the 6 higher gears (6-10th) are equally spread. It makes your cadence pretty constant on longer rides.

As I said, the standard 44T chainring combined with the 36T lowest gear let me climb a 10% grade incline in SL Turbo mode. And of course, Deore XT is a higher groupset. The beauty of that cassette is you can get on a pretty high speed with tailwind with the 11T sprocket, and climb moderate hills with the 36T. That specific cassette was recommended to me by several EBR Forum members, (especially @TS25) when I was considering the replacement of the drivetrain to 11-speed. It saved me a lot of money and effort!

So your SL 4 came with a 10-speed drivetrain. My cassette is a Sunrace 11speed, 11-42t. Was this a change for the new model year?

I’ve never changed gearing in any of my bikes so I’m reading up on it…

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Was this a change for the new model year?

Yes. Shimano seems to be in a big trouble now, not being able to deliver the gear in big quantities. Therefore Specialized had to swap for SRAM and Sunrace. Your 11-speed drivetrain is SRAM NX. The 11-speed system ensures more equal gearing spread. Sunrace cassettes are believed to be heavy, though.

 

[AdmChr]

 

[mogulman]

Looks nice. Is that a 2022? Xtr brakes?

 

[AdmChr]

Looks nice. Is that a 2022? Xtr brakes?

Thanks! Yep, 2022 Vado SL 5.0 EQ. And yes, XTR 9110 Brakes with 9020 Levers.

 

[mogulman]

Thanks! Yep, 2022 Vado SL 5.0 EQ. And yes, XTR 9110 Brakes with 9020 Levers.

Did you add those yourself?

 

[AdmChr]

Did you add those yourself?

Yes, I removed most of the original parts and upgraded.

 

[Pork Rind]

Yes, I removed most of the original parts and upgraded.

Love that yellow. I continue to be disappointed that the only color available when I bought mine was brushed aluminum. It’s nice, but it’s got no zip.

 

[rochrunner]

Love that yellow. I continue to be disappointed that the only color available when I bought mine was brushed aluminum. It’s nice, but it’s got no zip.

That's still the only option for the non-EQ 5.0 as fast as I know.

Also, what am I looking at in the 2nd photo? I can't figure out the viewpoint.

 

[CodyDog]

That's still the only option for the non-EQ 5.0 as fast as I know.

Also, what am I looking at in the 2nd photo? I can't figure out the viewpoint.

Seat post from rear?

 

[rochrunner]

Seat post from rear?

OK, I see it now. Something about the perspective and colors threw me off.

 

[Mchatti]

well done in every aspect of bike modernization, fun to use and ride.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Gorgeous pics, gorgeous colour, great upgrades!

 

[AdmChr]

OK, I see it now. Something about the perspective and colors threw me off.

Yep, looking at the seat tube from the rear, with the shallow depth of field and the focus on the power logo, also shows the clean lines with the integrated seat post wedge.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

Damn, that’s some nice photography

 

[DanInStPete]

Thanks! Yep, 2022 Vado SL 5.0 EQ. And yes, XTR 9110 Brakes with 9020 Levers.

That is a sexy bike for sure. Great photos too. Really nice job on both.