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

[Jeremy McCreary]

Just align the crank arm to one of the spider arms on the chainring and connect both tightly, using a strong zip tie, or velcro strap. There are reusable zip ties out there, but I sacrifice a regular type when I need to.

Thanks, have some small velcro straps that might be perfect for that.

Another variation: Stick the appropriate hex key in one of the chainring bolt heads and push it around with the crank on that side. Works well enough and couldn't be easier, but I worry about long-term bolt head damage. Velcro is safer.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A Very Good News!

It has turned out the SL 1.1 motor in my Fearless was not broken. I think the internal motor clutch must have just frozen out on a Winter ride

All good. I have installed summer tyres, maintained the chain and now the last thing to do is to work on the brakes

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You guys wouldn't believe what happens to an e-bike that stopped to be ridden in the middle of Winter and left alone

Tyres replaced, OK. The chain (rusted) well shaken in a cleaner fluid in a closed jar, washed, dried, lubed, OK. However, the test ride had clearly shown more needed to be done! Two year old Swiss Stop brake pads totally glazed, replaced. Brake rotors cleaned with an appropriate fluid, fine. The handlebars untrue (the stem bolts had loosened!) The rear mirror bolts required tightening... What else?

Taking my Fearless for a wash in the morning and then I will ride for 10 km to make sure everything else is in order!

 

[mogulman]

You guys wouldn't believe what happens to an e-bike that stopped to be ridden in the middle of Winter and left alone

Tyres replaced, OK. The chain (rusted) well shaken in a cleaner fluid in a closed jar, washed, dried, lubed, OK. However, the test ride had clearly shown more needed to be done! Two year old Swiss Stop brake pads totally glazed, replaced. Brake rotors cleaned with an appropriate fluid, fine. The handlebars untrue (the stem bolts had loosened!) The rear mirror bolts required tightening... What else?

Taking my Fearless for a wash in the morning and then I will ride for 10 km to make sure everything else is in order!

Wow.. I'm glad I don't have that much to do on my bike. Sounds like you need a new bike soon What would you get if you had to?

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Sounds like you need a new bike soon What would you get if you had to?

Ooh, ooh, let me guess — for @Stefan Mikes , a Specialized Vado SL 2! Nearly ran off with the last one he tested.
;^}

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Ooh, ooh, let me guess — for @Stefan Mikes , a Specialized Vado SL 2! Nearly ran off with the last one he tested.
;^}

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Sounds like you need a new bike soon

Oh, no, I'm so glad to own so different e-bikes: a Speed Vado and a Vado SL Properly maintained, they're gonna last!

What would you get if you had to?

Ooh, ooh, let me guess — for @Stefan Mikes , a Specialized Vado SL 2! Nearly ran off with the last one he tested.
;^}

Hypothetically, that would be an alloy Vado SL 2 as the sweet point between my Roadrunner and Fearless No carbon (I'm too heavy!) Additionally, my 4 Range Extenders would find a new use

Still, I'm so glad the SL motor is in good health. My brother had already offered coming with his bus to take Fearless in for an attempt to repair the motor! Besides, I need to tell you what has happened to Jacek over the last six years Note: Jacek is 62 now.

• In 2020 all he owned was a 20-yo Giant bike; he rode it rarely. I started lending him my e-bikes I didn't want at the time. We were on many trips together
• In 2021, I gave him my Giant Trance E+ 2 Pro (a full suspension Trail e-MTB). He started building his form and riding with a hardcore MTB club, especially during harsh winters. We also went on mountain vacation together
• Following my example, he joined the gravel cycling community in 2022. He still rode his e-MTB all year long (gravel in the warm season and XC/MTB in the winter)
• In 2024, he started riding a traditional gravel bike. He started participating in gravel races and sank deep into the gravel cycling community
• In December 2025, he organised a racing team, planned the relay race, and won the race together with his team!
• Now, his bike is equipped with the electronic drivetrain and a power meter/cadence crank-set.

I quietly say: He achieved everything himself; however I think it was me to kindle his cycling passion!

My beloved "brother" (first cousin) Jacek.

 

[BioWheel]

Have a dropper on my LevoSL and like it. The frame sits really high for ground clearance so I need the dropper to get off/on. And - declines of course, great for that. For my VadoSL - I don't need it. I can mount/dismount since the frame isn't made for clearance and I just belly the bike seat if I'm going down a really steep decline but rare to encounter something that steep on road or gravel trail.

 

[Chargeride]

The company fixing Brains motor just sent him a Bafang update.

 

[Chargeride]

I hear Specialized are in talks with Bafang about improving their battery connections.
Probably...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The company fixing Brains motor just sent him a Bafang update.

I don't seem to see a Bafang (or Brose) motor here

I hear Specialized are in talks with Bafang about improving their battery connections.
Probably...

What battery connection issues? (The sign reads: "Quality without any compromise")