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

[Stefan Mikes]

There is some useful information, which I got too late from my buddies, so I have overpaid. Let us talk only 12s Shimano Wireless Non-Ebike Upgrade Kits, which contain everything necessary for the upgrade:

• Derailleur
• Shifter (R for clamp, IR for I-Spec)
• The derailleur battery
• Charging bracket and USB-C cable
• And even a chain Quick Link.

Clamp shifter, all prices in Germany, shipment not included:

• 9250 (XTR), €690
• 8250 (Deore XT), €550
• 6250 (Deore), €442.

The -60 version is for Shimano and Bosch e-bike motors. It requires an extra cable, and its setup is not that straightforward (more expensive, too).

To compare:

• SRAM GX Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit for regular derailleur hanger, SRAM drivetrain: €400
• Wheeltop EDS OX2.0, complete kit, any drivetrain: €400.

I really regret my Wheeltop broke, its idea being far better than the Shimano or SRAM systems.

 

[stompandgo]

You might want to add two links to the chain. Otherwise, it looks great.

The Shimano kit is called a J-kit.

XTR comes with a 2 year warranty instead of the standard 1 year.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You might want to add two links to the chain. Otherwise, it looks great.

I'm aware of it, thank you the same! It is all because of the darn broken Wheeltop that required less chain links. Well, I don't use the alpine gear that much

XTR comes with a 2 year warranty instead of the standard 1 year.

At least that's good!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Shimano kit is called a J-kit.

Possibly. Here in Europe (Poland and Germany) it is called the Upgrade Kit:

It is not important how the things are named in different regions though.

Interestingly, SRAM also calls its set for non-UDH hangers "the upgrade kit".

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Shimano Di2 technology: the shifter paddle fell off from the road vibration on the first longer ride

@stompandgo

 

[stompandgo]

I rode my Pinarello through all sorts of crap. My fenders loosed up, and my bag had to be zip tied down. No shifter issues. You got a bad shifter. Get it replaced and be done with it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You got a bad shifter. Get it replaced and be done with it.

It is rather funny what the sellers do to even start the warranty claim.

BIKE24 (a large German online store) require "At least five pictures or a video link" to start talking.
Wheeltop has required a video, and they pretend they didn't get a link; it's been two weeks now and no progress. Hopefully, the German are more serious.

It is good that at least I can downshift the Shimano using my thumb nail
---------
Just think my Shimano Deore XT was made in 2017 and it (the derailleur and the shifter) is the oldest and original part on my Vado 6.0. The other such part is the front TRP Zurich brake. Everything else (including the frameset) was replaced, either on the warranty claims or otherwise.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

SL 1 brake upgrade report
After 60-70 mi of testing on some pretty steep terrain and a variety of surfaces, happy to say that my all-Shimano brake upgrade appears to be a success.

New rotors and calipers.

Compared to the stock Tektro brakes, much better stopping power, vastly better modulation, and just love those new 1-finger levers! Also saved a little weight in the rotors alone. With nonmagnetic ceramic pistons, fingers crossed that the rear Tektro's recurring piston sticking never returns.

The only downside: Due to the way the outside (grip) end of the new lever body is braced against the bar, the remote had to be moved inboard of the lever mount. Still getting used to the longer reach to the buttons, but not a deal-killer.

Parts list:
Deore XT BR-M8110 2-piston gravel calipers
L04C-MF finned metallic pads
GRX SM RT64 160 mm gravel rotors
Deore BL-M6100 trail levers
SM-BH-90 SS hose kits
BR RS505 front caliper mount bracket
SM-MA-R160D/D disk brake adapter

The $300 in labor included dropping the motor to route the rear hose through the frame. Total cost about $750.

Worth it? If the improved performance continues, and the rear pistons never stick again, I'll be happy with the cost.

 

[stompandgo]

It is rather funny what the sellers do to even start the warranty claim.

BIKE24 (a large German online store)
---------
Just think my Shimano Deore XT was made in 2017 and it (the derailleur and the shifter) is the oldest and original part on my Vado 6.0. The other such part is the front TRP Zurich brake. Everything else (including the frameset) was replaced, either on the warranty claims or otherwise.

Buy online, take your chances.

 

[stompandgo]

SL 1 brake upgrade report
Happy to say that my all-Shimano brake upgrade appears to be a success after 60-70 mi of testing on some pretty steep terrain and a variety of surfaces.

View attachment 209597View attachment 209598
New rotors and calipers.

Compared to the stock Tektro brakes, much better stopping power, vastly better modulation, and just love those new 1-finger levers! Also saved a little weight in the rotors alone. With nonmagnetic ceramic pistons, fingers crossed that the rear Tektro's recurring piston sticking never returns.

View attachment 209599
The only downside: Due to the way the outside (grip) end of the new lever body is braced against the bar, the remote had to be moved inboard of the caliper. Still getting used to the longer reach to the buttons, but not a deal-killer.

Parts list:
Deore XT BR-M8110 2-piston gravel calipers
L04C-MF finned metallic pads
GRX SM RT64 160 mm gravel rotors
Deore BL-M6100 trail levers
SM-BH-90 SS hose kits
BR RS505 front caliper mount bracket
SM-MA-R160D/D disk brake adapter

The $300 in labor included dropping the motor to route the rear hose through the frame. Total cost about $750.

Worth it? If the improved performance continues, and the rear pistons never stick again, I'll be happy with the cost.

If your shop is as good as I think it is, your problems are history. Tektro is good, but it's not XT.

 

[DaveMatthews]

SL 1 brake upgrade report
Happy to say that my all-Shimano brake upgrade appears to be a success after 60-70 mi of testing on some pretty steep terrain and a variety of surfaces.

View attachment 209597View attachment 209598
New rotors and calipers.

Compared to the stock Tektro brakes, much better stopping power, vastly better modulation, and just love those new 1-finger levers! Also saved a little weight in the rotors alone. With nonmagnetic ceramic pistons, fingers crossed that the rear Tektro's recurring piston sticking never returns.

View attachment 209599
The only downside: Due to the way the outside (grip) end of the new lever body is braced against the bar, the remote had to be moved inboard of the caliper. Still getting used to the longer reach to the buttons, but not a deal-killer.

Parts list:
Deore XT BR-M8110 2-piston gravel calipers
L04C-MF finned metallic pads
GRX SM RT64 160 mm gravel rotors
Deore BL-M6100 trail levers
SM-BH-90 SS hose kits
BR RS505 front caliper mount bracket
SM-MA-R160D/D disk brake adapter

The $300 in labor included dropping the motor to route the rear hose through the frame. Total cost about $750.

Worth it? If the improved performance continues, and the rear pistons never stick again, I'll be happy with the cost.

Nice!
So far my Tektro brakes are holding up really well.
Would I prefer Shimano? Sure, but I'll need to experience a serious failure of some sort to consider a change.
Glad the new gear is working for you mate.

Almost forgot...
I recall a couple of years ago heading out down my block and being stopped by a guy who lives on the corner.
He told me he was a demo rider, sort of an ambassador for whatever brand X it was.
He took one look at my brakes and said (I kid you not) "Those brakes are sh!t!" Bear in mind I've never met this gent...
I told him that I could easily do a "Nose manual" with them (not that it would be smart). He looked at me shocked.
I dunno... kinda hilly around here, and over 7000kms later still good.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

He took one look at my brakes and said (I kid you not) "Those brakes are sh!t!" Bear in mind I've never met this gent...
I told him that I could easily do a "Nose manual"

I take it that "nose manual" is polite Canadian for a punch in the schnoz?

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

If your shop is as good as I think it is, your problems are history. Tektro is good, but it's not XT.

The mechanic could easily have charged me another hour for the time he spent putting together the brake package to my budget, explaining the pros and cons of each part, talking to Shimano twice, calling about changes he thought we should make, etc.

I'm sure most of his customers would've said, "Just put Dura-Ace everything on it and call me when it's done."

 

[DaveMatthews]

I take it that "nose manual" is polite Canadian for a punch in the schnoz?

Who you callin' polite mister?

How to Master the Art of Nose Manual Mountain Biking - Tips and Tricks - My Racing Bike

To nose manual a mountain bike, start by riding at a moderate speed. Then, shift your weight forward while keeping your rear wheel on the ground and lift your front wheel by pushing your handlebars forward. Try to balance on your front wheel by keeping your weight on it and keeping your eyes up...

myracingbike.com

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Who you callin' polite mister?

How to Master the Art of Nose Manual Mountain Biking - Tips and Tricks - My Racing Bike

To nose manual a mountain bike, start by riding at a moderate speed. Then, shift your weight forward while keeping your rear wheel on the ground and lift your front wheel by pushing your handlebars forward. Try to balance on your front wheel by keeping your weight on it and keeping your eyes up...

myracingbike.com

Did he mean "rear"?

We call this technique "a wheelbarrow".

 

[stompandgo]

Stoppie.