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

[Jeremy McCreary]

Even yesterday!

Looking over the bewildering array of Ortlieb panniers. Which ones do you use?

Need only one and not the largest, as it won't be used for big shopping trips. (Still can't bring myself to leave the SL unattended.) Mainly just for extra or shed outerwear and maybe lunch.

Price and size look good for this one:

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Ortlieb makes a good stuff. My favourite pannier is the E-Mate*, which allows me safely carry either a big Vado battery or a Range Extender in the central compartment. Another good pannier is the Specialized Tailwind (the "right side" version). While Ortlieb allows the mount adjustments "on the fly", the Specialized one requires using a screwdriver.

*) The current name for that pannier is Pedal-Mate.

Please look for Ortlieb panniers with the QL2.1 mount as this mount is pretty universal. Important to mention: the Ortlieb Quick Rack is really sturdy, which cannot be said about the stock Vado SL 1 rear rack.

P.S. Before any pannier is attached, I recommend protecting the rear rack tube with a strong adhesive tape.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

And yet and yet ...

YMMV. I'm trying to protect Jeremy against frustration and expense, O, Apostle
My rear SKS Speedrocker ended up on Tommy's Marin Muirwoods, as that bike has generous frame clearances.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

My racing setup. 42 mm Rhombus Pro (discontinued), Ortlieb Quick Rack, Ortieb E-Mate (replaced by Pedal-Mate).

I have never taken a photo of the Quick Rack together with the Ass Saver Win Wing 2 but trust me, these two can coexist well

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

View attachment 215533
My racing setup. 42 mm Rhombus Pro (discontinued), Ortlieb Quick Rack, Ortieb E-Mate (replaced by Pedal-Mate).

I have never taken a photo of the Quick Rack together with the Ass Saver Win Wing 2 but trust me, these two can coexist well

Thanks! Very helpful seeing the seat tube mount.

Seems like everyone should carry an ass saver, just in case.
;^}

 

[Rás Cnoic]

YMMV. I'm trying to protect Jeremy against frustration and expense, O, Apostle
My rear SKS Speedrocker ended up on Tommy's Marin Muirwoods, as that bike has generous frame clearances.

Panny Gravelkings SK (small knobs) 42mm and below, the WTB Byways 44mm. I swap between them depending on road conditions/time of year. Have used both for at least 2 or 3 years & more. No rubbing. No issues. Before that I had 40mm WTB Nanos. No issues. Before that the stock Spesh Pathfinder Sport 38s. Before that on a Genesis Croix De Fer with tighter clearance. 8 years use and amazingly they seem to work very well.

I also suggested Jeremy see if a local bike shop has the SKS SRs in stock to see if they fit over his tyres if in doubt.

And yet and yet...

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Really appreciate ALL the help, guys. I think I know enough now to come up with a plan tomorrow at the LBS.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Did anyone say the stock Lezyne headlight on Vado SL 1 was dim?

Summer daylight, woods. This is how someone's iPhone saw the scene (the original take).

 

[mogulman]

I was thinking about increasing the length of the stem on my Turbo Vado SL 5.0 medium. I have the future shock and mount for my GPS on the top of the handlebars. The original Specialized stem is 75mm 14 degree. I was thinking maybe a 100mm at 6 degree. I have a longer torso and shorter legs, so I was thinking this may help with my positioning. I think it's 31.8.

Does anyone know if I need anything special? I'd like to keep my GPS in the same spot, if possible. I have my headlight already custom mounted to two of the handlebar bolts on the front of my current stem.

Update: Found from the original specs that the original stem is a Specialized Stealth Stem. Looks it was only made in 75mm and 90mm at 14 degrees.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Ask a Specialized dealer for the stem compatible with the Future Shock. Usually, a bike-fitter at a Specialized store has a drawer full of stems

 

[mogulman]

Ask a Specialized dealer for the stem compatible with the Future Shock. Usually, a bike-fitter at a Specialized store has a drawer full of stems

Not my dealer. I had to tell them what I needed. Anyway. I ordered a 90mm stealth. If it's not enough maybe I'll go with a 110 6 degree generic and figure out how to make it work.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Win Wing 2 Gravel Stealth

Win Wing 2 is the ultra-effective, ultra-lightweight mudguard that turns fender design on its head. Shop the Stealth Win Wing Gravel in the official Ass Savers store. Free shipping worldwide from €30 and 100% happy guarantee!

ass-savers.com

Quick-Rack

Transform your bike in no time at all from a lightweight bike for sporty tours into a transport bike for shopping and commuting – this way you stay completely flexible. Fifteen seconds is all it takes to mount the practical luggage rack and only five seconds to remove it again. The struts with a...

de.ortlieb.com

Perfect replacements for the removed rear fender and rack. Cannot help with the loss of the tail light though.

Just ordered the Ortlieb Quick-Rack and one Sport Roller Plus pannier. Bike goes in for the new rear Tracer and fender removal next week, plus a general tune-up. Getting excited!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Just ordered the Ortlieb Quick-Rack and one Sport Roller Plus pannier.

Good choice! I've looked up the Sport-Roller Plus. QL2.1, a proper selection!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What’s the status of your de-equipped Vado SL, @Jeremy McCreary?

 

[edobici_forza]

we need a separate thread for the stripping Vado SLs! ...how low can you go? [I joke, as I am not super familiar with my cousin bike]. That said...is lighter always better?

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

View attachment 216117
What’s the status of your de-equipped Vado SL, @Jeremy McCreary?

We'll see when I pick it up tomorrow!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Is lighter always better?

More suited for rough terrain with fatter tyres!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

we need a separate thread for the stripping Vado SLs! ...how low can you go? [I joke, as I am not super familiar with my cousin bike]. That said...is lighter always better?

Not about weight in my case. Mainly needed more rear traction after a brake and front tire upgrade, especially offroad.

Long story short, removing the rear fender is the only way to get a rear tire wider than 38 mm on an SL 1. Fenders aren't really needed here, so the rear fender had to go — and with it, the rear rack and front fender.

Have also been wanting a sportier Creo 2-style look and a more functional rack. Whatever the net weight reduction after putting on a different rack, it'll just be icing on the cake.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

View attachment 216117
What’s the status of your de-equipped Vado SL, @Jeremy McCreary?

Your SL's looking good! For future reference, what size tires on it in the photo?

 

[mogulman]

Not my dealer. I had to tell them what I needed. Anyway. I ordered a 90mm stealth. If it's not enough maybe I'll go with a 110 6 degree generic and figure out how to make it work.

So I got two stems. 90mm 14 degree Specialized Stealth Stem. This uses a 1 1/8” standard hole which works with my existing round shim for the future shock 1.5. This is the same one that comes on the XL version of the bike. It has the Garmin style bracket mount. Tried that a few rides.

Also purchased a used 100mm 6 degree Specialized future shock stem. Ended up that this stem had a flanged mounting hole. So I ended up having to purchase a special shim for it (Specialized S224800002). Wanted this because it lowers me down a little bit in a more athletic stance and is slightly longer. Haven't tried it yet. Here are a few pics. Had to use an old Garmin mount for my GPS.