Specialized Vado SL dropper

[jorukfundan]

I bought a Vado SL 5.0. I really like this bike. I'm going to commute with it soon and answer the question of if I can ride at 25-28 mph on an upright bike for the duration of time it takes to get to work. In the mean time I want to know if anyone has put a dropper on this bike? I see that the Creo Evo has a 50mm dropper, but I want a 100mm or more dropper. I have a size L frame and I am 70" (177cm) tall and I end up with about 130mm of seat post exposed. There are a few 27.2mm dropper posts that come up on a google search. Has anyone installed a dropper on the Vado SL? If so what make of dropper? What length? How was the cable routing? I really like dropping the sadde at a stop sign. Or just dropping the saddle and simply cruising.

 

[e-levity]

Inexpensive and easy to install, 70mm.
Do miss the control on the bar at times.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I'm going to commute with it soon and answer the question of if I can ride at 25-28 mph on an upright bike for the duration of time it takes to get to work.

It is very hard even on the full power Vado because of the air drag. The 28 mph in the Class 3 specification means "we don't forbid you to be assisted to 28 mph" but it has never been the promise to achieve and -- especially -- maintain that speed.

 

[jorukfundan]

Inexpensive and easy to install, 70mm.
Do miss the control on the bar at times.

View attachment 70897

Yea that's rad, and it's better than no dropper (referring to not having the bar lever).

 

[jorukfundan]

Inexpensive and easy to install, 70mm.
Do miss the control on the bar at times.

View attachment 70897

Stefan I'm going to buy a dropper like you have. A proper dropper with a thumb lever will be too difficult to install properly. There is no access into the frame from the right side unless a hole is drilled into the frame, and that's where a cable would need to go. But I decided a dropper is necessary. After using them on my MTBs I feel safer with the seat dropped in many situations. And the most efficient saddle height for pedaling is not very casual, especially in flip flops.

 

[FlatSix911]

Inexpensive and easy to install, 70mm.
Do miss the control on the bar at times.

View attachment 70897

Well done... can you share the specific make and model dropper post used?

 

[jorukfundan]

Well done... can you share the specific make and model dropper post used?

I am looking at the Trans-X Jump seat ($99 usd) and the Kind Shock 2021 KS eTen 100mm Dropper Seatpost Post with Lever ($140 usd)
Those two posts are the only dropper posts I see with a lever under the seat.

 

[jorukfundan]

I am looking at the Trans-X Jump seat ($99 usd) and the Kind Shock 2021 KS eTen 100mm Dropper Seatpost Post with Lever ($140 usd)
Those two posts are the only dropper posts I see with a lever under the seat.

I'm also looking at the PNS Coast dropper which "combines ride smoothing suspension and the benefits of a dropper into one seat post." This post has external routing. The suspension aspect intrigues me because the Vado SL does not have much compliance built into the rear end. It's a stiff riding bike. I put 42c tires on the bike which provides a little more cushion, but it's still a stiff ride in the rear.

 

[FlatSix911]

I am looking at the Trans-X Jump seat ($99 usd) and the Kind Shock 2021 KS eTen 100mm Dropper Seatpost Post with Lever ($140 usd)
Those two posts are the only dropper posts I see with a lever under the seat.

Perfect, thanks... I just ordered the KS eTen Dropper.

 

[jorukfundan]

Perfect, thanks... I just ordered the KS eTen Dropper.

Did that KS eTen Dropper arrive yet? How did it turn out?

 

[Rás Cnoic]

I'm also looking at the PNS Coast dropper which "combines ride smoothing suspension and the benefits of a dropper into one seat post." This post has external routing. The suspension aspect intrigues me because the Vado SL does not have much compliance built into the rear end. It's a stiff riding bike. I put 42c tires on the bike which provides a little more cushion, but it's still a stiff ride in the rear.

Can I ask which 42c tires you went for & if you have fenders/mudguards & do they fit ok? Looking at doing this too.

Also is your rear light under the saddle & cabled through the seat post? Would the dropper effect that?

Thanks

 

[FlatSix911]

Did that KS eTen Dropper arrive yet? How did it turn out?

Yes the new KS eTen dropper arrived!
I now have to wait a few weeks to install it on the bike that is at my vacation home... can't wait for the Christmas Holiday!
KS ETEN Dropper Seatpost | Competitive Cyclist

 

[jorukfundan]

It is very hard even on the full power Vado because of the air drag. The 28 mph in the Class 3 specification means "we don't forbid you to be assisted to 28 mph" but it has never been the promise to achieve and -- especially -- maintain that speed.

I found that I can ride at 24-25 mph on this bike with some effort. 28 mph is quite difficult to achieve and maintain on level ground. I am happy with 24-25 mph though. This is faster than I can do on a road bike in full spandex, in an aerodynamic position. I can do a fast speed on the Vado SL sitting upright wearing street cloths. It's so rad.

 

[jorukfundan]

Can I ask which 42c tires you went for & if you have fenders/mudguards & do they fit ok? Looking at doing this too.

Also is your rear light under the saddle & cabled through the seat post? Would the dropper effect that?

Thanks

Ras Cnoic,
Merry Christmas! Sorry I didn't see your question until now. I don't have fenders, so I can't answer your question about fenders/mudguards, but I have attached photos. The larger 42c tires take up some space. And thank you for noticing the rear light. I did not think of that problem. The wires come from the motor area and come up through the seat tube. So this is a problem with a dropper. I wonder how the wire is routed with the factory rear fender, because the wires will need to exit the frame from a lower place (not out of the top of the seat post, directly to the seat mounted rear light on the non-fender version of the Vado SL). I was thinking about the rear fender because I want the rack but unfortunately there are no rack mounts on the upper part of the Vado SL frame.....to then you need a seat post upper mount, and those mounts are not as strong, and could interfere with a dropper. This is a complicated problem.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Ras Cnoic,
Merry Christmas! Sorry I didn't see your question until now. I don't have fenders, so I can't answer your question about fenders/mudguards, but I have attached photos. The larger 42c tires take up some space. And thank you for noticing the rear light. I did not think of that problem. The wires come from the motor area and come up through the seat tube. So this is a problem with a dropper. I wonder how the wire is routed with the factory rear fender, because the wires will need to exit the frame from a lower place (not out of the top of the seat post, directly to the seat mounted rear light on the non-fender version of the Vado SL). I was thinking about the rear fender because I want the rack but unfortunately there are no rack mounts on the upper part of the Vado SL frame.....to then you need a seat post upper mount, and those mounts are not as strong, and could interfere with a dropper. This is a complicated problem.

It is a complicated problem for sure! Been scratching my head a bit too. Ideally I’d like a simple dropper post and larger ‘floaty’ tyres as I’m venturing on some broken overgrown lanes and occasional single track. Those pics of your 42c tyres looks great, thanks for that. Might even be able to fit my 3rd party mudguards. Worth a go I think. But the dropper post remains an unsolved issue. I do have a third party set of mudguards & rack with a seat post mount. They work fine but yes it’s another dropper deterrent! Anyway Merry Christmas to you too and happy cycling. Incidentally do you find the wider tyres any slower then the 38s? They have that similar central thread pattern so look like there’s not much rolling resistance.

 

[jorukfundan]

I can’t comment on the 38s because I bought this bike 2nd hand with the 42s already installed. The previous owner simply said the 42s were more comfortable. These tires handle well. I like to ride fast and do slalom moves and hop curbs. The tires feel supportive and sure. They don’t squirm on me. I dont know the correct pressures....I’m into the high 30s psi I think. I ride MTB mostly so I’m normally at 20-25 psi. Cant go that low with these tires. They seem to roll fine...they don’t feel draggy to me. As I mentioned I feel like this bike is stiff- too stiff. That’s why I’m looking at the PNW Coast dropper. It has 100mm drop and a second air chamber that can be tuned for a cushion. I’m interested in your 3rd party rack and fenders. This bike is really fun. I get a kick out of it every time I ride. The dropper would enhance the experience. It’s more relaxing to me to drop the saddle. I don’t need perfect efficiency when I’m cruising around and I have electric power. Merry Christmas to you as well! Happy electric cycling! Bikes are so good these days. It’s like being a kid again.