Specialized’s ultra-light 120-mile range e-bike - Turbo Vado SL

[citivas]

I don’t own the Turbo Vado SL (considering one) but I can tell you that a suspension seat post like the Kinect will make a massive difference. I basically can’t ride my current e-bike (Cross Current) with a standard rigid seat post as the ride is overly harsh especially once you start going faster. I’m not sure how wide of a tire the Vado will fit but I run wider 50mm tires (my bike was 45mm stock) at reasonable pressures (25-30psi) and that helps too.

Thanks for the feedback on how big a difference the seat suspension makes.

The SL starts with 700x38's. You can switch to either a 700x42 or a 650x47. However, doing either of those other sizes appears to be incompatible with the included fender, rack (which requires the custom fender for its mount) and the LED taillight. I haven't heard from anyone who actually has made that swap yet. 50mm tires would be a world of difference from the 38's, based on my experience with also trying the Turbo Como.

 

[SwiftySanders]

Thanks for the feedback on how big a difference the seat suspension makes.

The SL starts with 700x38's. You can switch to either a 700x42 or a 650x47. However, doing either of those other sizes appears to be incompatible with the included fender, rack (which requires the custom fender for its mount) and the LED taillight. I haven't heard from anyone who actually has made that swap yet. 50mm tires would be a world of difference from the 38's, based on my experience with also trying the Turbo Como.

For some reason I thought there was a Vado SL model that didn't have fenders?

 

[citivas]

For some reason I thought there was a Vado SL model that didn't have fenders?

yes, that's true. Both the 4 and the 5 have a non-EQ version that is missing the fenders, rack, and the kick-stand. It's easy to get the kick stand. The one trade off is the rear LED light is mounted to the seat with wiring down the seat post. So if you go this way you you'll probably have to give up that light if you modify with a suspension seat post (unless someone has a good hack they want to share).

 

[citivas]

If I got the non-EQ version of the SL and swapped out the tires with 650x47's presumably I would need to change the wheels too? If so, is it easy to get ones that are comparable to wha's included on the bike and the same color etc.? What 650x47's would people recommend? And are there fenders or racks that would work in that configuration?

 

[BigNerd]

For some reason I thought there was a Vado SL model that didn't have fenders?

There is. The EQ (equipped) has them, the non-EQ is "naked".

 

[Dunbar]

I test rode the Vado SL. It looks like the fork and rear stays have clearance for 45-50mm tires. The fenders might not work as well in the wet but it looks like you could get the tires to clear everything.

 

[Art Deco]

yes, that's true. Both the 4 and the 5 have a non-EQ version that is missing the fenders, rack, and the kick-stand. It's easy to get the kick stand. The one trade off is the rear LED light is mounted to the seat with wiring down the seat post. So if you go this way you you'll probably have to give up that light if you modify with a suspension seat post (unless someone has a good hack they want to share).

Just buy a battery a battery operated flashing light or two and mount them where ever . I put one on a topeak rack.

 

[Marci jo]

I don’t own the Turbo Vado SL (considering one) but I can tell you that a suspension seat post like the Kinect will make a massive difference. I basically can’t ride my current e-bike (Cross Current) with a standard rigid seat post as the ride is overly harsh especially once you start going faster. I’m not sure how wide of a tire the Vado will fit but I run wider 50mm tires (my bike was 45mm stock) at reasonable pressures (25-30psi) and that helps a bit too.

In complete agreement with Dunbar. Suspension seat post is the way to go.
When I first got my 2018 Vado 6.0 I thought the ride was going to shake me apart.
Got the Cirrus Kinect and it made a HUGE difference. No bumps now!
Other members have Thudbusters and Suntours.

 

[BigNerd]

Are there Trek or Giant equivalents to the Vado SL?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Are there Trek or Giant equivalents to the Vado SL?

No.

 

[FlatSix911]

Are there Trek or Giant equivalents to the Vado SL?

As mentioned previously, there are other OEM equivalents available... 33 lbs and 28 mph.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products...s-electric-gravel-road-bikes-emulekick-sl.htm

 

[Stefan Mikes]

As mentioned previously, there are other OEM equivalents available... 33 lbs and 28 mph.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products...s-electric-gravel-road-bikes-emulekick-sl.htm

All fine if not the B-thing
"You don't let your friends buy the B-thing"

 

[BigNerd]

I was looking for another LBS brand similar to Vado SL.

Seems like that is the unicorn ebike for me... just a bit out of my comfort spend level.

 

[JeffC57]

I was looking for another LBS brand similar to Vado SL.

Seems like that is the unicorn ebike for me... just a bit out of my comfort spend level.

There's this one by Cannondale:

Cannondale Electric City Bikes | REI Co-op

Shop for Cannondale Electric City Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

www.rei.com

In the same weight class as a Vado SL but it is a hub drive system. Cheaper too.

 

[BigNerd]

Yep. Been looking at the Cannondale... I think it was mentioned earlier in this thread. Only issue is I can only find the SL 1 via REI's site... doesn't seem like anyone is selling the SL 2.

I don't mind the hub drive.... I think the 250w should be sufficient as I'm only looking for assist on hills... don't even need a throttle or higher than Class 1.

I'm actually looking at just a light analog hybrid bike to see if that is easier to ride up hills than my heavier MTB.

 

[SwiftySanders]

There's this one by Cannondale:

Cannondale Electric City Bikes | REI Co-op

Shop for Cannondale Electric City Bikes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

www.rei.com

In the same weight class as a Vado SL but it is a hub drive system. Cheaper too.

Hub drives are a big no no for me. I don't like the way they feel when I ride at all. I have a strong preference for mid drive.

 

[Kivis]

Interesting. Unfortunately, the Vado 4 SL doesn’t cone with the TCD. It even requires a mounting device. After reading all the comments on how hard it was to use, reset and so forth and then checking out the instruction sheet, I realized that even though I’m supposed to be a master of technology, I’d hate trying to figure it out. Also the LBS folks told me that most people use Mission Control on their phones. (I suspect part of the negative advice is because they didn’t have the TCD in stock.)

Mission Control will have to do for now.

My question is who needs the TCD? The PDF fact sheet is impossible to read. Doesn't Mission Control do all the TCD does and more? (New owner of a Vado SL 5.0EQ)

 

[BEC111]

My question is who needs the TCD? The PDF fact sheet is impossible to read. Doesn't Mission Control do all the TCD does and more? (New owner of a Vado SL 5.0EQ)

As far as I know it does all and more. Even if I had the TCD, I’d use Mission Control to set assist levels and even monitor my rides from my pocket. Mostly to get the data via Strava onto my iPhone’s health app, though I find Strava a useful tool for tracking my level of conditioning.

The TCD is definitely not needed. The only reason to add it to my SL 4 would be to have $100 device instead of a $1000 one on my handlebars. Not a totally bad reason, I guess.

 

[JeffC57]

My question is who needs the TCD? The PDF fact sheet is impossible to read. Doesn't Mission Control do all the TCD does and more? (New owner of a Vado SL 5.0EQ)

I have the same bike as you. Sure you can get all the information you need and more from Mission Control but I prefer not to be futzing with a smart phone on my handlebars while I am riding. The default first page of the TCD shows at a glance speed, distance traveled, battery and assist levels and the time. That’s all I need when I am in the saddle. Yes the pdf of the TCD instructions is impossible to read at it’s native size but I can blow up the section I need to read on my pc or tablet. To each his (or her) own however regarding information retrieval while riding. What is most important is that it’s a great ride.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Every user of the "heavy" Vado appreciates the fact the TCD-W (wired) display is there, because having a detailed bike computer on the stem is just a great thing (and Jeff appreciates that with his TCD). It is different in e-MTB world where the rider simply has no time to consult the display. For this reason, the first generation of Turbo Levo had no display at all; all what was there was a 10-bar battery state display. Now, all SL e-bikes (Levo, Vado, Creo) rely on the bluetooth connectivity and the TCD is an optional item. Personally, I like to know at what speed I ride, what the exact battery % is, how far have I ridden and what time it has taken. Cadence, rider's power input, calories, max speed, average speed and odometer -- as well as Heart Rate -- are nice extras. (I don't think you can have the Cadence or Rider's Power in the Mission Control). Moreover, having the smartphone on the handlebars is doable for me but the battery typically dries up after couple of hours' ride (then you need to use a powerbank). I ride with a smartphone on the handlebars but found using Mission Control impractical on my rides save the Smart Control. The display is the must for me.