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

[Allan47.7339]

In response to the dog weight analogy, the click bait thumbnail for the youtube link I posted above shows a picture of her holding the bike aloft. I think the light weight will be a selling point with new non-bike users. I am well out of the demographic the influencer is targeting but a lighter bike would allow it to be carried to an inside storage. I just use my Turbo S for errands now and carrying it up the stairs is a bit of an impediment.

 

[TomD]

Check out Court's video review for the motor noise. I think it might be an adjustment if you are accustomed to the silence of the Brose motors. I purchased a Luna X1 with M600 motor last year and I thought the noise was excessively loud, but I was coming from riding a bike with virtually silent BBS01 (very similar to the Brose motors in terms of quiet). Others didn't seem to think it was that bad, but they were accustomed to riding bikes with louder motors.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Oberst, you've got Vado, Levo, Creo SL. How would you compare the motor noise on these three?

 

[e-boy]

The bikes are selling out fast on Specialized website .
Some sizes are already showing Sold Out !

 

[e-boy]

They may have a limited amount available from their web store .
I recall the web store being out of stock on one model in the past but my LBS check Specialized's warehouse inventory and found it in stock .

 

[byunbee]

Check out Court's video review for the motor noise. I think it might be an adjustment if you are accustomed to the silence of the Brose motors. I purchased a Luna X1 with M600 motor last year and I thought the noise was excessively loud, but I was coming from riding a bike with virtually silent BBS01 (very similar to the Brose motors in terms of quiet). Others didn't seem to think it was that bad, but they were accustomed to riding bikes with louder motors.

How's the Luna X1 been treating you? Any issues other than motor noise? Have you taken it out on trails?

 

[opimax]

I am almost 65, certainly not a good physical specimen over 200 and 6ft of loose skin and mush but I do ride a lot, 65-100 miles every other day and depending on which bike 20 miles unpowered. I live near the Silver Comet rail to trail, 100 mile total length Not very hilly , not flat but not bad. Then main thing I carry in my panniers is spare batteries. I would very much like to try this bike. I am not sure if I am fit enough for it it or not. I would use more battery than a fit rider but would carry spare as much as needed or could take by weight. I have already put a down payment for a WattWagon of some kind with it multiple batteries and power to spare , This could be a 2nd bike which would satisfy one of my major concerns of Stealth. Keeping a eye on this , especially reliability reports. Need to find local or someone near Atlanta who gets one and will let me test ride...

 

[TomD]

byunbee, I returned the X1 due to the noise (there wasn't a silent gear option at the time, otherwise I would have kept it). Main reason for purchasing was to get out and enjoy nature and I felt the noise would be too much of a buzzkill in that regard (even if others couldn't hear it, I could). I test rode a Turbo Levo to compare and was impressed with how quiet it was and concluded a quieter motor would better complement my nature experience. That's not to say people will find the SL motor objectionable, I haven't seem many complaints, just thinking it might be more of an adjustment for some.

 

[Marci jo]

For sure will be watching this one and how it behaves in the field.
And I suspect a low/mid step frame is coming.

 

[Marci jo]

Check out Court's video review for the motor noise. I think it might be an adjustment if you are accustomed to the silence of the Brose motors. I purchased a Luna X1 with M600 motor last year and I thought the noise was excessively loud, but I was coming from riding a bike with virtually silent BBS01 (very similar to the Brose motors in terms of quiet). Others didn't seem to think it was that bad, but they were accustomed to riding bikes with louder motors.

Thanks Tomdav.
I was thinking the same thing as I watched Court's video, that the motor made a significant amount a noise. But then I thought it was maybe because he had mounted the camera directly above the motor.
Regardless, it would be fun to test ride this bike.

 

[FlatSix911]

Wow, 37 lbs class 3 really jumped out at me. It would be way easier to load than my current Vado beast. Could even get it inside my suv without help.

I’m addicted to the 90nm of torque on the current bike. And because of that I find it slightly difficult to ride along below 15 mph (25 mph). Doable but just not as much fun.

Motor noise? Can anyone comment on how that Mahle motor sounds?

When I posted this thread I was intrigued by the new trend in lightweight class 3 bikes.
I think we will see a lot more bikes using this formula to attract younger, athletic riders.

A case in point, BD just introduced a lineup of new 28 mph mid-drive bikes from 33-35 lbs.
Looks like high spec SRAM or Shimano components, hydraulic discs and integrated battery.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products...tric-flatbar-road-bikes-emulekick-express.htm

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

 

[Deacon Blues]

That BD bike looks nice, but the 215W battery sure is small.

 

[byunbee]

+1

Likely why the cost difference. Otherwise, the Vado SL seems very similar but with $1000 premium.

 

[Jimbo08]

The battery is easily replaced with tools. Any owner can do it.

If you are going to be removing the motor make sure you know the proper torque specs when you put it back in. The fact that this kind of DIY work might blow the warranty would make me think twice about doing it, at least during the warranty period.

 

[FlatSix911]

That BD bike looks nice, but the 215W battery sure is small.

Here is more information on the new Bafang powertrain... the motor, battery and display/controls are specifically designed for a lightweight road/gravel bike.

New Bafang powertrain paves the way for ultra lightweight electric road bikes

Most retail electric bicycles focus on mountain bike or hybrid style designs, leaving few options for those seeking sleek electric...

electrek.co

One of the most promising of Bafang’s new offerings is the M800 system designed specifically for road bikes, which includes a 5 lb (2.3 kg) mid-drive motor, a 4.4 lb (2 kg) integrated frame battery, satellite shifter pods and a color display. The entire package weighs less than 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg). Bafang, also known as 8fun, has designed the motor with exercise-conscious road bikers in mind. The M800 system includes 10 user-selectable assist levels to provide a range of power from a significant boost down to just a light tailwind.

However, unlike more powerful e-bikes that can provide constant pedal assist, the M800 is designed to provide assist only during acceleration and on uphill climbs. Essentially, the motor aims to flatten out terrain and help the rider get up to constant speed, at which point the rider takes over to provide the rest of the pedaling power. At only 200 W, the motor is definitely a helper motor as opposed to a ‘do the work for you’ motor. However, the upside of lower power is that the smaller 200 Wh battery should be plenty for even long rides due to the lower power draw. Bafang claims that the 200 Wh battery should last anywhere from 31 to 93 miles (50 to 150 km), depending on the assist level.

Bafang has also tuned the motor for different markets, with a 15.5 mph (25 km/h) option and a 28 mph (45 km/h) option, depending on a country’s local regulations. As most road cyclists can easily surpass 15.5 mph (25 km/h), it makes sense that Bafang designed the M800 system to only provide assist during acceleration and hill climbing. At just 4.4 kg, the entire M800 system including the battery weighs less than some competitors’ motors alone. This extremely lightweight new drive system can open the door for some exciting new electric road bikes as manufacturers decide how they want to incorporate the M800 system into their lineups.

While many people might scoff at a 200W pedal assist system, it is important to remember who this system is aimed at: road cyclists. This isn’t a commuter e-bike setup or an off-road setup, it is meant for those that want to be able to spend longer periods cycling but perhaps don’t have the strength required to climb the hills in their area or to accelerate quickly enough to keep up with their group. For that segment of the market, the M800 fills a niche that hasn’t yet been adequately addressed.

 

[FlatSix911]

 

[TMH]

Thanks for linking that vid, if for no other reason than to watch a guy out on a woods ride on a road/gravel bike in his flip flops!

I like the Bafang mid drives. Had the M600 on my FLX Roadster SE until my wife tried out that bike, and came home with a big smile on her face while saying 'Mine!' Don't think that she will be giving it up for the M800 quite yet...

 

[FlatSix911]

Thanks for linking that vid, if for no other reason than to watch a guy out on a woods ride on a road/gravel bike in his flip flops!

I like the Bafang mid drives. Had the M600 on my FLX Roadster SE until my wife tried out that bike, and came home with a big smile on her face while saying 'Mine!' Don't think that she will be giving it up for the M800 quite yet...

Yeah, love the guy with chainsaw interrupting mid vid...

 

[Oberst]

@Oberst, you've got Vado, Levo, Creo SL. How would you compare the motor noise on these three?

Trying to think of how to reply as tough when you ride them at different times. The Creo may be quieter and, when in Eco, it is barely noticeable to me but you do hear it in Turbo. Will have to listen carefully to each but my thought is the Levo is loudest, and the Vado about the middle.

 

[TMH]

So this new Turbo Vado SL is a supplement to the Vado range, right? And not a replacement for the current Turbo Vado's?

It was postulated elsewhere that prior to the introduction of the SL, Specialized was trying to get rid of the old Vado's, and this was their reason for the recent big discount on them.

Seems like it would be a real mistake if the SL was going to be the only Vado-type in the lineup. I recently bought my Vado 4.0 during the Spring Sale and given the choice between it and the new SL models, I would happily purchase my 'standard' Vado 4.0 again.