"* Specifications are subject to change without notice" (or, The History of S-Pedelec Turbo Vado)

Stefan Mikes

Stefan Mikes

Gravel e-biker
Region
Europe
City
Mazovia, PL
Specialized announced their commuter e-bike in 2017. Milestones for the top-of-line model:
  • 2017: U.S. Class 3/EU L1e-B Speed Pedelec, 45 km/h or 28 mph. Many parts have not changed for years (I think it has been an excellent design).
  • 2018: The fixed fork was replaced with Suntour suspension fork. That required using different front-hub and front-axle. Specialized website lists introduction of the 1.3 motor (Brose S Alu) as early as in 2018. (Hard to believe that).
    Downgrade: Cheaper drive-train.
  • 2019: Lack of trustworthy data (only a non-EU source found).
  • 2020: A breakthrough. The older BLOKS display had been a nuisance; it did not work with Mission Control either. (a) TCD-W display introduced (works with Mission Control) (b) Different stem (c) Different remote and separate horn button (d) New, excellent lighting (e) New Racktime rack.
    Still the same old good Specialized 1.2s (Brose TF) motor.
  • 2021: New Vado 6.0 not announced.
Not many things have changed in the EU S-Pedelec. The electronics overhaul has been the greatest improvement in years. And the price of the 6.0 is growing, growing, growing... What I like about Vado is has turned out to be a sustainable e-bike. You can still use the same batteries, for instance.

Comparison in Excel format



Vado 5.0 MY 2017 (U.S./EU)Vado 6.0 MY 2018 (U.S./EU)Vado 6.0 MY 2019 (non EU)Vado 6.0 MY 2020 (EU only)Vado 6.0 MY 2021
FrameTurbo Vado aluminum frame with bottom bracket motor mount, fitness/transportation geometry, fully integrated lockable down tube battery, internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, smooth welds, reflective graphicsSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017NOT ANNOUNCED
ForkTurbo rigid full aluminum disc fork, 12x100mm thru-axleSR Suntour NCX E25, alloy steerer, 15mm thru-axle, 44mm offset, 50mm of travelSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Seat binderSpecialized, alloy, 34.9mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Rear hubSpecialized alloy disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm, 10-/11-speed freehub, 28hSpecialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32hSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Front hubSpecialized alloy disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x100mm thru-axle, 28hSpecialized front hub disc, sealed bearings, 15mm thru-axle, 32hSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Rims700C disc rim, 28h, double wall700C disc, double-wall alloy, sleevedSame as MY 2018
Spokes700c, (1.8mm) XDB Stainless BLACKStainless, 14gDT Swiss IndustrySame as MY 2019
Front tireElectrak 2.0 Armadillo, 700x51mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Rear tireElectrak 2.0 Armadillo, 700x51mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Inner tubes700C, 40mm Presta valveSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Rear deraiileurShimano Deore XT, Shadow Plus, SGS cage, 11-speedShimano XT, Shadow Plus, GS cage, 11-speedSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
CassetteShimano SLX M7000, 11-speed, 11-46tShimano SLX, 11-speed, 11-42tSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Shift leversShimano SLX, 11-speedSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
ChainShimano CN-HG601, 11 SpeedShimano UltegraSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2017
CranksetCustom alloy crankarms (Praxis)Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Chainrings48T, BCD: 104, single Xsync style 10-/11-speedSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
HandlebarsSpecialized, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 4-degree upsweep, 680mm width, 31.8mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
StemAlloy w/ display/light mount, 31.8mm clampSame as MY 2017Specialized Flowset, alloy, 20-degree w/ display/light mount, 31.8mmSpecialized Stealth Stem, alloy, 14 deg, 31.8mm, integrated TCD-W mount
SeatpostSpecialized, alloy, single bolt, 21mm offset, 30.9mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Front brakeTRP Zurich, hydraulic 4-piston disc, 180mmSame as MY 2017Shimano Deore XT T8000, hydraulic disc, 180mmSame as MY 2017
Rear brakeTRP Zurich, hydraulic 4-piston disc, 180mmSame as MY 2017Shimano Deore XT T8000, hydraulic disc, 160mmSame as MY 2017
BatterySpecialized UI-604, On/Off button, state of charge display, 604WhSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
UI/RemoteCustom 2.2"" BLOKS. TFT display w/ touchscreen & USB plug, stem mount w/ custom handlebar remote & Turbo Vado Mission Control App connectivitySame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Specialized TCD-W w/ handlebar remote & built-in anti-theft feature, Bluetooth® connectivity, 5 available display pages, L1E version
ChargerCustom charger, 42V 4A with Rosenberger plugSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
MotorSpecialized 1.2S, Custom Rx Street Tuned Motor, 250W NominalSpecialized 1.3, Custom Rx Street Tuned Motor, 250W NominalSame as MY 2018Same as 2017 (1.2S again)
LightingIntegrated Specialized Headlight with Aspheric Lens Technology (12 Volt, Two-LED, 600 Lumen, IP67 Rated, Aluminum Die-Cast Body, Stem Mount); Rack-Integrated Specialized Backlight with Lightguide Technology (12 Volt, 8 SMD LED, Clear Window, IP67 Rated, Plastic Injected Housing, Aluminum Rack Attachment Studs, Inner Cable Routing in Left Stud)Supernova V521s, upside-down mount to stem, 205lm;
Supernova E3, alloy housing, 3-LED, 250-degree visibility, fender mount		Same as MY 2018Supernova M99 Pro, custom, w/Supernova Universal Handlebar mount; Supernova M99, custom, Brake- /Licenseplatelight
RackCustom Specialized Rack with Racktime Snap-it System and Integrated Rear LightSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017New Racktime rack
FendersSpecialized DRYTECH fenders, 52mm width, stainless steel fenderstaySame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
MirrorCustom Specialized Side Mirror (Alloy and Glass)Same as MY 2017(n/a)Same as MY 2017
Kickstand40 mm Spaced Standard Rear-Mount KickstandSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Horn/BellElectronic HornSame as MY 2017Simple bellSame as MY 2017
Maximum speed45 km/h, 28 mph45 km/h, 28 mph28 mph45 km/h (EU only)
 
Last edited:
Stefan Mikes said:
Specialized announced their commuter e-bike in 2017. Milestones for the top-of-line model:
  • 2017: U.S. Class 3/EU L1e-B Speed Pedelec, 45 km/h or 28 mph. Many parts have not changed for years (I think it has been an excellent design).
  • 2018: The fixed fork was replaced with Suntour suspension fork. That required using different front-hub and front-axle. Specialized website lists introduction of the 1.3 motor (Brose S Alu) as early as in 2018. (Hard to believe that).
    Downgrade: Cheaper drive-train.
  • 2019: Lack of trustworthy data (only a non-EU source found).
  • 2020: A breakthrough. The older BLOKS display had been a nuisance; it did not work with Mission Control either. (a) TCD-W display introduced (works with Mission Control) (b) Different stem (c) Different remote and separate horn button (d) New, excellent lighting (e) New Racktime rack.
    Still the same old good Specialized 1.2s (Brose TF) motor.
  • 2021: New Vado 6.0 not announced.
Not many things have changed in the EU S-Pedelec. The electronics overhaul has been the greatest improvement in years. And the price of the 6.0 is growing, growing, growing... What I like about Vado is has turned out to be a sustainable e-bike. You can still use the same batteries, for instance.

Comparison in Excel format



Vado 5.0 MY 2017 (U.S./EU)Vado 6.0 MY 2018 (U.S./EU)Vado 6.0 MY 2019 (non EU)Vado 6.0 MY 2020 (EU only)Vado 6.0 MY 2021
FrameTurbo Vado aluminum frame with bottom bracket motor mount, fitness/transportation geometry, fully integrated lockable down tube battery, internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, smooth welds, reflective graphicsSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017NOT ANNOUNCED
ForkTurbo rigid full aluminum disc fork, 12x100mm thru-axleSR Suntour NCX E25, alloy steerer, 15mm thru-axle, 44mm offset, 50mm of travelSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Seat binderSpecialized, alloy, 34.9mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Rear hubSpecialized alloy disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm, 10-/11-speed freehub, 28hSpecialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32hSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Front hubSpecialized alloy disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x100mm thru-axle, 28hSpecialized front hub disc, sealed bearings, 15mm thru-axle, 32hSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Rims700C disc rim, 28h, double wall700C disc, double-wall alloy, sleevedSame as MY 2018
Spokes700c, (1.8mm) XDB Stainless BLACKStainless, 14gDT Swiss IndustrySame as MY 2019
Front tireElectrak 2.0 Armadillo, 700x51mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Rear tireElectrak 2.0 Armadillo, 700x51mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Inner tubes700C, 40mm Presta valveSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Rear deraiileurShimano Deore XT, Shadow Plus, SGS cage, 11-speedShimano XT, Shadow Plus, GS cage, 11-speedSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
CassetteShimano SLX M7000, 11-speed, 11-46tShimano SLX, 11-speed, 11-42tSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2018
Shift leversShimano SLX, 11-speedSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
ChainShimano CN-HG601, 11 SpeedShimano UltegraSame as MY 2018Same as MY 2017
CranksetCustom alloy crankarms (Praxis)Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Chainrings48T, BCD: 104, single Xsync style 10-/11-speedSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
HandlebarsSpecialized, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 4-degree upsweep, 680mm width, 31.8mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
StemAlloy w/ display/light mount, 31.8mm clampSame as MY 2017Specialized Flowset, alloy, 20-degree w/ display/light mount, 31.8mmSpecialized Stealth Stem, alloy, 14 deg, 31.8mm, integrated TCD-W mount
SeatpostSpecialized, alloy, single bolt, 21mm offset, 30.9mmSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Front brakeTRP Zurich, hydraulic 4-piston disc, 180mmSame as MY 2017Shimano Deore XT T8000, hydraulic disc, 180mmSame as MY 2017
Rear brakeTRP Zurich, hydraulic 4-piston disc, 180mmSame as MY 2017Shimano Deore XT T8000, hydraulic disc, 160mmSame as MY 2017
BatterySpecialized UI-604, On/Off button, state of charge display, 604WhSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
UI/RemoteCustom 2.2"" BLOKS. TFT display w/ touchscreen & USB plug, stem mount w/ custom handlebar remote & Turbo Vado Mission Control App connectivitySame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Specialized TCD-W w/ handlebar remote & built-in anti-theft feature, Bluetooth® connectivity, 5 available display pages, L1E version
ChargerCustom charger, 42V 4A with Rosenberger plugSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
MotorSpecialized 1.2S, Custom Rx Street Tuned Motor, 250W NominalSpecialized 1.3, Custom Rx Street Tuned Motor, 250W NominalSame as MY 2018Same as 2017 (1.2S again)
LightingIntegrated Specialized Headlight with Aspheric Lens Technology (12 Volt, Two-LED, 600 Lumen, IP67 Rated, Aluminum Die-Cast Body, Stem Mount); Rack-Integrated Specialized Backlight with Lightguide Technology (12 Volt, 8 SMD LED, Clear Window, IP67 Rated, Plastic Injected Housing, Aluminum Rack Attachment Studs, Inner Cable Routing in Left Stud)Supernova V521s, upside-down mount to stem, 205lm;
Supernova E3, alloy housing, 3-LED, 250-degree visibility, fender mount		Same as MY 2018Supernova M99 Pro, custom, w/Supernova Universal Handlebar mount; Supernova M99, custom, Brake- /Licenseplatelight
RackCustom Specialized Rack with Racktime Snap-it System and Integrated Rear LightSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017New Racktime rack
FendersSpecialized DRYTECH fenders, 52mm width, stainless steel fenderstaySame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
MirrorCustom Specialized Side Mirror (Alloy and Glass)Same as MY 2017(n/a)Same as MY 2017
Kickstand40 mm Spaced Standard Rear-Mount KickstandSame as MY 2017Same as MY 2017Same as MY 2017
Horn/BellElectronic HornSame as MY 2017Simple bellSame as MY 2017
Maximum speed45 km/h, 28 mph45 km/h, 28 mph28 mph45 km/h (EU only)
Click to expand...
Stefan, you might be suffering from what we here in the States call 'cabin fever' which often manifests itself in lots of pent-up energy from bad weather confinement going into detailed projects...😎
 
Sierratim said:
Stefan, you might be suffering from what we here in the States call 'cabin fever' which often manifests itself in lots of pent-up energy from bad weather confinement going into detailed projects...😎
Click to expand...
I resemble that remark.
 
Sierratim said:
Stefan, you might be suffering from what we here in the States call 'cabin fever' which often manifests itself in lots of pent-up energy from bad weather confinement going into detailed projects...😎
Click to expand...
You are totally right, Sir! :D
 
I think the key detail here is if you can actually get your hands on the Turbo product. It's listed as "oversold" for this year, meaning get in line!

Also of note, what is now the 5.0 in the US is what the 6.0 used to be!
 
Brendon@TBSM said:
I think the key detail here is if you can actually get your hands on the Turbo product. It's listed as "oversold" for this year, meaning get in line!

Also of note, what is now the 5.0 in the US is what the 6.0 used to be!
Click to expand...
Not exactly, Brendon. The EU 6.0 is different to the U.S. 5.0 in several aspects:
1613544183752.png

That's because of EU requirements for L1e-B class (moped). Also, each EU 6.0 is delivered with individual Certificate of Conformity (like a moped or motorcycle) and sports the VIN.
 
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