The new turbo Vado 2017

[ronin2000]

Today I followed up my phone conversation with a formal email to the Turbo Product Manager. Key things I asked for were 5 year availability for out-of-warranty spares through the dealers and/or accessory catalog for:

• Battery - At least the option to purchase a 691 Wh battery which can be used to replace any earlier Turbo battery. Or an approved battery refurb program where one gets a new battery and returns a core.
• Handlebar Controllers - Spares availability for both the Shimano brake version (new Turbo X/S) and the older Formula Version (base Turbo, older Turbo X, Turbo S). Due to frequency of backlight failures and joystick failures.
• Motors - At least the 250W motor for all base Turbo and older Turbo S/X. 500W version for new Turbo S. They can end-of-life the 200W, since the 250W could be a direct replacement.

I also suggested very strongly that Specialized read through this entire thread. I doubt they have ever end-of-life'd a bike before that has this much proprietary content and high average sales price. The issue is not just warranty support, but customer loyalty as they transition to the new model.

Doug

P.S. Go on line and read the Vado user manual. The feature set is really pretty good.

I read the Specs on the VADO, they seem quite nice and at a lower entry price to boot. Id just be less inclined to buy one if Specialized doesn’t support previous Turbo purchases and snubbed the current 1st get buyers. The specs seem more than adequate, however I’m still not sold on the aesthetics of the bike itself, perhaps seeing it in person would change my opinion.

 

[mattbytes]

This is a little confusing. If you look at the images, the 5.0 has a price point of $5k but when you go to the details it's actually $4200. For the 3.0, the image shows it's $3000 but the detail shows it's actually $3200.

 

[James Kohls]

Here is the non-U.S. 4.0 version:

3.0

 

[Douglas Ruby]

I believe that the $3200 and $4600 are the correct prices. While the web site is evolving, keep in mind that Specialized hasnt yet formally launched the Vado line in the US. Once the launch event happens I will believethe pricing.

 

[Trail Cruiser]

Vado all-weather full fenders.
This new Vado has an extended front fender close to the ground although it doesn't look like it has a flexible lower lip. I knew that the front fender has to extend all the way down in order the protect the mid drive from road splash and dirt. More especially if you have the low lying Bafang BBS. The modifications I did to my fender effectively kept my BBS and my shoes splash free and dirt free. However, when I carry my ebike through stairs the lower lip actually touches the steps, good thing it's made up of flexible rubber.

Addendum:
I take that back. After reviewing the video, there is actually a flexible rubber mud flap that is flush mounted to the fender. Sweet!

 

[Melanie]

I've been debating about the vado for six months. Now that it's available for order in USA I've been considering more because of battery issues and such. However, it is the only bike available near me that looks like a bike that doesn't have a battery slapped onto the down tube. I am 5 ft tall and other bikes with intergraded batteries are too big for me. I will be riding pavement half the time. The other 50 percent of the time will be dirt roads and light trails. I planned on removing the front fender cause I don't want rocks getting jammed between tire and said fender. Am I being silly? Should I wait even longer to see if their HT 29 is more appropriate for me? The levo 6 fatties seems too mountain bike for me. I really like the lights and rack too on the vado. Comments and suggestions welcome.

 

[jwb]

I find the comparison to the Stromer ST2 amusing. That bike is so heavy, it's like carrying another bicycle with you. 50lbs is a magic number because at least where I live it is the load limit of bike racks on transit. 65lbs rules out the possibility of taking the bike on a bus or train.

I see that the Vado weighs even less than the Turbo, at 46lbs. That's really good. I can't find data for the Trek Super Commuter+ 8s yet, but with its absurdly wide tires I have a feeling it will be over 50.

 

[Drew224]

I find the comparison to the Stromer ST2 amusing. That bike is so heavy, it's like carrying another bicycle with you. 50lbs is a magic number because at least where I live it is the load limit of bike racks on transit. 65lbs rules out the possibility of taking the bike on a bus or train.

I see that the Vado weighs even less than the Turbo, at 46lbs. That's really good. I can't find data for the Trek Super Commuter+ 8s yet, but with its absurdly wide tires I have a feeling it will be over 50.

Ok...we'll let me state that this seems to be just a "you" issue with the bike...and not one with previous turbo owners. You put a smaller motor and battery on a bike...the Vado is what your gonna get. You put a smaller battery and motor on any electric bike...which there's plenty of them out there...it's gonna be lighter. Specialized was a race inspired company...but now it looks like their trying too keep up with the joneses. The troubling issue with me and people that have bought a turbo...is that their SOL on any customer service from here on out. They took a perfectly aggressive looking bike and came up with the Vado??? WTF?!?! This forum is taking a bit of a uturn from what I was trying to get out of it btw. If specialized is done with this battery issue...than I'm done with specialized...end of story!!!

 

[jwb]

Well yes, if you put a small

Ok...we'll let me state that this seems to be just a "you" issue with the bike...and not one with previous turbo owners. You put a smaller motor and battery on a bike...the Vado is what your gonna get. You put a smaller battery and motor on any electric bike...which there's plenty of them out there...it's gonna be lighter. Specialized was a race inspired company...but now it looks like their trying too keep up with the joneses. The troubling issue with me and people that have bought a turbo...is that their SOL on any customer service from here on out. They took a perfectly aggressive looking bike and came up with the Vado??? WTF?!?! This forum is taking a bit of a uturn from what I was trying to get out of it btw. If specialized is done with this battery issue...than I'm done with specialized...end of story!!!

Yes, if you put a smaller motor and battery on a bike then what you get is a bike that weighs under 50lbs, which is a magic point that opens up new possibilities. If I needed a vehicle that weighed so much that I couldn't take it on the bus or train, and that costs $7000, I'd just get a 600cc motorcycle. Bikes under 50lbs are in their own category and that category is "bicycle". The Stromer is in some other category. Probably "boat anchor".

Totally agreed on the appearance of the Turbo Vado. Looks ridiculous, but essentially dictated by the mid-drive and integrated battery. Still not as ugly as the Trek.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

Fellas, can't we all just get along? Let me divert the thread a minute: the new Super Commuter is making an appearance at a demo day event at a bike shop about forty minutes from me later on today. I'm gonna hotfoot it down there and take a ride on this potentially tremendous new bike. I'll report back in theTrek thread later on. I'll try to grab some pictures as well.

 

[mattbytes]

Looking forward to the Trek feedback. Personally, I think the Vado has a look that will grow on us. So i'm taking wait and see approach until I'm able to see it in person.

 

[ronin2000]

I believe that the $3200 and $4600 are the correct prices. While the web site is evolving, keep in mind that Specialized hasnt yet formally launched the Vado line in the US. Once the launch event happens I will believethe pricing.

Have you had any reply back from Specialized regarding longterm support? Im curious to see what happens.

 

[Douglas Ruby]

Have you had any reply back from Specialized regarding longterm support? Im curious to see what happens.

Not yet. I will try a phone call tomorrow.

 

[fxr3]

Well yes, if you put a small


Yes, if you put a smaller motor and battery on a bike then what you get is a bike that weighs under 50lbs, which is a magic point that opens up new possibilities. If I needed a vehicle that weighed so much that I couldn't take it on the bus or train, and that costs $7000, I'd just get a 600cc motorcycle. Bikes under 50lbs are in their own category and that category is "bicycle". The Stromer is in some other category. Probably "boat anchor".

Totally agreed on the appearance of the Turbo Vado. Looks ridiculous, but essentially dictated by the mid-drive and integrated battery. Still not as ugly as the Trek.

So 5 more lbs changes bike from magic and opening new possibilities to boat anchor? Good luck discreetly and safely enjoying bike path on your new 600.

 

[Douglas Ruby]

Not yet. I will try a phone call tomorrow.

Spoke very briefly through a bad cell connection with the product manager. She was surprised I had not gotten her email. I will try to get this in writing, but her words were that the Manager of Warranty support wrote her that the legacy Turbo line would continue to be supported, including batteries, motors, unique parts, etc. through 2021.

 

[ronin2000]

When will the 691 batteries be back in stock? This would be great if we can all get this in writing! Feeling a little relieved!

 

[Drew224]

When will the 691 batteries be back in stock? This would be great if we can all get this in writing! Feeling a little relieved!

I'd like to add to that...if batteries will be in stock or continue to be in stock until 2021 if that's at all possible too find out. Thanks Doug btw...I still have a window of opportunity for the S, but with that being said that window is shrinking very quickly.

 

[ronin2000]

Drew Id pick one up if I were you. the Bike is AMAZING. Especially if you can snap one up for a few K off.

 

[Douglas Ruby]

Hey all, I have nothing in writing yet and only the briefest of conversations. I am assuming that the 691 Wh batteries are just on backorder now. Put one on order and see when you can get it. The 504 Wh batteries are available and are discounted to under $700.

 

[bazzapage]

Drew Id pick one up if I were you. the Bike is AMAZING. Especially if you can snap one up for a few K off.

I would agree with that. However I did a review of the Moustache Friday 27 Speed which is Bosch-powered, and it was amazing too, and better up hills than the Turbo S. Handled brilliantly which is where I think the Vado will eclipse the Turbo S. Being Bosch likely means that batteries etc are commodity items. Not quite as fast as a Turbo S with the restraints off though if it matters, but a whole lot more comfortable. Depends what you want...
https://electricbikesnz.com/2017/04/23/moustache-friday-27-speed-at-the-top-of-the-class/