After many test rides on the Vado, Vado Sl and the Como we ordered a Vado 5.0 Step through for my wife in July. The LBS said it would not be available until mid September.Yesterday the LBS said he checked with his area rep or distributer and was told that they have no idea when the the bike wound be available. Maybe February '21. Yikes. I spoke with another LBS in the Tampa Bay area and after diligent investigation by him he came up with the same bad news. Basically no idea when the 5.0 would be available. The pandemic and China trade issue are probably contributing to the delay. Any additional information about the the above problem would be appreciated. If anyone knows of the availability of a Vado Medium 5.0 Step through please contact me. Thank you, Allan
Turbo Vado 5.0 Order Dilema
- Thread starter Allandpm
- Start date
Allandpm, I feel your pain. I’m also waiting for a Vado 5 order from my LBS. If you’re still looking, I stumbled across the “Find nearby” button on the Specialized page. Put in your Zip Code and it will show available bikes across the nation. Vado 5 Step through
Art Deco
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Selinsgrove Pennsylvania
There are Specialized dealers here on EBR. Do a shout out to @Brendon@TBSM for starters. He did have stock and arranged shipment to another LBS out of state IIRC. And a nice guy as well.
There's no question that there have been unprecedented challenges to the bike industry due to COVID ranging from unexpected surge in consumer demand to supply chain and distribution challenges. But some companies seem to be handling these issues better than others.
I placed a deposit on a Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 back in October 2020 (yes sorry I know this is a Vado thread) and while I'm not surprised that it's still not available in late Feb 2021 I am bummed that they still have no visibility as to when it might be available. While that's unfortunate - it's still absolutely understandable giving these unprecedented times. However, it something you should think about if you're considering purchasing this ebike.
There is one other issue to be very wary of though from Specialized and that's unexpected price hikes. Despite me placing an order for this bike and leaving a deposit back in October - Specialized recently raised the price of this bike by several hundred dollars and doesn't honor the price at which you originally put down the deposit. So net / net they raised the price of a bike I ordered 5 months ago and still can't tell me if / when it will come. To be frank business practices like this have kind of turned me off this brand despite the fact that I really liked the quality of the bike.
Thanks for the suggestion to reach out to @Brendon@TBSM . My local bike store has been wonderful - but perhaps there are other options out there.
I placed a deposit on a Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 back in October 2020 (yes sorry I know this is a Vado thread) and while I'm not surprised that it's still not available in late Feb 2021 I am bummed that they still have no visibility as to when it might be available. While that's unfortunate - it's still absolutely understandable giving these unprecedented times. However, it something you should think about if you're considering purchasing this ebike.
There is one other issue to be very wary of though from Specialized and that's unexpected price hikes. Despite me placing an order for this bike and leaving a deposit back in October - Specialized recently raised the price of this bike by several hundred dollars and doesn't honor the price at which you originally put down the deposit. So net / net they raised the price of a bike I ordered 5 months ago and still can't tell me if / when it will come. To be frank business practices like this have kind of turned me off this brand despite the fact that I really liked the quality of the bike.
Thanks for the suggestion to reach out to @Brendon@TBSM . My local bike store has been wonderful - but perhaps there are other options out there.
PedalUma
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Petaluma, CA
Specialized bikes cannot be shipped. The only way around it is if you have a friend or relative pick up a bike from a dealer and then have them ship it. Only in person signed releases are allowed for new Specialized bikes. Sometimes after a bike is rolled out the door (used) the dealer will make shipping arrangements for an additional fee. Then there is the matter of shipping the battery separately by ground.
A 2021 Vado 5.0 will be on our group ride tomorrow. What is fun is that the bike I will ride is a conversion of an acoustic Specialized and does not look electric and outperforms the Vado. Comos are nice. At least two silver Medium Como 5.0s are available in the SF Bay Area for in person release today. Ask for Peter or Drew if you have a local friend who can sign for you. I know you like your local store, but it has been a long time.
Wow, thank you so much for the helpful and really quick response and kindness of looking up bikes for me in the bay area (where I could pick it up in person). Also thank you for enlightening me on the challenges of shipping, I hadn't considered all those factors. I had looked pretty frequently for inventory at other stores but hadn't recently and since these 2021 models are in that might have changed things! Thanks for the suggestion I will absolutely follow up with those stores. Which store are Peter and Drew at? I will make sure I get there right away. Sincerely thank you again - I had called multiple bike stores even over the past few weeks and had no luck finding this bike. Your suggestion made me look at some places on the Specialized website that I've never even heard of before and I think you solved my problem!! You're correct that the store I was going to was incredibly kind - but 5 months is way too long when there is supply elsewhere.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
I always wanted to tell someone he's an idiot in the way not to make him offended. Still unable to find the right method.
You never rode Vado 5.0, did you.
PedalUma
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Petaluma, CA
I do not want to seem that in anyway playing favorites. This guy has been nice to me when he didn't need to be, his name is Jeff and he will tell you how to order. Peter and Drew will help on the backend. It is a little bike shop in my town, Petaluma. Mention the PedalUma Llama. I sent him a new Beach Boys' song yesterday about the Vado from Novato. (707) 776-0606
Dave Rocks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- MISSISSAUGA
Why are you so butt hurt over a comment about a bike?
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Because I ride a lot.
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It makes me irritated when somebody who probably never rode a real e-bike makes comments like "that frankenstein outperforms..."
Dave Rocks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- MISSISSAUGA
Okay well you’re a good poster and I don’t want your blood pressure raised by silly words on the internet.
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