Turbo Vado SL5 2022 wheelset recommendation

[AndyK2479]

Hello all, after some advice on behalf of the wife. Her Vado has just come back from the LBS minus the OEM DT Swiss rear wheel and been replaced with a TRYP one as a stop gap until we can source a new wheelset.

Any recommendations for a replacement wheelset for her Vado? Unfortunately we can't get the OEM set so looking for a new set of wheels.

We are in the UK, maximum around £400 or $ and € equivalent, noisy freehub preferably (her choice not mine )

Thanks in advance.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I would suggest talking with a wheel-builder shop/business. The wheel-builder would like to know this information first:

• The estimated total weight of the rider + the e-bike + any cargo (total system weight)
• The fact it is an e-bike, and the general terrain to be ridden

Then, the wheel builder will try to determine this information together with you:

Rear wheel

• The rim size: diameter (27.5 or 29") and the internal rim width. If you do not know the rim width, you will be asked for the tyre width you are using
• The number of spokes you prefer. For instance, 32 spokes for an extremely durable wheel
• The rear hub size (for instance, 12 x 148 mm)
• The brake rotor mount (eg., 6 bolts or Centerlock)
  • Bear in mind, there is a magnet socket installed on the brake rotor: you might need to send it to the wheel builder!
• The number of speeds of your cassette; Shimano or SRAM? (Give the model of the derailleur and the cassette)

Front wheel

• The wheel size and the internal rim diameter
• Number of spokes
• The front hub size (e.g. 15x110 mm)

The wheel builder may come up with more questions, and when all the information is clear, he/she will suggest the components:

• The rims
• The hubs
• The spokes

then the price, and the delivery time.

There is no better way to secure a good set of wheels than ordering from a renowned wheel-builder. They also buy the components in bulk, so the end-user price can be nice. Note: I am a believer in wheels made of DT Swiss components and Sapim spokes. A good starting point is a DT Swiss rear hub of a proper number of spoke holes and the size, the DT 350.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Hi Andy

Spesh picked an awkward wheel axle size when they released the Vado SL! I was idly looking into this recently and I worked out my best bet was to get some 29er MTB XC wheels, these are lightweight and strong. The rear axle is the same axle size as a lot of 29ers; 12x110mm boost so a lot of options there. The front axle is 12mm x 110mm thru-axle and that's the issue. But you can get a MTB 29er XC front wheel easily at 15x110mm and then find and use a shim to make up the size to 15. This opens a wide range of alloy and carbon rim options. Haven't done this yet I should add, but can't see why it wouldn't work and I'm presuming the Vado SL 5 has same size wheels as my Vado SL 4.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The rear axle is the same axle size as a lot of 29ers; 12x110mm boost so a lot of options there.

12x148 mm Boost.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The custom rear wheel I ordered from a wheel builder for my Vado SL 1 4.0:

• Hub: DT Swiss DT 350 Classic 12x148 mm, Centerlock (for the brake rotor and the speed magnet bracket), originally DT Swiss HG freehub for 11-speed later replaced with DT Swiss Microspline freehub for Shimano 12-speed cassette. 32 spoke holes.
• 29" DT Swiss U623 rim, 25 mm internal rim width, 32 spoke holes
• 32 Sapim Strong spokes.

I didn't order the front wheel. The problem here is the 12x110 mm Road Boost Axle. (My builder would have such a hub if needed).

Note: The U623 is the strongest DT Swiss rim, designed for e-bikes.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

12x148 mm Boost.

Yes sorry. Rear 12x148 - industry standard for 29ers