Vado Handlebar modifications solutions/suggestion please

[TS25]

..., can you post a photo of your A-HEAD stem riser/extender with spacers? I'm consider this also to bring to a more comfortable height and would like to see the visual. Thanks.

See

Raising the handlebar on a '19 Vado 3.0

I use Ergon GP3 grips for that :) More space... Well, I'm perhaps pampered with the Vado 5.0 with its unique lighting etc. The only thing I cannot really use is the handlebar bag. Of course, I understand your preferences Terry, just saying Vado is not the easiest thing for modding it ;) I...

electricbikereview.com

 

[BEC111]

BEC111, no I was not able to find any other bike that was as lightweight, quiet, well made, components, etc. I rode several other bikes that sounded like an electric bike, had drag when off battery use, were not 12 speeds, looked clunky, etc, I also like the feature of the SL battery system with the range extender. The extra battery was $450 (more or less with cords). The battery is only 2+/- pounds, I can carry more than one, and change between bikes so can also use on my levo. There is only one thing I don't like and that is the color. I HATE black bikes and this looks black. I would just encourage folks to keep trying to get the fit right, it's worth it.

Thanks, you just explained why I bought my Vado SL 4 - I couldn’t justifying the price of the 5 since the 4 was already over budget.
Mine is that beautiful blue. I understand about looking black, though. My car is supposed to be green, but the green is only in the metallic flecks. My wife teases me almost every time we go for a ride.

 

[Rugby33]

A stem extender (A-HEAD stem riser) seems the only working solution for me. A 7.5 - 8.8 cm one would do.

Hi Stefen - I was reading your post and was wondering if you can tell me the brand stem extender you purchased. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have a Vado 4.0. Thanks for your time.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Hi Stefen - I was reading your post and was wondering if you can tell me the brand stem extender you purchased. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have a Vado 4.0. Thanks for your time.

Hi Rugby,

The A-HEAD stem riser is such a commodity (and so inexpensive) that there is no need to mention any specific brand. If you would like to feel self-sure that you have bought something of a class, this is the brand:

Ahead 3 - Ergotec

www.ergotec.de

I use the Ergotec on my Giant Trance E+. (I've put a generic A-HEAD stem riser bought on Amazon onto my Vado).

 

[Rugby33]

Thank you so much

 

[bobalbrecht]

BikeOn, how have the stem and handlebar changes affected the handling and steering of the Vado 4.0 SL? I’m a new member who finally found a 2022 Vado SL 4.0 EQ step through at a bike shop after much searching. After test riding it yesterday I know I will have to raise the handlebars and probably replace them as well with ones that sweep back more due to neck issues. I’ve been warned that these changes to the bike geometry will negatively impact bike handling. All comments appreciated ASAP since I have to decide quickly before someone else buys it. I’m 77 and a very experienced rider who switched to a COMO 5.0 2 years ago but I’d like a more nimble bike, hence the Vado SL idea.

 

[Allan47.7339]

Unless you are changing to Stingray banana bars I don't think it will affect the handling much. It's a "new to you" bike anyway and you will quickly adapt. You will certainly like the lighter weight if you are okay with the power.

I previously posted this on earlier topic:

I needed to move the bars up and back since the only size Vado SL 5 available was an XL. I replaced the grips with the SQ Trekking 702 grips. They are a more contoured than Ergon grips but similar and much better than stock.

You can select bars with different rise and sweeps. I also shortened the bars since I didn't need the MTB width and it makes it easier to get in the car.

Handlebar 3OX 16°

16° backsweep provides natural transition from arm to hand when in a stretch riding position. 4° upsweep brings elbows into position for dynamic riding style.

sqlab-usa.com

 

[Cramer Long]

All you need is to add a standard A-HEAD stem riser/extender. It includes provided spacers. Because of the necessary cable slack, the stem can be raised with about 7 cm.

IMO almost 3 inches in enough . Much higher and you start screwing up the pedaling . I tried raising the bars way up on a Trek FX . It felt comfortable as it gets for the first few blocks . Once I started riding it on long rides it killed my back . Plus instead of working my calf muscles . All the stress was on my hip joints . It actually made the bike feel to small in some respects . Mid ride I had to lower the seat just to take some stress off my hips and lower back . Geo Wise it's probably similar to the Vado SL . Although not an E-bike

 

[Terry317]

I installed Jones H-Bar® SG 2.5 Loop Aluminum on my Vado 4.0. They raise the bars 2.5' and sweep back nicely. It did require installing a longer shift cable and back brake line. I really like the bars, they have improved the comport of my ride. I'm a bit more upright so less pressure on my hands and wrists. I also like the way the bars are swept back; it's a comfortable angle much like the Como. YMMV.

 

[GuruUno]

I installed Como handlebars, a SATORI Heads up 4 Alloy Riser Adapter Fork Bike Stem 28.6x117mm Extension Black, new brake cable housings, new shift cable housing, and wire.
100% as expected. The bike is so purrrrrrrfect now.
Also, the new battery carrier working out, the prototype is in use, final product to be completed in a few short weeks. Bottom line rides are more comfortable, I can go up to 100 miles if needed, and I'm lovin'it! ")

 

[Mike Moore]

I installed Como handlebars, a SATORI Heads up 4 Alloy Riser Adapter Fork Bike Stem 28.6x117mm Extension Black, new brake cable housings, new shift cable housing, and wire.
100% as expected. The bike is so purrrrrrrfect now.
Also, the new battery carrier working out, the prototype is in use, final product to be completed in a few short weeks. Bottom line rides are more comfortable, I can go up to 100 miles if needed, and I'm lovin'it! ")

Curious, why not just get a Como? Serious question, not trolling!

 

[kahn]

I installed Jones H-Bar® SG 2.5 Loop Aluminum on my Vado 4.0. They raise the bars 2.5' and sweep back nicely. It did require installing a longer shift cable and back brake line. I really like the bars, they have improved the comport of my ride. I'm a bit more upright so less pressure on my hands and wrists. I also like the way the bars are swept back; it's a comfortable angle much like the Como. YMMV.

This is probably a crazy question and I really don't know the in's and out's of Specialized various models. I've got an aluminum Creo. But what is the difference between your Vado 4.0 and the Como? (nevermind that they also have numbered versions of some of these models that are also different)

 

[Stefan Mikes]

But what is the difference between your Vado 4.0 and the Como?

Let me answer this as I rode both. Both e-bikes share the motor, battery, and electronics, so the bottom "tube" of both models is identical, and performance of both is similar, too. The major difference between Vado and Como is their geometry. Vado has been designed as a "sporty" e-bike while Como is a comfort machine, to some extent resembling a cruiser.

Original (unmodified) Vado is expected to be ridden in Forward position, where you lean on pretty wide, straight handlebars. When you accelerate, Vado gives the impression of being an agile, sporty light motorcycle. When you stop a Vado, you need to jump from the saddle to be able to straddle the top tube and stand on the ground with both feet.

Como is more resembling a cruiser motorbike. It is designed for far more relaxed riding position. It is the geometry that enables you to stay in the saddle when the bike is stationary (you can support yourself on both feet or toes while still sitting). Curved handlebars of Como facilitate riding in more upright position. Also, the Low-Entry version of Como requires no effort when mounting or dismounting the e-bike, and is even suitable for people with bad legs (or ladies wearing skirts).

There are some regional (Euro vs. North American) differences (wheel size, suspension/no suspension) but these are not essential.

 

[kahn]

Thanks, Stefan Mikes. That helps a lot.

 

[ActionJackson]

Let me answer this as I rode both. Both e-bikes share the motor, battery, and electronics, so the bottom "tube" of both models is identical, and performance of both is similar, too. The major difference between Vado and Como is their geometry. Vado has been designed as a "sporty" e-bike while Como is a comfort machine, to some extent resembling a cruiser.

Original (unmodified) Vado is expected to be ridden is Forward position, where you lean on pretty wide, straight handlebars. When you accelerate, Vado gives the impression of being an agile, sporty light motorcycle. When you stop a Vado, you need to jump from the saddle to be able to straddle the top tube and stand on the ground with both feet.

Como is more resembling a cruiser motorbike. It is designed for far more relaxed riding position. It is the geometry that enables you to stay in the saddle when the bike is stationary (you can support yourself on both feet or toes while still sitting). Curved handlebars of Como facilitate riding in more upright position. Also, the Low-Entry version of Como requires no effort when mounting or dismounting the e-bike, and is even suitable for people with bad legs (or ladies wearing skirts).

There are some regional (Euro vs. North American) differences (wheel size, suspension/no suspension) but these are not essential.

I think there’s also a weight difference in Como SL vs Vado SL but I can’t find specific weights on the website.

 

[Art Deco]

Stefan was describing the "heavy" models. The Vado SL is much lighter than the "heavy" Vado, while the Como SL is not very much lighter than the "heavy " Como, but it is a Gates belt drive and IGH setup ...

 

[waghmare]

Hi Rugby,

The A-HEAD stem riser is such a commodity (and so inexpensive) that there is no need to mention any specific brand. If you would like to feel self-sure that you have bought something of a class, this is the brand:

Ahead 3 - Ergotec

www.ergotec.de

I use the Ergotec on my Giant Trance E+. (I've put a generic A-HEAD stem riser bought on Amazon onto my Vado).

@Stefan Mikes Do you have link to the stem riser on Amazon?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes Do you have link to the stem riser on Amazon?

By chance, I bought my Ergotec stem riser in an LBS. There are plethora of A-HEAD stem risers on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-Bicycle-Extender-Handlebar/dp/B000FGYKWS

 

[GuruUno]

Just as an FYI, the LBS swapped my Como 5.0 fork with my wife's Como 5.0 (hers was defective, so my bike was the donor bike), and while at the shop he had the Como 5.0 handlebars + spacers off.
They will ABSOLUTELY fit the Vado.
Just got to get the required pieces, mountings, etc., everything.
Although a challenge, it WILL work.
(The challenge is getting ALL the required parts).
IF/WHEN mine is done, I'll report/post.
No promises, but hopefully this year

 

[rochrunner]

Let me clarify - my bike is a 2021 Vado SL. I believe there are differences between it and the 2019, so my information may not work for everyone, but I gave all the product information in my former posts. I raised my handlebars a substantial amount. Paying the extra $100 or so dollars to have cables rerun is nothing for a $5000 bike and all the comfortable rides I will have. Yes, I was without the bike for a few days, but well worth it. I forgot to add in my last post where I listed all the upgrades that I also found an older Specialized suspension seat post that worked. It's the kind with a spring in the tube, so it wasn't as tall as newer models. BEC111, no I was not able to find any other bike that was as lightweight, quiet, well made, components, etc. I rode several other bikes that sounded like an electric bike, had drag when off battery use, were not 12 speeds, looked clunky, etc, I also like the feature of the SL battery system with the range extender. The extra battery was $450 (more or less with cords). The battery is only 2+/- pounds, I can carry more than one, and change between bikes so can also use on my levo. There is only one thing I don't like and that is the color. I HATE black bikes and this looks black. I would just encourage folks to keep trying to get the fit right, it's worth it.

Just to clarify further, is your bike a SL 5.0 with the FutureShock? And did you end up with a stem extension on top of that? If so, that's interesting since the FS has some restrictions on what stems, etc. can be used on it. For example, a conventional top cap wouldn't ordinarily work with the FS, which comes with a very special cap. Was this work done by the Specialized dealer? Pictures, maybe? Thanks.

I'm asking this because I'm also in the process of adjusting my riding position on a SL 5.0, but nowhere near as extreme as what you've had to do.