Vado SL 2 Alloy version released

[Jeremy McCreary]

I’m using Pathfinder Pro 700cX38 tan sidewalls, if that matters, on my Vado SL4 EQ.

I'm running the tubeless version of that tire on my SL 5.0 EQ at 35-40 psi to add some compliance. No issues in over 1,500 mi.

The owner of my most trusted LBS told me that he runs his tubeless Pathfinder Pros as low as 30 psi without problem. Too spongy for me in normal pavement and gravel use, but good to know I can go there when the going gets too sandy.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I'm running the tubeless version of that tire on my SL 5.0 EQ at 35-40 psi to add some compliance. No issues in over 1,500 mi.

The owner of my most trusted LBS told me that he runs his tubeless Pathfinder Pros as low as 30 psi without problem. Too spongy for me in normal pavement and gravel use, but good to know I can go there when the going gets too sandy.

Jeremy, it is totally legit in the tubeless setup. However, having the tyre tubed requires taking some care to avoid the snake bite pinching the inner tube. That's why I think the safe figure for the tubed setup is 44 psi.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Jeremy, it is totally legit in the tubeless setup. However, having the tyre tubed requires taking some care to avoid the snake bite pinching the inner tube. That's why I think the safe figure for the tubed setup is 44 psi.

Good point. Somehow missed that the pressure question was directed toward tubed tires.

 

[BEC111]

Good point. Somehow missed that the pressure question was directed toward tubed tires.

Great discussion folks.

I may be old, but I’ve only been riding as an adult for about 6 years and definitely have no real bike knowledge other than what I’ve learned here and elsewhere online. The folks I ride with are mostly not that interested in the bikes themselves so this is where I get most shared knowledge.

 

[mfgrep]

Jeremy, it is totally legit in the tubeless setup. However, having the tyre tubed requires taking some care to avoid the snake bite pinching the inner tube. That's why I think the safe figure for the tubed setup is 44 psi.

Rider weight or cargo weight matters. I'm running with tubes in a Vado SL and I weigh about 145lbs. 42 PSI rear and 38 PSI front. YMMV. NEVER had a flat... Thousands of miles..... Mostly pavement

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Rider weight or cargo weight matters. I'm running with tubes in a Vado SL and I weigh about 145lbs. 42 PSI rear and 38 PSI front. YMMV. NEVER had a flat... Thousands of miles..... Mostly pavement

Pavement, and you are a very lightweight person!

 

[mschwett]

you guys should all know that it’s considered very bad luck - tempting fate - to talk about never getting flats

 

[Allan47.7339]

You can also use a tire pressure calculator. Read through the instructions to understand the limitations.

Tire Pressure Calculator

Finally a tire pressure calculator based on real-road rolling resistance measurements. On real roads—rather than on a steel drum in the lab—supple high-performance tires work best at considerably lower pressures than most cyclists are used to. Lower pressures roll as fast or faster, while...

www.renehersecycles.com

SILCA Professional Tire Pressure Calculator

Dial in your bikes' tire pressure to get the most comfort, speed, and efficiency on your ride. If you are looking for the best free marginal gain, click here

silca.cc

 

[BEC111]

I just discovered (thanks to GCN Tech video) the Vittoria tire calculator (https://vittoria.com/pages/tire-pressure). The results are interesting in that they take more account of the types of bike and conditions under which they are ridden. My results with this calculator are closer to 60 psi. Very interesting.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

My results with this calculator are closer to 60 psi. Very interesting.

Oh. That's terribly high!

 

[BEC111]

Oh. That's terribly high!

Did you try the calculator for your very different riding conditions and weight? I’m very curious.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Did you try the calculator for your very different riding conditions and weight? I’m very curious.

I got very good results for the parameters I entered. So I wonder what set of parameters could suggest as much as 60 psi...

 

[BEC111]

I got very good results for the parameters I entered. So I wonder what set of parameters could suggest as much as 60 psi...

i set for utility e-pedelec with 38mm tires on smooth asphalt with a weight of 96 kilos. I’ve attached a a screenshot. It needs to be scrolled.i tried a couple of other versions with similar results.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

with a weight of 96 kilos

You, bike and cargo?

 

[BEC111]

You, bike and cargo?

Yup. Bike with RE, counted as 40 pounds Trunk bag with junk in it counted as 10 pounds, me counted as 160 pounds and a couple of pounds fudge factor. Comes to 212 pounds or 96 kg.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Whatever the calculator tells you, the difference between riding at 50 psi vs 60 is colossal

 

[BEC111]

Whatever the calculator tells you, the difference between riding at 50 psi vs 60 is colossal

Definitely. When I first go the bike I rode it at the dealer recommended 70 psi. When I learned lower pressure is better, I switched to 60 and then 55 PSI. Major improvement in riding experience.

I’m going to follow your suggestions to lower pressure further next week. (Busy family weekend.) I suspect that the difference between my current 55 PSI setting and 50 PSI won’t be too noticeable. When I go lower will be interesting.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I suspect that the difference between my current 55 PSI setting and 50 PSI won’t be too noticeable.

When I was a newbie, I set off for a ride on mixed asphalt, gravel and dirt route. (I use bar for pressure but will convert it to psi). As long the ride was on good asphalt, I was OK with 58 psi. However, getting onto a more rough surface made me suffer! As my mini pump had a pressure gauge, I dropped the pressure to 51 psi. The improvement in ride comfort was insane! Nowadays, I really prefer 44 psi for all my rides (you know I am a heavy person!), and I even dropped the pressure on Vado SL to 38 psi for cobblestone (but the latter was on the tubeless system).

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Went to the local Specialized store for a new helmet yesterday. First thing I saw coming in the door was a LEVO 4 on a pedestal with a screen showing a promo video. Quite a machine!

They had 3 white alloy SL 2 step-thrus on the floor. Nice-looking bikes in white. Before I realized they were SL 2s, I thought, "Wait, Specialized has an e-cruiser now??"

Nearby was my yellow SL 1 5.0 EQ at the same full price I paid in September, 2024. The SL 1 definitely looked more svelte and fitness-oriented than the SL 2 high-step next to it.

I resisted the urge to heft them all and take photos.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

I resisted the urge to heft them all

Now you've made me think... guess I must pop into my local Spesh dealer and pick up the SL2 while whistling sharply through my teeth while lifting & hefting said bike up and down while nodding wisely. I am curious to see one in the flesh. Was the same with the first Trek bikes with the TQ motor, was fascinated to see how small and round it was in the flesh.

Went to the local Specialized store for a new helmet yesterday. First thing I saw coming in the door was a LEVO 4 on a pedestal with a screen showing a promo video. Quite a machine!

They had 3 white alloy SL 2 step-thrus on the floor. Nice-looking bikes in white. Before I realized they were SL 2s, I thought, "Wait, Specialized has an e-cruiser now??"

Nearby was my yellow SL 1 5.0 EQ at the same full price I paid in September, 2024. The SL 1 definitely looked more svelte and fitness-oriented than the SL 2 high-step next to it.

I resisted the urge to heft them all and take photos.

Now you've made me think... guess I must pop into my local Spesh dealer and pick up the SL2 while whistling sharply through my teeth while lifting & hefting said bike up and down while nodding wisely.

I am actually curious to see one in the flesh. Was the same with the first Trek bikes with the TQ motor, was fascinated to see how small and round it was in the flesh. And feel the heft.