Vado SL 2 Carbon LTD premiered today!

[MartsEbike]

A CatEye Volt 1700? Expensive but it is a true MTB light. Once, I rode on a pitch black road in the woods with the full power on. Once I got back to the civilisation, I forgot reducing the output. An approaching car had to stop as the driver could see nothing! (Shame on me!) Note: This lamp is heavy. You could consider Volt 800, AMPP 1100, etc.

Nowadays, my Volt serves only as a torch

Sounds good I will check that out! You have to be careful not to blind anyone though! haha I have an Exposure Toro Mk15 on my Frey and it's extremely bright, I think over 3000 lumens! But it's heavy and expensive. Luckily I purchased it using a Cycle2Work voucher so I saved some money but otherwise, I'd have never purchased it. I still can't believe I paid that much for a light even today! Mind you it's been a godsend riding off-road.

It is more like 2-3% an hour. You can absolutely make an Imperial Century on the main battery + range extender if the assistance is low. Have you tried the Smart Control in the Specialized App? It really works! I also guess your Mastermind TCU can give you Range and Range Trend, and you could control the Range manually by Micro Tune mode.

That sounds better! A lot of my assumptions are airing on the safe side. I've only done a couple of reasonably long rides, one about 40-odd miles and the other 50 miles so I haven't got to grips with everything yet. I also need to explore the Specialized app further. I haven't messed around with any advanced settings like Micro Tune - all I've done up to now is change the power levels.

I'm going to increase the length of my rides over the next couple of months, so I can test more features of the App, also get a better idea of battery drain and be confident I'll make the century. I have to say though the suspension seatpost is working like a dream when riding the bike to work. It soaked up the bumps well!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I have to say though the suspension seatpost is working like a dream when riding the bike to work. It soaked up the bumps well!

You could describe the procedure of installing the Kinekt (what version?) on your Vado SL 5.0 non-EQ in one of relevant threads!

 

[MartsEbike]

You could describe the procedure of installing the Kinekt (what version?) on your Vado SL 5.0 non-EQ in one of relevant threads!

Yeah, will do... I've been meaning to get around to it! This week I've been tied up at work and the weather has been rubbish, with snow this morning. So it's been locked away in the garage. But tomorrow I'm going to get the bike out for a ride so I'll snap a few photos and get a post done about it.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

It's a nice bike, and I could have held out for the SL2, but it's quite expensive for what it is. At UK prices it's around double what I paid for an SL1. Carbon is expensive and nice to boast about, but you don't gain much else for spending twice as much. Ok, it has slightly more power, but in Euro Spec it'll still cut out at 15.5mph. I'm quite happy with the SL1 and to have the best part of £2k still in my pocket.

My only wish is that my SL1 had a brighter front light, and a handlebar switch to turn the lights on and off.

Quite content with my SL 1 as well. Have you considered putting a third-party headlight with its own battery on your handlebar? Bright as you want. Doesn't have to be heavy.

 

[MartsEbike]

Quite content with my SL 1 as well. Have you considered putting a third-party headlight with its own battery on your handlebar? Bright as you want. Doesn't have to be heavy.

I've added battery-powered lights for other rides but they're better for being seen rather than illuminating the road.

Over the years I've purchased many battery-powered lights, but since I moved house I cannot find them! It's frustrating and has been putting me off buying more as I'm sure I'll eventually find them... as luck would have it that'll be straight after I purchase more lights .

I'm also considering something like the CatEye Volt 1700 Stefan suggested above. Max 1700lm, but on a lower setting it should do 800-1000lm and provide a decent burn time.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Volt 1700 actually gets hot when operated on the full power I used it on my e-MTB in the past.

 

[MartsEbike]

Volt 1700 actually gets hot when operated on the full power I used it on my e-MTB in the past.

Double benefit! On cold days I can use it to keep my hands warm!

 

[Te. S]

It's a nice bike, and I could have held out for the SL2, but it's quite expensive for what it is. At UK prices it's around double what I paid for an SL1. Carbon is expensive and nice to boast about, but you don't gain much else for spending twice as much. Ok, it has slightly more power, but in Euro Spec it'll still cut out at 15.5mph. I'm quite happy with the SL1 and to have the best part of £2k still in my pocket.

My only wish is that my SL1 had a brighter front light, and a handlebar switch to turn the lights on and off.

Invest in a head lamp it will do wonders for your night rides, I have 600 lumens and it's bright , I hardly use it because don't do much night rids but mostly at dusk,

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Guys, I've just looked what the competition can offer for a similar market segment (UK prices). We are talking about lightweight commuter e-bikes.

• Scott Silence: carbon frame, TQ HPR 50 motor (50 Nm, 300 W), 360 Wh battery, no handlebar remote, SRAM electronic 12s drivetrain powered from e-bike battery, mudguards, lights, front rack only, 14.5 kg, price £6,899
• Trek FX+ 7: aluminium frame, TQ HPR 50 motor (50 Nm, 300 W), 360 Wh battery, no handlebar remote, 10 speed Shimano CUES drivetrain, mudguards, lights, rear rack, 19.3 kg, price £4,250
• Orbea Kemen Tour 10: aluminium frame, Shimano EP600 motor (85 Nm, no peak power given), 630 Wh battery, handlebar remote, Shimano CUES drivetrain 11 speed, mudguards, lights, rear rack (front rack optional), 23 kg, price £4,399
  compared to
• Specialized Vado SL 2 Carbon 6.0: carbon frame, SL 1.2 motor (50 Nm, 320 W), 520 Wh battery, handlebar remote, Shimano 12 speed mechanical drivetrain, mudguards, lights, rear rack, 18 kg, £5,500

As we can see, Specialized has followed the market trends, locating its new e-bike between the expensive Scott and the rest of the pack in terms of weight, frame, components, and the price. It cannot be missed Specialized has given up on the "a lightweight fitness e-bike" concept in favour of "possibly lightweight urban e-bike". The battery/motor are the factors adversely affecting the e-bike weight while the carbon frame is to possibly reduce the weight. As it is clearly seen, the battery is a thing that weighs a lot! It is especially noticeable on the Kemen!

(If we look at the Vado SL Carbon LTD, it beats the Scott with the specs but not on the weight at an exorbitant price).

I wonder whether Specialized will ever return to the concept of the SL fitness e-bike we current users are so happy with!

 

[Allan47.7339]

There will be more bikes in the future with SL Generation 2 system. Reading through the Specialized support site "Turbo Knowledge: Turbo Bikes: Guideline for Wired Lights" section they have reference "SL bikes using an 520 Wh internal battery - currently Vado SL2.." I read this as there will be other bikes with the system as the market develops.

They identify the systems in the table as Full power motors, SL System Gen 1 with 320 Wh battery (motor irrelevant) and SL System Gen 2 with 520 Wh battery (motor irrelevant). I assume when they say motor irrelevant to mean either SL 1.1 or SL 1.2 motor.

 

[2wheelsgood]

I think you can turn the lights off using the bike settings. But a switch would be more convenient.

I would like to know how to do that.

In summer I felt a bit of a dork having lights on with no way of switching them off. Less of a problem now it is winter I must admit.

 

[BEC111]

I would like to know how to do that.

In summer I felt a bit of a dork having lights on with no way of switching them off. Less of a problem now it is winter I must admit.

As has been pointed out ad nauseam in the many Vado SL threads, consider the lights as running lights that help with you being visible. Where I ride regularly the trail is shaded by trees through which the morning or afternoon sun can result in huge visibility challenges. Seeing oncoming riders who may be wearing dark clothing and no light is very difficult. A light makes a huge difference.

 

[2wheelsgood]

Guys, I've just looked what the competition can offer for a similar market segment (UK prices). We are talking about lightweight commuter e-bikes.

• Scott Silence: carbon frame, TQ HPR 50 motor (50 Nm, 300 W), 360 Wh battery, no handlebar remote, SRAM electronic 12s drivetrain powered from e-bike battery, mudguards, lights, front rack only, 14.5 kg, price £6,899
• Trek FX+ 7: aluminium frame, TQ HPR 50 motor (50 Nm, 300 W), 360 Wh battery, no handlebar remote, 10 speed Shimano CUES drivetrain, mudguards, lights, rear rack, 19.3 kg, price £4,250
• Orbea Kemen Tour 10: aluminium frame, Shimano EP600 motor (85 Nm, no peak power given), 630 Wh battery, handlebar remote, Shimano CUES drivetrain 11 speed, mudguards, lights, rear rack (front rack optional), 23 kg, price £4,399
  compared to
• Specialized Vado SL 2 Carbon 6.0: carbon frame, SL 1.2 motor (50 Nm, 320 W), 520 Wh battery, handlebar remote, Shimano 12 speed mechanical drivetrain, mudguards, lights, rear rack, 18 kg, £5,500

As we can see, Specialized has followed the market trends, locating its new e-bike between the expensive Scott and the rest of the pack in terms of weight, frame, components, and the price. It cannot be missed Specialized has given up on the "a lightweight fitness e-bike" concept in favour of "possibly lightweight urban e-bike". The battery/motor are the factors adversely affecting the e-bike weight while the carbon frame is to possibly reduce the weight. As it is clearly seen, the battery is a thing that weighs a lot! It is especially noticeable on the Kemen!

(If we look at the Vado SL Carbon LTD, it beats the Scott with the specs but not on the weight at an exorbitant price).

I wonder whether Specialized will ever return to the concept of the SL fitness e-bike we current users are so happy with!

Canyon Roadlight:ONfly CF9 LTD looks a competitor - Carbon frame, Fazua 60, Eagle AXS, 14.5kg, £4649

 

[MartsEbike]

I would like to know how to do that.

In summer I felt a bit of a dork having lights on with no way of switching them off. Less of a problem now it is winter I must admit.

I've just had a quick read of the manual, it's only 14 pages long, and it doesn't cover each setting, it just tells you how to access the settings (press the Plus and Minus buttons for 2 seconds).

Near the beginning of the manual, there is a warning which says these settings may change, so what settings are available depends on what firmware is installed.

I learnt it might be possible to turn the lights off from internet info, and the internet isn't always right!

My bike is locked away right now so I'll try this myself tomorrow. There'll no doubt be more info available on the Specialized website too.

I'll let you know what I find.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A light makes a huge difference.

What he said.

Let us do some calculation. The Lezyne Ebike Power STVZO E115 headlight draws 6 W from the battery. So it draws 6 Wh an hour. Let us assume the tail light draws 1 W, so it is 7 Wh an hour altogether. The main SL battery Gen 1 is 320 Wh. Vado SL 5.0 lighting draws then 100 * 7 / 320 = 2.2% of the battery an hour. Meaning, riding a Metric Century for 10 hours (which is realistic) will use 22% power from the battery. It is not that much as for a 10 hour ride! Necessary to mention the weaker headlight of Vado SL 4.0 draws only 4 W of power.

@MartsEbike: If you are really miserable with the headlight, I think I have found something for you
Lezyne E-BIKE POWER STVZO PRO E115 SWITCH
This headlight is compatible with our e-bikes. It switches the light from daylight to the night mode automatically to save the e-bike battery

 

[MartsEbike]

View attachment 186622
What he said.

Let us do some calculation. The Lezyne Ebike Power STVZO E115 headlight draws 6 W from the battery. So it draws 6 Wh an hour. Let us assume the tail light draws 1 W, so it is 7 Wh an hour altogether. The main SL battery Gen 1 is 320 Wh. Vado SL 5.0 lighting draws then 100 * 7 / 320 = 2.2% of the battery an hour. Meaning, riding a Metric Century for 10 hours (which is realistic) will use 22% power from the battery. It is not that much as for a 10 hour ride! Necessary to mention the weaker headlight of Vado SL 4.0 draws only 4 W of power.

@MartsEbike: If you are really miserable with the headlight, I think I have found something for you
Lezyne E-BIKE POWER STVZO PRO E115 SWITCH
This headlight is compatible with our e-bikes. It switches the light from daylight to the night mode automatically to save the e-bike battery

Thanks Stefan! I hadn't looked into this too deeply if I'm honest, as I expected the ride to take place next year, possibly in the summer.

The Switch version could be a good improvement. I'd expect in daytime mode it only uses 1-1.5w rather than 6w, which for me is quite a saving! (Edit!!! Just noticed the Switch, can be turned on / off and auto mode! so even better!)

As you say in normal circumstances it's not a huge saving, but on my 10-hour 72-mile ride, it would have made a big difference. I returned with just 7% to spare... Mind, I was caught out with little energy to spare and long hills to navigate. A 100-mile round trip to Oxford is mostly across much flatter ground and wouldn't be so arduous, on me or the bike!

In any case, I'd like to reduce the power draw as much as possible so I'll keep this in mind, it will probably be a future upgrade!

 

[2wheelsgood]

As has been pointed out ad nauseam in the many Vado SL threads, consider the lights as running lights that help with you being visible. Where I ride regularly the trail is shaded by trees through which the morning or afternoon sun can result in huge visibility challenges. Seeing oncoming riders who may be wearing dark clothing and no light is very difficult. A light makes a huge difference.

you know what? I would like to have the choice

 

[Stefan Mikes]

you know what? I would like to have the choice

I think a simple microswitch installed on one of the headlight wires could do the thing.

Now, realistically. Germany is the biggest e-bike market in the world outside China. German bike laws and also Road Safety Standards (StVZO) are as strict as no-one of us would feel comfortably there! For instance, only road bikes more lightweight than 11 kg may have external lights! All the rest has to use either a dynamo or an e-bike battery. Flashing lights are strictly forbidden. StVZO has recently reduced the allowed headlight output to 250 lumens! I even do not want to quote all the German requirements as these are just crazy!

It is a Specialized decision to come up with a 100% StVZO compatible e-bike for its biggest market and let the customers elsewhere modify possibly the safest setup as they please.

 

[MartsEbike]

I would like to know how to do that.

In summer I felt a bit of a dork having lights on with no way of switching them off. Less of a problem now it is winter I must admit.

I checked this today on my bike, and it doesn't look like it is possible to turn the lights off. They're permanently on.

I'll probably opt for the Lenzye Power StVZO Pro E115 Switch headlight @Stefan Mikes suggested above. Reading the manual it appears to have the ability to turn it off. I'll have to double-check that by reading a few reviews. Mind you the "daytime" mode will still be helpful. The only issue is stock in the UK is difficult to find. I found a German bike store with stock but annoyingly they have minimal spend for delivery to the UK - and it means spending twice as much.

You could use a microswitch but a proper IP-rated switch on the handlebars would be the preferred option.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I checked this today on my bike, and it doesn't look like it is possible to turn the lights off. They're permanently on.

I'll probably opt for the Lenzye Power StVZO Pro E115 Switch headlight @Stefan Mikes suggested above. Reading the manual it appears to have the ability to turn it off. I'll have to double-check that by reading a few reviews. Mind you the "daytime" mode will still be helpful. The only issue is stock in the UK is difficult to find. I found a German bike store with stock but annoyingly they have minimal spend for delivery to the UK - and it means spending twice as much.

You could use a microswitch but a proper IP-rated switch on the handlebars would be the preferred option.

View attachment 186665

Funnily enough, Lezyne doesn't mention Specialized SL/Mahle motors but we all know these lights are compatible...
P.S. I think the daylight running light would be useful (think of all the English hedges!)