VADO SL - convert to 27,5 wheels

[Borelij]

I am thinking of using 27.5 wheels on Vado SL which would enable use of wider tires (2,2?) to provide more confort and grip.

Aim is to use it on hardcore gravel and even light XC ... maybe put some suspension fork also...

However, I am having problem finding 27.5 wheelset with 12x110 front hub.

Question: is there an adapter (conversion kit) to convert more common hub 15x110 --> 12x110?

For Mavic, DT Swiss so I can use those wheels:

Crossmax 27.5" Disc Frontwheel

Efficient, strong and reliable performance: with the Crossmax from Mavic This Tubeless Ready wheelset lives up to its name with many of the same features and technologies as pro-level XC race wheels, but at a far more attainable...

www.bike-discount.de

E 1900 Spline 30 27.5" Frontwheel

With its stiff aluminum rim, lightweight straight pull spokes and proven DT Swiss hubs, this wheel is well-armed for any challenge. The balance of weight and stiffness will put a smile on your face, whether you’re riding up or...

www.bike-discount.de

 

[ActionJackson]

I am thinking of using 27.5 wheels on Vado SL which would enable use of wider tires (2,2?) to provide more confort and grip.

Aim is to use it on hardcore gravel and even light XC ... maybe put some suspension fork also...

However, I am having problem finding 27.5 wheelset with 12x110 front hub.

Question: is there an adapter (conversion kit) to convert more common hub 15x110 --> 12x110?

For Mavic, DT Swiss so I can use those wheels:

Crossmax 27.5" Disc Frontwheel

Efficient, strong and reliable performance: with the Crossmax from Mavic This Tubeless Ready wheelset lives up to its name with many of the same features and technologies as pro-level XC race wheels, but at a far more attainable...

www.bike-discount.de

E 1900 Spline 30 27.5" Frontwheel

With its stiff aluminum rim, lightweight straight pull spokes and proven DT Swiss hubs, this wheel is well-armed for any challenge. The balance of weight and stiffness will put a smile on your face, whether you’re riding up or...

www.bike-discount.de

Oooooo. I’d toss my fenders and light for that upgrade. That upgrade was on my mind when I selected the Large frame because the upper rear stays (?) are longer than Medium giving a bit more clearance.

Perhaps relace a new rim with the existing hub ??

 

[e-levity]

Mrs levity and I switched to 27.5 wheels, wider tires, and a better fork on our regular Vados and liked the result. You can see more here:

httpwiders://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/vado-bado-with-27-5-wheels.26904/#post-183527

DT Swiss makes adaptors to convert a hub from a 15mm to 12mm axle. See this post:

https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/new-carbon-wheels-for-creo.34355/#post-284884

 

[Borelij]

Many thanks, I can see there are options
DT Swiss now offers HG1800 wheelset with supported size FW: 12x110mm | RW: 12x148mm Boost.

Front convert is possible for DT swiss hubs:

I just need to figure out max tire size for 27,5 wheels. Any experience here? 2,2 inch could be max limit...

 

[ActionJackson]

Many thanks, I can see there are options

Just a thought - how do you accommodate the magnet for the speed sensor on the rear wheel?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Just a thought - how do you accommodate the magnet for the speed sensor on the rear wheel?

It's on the rear brake rotor.

 

[ActionJackson]

Will Specialized reprogram the bike for the new wheel & tire size ?

 

[Borelij]

>Will Specialized reprogram the bike for the new wheel & tire size ?

Goal is to have similar diameter with 27.5 fat tires ... but yes, I will ask Spec dealer if they can do it ...

 

[Marci jo]

Wow Borelij, that’s an interesting change. Will the wider 2.2 tires fit in the frame? Seems like the SL fame is sleek and narrow. Hopefully there’s enough width in the front fork, seat stays, etc.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Wow Borelij, that’s an interesting change. Will the wider 2.2 tires fit in the frame? Seems like the SL fame is sleek and narrow. Hopefully there’s enough width in the front fork, seat stays, etc.

If the wheel diameter won't exceed the size of the 37-622 wheel (and no fenders) than there is still some clearance at the fork and rear stays to fit 2.2" tyres. It's going be tight but doable. I do, however, wonder what the purpose would be. The tyres are going to be heavy, defeating the whole purpose of the SL e-bike. Ride comfort? RedShift products do miracles to the SL with stock wheels.

 

[GuruUno]

So, if the direction is followed to use a maximum of 2.2" tire with no fenders, although an increase in comfort is to be expected, will there be an additional increase in an effort to push those rubber tires harder on pavement or gravel making the bike even more of a fitness bike? And more effort, more battery power used, correct?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

or gravel making the bike even more of a fitness bike?

Making it sluggish With the low power motor any extra resistance is suicidal... Note: A typical gravel tyre is 37 or 38 mm (same as Vado SL stock size), and gravel bikes are lightweight.

 

[e-levity]

The Vado SL come stock with lower end Pathfinder Sport tires. I don’t see a weight listed for them, but they are probably slightly heavier than the Pathfinder Pro version which weighs 480g in 700x38.

The Schwalbe G-One Speed tires in 27.5x2.0 weigh 400g (V-Guard) or 500g (V-Guard/Snakeskin). Thus there is no weight penalty and the tire weight is actually closer to the rotational axis. Based on my experiences with 32-47mm 700C gravel tires and 1.9-2.3 650b tires I think I can safely say that you’ll notice a big increase in both comfort and traction but no significant increase in efficiency or rolling resistance with these larger tires on a bike like the Vado SL It will just be smoother, not more sluggish.

 

[Calcoaster]

The Vado SL come stock with lower end Pathfinder Sport tires. I don’t see a weight listed for them, but they are probably slightly heavier than the Pathfinder Pro version which weighs 480g in 700x38.

The Schwalbe G-One Speed tires in 27.5x2.0 weigh 400g (V-Guard) or 500g (V-Guard/Snakeskin). Thus there is no weight penalty and the tire weight is actually closer to the rotational axis. Based on my experiences with 32-47mm 700C gravel tires and 1.9-2.3 650b tires I think I can safely say that you’ll notice a big increase in both comfort and traction but no significant increase in efficiency or rolling resistance with these larger tires on a bike like the Vado SL It will just be smoother, not more sluggish.

I am satisfied with my stock Vado SL 4.0 Pathfinder Sport tires but like to look ahead to how I can improve ride characteristics when tire replacement time comes. Does anyone have experience with the Pathfinder Pro vs the Sport? I know they have twice the thread count and I expect that would provide a smoother ride. They seem to get very good reviews but I’d like to hear opinions comparing the Pro with the Sport, both in comfort and resistance.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I am satisfied with my stock Vado SL 4.0 Pathfinder Sport tires but like to look ahead to how I can improve ride characteristics when tire replacement time comes. Does anyone have experience with the Pathfinder Pro vs the Sport? I know they have twice the thread count and I expect that would provide a smoother ride. They seem to get very good reviews but I’d like to hear opinions comparing the Pro with the Sport, both in comfort and resistance.

I use Schwalbe Smart Sam 37-622. No better tyres for pavement/gravel/dirt can be found in the market. (I can't understand people who believe Specialized are tyre experts...)

 

[GuruUno]

But don't all of those "knobs" detract from a 'smooth', and quiet ride? And all of that "resistance"?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

But don't all of those "knobs" detract from a 'smooth', and quiet ride? And all of that "resistance"?

Smart Sams are very special tyres. The centre of the tread is made of very hard rubber, which offers minimal rolling resistance and is totally silent when ridden in the straight line on the pavement. The outer part of the tread is made of soft rubber with knobs. On cornering, the traction improves. On soft riding surfaces, the knobs bite into the ground and the tyre effectively becomes an off-road one. I have Smart Sams installed on both my Vado and Vado SL and am delighted.

You should be aware how differentiated terrain I am usually riding and how long my rides are.

 

[Calcoaster]

I use Schwalbe Smart Sam 37-622. No better tyres for pavement/gravel/dirt can be found in the market. (I can't understand people who believe Specialized are tyre experts...)

I have the same thought as GuruUno about the tread pattern on your smart Sam’s. I should have said that I only ride on the road, so I think knobs would only detract from the ride comfort and efficiency. I like that the pathfinders are smooth where they contact the road but still give some grip if I ever do take some gravel roads. I’m wondering if the pro version is noticeably smoother and faster than the cheaper sport version the bikes come with.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You have not ridden Smart Sams, Calcoaster, have you.

 

[Calcoaster]

You have not ridden Smart Sams, Calcoaster, have you.

No, I haven’t ridden smart Sam’s. I will put them on my list of tires to consider when the time comes to replace my pathfinders. Thanks for your recommendation and the links.