Which Turbo Vado?

[GuruUno]

I rode the 5.0 SL EQ, did not like (2x not my bag), skinny tires, did not feel in control.
Looking around, I see the Turbo Vado 5.0 and a few 6.0's.
I like the 6.0, but I need to comprehend the previous Brose motor issues; were they resolved with the 2020 year models or is a 1.2 and a 1.3 both still pre 2020 model year or a carry over with no changes?
(belts vs gears???)
I see a few 6.0 Vados available, but should I stay away and stick with the 5.0?
Last year 5.0's were a bit over $5k, this year they are $4350 or so.
I do not see too much differentiation when I compare each to each or am I not digging deep enough?
So, a 5.0 or 6.0?
IF a 5.0, how do I know it's the newer, "better" version than past problematic motor issue plagued versions?
Example: I see on a site a Turbo Vado 5.0 is advertised for $4350, call them, they say $51xx and I point out the Specialized sites says $4,350.
Oh, he says, must have changed.
I ask, how long is it on your floor?
Since September.
So, is it pre 2020, or some of the 1st released for 2020 and how can I know what is last year vs this year, as it is not easy to disclose and most I call don't really know.
Finally, again, is the 6.0 EU only, and if so is it 28 or 20 MPH if sold here in US and it something to stay away from or?

 

[Nxkharra]

I rode the 5.0 SL EQ, did not like (2x not my bag), skinny tires, did not feel in control.
Looking around, I see the Turbo Vado 5.0 and a few 6.0's.
I like the 6.0, but I need to comprehend the previous Brose motor issues; were they resolved with the 2020 year models or is a 1.2 and a 1.3 both still pre 2020 model year or a carry over with no changes?
(belts vs gears???)
I see a few 6.0 Vados available, but should I stay away and stick with the 5.0?
Last year 5.0's were a bit over $5k, this year they are $4350 or so.
I do not see too much differentiation when I compare each to each or am I not digging deep enough?
So, a 5.0 or 6.0?
IF a 5.0, how do I know it's the newer, "better" version than past problematic motor issue plagued versions?
Example: I see on a site a Turbo Vado 5.0 is advertised for $4350, call them, they say $51xx and I point out the Specialized sites says $4,350.
Oh, he says, must have changed.
I ask, how long is it on your floor?
Since September.
So, is it pre 2020, or some of the 1st released for 2020 and how can I know what is last year vs this year, as it is not easy to disclose and most I call don't really know.
Finally, again, is the 6.0 EU only, and if so is it 28 or 20 MPH if sold here in US and it something to stay away from or?

I can’t compare 6 and 5.
I own 5.0. I purchased it in Sept 2019. Was told this was a 2020 model. Don’t know how to check to make sure.
when I was making the decision last year I was told by Specialized Rep that both models are very similar. I know the display is different. Block vs TCD. Dealers have been changing them free of charge. As Specialized send new display free and only labor is charged in some cases.
1.2 vs 1.3 should be the main deciding factor but I don’t know much about them.
May be one of the knowledgeable forum members can shed some light.
Oh yah I paid $5k+. Never regret it as it has given me so much pleasure.
@Stefan Mikes or @Sierratim??

 

[Sierratim]

The Vado 6 is not marketed in the States. I believe it is Euro only. Where are you located?

In the States 2020 Vados were available in early 2019. Specialized apparently took frames intended for 2019 sales and retrofitted them with the new TCD dispaly/controller selling them as 2020 bikes with full 2 year warranties.

I have an early 2020 model purchased in May 2019. It's been flawless with its 1.3 Brose motor. The 90Nm of torque gets me around our very hilly little town very well.

 

[GuruUno]

The Vado 6 is not marketed in the States. I believe it is Euro only. Where are you located?

In the States 2020 Vados were available in early 2019. Specialized apparently took frames intended for 2019 sales and retrofitted them with the new TCD dispaly/controller selling them as 2020 bikes with full 2 year warranties.

I have an early 2020 model purchased in May 2019. It's been flawless with its 1.3 Brose motor. The 90Nm of torque gets me around our very hilly little town very well.

I am in USA.

There are many showing available in the USA (Turbo Vado 6.0's)

But my main concern is that the multiple references to motor failures, and associated issues with the Brose motors having problems, etc., are those for the 'older' models or have those problems been addressed and resolved?

Is the same motor on the Vado 6.0 the same motor on the Vado 5.0?

I'd like to get the 6.0, they show available, but again, I don't want to be in support hell with issues that are carried over from a previous model that was problematic.

The specs I find for the Turbo Vado 6.0 available here in the US are:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When we set out to revamp our Turbo line, we knew that we needed to design a bike that best meets your needs. With our lives getting more hectic with each passing day, finding the tiny pockets of time savings can have a huge impact, and the 6.0 truly embodies this concept. It utilizes our most advanced pedal-assist technologies, a high-quality component spec, and a suspension fork to take the edge out of those pesky potholes. No matter where you're going, you'll get there faster and in style with the Turbo Vado 6.0.
Beginning with the integrated Specialized 1.3 motor, the Vado proves itself as the ultimate city bike. It features a silently operating design with our Custom Rx Street tune that takes the output and makes it the most usable for the urban environment. Think of it this way: The more power you put out, the more power the motor puts out, and this makes accelerations from a standstill both quick and efficient. The belt driven motor is also smooth, silent, and free of annoying vibrations. Perfect.
For the Vado 6.0, we developed a custom 604 Wh battery that seamlessly integrates into the frame, is lockable, and easily removable for simplified charging. In other words, there's plenty of juice to take you to and from work, a trip to the grocery store, or even to that new café on the other side of the city. If you wish to see exactly how far you can go on a charge, have a look at our Turbo Range Calculator for more exact estimates.
We also developed a custom 2.2-inch smart computer that lets you view your battery level and toggle various ride metrics such as speed, distance, and time. You can also peruse these screens via the custom handlebar remote without ever removing your hands from the bars.
And to top off all of the innovative features, we chose a high-end spec. Featuring Shimano XT/SLX 11-speed components, two-piston hydraulic disc brakes, an SR Suntour fork with 50mm of travel, racks, and fenders, it's ready to take on the town in effortless style.

• The Vado features a lightweight alloy frame that’s been designed with our Fitness/Transportation Geometry.
• The Vado’s Specialized 1.3 motor with Rx Street Tune is fully integrated with the frame, and it's also been custom-tuned for city riding. It intuitively reacts to the force of your pedaling, so the harder you pedal, the more power it delivers. And with an internal belt drive design, it does this without added vibration for the smoothest and most silent ride possible.
• We made the custom 604 Wh battery to be fully integrated with the frame, removable for easy charging, and lockable for added security. It communicates with the display and has multiple modes to maximize the overall efficiency and range.

 

[GuruUno]

So, I'm researching, and sharing.
Here is a video on the 1.2 vs 1.3 vs 2.1 Brose motors:

An interesting issue are some of the comments associated with the video (such as): (4 months ago)
I have heard of motor failures on the Levo is that common?

Yes very common. They will start to slip. At first it was blamed on the earlier versions but it's happening on the 2020's as well. Five different friends of mine purchased Levo's one bought a Kenevo and all have had to get them repaired more than once. One they swapped out for a new bike but he's on his fifth repair. The Kenevo was repaired twice and he sold the bike. Two others are being repaired this week.

Also this:
Andrew Dale with only 70 miles on the bike and only 20 miles off-road the bike shut off 1/4 mile into today’s ride. It’s currently at the shop. The display is totally unresponsive and off. I absolutely love the bike but I have to admit I’m really disappointed right now. My epic ride cancelled and my day traveling back and forth to the bike store. ==== to follow up the control/brain is bad and a new one is on the way. Covered of course by the warranty. It should be here within the week. So far one week of riding and one week waiting for repairs since I bought the bike. Let’s hope for smooth sailing after this.

So once again, it comes down to the dealer (LBS), the manufacturer (Specialized) and the competency of the collaboration between them and the customer, as well as time.

I recently had an ongoing dilemma with Trek issue of a similar nature, I have to say that Trek was 1,000% flawless in addressing the problems from my 2017 Super Commuter+ 8S to my 2020 Allant+ 9.9S, but it all boiled down to the local bike shop competency. Which brings me to this.

A few weeks ago I had considered contacting Specialized headquarters to have pre-sales inquiries answered. Given that I was not really too satisfied with the answers or level of knowledge of the 'kids' at the LBS. Well, straight to voicemail and Covid-19 reasoning as to why they were not going to answer the phone. Similar needs to communicate with Trek...not a problem, business as usual, people answer the phone, things get taken care of.

This leads me to this point. If I wish to purchase an e-bike and choose Specialized, am I expecting a lesser level of support, delayed communications, increased warranty issues and many of the other items that would require involvement of the LBS with the Corporate entity?

This is a real dilemma.

So one might say, do your homework before you make your decisions, hence the purpose of community forums such as electricbikereview.com, but just for the heck of it, let us say you needed to choose between the top contenders/competitors. Trek, Specialized, Yamaha, Giant, R&M. Given 3 years of experience with Trek I can say sure, they are a good company and get it done. But to have to rely on the shops that sell and service as well as reading through these forums I feel like there is no choice that is the least problematic.

In the end, I'd love to get a Turbo Vado 6.0, but they are heavily discounted, many exist to be purchased and does that tell a story?

Same with the Turbo Vado 5.0. Stale inventory. Any comments as to why? Should I avoid Specialized and look elsewhere? Where?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I have ignored GuruUno because he is always complaining. For him, Trek Allant+ 9.9s is a faulty e-bike because industry-standard shifter seems too hard. I will answer about 5.0 and 6.0 though.

Specialized were selling the U.S. version of 6.0 only in 2018. @Marci jo owns one and can tell you about that specific model. The EU 2020 6.0 is equivalent to the 2020 U.S. Vado 5.0 only it is heavily equipped with ride safety features as mandated by the EU law for S-Pedelecs.

 

[Sierratim]

I don't see the Vado 6 on Specialized's US web site for 2020. Where do you see this offering?

 

[Brendon@OEB]

I have ignored GuruUno because he is always complaining. For him, Trek Allant+ 9.9s is a faulty e-bike because industry-standard shifter seems too hard. I will answer about 5.0 and 6.0 though.

Specialized were selling the U.S. version of 6.0 only in 2018. @Marci jo owns one and can tell you about that specific model. The EU 2020 6.0 is equivalent to the 2020 U.S. Vado 5.0 only it is heavily equipped with ride safety features as mandated by the EU law for S-Pedelecs.

I feel like I might get my head taken off for stepping in here...that said, that's what an LBS is for. Seems like I might be one of the few to dive into the "forums." Good thing too since I grew up on forums for various sports and motorsports/cars/motorcycles/bicycles.

As I understand the leftover 6.0 is an older model. As of 2020 the Vado/Como lineup is 5.0, 4.0, and 3.0. The 5.0 is the badass motor, battery, drivetrain, and brakes (Como's come with a front rack). 4.0's come with the 1.2 motor and are still Class 3 but with lesser spec'd (still very good) drivetrains and brakes. 3.0 is Class 1 as I understand, smaller battery too. Everything Como/Vado should be TCD for 2020 and beyond.

With regard to reliability, Brose, Bosch, and Yamaha are incredible. It's always on the dealer to have good relations and the bandwidth to contact with any hot button issues that come up. Additionally of course something breaks at the worst possible moment. My former life as a motorcycle dealer GM of KTM, Husqvarna, Triumph, Ducati, BMW, and Kawasaki it's always the worst timed things. No reflection to the end customer but those variables always come to light. As a dealer, having a demo model to keep the end client happy is the best stop gap, that said, it's still tough since their new thing is still broken/down.

Hope this helps, feel free to lean on me. I know I'm not your dealer but happy to help as best as I can as a representative of said brands.

 

[Sierratim]

I have ignored GuruUno because he is always complaining. For him, Trek Allant+ 9.9s is a faulty e-bike because industry-standard shifter seems too hard. I will answer about 5.0 and 6.0 though.

Specialized were selling the U.S. version of 6.0 only in 2018. @Marci jo owns one and can tell you about that specific model. The EU 2020 6.0 is equivalent to the 2020 U.S. Vado 5.0 only it is heavily equipped with ride safety features as mandated by the EU law for S-Pedelecs.

@Stefan Mikes I searched for posts by @GuruUno and see what you mean.

Ride On!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Everything Como/Vado should be TCD for 2020 and beyond.

TCD-W, to not create more confusion The TCD is a wireless display.

We all here are in love with our Vados and Comos and it is like a stranger coming in a neighbourhood and saying bad things on the locals, that GuruUno. There is no perfect e-bike. Vados and Comos are one of the best in the market, especially when they are backed up by a good LBS. I have to re-iterate I own a 2017 Vado 5.0 (EU) that was upgraded to 2020 electronics free as a warranty service by my LBS, and that involved dismantling half of the bike and even replacing components such as the rack: all free of charge. I wonder what other brand would do that for you.

 

[GuruUno]

There is no perfect e-bike. Vados and Comos are one of the best in the market, especially when they are backed up by a good LBS

FIND ME THAT GOOD LBS FOR SPECIALIZED THEN....PLEASE, as of yet, i've not found one that meets my level of needs.

 

[Brendon@OEB]

FIND ME THAT GOOD LBS FOR SPECIALIZED THEN....PLEASE, as of yet, i've not found one that meets my level of needs.

I'm here friend!

 

[BarryS]

I'm here friend!

Sadly you are in Oregon : I'd have purchased a Vado Long Time ago. But Live In Michigan : There are absolutely so LBS that I have found that even stock these : The One place that does Lets you sit on Them But That 's it : It's difficult to even find a Mechanic that knows much about them because they haven't sold enough to need to learn. I don't get why at least teh Main Companies don't require LBS shops to be certified beyond classrooms with what they are selling :
Hopefully as E-Bikes get more and more the Popular thing :Repairs will be a Natural evolution to stay in Business :
After all These things can't be that complicated : Most problems I see reported on the forum appear to generate from programming vs actual Broken parts : Or am I wrong ?

Then there's comments like Stefan's that alert you to bad information because someone's opinion is biased based on a Personal Issue vs a Real Problem

 

[Stefan Mikes]

EU Vado 5.0 on its 75 mile ride.
P.S. I made it! 76.5 miles in 5 hours net ride The last miles ridden in Turbo mode (of course, second battery had to be used).

Exactly at the metric century distance at the moment

 

[GuruUno]

MEN'S TURBO VADO 6.0, Gloss Limon/Black/Chrome, Large

Part No. 95018-1104 Is this a 2020 year model, or ? https://www.specialized.com/us/en/m...868?color=216925-133868&searchText=95018-1104 I see multiple offerings on various sites referencing Red Vado's and they are $3,787. What year is this? (RED) I see on many sites the Turbo Vado in Gloss Limon/Black/Chrome for $5,050. What year is this model? (YELLOW) I'm considering the newest one, however the availability is very confusing. Specialized Turbo Men's Vado 6.0 The Specialized Men's Turbo Vado 6.0 is the latest evolution of their award-winning pedal-assist technology, and let us tell you, it takes a massive step forward into the future of bicycle design.... www.bicyclehabitat.com specs show 350 watt rx-tune Red/$3700 shows 1.3 motor Yellow shows 1.2 motor VERY VERY confusing. WHO (even 2 "dealers" I called were befuddled), WHO is supposed to be the end all of providing the consumer the CORRECT availability, the CORRECT specs and pricing? "Others" can complain that 'guruuno' is a whiner, ignore him, blah, blah, blah, but if I want to even consider pre-sales info, if I cannot even discuss with a VALID rep who has knowledgeable facts, I'm supposed to rely upon those who ridicule me here because of my insistence to obtain pre-sales info prior to making a purchasing decision? Where then is ANYONE supposed to get proper, updated, not "stale" or unknown information then, from who, where? Not to sound like a jerk-off, but Judge Judy chastises those in front of her for not doing their due diligence as in "DID YOU ASK ALL YOUR QUESTIONS FIRST"? Well, I'm trying, but how and who is the definitive provider of the correct information. I just want to make a valid, reseached purchasing decision before I wind up pulling the trigger and then find out that I bought something that was wrong, incorrectly identified or non-returnable because of my stupidity by not doing my homework.

 

[GuruUno]

I have ignored GuruUno because he is always complaining. For him, Trek Allant+ 9.9s is a faulty e-bike because industry-standard shifter seems too hard. I will answer about 5.0 and 6.0 though.

Did you ever ride an Allant+ 9.9S?
Did you ever use the shifter on a problematic one?
I did.
I can compare bike 1 to bike 2 to bike 3 and tell you the differences.
Point here is If the shoe is too tight, don't wear it.
Get a size that fits.
"Industry standard" may work if cables are not routed through frame and rails, so you might be right that it's a "standard" that has no problems, but with the routing, it WAS an issue.

Wear the shoe, then tell me it is too tight or get another size.

 

[GuruUno]

Well, hopefully the dilemma has been addressed by the local bike shop via chat just now.

The yellow bike and the black bike are both 2018.

The red bike is a 2019.

All use the older head unit that occasionally experienced issues and was changed to a newer, more reliable unit on the 2020+ models.

 

[Papa G]

My wife has the 2020 Turbo Vado 5.0 with the TCD-W display, 600W battery, the 1.3 motor and XT/SLX components, purchased In June of 2020 after the Specialized price change From $5,150 to $4,350. It has operated flawlessly since purchase, as has my 2020 Turbo Vado 4.0 purchased in April of 2020. Ordered directly online from Specialized for delivery through Mikes Bikes in Folsom. I am no expert, but from what I have read on the forum, the TCD-W display on the newer models seem to be A worthwhile consideration.

 

[GuruUno]

My wife has the 2020 Turbo Vado 5.0 with the TCD-W display, 600W battery, the 1.3 motor and XT/SLX components, purchased In June of 2020 after the Specialized price change From $5,150 to $4,350. It has operated flawlessly since purchase, as has my 2020 Turbo Vado 4.0 purchased in April of 2020. Ordered directly online from Specialized for delivery through Mikes Bikes in Folsom. I am no expert, but from what I have read on the forum, the TCD-W display on the newer models seem to be A worthwhile consideration.

Thanks Papa

 

[Sierratim]

MEN'S TURBO VADO 6.0, Gloss Limon/Black/Chrome, Large

Part No. 95018-1104 Is this a 2020 year model, or ? https://www.specialized.com/us/en/m...868?color=216925-133868&searchText=95018-1104

The current Specialized Vado models offered in the States are available through their main web page here;
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-vado . No Vado 6 is offered. The Vado 6 you've linked to appears to be an archived page, judging by the 'bread crumb' path just under the Specialized name.

The Vado 6 photo shows a display mounted out from the stem. This is the older BLOKS display. The newer TCD-W display is handlebar mounted and is often positioned over the bike's stem. The Bicycle Habitat page does describe the BLOKS display. The BLOKS display is not compatible with the Mission Control app.

Others have reported that upgrading the BLOKS to the TCD-W display may be covered under warranty but recent upgrades have included long delays due to parts availability. This seems to be a regional issue.