Total Weight:
36.9 lbs (16.73 kg)
Battery Weight:
3.96 lbs (1.79 kg)
Motor Weight:
4.29 lbs (1.94 kg)
Frame Material:
E5 Aluminum Alloy
Frame Sizes:
16.33 in (41.47 cm)17.57 in (44.62 cm)19.46 in (49.42 cm)21.06 in (53.49 cm)Geometry Measurements:
Large 494.5mm Measurements: 19.5" Seat Tube Length, 23.25" Reach, 31" Stand Over, 33.25" Minimum Saddle Height, 27.25" Width, 73.25" Length, 45" Wheelbase
Frame Types:
High-Step
Frame Colors:
Dove Gray with Acid Lava and Cast Black Reflective Accents
Frame Fork Details:
Rigid Aluminum Alloy, Boost 110mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Thru-Axle with 6mm Hex Bolt
Frame Rear Details:
148mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Thru-Axle with 6mm Hex Bolt
Attachment Points:
Two Bottle Cage Mounts, Rear Rack Mounts, Front Rack Mounts, Fender Mounts
Gearing Details:
10
Speed 1x10 Shimano Deore 11-42 Tooth Cassette, Shimano Deore Shadow Plus GS Cage Derailleur with One-Way ClutchShifter Details:
Shimano RapidFire Plus Trigger Shifters with Optical Gear Display on Right (Two-Way High, Three-Shift Low)
Cranks:
Praxis, Forged Aluminum Alloy, M30 Spindle Splines, Custom Offset, 170mm Length for Small 172.5mm Length for Medium and Large and 175mm Length for Extra Large, Aluminum Alloy 44 Tooth Chainring with Plastic Guard, 104 BCD Spider, 181mm Q-Factor, ISIS Splined
Pedals:
Specialized Body Geometry Fitness with Varus Wedge (Aligns the Knee, Increases Comfort and Efficiency, Reduces Injury), Plastic Platform with Nubs and Reflectors
Headset:
Threadless, Cartridge Bearings, Tapered 1-1/ 8" to 1-1/ 2"
Stem:
Specialized Stealth Stem, Aluminum Alloy, 14° Rise, 70mm to 100mm Length, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, TCD-W Mount for Optional Cycle Computer, One 25mm Tapered Base Spacer, Three 10mm Spacers, One 5mm Spacer
Handlebar:
Stout Mini Rise, Aluminum Alloy, 9-Degree Backsweep, 15mm Rise, 690mm Width
Brake Details:
Tektro HD-R290, Hydraulic Disc with 160mm Rotors, Dual-Piston Calipers, Tektro Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach
Grips:
Specialized Body Geometry Targa, Ergonomic, Rubber, Locking
Saddle:
Specialized Bridge Sport, Body Geometry, Steel Rails, 143mm to 155mm Length
Seat Post:
Specialized, Aluminum Alloy, Dual-Bolt, 25mm Offset
Seat Post Length:
350 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
27.2 mm
Rims:
Specialized Branded, Aluminum Alloy, Mid-Dish 700C Disc, ETRTO 622x21, 22mm Rim Depth, 21mm Internal Width, Specialized Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Center Lock, Front Hub: 12x110mm, 24 Hole, Rear Hub: 12x148mm, 28 Hole
Spokes:
DT Swiss Industry, Stainless Steel, 15 Gauge, Black with Nipples
Tire Brand:
Specialized Nimbus II Sport Reflect, 700x38c (38-622)
Wheel Sizes:
28 in (71.12cm)Tire Details:
50 to 80 PSI, 3.5 to 5.5 BAR, Blackbelt Puncture Protection, Reflective Sidewall Stripes
Tube Details:
Presta Valve (48mm)
Accessories:
Lezyne Ebike Hecto STVZO E65 Integrated Headlight (210 Lumens, 12 Volt), Lezyne Ebike Rear Fender STVZO Integrated Rear Light (2 LED, 30 Lumens, 12 Volt), Specialized Custom Dry-Tech Tubular Alloy Fenders (Extra-Long Flextender Multi-Plastic Lower Piece, 40mm Width, Reflective Stickers), Specialized Kickstand (40mm Mount, Plastic Tip), Specialized Turbo SL Bolt-On Rear Rack (Closed Platform, Direct Fender Mount, Racktime SnapIT Compatible, 15kg 33lb Max Weight), Simple Bell, Clear Plastic Slap Guard Sticker, Optional Range Extender Battery Pack ($450, 46.8 Volts, 3.35 Amp Hours, 160 Watt Hours, 2.3lbs 1.04kg) Range Extender Cable ($45) SLY Charging Split Cable ($65), Replacement Charger ($200), Optional Replacement Battery ($700), Optional TCD LCD Display ($90, Battery Percentage, Pedal Cadence, Speed, Distance, Trip Time, Odometer, Calories, Pedal Watts, Time)
Other:
Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack (Removable with Tools, 3.96lb), 1.9lb 54.6 Volt 3.0 Amp Charger, 181mm Q-Factor, KMC e10S Chain with Missing Link, Maximum Motor RPM Support 120, IP67 Rated Against Water and Dust (Main Battery, Range Extender Battery, SL 1.1 Motor, TCU Display)
Allan
5 years agoHey Court, if you come to Vancouver again to review a bike would it be possible to meet? I’d love to come meet you if possible. I would love to go on a ride together, and could take either my Creo or Juiced CCS.
btw – Love that Specialized created a Vado SL. It might be what we get for my wife, though I’ve been also considering the Giant Thrive E+ – if you ever have a chance to review that bike I’d be really interested in that review.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Allan! Great request, I would love to cover more Giant ebikes and there’s a store nearby (I think it has been appointment only lately though). I live in Vancouver, so let’s definitely get together for a ride and some chats, maybe an interview about your bikes or something! My number is 650.930.0342 so just text me and we’ll go from there :D
ReplyAlanK
5 years agoCourt — As usual, thanks for such a thorough, honest review. This does seem like a practical, well-thought bike. For me there are two crucial shortcomings: 1) The battery can only be shop removed; 2) Low capacity rack.
I understand these are probably a consequence of designing an e-bike that also rides well without power. It’s especially unfortunate that higher capacity racks probably won’t fit either. For me the unremovable battery is a fairly significant shortcoming since it greatly limits charging options. If I bike to, say, a movie theater (hopefully they’ll reopen eventually) and need to recharge while there I obviously need to remove the battery and with this bike I can’t.
Overall though I think this bike is practical for and will appeal to many commuters and recreational riders. For those of us considering a bike as a full-on car replacement it’s probably not the best option.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoYou hit the nail on the head… the semi-permanent main battery creates some storage and charging compromises for sure, but their range extender batteries offer a pretty good solution, just costs more money. The rack seems like a big miss to me, and I explained this pretty vocally to the Specialized rep I spoke with (he was actually an engineer and very knowledgeable and supportive). Overall, I still really like the bike, but there are so many great products to choose from now. I hope they introduce a mid-step or step-thru and I hope they upgrade the rack ;)
ReplyBarry Cohen
5 years agoYour reviews and enthusiasm convinced me that the Vado SL could be the answer to my complex and often contradictory purchase criteria.
So, I took a ride with my buddy Saturday to a local shop (22 miles total) and got a test ride. I was going to compare to regular Vado 4, but just handling that in the shop convinced me it would be too heavy for my needs and strength. I bought a Vado 4 SL and will be picking it up later this weekend.
Thanks to your detailed review of the SL and other bikes plus the forums, I was able to ask the right questions to clarify my choice.
As for the rack issue, I was concerned about size too. I have a Topeak rack on my analog bike and some bags. I was annoyed that I’d have to buy new bags, but Topeak makes an adapter that allows use of their accessories on a Racktime rack. I need to confirm it will work and the weight limit might become a problem, but with a bit of luck it’ll work out.
Thanks for a terrific site.
Rick53
5 years agoAlank, you can remove the battery yourself, should you need to. We’ve had the casing off, it’s simple, it’s just not something the average non-mechanical person should mess with, mainly for the fear of the unknown. It is however more then doable should someone want to remove the battery for winter storage.
ReplyAlanK
5 years agoWhat about removing and recharging the battery while it’s off the bike? That’s really my major concern. As I wrote, if I’m away from home for the day and need to recharge or partially recharge the battery while I’m at a restaurant, coffee shop, library, theater, etc, is that an option? If not, that seems like a significant disadvantage.
Rick 53
5 years agoAlank, no you can’t charge it off bike because the inlet for charging is frame mounted. If you remove the battery you wouldn’t be able to charge it. Also, please understand, when I said it was easy I guess I should have clarified easy vs. fast. It’s not a 2 minute job, There’s a video in the forum on how to remove the Specialized Turbo SL battery. You’ll see while it’s not major. It’s not a convenient thing to do. Here’s the link for a Levo SL video which is essentially the same process.
Ray
5 years agoHi, Court, “….there are so many great products to choose from now….” What are other options that offer low overall weight, dual battery option, removable batteries, and a strong rack? Thanks.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Ray! None that fit all of the parameters you described. I’ve seen some Trek models with dual battery option from Bosch, same for Riese & Müller, but they aren’t as lightweight. DOST is a newer company that offers dual battery setup and throttle, but again, not as lightweight. None of these products have the unique fenders that Specialized has developed :)
ReplyRandy Stortroen
5 years agoSomebody predicted we would start to see 35 lb ebikes once the name companies started to get onboard. I think it was Hannes Neupert. Good to see Specialized keeping pace – their headquarters is less than an hour from me. That’s in Morgan Hill, by the way.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoOh yeah! Morgan Hill is awesome, what a great place to live :D I’ve been so excited to see these lighter weight ebikes, props to Specialized for making it happen sooner rather than later ;) I’ve got a Cannondale to cover soon that is also very lightweight. Keep an eye out!
ReplyRandy Stortroen
5 years agoInteresting angle for you to take up with Specialized: a German company makes the low-power 240w nominal motor but it’s 48v. 48v is rare for eurospec ebikes. Continental was going that way but they bailed out of their ebike project late last year. Might be returning, though, since auto industry in for secular recession.
I think this bike might have been the result of Specialized’s new base in Switzerland. European names (Colnago, Pinarello, Bianchi, et al.) are 10lbs lighter but carbon and twice as much money. They obviously made some new hires from that scene. $3500 is a great price point for 36.4lb bike with a lot of trimmings but a series comparing high end US spec and eurospec bikes is overdue if the latter are selling anywhere this side of the pond.
PS I just checked and Ebikemotion has a number of European names in their stable. Ebikemotion and Mahle are the same company with maybe some differentiation between hub and mid-drive units. I wouldn’t want to second-guess their manufacturing skills.
Bryan
5 years agoGreat review Court! Between the Vado 5.0 and the Vado SL EQ 5.0, which do you feel would be better as an all-around ebike for light commuting but also occasionally getting off the beaten path for a pleasure ride? I love the weight of this Vado SL, but wonder if I would miss the power and comfort of the Vado. Thanks!
Bryan
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Bryan! Glad you enjoyed the review. I would choose the Vado SL 5.0 EQ, even though it lacks a full sized suspension fork. The Future Shock 1.5 provides a lot of comfort, and the lighter frame is just more enjoyable and nimble for me. Keep in mind, I’m 5’9″ weighing 135lbs. I thought that the original Vado was ugly, and even though it has a very quiet and awesome Brose motor, I feel that the SL is also very capable and love how they offer the range extender batteries now. For me, no question the SL models are the best… and I do think that they would be capable off-road and up steeper hills. That said, I’m very fit and very light myself :)
ReplyBryan
5 years agoThank you for the quick reply! That really helps. I’m 5’9″ and 150lbs. and fit as well so the SL sounds like the way to go! Now if I can just find one…
Marshall Meyer
5 years agoNice review, Court. Turbo Vado 5.0 SL (non EQ) dazzles. And moves, much faster and much stronger than anticipated. A couple of minor points:
- Tires. You feel the aluminum frame at 80 psi even with Future Shock 1.5. Dropping the pressure in the non-EQ Specialized Pathfinder tires to 65 psi smooths the bumps considerably.
- Brakes. I don’t understand how the 160mm Tektro HD-R510 brakes do it, but they stop the TV 5.0 SL as fast as the 200/180mm Shimanos on my Specialized Camber carbon mountain bike. The HD-R510s are an upgrade from the HD-R290s in the 4.0 SL.
- The carbon fork, Future Shock, extra stopping power, and enhanced gear range on the 5.0 seem well worth the $1k increment over the 4.0–but keep in mind that I’ll be 78 y/o in three weeks.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHey Marshall! Great feedback, thanks for the technical comparison of the brakes on your Specialized Camber Carbon. Yeah, the Turbo Vado SL models are very fun, and you know that I agree about the $1k upgrade. Sounds like you’ve lived an amazing life and are still staying active! Good for you, thanks for sharing some of your learnings here and you’re welcome back anytime. Enjoy the ride out there, stay healthy :D
ReplyGavin
5 years agoHi Court – This is a great review. I really like this bike and would like the Vado 5 SL, but then i see the Turbo Creo SL E5 or maybe step the base carbo fiber version. I am looking to use it for a long commute. Are these bikes comparable or are they completely different bike classes?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHey Gavin! Sorry for the slow reply here. I also love the Creo models… they’re just so light and fast, the drop bars make them feel like race cars! That said, the more upright geometry of the Vado models is appealing for everyday (repetitive) use in the city. Imagine parking outside at a bike rack and getting a scratch… Aluminum Alloy just seems tougher. Having the great fenders and integrated rack and lights… I just feel like the Vado is made for commutes, but you definitely could make the Creo models work. I covered a couple of them and noticed that the wider tires and flared drop bars on the EVO models improved comfort. It does offer bottle cage bosses, fender bosses, and rear rack bosses ;)
ReplyGavin
5 years agoHi Court – This is a great review. I really like this bike and would like the Vado 5 SL, but I also see the Turbo Creo SL E5 or maybe step the base carbo fiber version could be interesting. I am looking to use it for a long commute, up to 180 miles per week. Would either of these bikes work, or are they completely different bike classes? Also I am over 200 pounds, will carbon fiber really make a difference?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Gavin! Yeah, I think that either bike would work great… and you could always purchase Range Extender batteries for the longer rides. My choice would be the Vado SL because of the wider tires, great fenders, and rack. If you’re into drop bars, I think the Creo SL models could work well too. It’s basically using the same battery and motor… even the Future Shock 1.5 headset/stem. As someone who prefers a more upright and comfortable ride, especially if it’s a daily ride over a long distance, I’d focus in on the Vado SL :)
ReplyJerry
5 years agoHi Court. If we go with the 5.0 as you recommend, to get the integrated front suspension, we are up to $4,500. My question to you is this… is there any other ebike for that money you would consider over the Turbo Vado 5.0 SL? Thanks.
Great review, by the way, thorough and informative as always.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Jerry! Great question, I realize that the Turbo Vado SL 4.0 can get pretty expensive. Depending on your needs, yes, I do recommend other ebikes for sure. If your aim is commuting, check out this page. If you’re more into saving money, check out these bikes. There are so many factors that come into choosing. I personally love the new Specialized SL models because they’re so lightweight! It just fits my ride style, and the bikes are done very well… Here’s my full list of top-rated ebikes that have been recently covered on the site, spanning many categories. You can start with this and then dig in further. Still, for me, The Specialized, Trek, and Rad Power Bikes are all stand-outs as brands :)
ReplyPatrick
5 years agoHi Court. Excited that I purchased the Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ mostly based on your review and the need for a bike that could perform as a daily driver w/out pedal assist (great job btw!). You weren’t kidding about the extras for this Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ. Everything is extra including a multi-tool just to perform routine maintenance.
You were incorrect regarding the price for the Specialized Turbo Connect Display (TCD). It does cost $90 but its another $25 for the mount… ;)
ReplyCourt
4 years agoOh man Patrick!! That’s incredible. Seems like they are really “Nickel and Diming” with the accessories to keep the bike price in that sweet spot. Thanks for sharing this little bit of information. I’ll update the review to include it :D
ReplyPatrick
4 years agoHey Court – FYI. I just received the Specialized Turbo Connect Display today (06/29) from Specialized. I opened the box and as I mentioned I purchased the display and a $25 mount. However, when I opened the ship box only the display was sent. Thinking it was a partial shipment, I opened the display box and inside were two mounts! I suppose Specialized is selling the mounts separately in case you lost/broke the original that was shipped with the unit. My bad…
Tyler
4 years agoThanks for the informative review. Stellar machines! Might also be worth noting that the non-EQ version doesn’t come with the kickstand either. So in addition to the fenders and rack there are a few other adds that I’ve noticed on the EQ version. Worth the extra money for the EQ if you want those options, and if you can find one. I personally like the sportier look of the non-EQ (and live in a dry climate) so went with the standard SL 4.0, but did purchase a few accessories so far. I do wish it would have come with the display like most of the other models instead of a $90 add-on. But all minor complaints as you mentioned and a great bike. Stay safe!
ReplyCourt
4 years agoOh wow! I didn’t realize they charged extra for the kickstand on standard SL 4.0 models… Thanks for the heads up! I agree that the naked version of the bike looks light and clean, how much extra is a kickstand from them?
ReplyMark
4 years agoGreat review! Thanks. What do you think about the Vado SL 4.0 vs. the Trek Allant+ 7S? Both are class 3. Vado SL 4.0 seems to have slightly better components (rack is not as heavy duty) and is lighter. The Trek is much heavier but seems to have more flexibility given the wider tires, suspension fork, and removable battery. Need an expert opinion to help me decide.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Mark! Sorry for the slow reply here… I covered the Trek Allant+ 7 a while back, and I really liked it. If you care more about power (like you climb a lot or weigh more or carry bigger loads) then it could be the winner. For me, I’m a lightweight guy who isn’t super strong, and I want an ebike that I can still toss around and feel like I’m in control. This is why I like the Specialized SL products so much. For me, even without suspension fork, the SL is great (especially the 5.0 because of their suspension stem Future Shock 1.5 system). Bosch makes great motors and is very proven, MAHLE (which Specialized uses) is a great brand too, but they aren’t as proven in the ebike space yet. I hope this helps you narrow things down ;)
ReplyCatherine
4 years agoI’m very interested to purchase a Vado SL. But the small size have a 770mm stand-over heigh. My crotch height is 780mm (with my shoes). I think it’s too tall for me! But sellers just said “take small”. Really? I did not find information on web about this. Specialized web site recommend me to take medium (I think the web site is making mistake).
Thank you!!!
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Catherine! Thanks for the feedback. Standover height is an interesting topic because, as you said, shoes come into play. I’m always surprised how tall some of the saddles are for bikes when I ride… way taller than my inseam! I learned to jump forward and put one foot on a pedal and then bend over to put one foot down on the ground. It can be done, but it takes some balance and practice. It’s nice that Specialized has dealers where you can go try the bikes and actually see how it feels to mount and pedal. I wish you luck!
ReplyBob
4 years agoNice review! How well does this bike pedal with assist turned off compared to other e-bikes? Does it feel like a regular bike?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Bob, yeah! It feels much more like a regular bicycle because it’s so light and ergonomically it’s set up well. There’s no drag from the motor or anything like that to worry about either :)
ReplyKives
4 years agoProspective first time e bike buyer, Really love the review, but my balky knees leans (age 71) towards getting the Aventon Level so I can get a Throttle and pedal assist. Am I being a scaredy cat?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Knives! No, that totally makes sense. I also like the option for using a throttle and Aventon has some great products at great prices. I do prefer the Specialized Turbo Vado SL for how light and responsive it is, and I do have knee pain of my own (mostly addressed by pedal assist) but I’m only 36 years old. I have enjoyed the throttle on Pedego, Easy Motion, and other ebikes that I owned several years back (that I commuted with daily). I think you’ll enjoy either way, and I welcome your input in the future. The biggest difference might be how smooth and dynamic pedal assist is for the Specialized vs. Aventon. It might feel more on/off vs. smooth and natural… but not that much, still very fun :)
ReplyKives
4 years agoSwimming with the wolves – tehe – laid down my deposit on a Vado SL 5.0 EQ. (test drove one today) all doubts are gone.
Kivies
4 years agoWhoa! Am I getting this? There is no battery key, so you better have a good lock (which I do). I am thinking this as a convenience, yes?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoWell, the battery is secured inside the frame by the motor interface. Someone would need to disassemble the bottom bracket and have space to lift the bike to then slide the pack out. It seems like that would take a lot of time and effort, and the battery for this ebike is lower capacity and only works with Specialized SL models, so it probably doesn’t have a high street value. The bottle cage batteries would be much easier to steal, and they don’t lock either. The best way to protect them would be to carry them along with you vs. leaving on the bike. The good part about them is that you can easily charge them inside while the bike is parked outside. You could even semi-permanently remove the main ebike frame battery to reduce bike weight and ONLY run the bike off of the bottle batteries!
ReplyRobert Shanbrom
4 years agoMaybe I missed it somewhere but what sort of rider input is necessary to get the motor to put out the full 240w? What would the resulting speed be, assuming typical conditions and rider weight? Thank you.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Robert! I think you’ll receive full power when using the highest level of assist and pedaling with medium effort. The highest supported speed is 45km/h (28mph), which is the maximum legal limit for a Class 3 ebike :)
ReplyRobert Shanbrom
4 years agoThank you, Court. What sort of a rider are you and what speed are you able to maintain on, say, a 20-mile trip? I checked a bike calculator and it computed 24.8 mph for a 154-pound rider putting out 140w. That’s the rider input necessary to max out the motor’s 240w, as the literature says it assists at 180%. Would you say that 25mph is the max assisted speed in realtime usage?
Kives
4 years agoGetting a Specialized Vado SL 5.0. The battery, for all practical purposes, is not coming off the bike (in the down tube). So, I will be charging the battery from the bike itself. That means when I am not riding it will reside in my garage (the bike in the living room days are long over). Here I am reading that batteries should come in at night for climate control. I live in South Hot Hot Florida. Garage stays in the 80’s most of the time. Am I ok or do I have to ask the Mrs. if the bike can sleep inside the air conditioned house?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHey Kives! Happy wife, happy… well, I’m sure you know the rest of the saying ;)
The cool thing about the SL models from Specialized is that they have the external battery pack things. I feel like 80-degrees is going to be alright, it’s not the end of the world. Specialized is a big company and they seem to be committing to this new motor+battery design, so worst case is that you go through the battery a year early and buy a replacement for $800 and then ask the Mrs. how your shared budget is looking. Or, just buy a bottle battery to extend the rides as the main battery draws down. I’m being a little extreme here with my estimates because it’s very hard to say what the impact of heat will be. I am not an engineer and am simply repeating what I’ve read and heard from those who I trust. Extreme heat is hard on lithium-ion batteries… shrug. This is why I consider the non-removability of the main pack to be a con for this ebike. To go one step deeper… what if you’re climbing a big hill and it’s very hot out?! That’s probably worse than the 80-degree storage, and Specialized knows this and designs the battery to withstand “regular” use like this I’m guessing. I think the biggest concern for me would be leaving an ebike battery inside a very hot car in a parking lot. Just like mobile phones, the battery could overheat and create a fire hazard. I hope this help, it sounds like your options are limited here so just go with it, or put down a towel and gently place the bike inside somewhere. There are nice looking neoprene bike covers that could help it blend in if you think that would help ;)
ReplyGary Pool
4 years agoCourt,
Thanks for the wonderful review. As I am between the Vado 4.0 and Vado 4.0 SL for a commuting bike I have two questions?
Thanks,
ReplyGary
Court
4 years agoHi Gary, I’m excited for you! This is going to be a subjective answer with a few options. My personal choice would be the large Vado 4.0 SL because it’s light but still really fast. However, when we start thinking about sharing… things get tricky. I don’t think Specialized offers a step-thru SL model, so the stand-over height and large size might be uncomfortable for your 5’7″ wife. That’s a bummer because in my experience, my Mom and girlfriend always want lightweight ebikes to ride. A large step-thru would be a great compromise of approachability and lighter manageability for them and fit/comfort for you. Perhaps this brings us back to the regular Vado, if you can get a large step-thru? If you’re going with high-step regardless, then I’d aim for the SL because in my experience it’s still very capable of high-speeds on flat terrain. The final question here is whether you can even find an SL model for sale. I’m under the impression that they are sold out or limited at this time. I think you’ll be happy with either and one of my friends just bought a Vado 5.0 for himself and loves it…
ReplyShawn
4 years agoHi Court,
I am wondering how you acquired the Vado SL 4.0 EQ version in Canada. Let me know.
Thanks!
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Shawn, these companies ship me bikes to review (or send them to shops like Cit-E-Cycles, which deals with Specialized). Sometimes I assemble and other times I’ll get some help and pay a shop. Still other times, I’ll just meet with an owner and get their real world feedback or find someone selling a bike on Craigslist and meetup with them for a quick borrow/pay arrangement to do a review ;) in this case, Specialized shipped to me and I got some help with assembly.
ReplyMichael L.
4 years agoHi Court – What an informative and detailed review! As someone who loves riding but is out of my depth with technical stuff, you’re a true natural resource! I am about to put down a deposit of a 4.0 SL EQ. I’m 65 years old, 5′ 9″, 31′ inseam, 190 Lbs., creaky knees but still able to ride my non-electric Marin flat or small incline, and my Bion-X powered Marin on big inclines, and I live in hilly Port Townsend, WA.
I appreciate your view on this. Thanks, Michael
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Michael! It sounds like we have very similar stats… I’m 5’9″ with 31ish inseam and would also choose the Medium. As for the bike itself, this is one of my favorite models for 2020! It sounds like you’ve already got a decent ebike with a heavier drive system, so this one will feel more like your non-electric and probably wow you in how dynamic the power output is. The SL motor is so good, but BionX isn’t bad either ;) do you think you’ll keep it? Great job staying active, enjoy the ride my friend :D
ReplyMichael L.
4 years agoThank you, Court, for your quick reply and sound advice. You have helped me make the decision: Medium 4.0 EQ will be ordered tomorrow! My Bion-X has been the best, even when I got it 6 years ago before electric bikes were the thing, and everyone (friends-ha!) laughed at me. On the Marin/Bion-X bike, it weighed 47#, which was light in those days. It’s on its last legs now, motor cuts out at random and I have to turn it off and back on again one to three times a ride, and sometimes it self actuates for a second without my input. New battery and controller from ebay, but parts are not readily available anymore, so I think it’s time to treat myself with a new bike! I’ll keep the Bion-X as back up, as I would feel funny about giving/selling it with a system that turns off at random!
Take care, Michael
ReplyCourt
4 years agoWonderful, I’m so glad I could help… and I’ve enjoyed reading your story. I got into ebikes about nine years ago, before it was cool ;) so I can relate. BionX was such a neat company. I got to visit their headquarters in Canada and see the engineering floor, very cutting edge. Their building looked like a castle, and they had connections to the automotive industry. It has been interesting seeing them fade away. Since you’re a forward looking person, perhaps you’ll enjoy this video about another technology which I believe in.
ReplyMichael Graham
4 years agoHi Court. I really like the Specialized bikes and that is where I think I’m going to end up. I’m an older guy and this is my first e-bike purchase. I’m a big guy (5’9″ and 270) Is there a Specialized bike you would recommend or should I be looking elsewhere? Thanks, Mike
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Michael! I’d probably get the standard Como or Vado if I were you. The new SL models are lightweight, but that means they don’t offer as much power for starting and climbing. It worked very well for me (I weigh about 135lbs), and would be great if you have to lift the bike up stairs frequently… but my other friend just bought a standard Vado with the Brose motor and he loves it, he’s glad he got the more powerful setup :)
ReplyJames Littleton
4 years agoHi Court. I love all your videos and have been researching ebikes for about a year now. Im torn between getting the Vado and the Vado SL. I am 5’7″ at 155lbs. My main use will be to take me to and from a park n ride about 5 miles from my house. It has a few small hills and is “somewhat uphill” on the way back. My concern is the SL would not be able to get up the hills. Thanks, James
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHmm, that’s a great question James! Thanks for sharing your weight and height. We are similar, I’m 5’9″ at 135lbs. I love how light and nimble the SL models are, and I enjoy pedaling and getting a workout. For me, it’s the easy choice as I currently only ride a non electric bike for fun… so any boost is a big upgrade. My friend just bought a standard Vado (since SL was sold out) and he loves it and is happy for the extra power. It’s really difficult for me to say, but given that you have a five mile commute, I think the SL would be enough because you could downshift to climb easily. That said, it might not be as satisfying as the standard Vado (which might also be in stock). And, you might not care as much about the weight of the bike, like I do since I have stairs to bring the bike inside where I live :D
ReplyKives
4 years agoHad the Vado SL 5.0 EQ for 3 weeks. Have posted about 175 miles. Go out almost every day. Heck this bike is so light and smooth that I went about 7 miles the other day before I realized that I forgot to turn on the motor!! Hells Bells!!!
ReplyCourt
4 years agoThat’s awesome! I can totally see how that would happen, given how light and fast the bike rides. Sounds like you’re loving it… I really wanted to help my Mom get one, but they are all sold out! Enjoy the ride :D
ReplyAlan
4 years agoThanks for the review. Had mine about 2 months now down here in NZ and very happy. Coming from a Pashley Roadster Sovereign this is actually lighter. After moving house my commute increased I looked at a range of options including Moustache, Merida, Gepa, Cube, Beno, Kalkoff and Trek. Definitely upped my budget from what I initially had in mind. Weight was the deciding factor and when the store offered to put an FSA – METROPOLIS HANDLEBAR on it to make the riding position similar to my Pashley I was sold. Thanks again for the review. Cheers Alan
ReplyCourt
4 years agoSweet! I’ve done similar things with stem and handlebar swaps to improve the geometry for myself over the years, to alleviate back, shoulder, and arm sensitivity. Hope you continue to enjoy the Vado SL! I’m glad my review work here has helped and I appreciate the support. Hope I get to visit NZ someday, looks incredible :)
ReplyJeremy
4 years agoHi Alan, thinking of purchasing this bike myself (I’m near Auckland). Curious where you purchased it, and whether you were able to get a discount from MSRP? Cheers
ReplyAlan
4 years agoBought from MEC (Mt Eden Cycles) who were excellent. To be honest, I didn’t ask about a discount, they did however change out the handlebars and throw in a Specalized helmet so I was quite happy. They had plenty of stock but that was October, 2020….
Katy
4 years agoI think the Vado SL is the ebike I’ve been waiting for since moving to the top of a very steep hill 3 years ago! I did a test ride yesterday, and I love how it feels and (mostly) looks like a regular bike, that I can lift it easily, and that I can ride it without assist. I rode up a steep hill on my test ride (about 13% grade at one point) and while I did have to work pretty hard, I’m hopeful that it will give me enough assist to get me up my hill. It’s about a mile uphill at varying grades, but I think I can keep it mostly under 12% with a smart route. I wish the Vado had a little more power for steep slopes, but I’m willing to work harder in exchange for all the other things I like about the bike.
The one thing I didn’t like about the Vado was the posture – the riding position was more forward than I’d like. I don’t want to get the Como, as I think I need the wider gearing that’s on the Vado and I would hate having to reach down to change the assist. My LBS (New Wheel) said they could put regular Como handlebars on the Vado for a reasonable amount, which would give me an additional inch of uprightness. If that’s not enough, they can come up with a more involved (and expensive) solution that involves redoing the brake cables etc.
I’m a little nervous about buying such an expensive bike without being able to ensure that it is comfortable for me. Any thoughts on if changing out the handlebars might work?
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Katy! Great questions, and I think you’re in great hands with the New Wheel. Brett and Karen and their whole staff are awesome! Yeah, I love how light the Vado SL is, and how active and bike-like it feels. For me, it’s worth the trade to less power and I’m willing to spend more to have one bike that does everything I like vs. multiple bikes or possibly no bike that I ride frequently due to some trade-offs. Anyway, I like that the Vado has a standard stem and handlebar. This means you can swap the bar with many options (not just the Como SL bar, which I think would actually be more difficult since it’s so custom). I’d probably just buy the bike and search for a handlebar with New Wheel or on Amazon for cheap, then mount it myself with a set of Allen key hex wrenches. You should be able to swap the grips, brakes, shifters etc. all fairly easily, as long as there is enough cable length… that’s the big question, and the thing New Wheel can help with. Yes, a swept back handlebar with some rise will definitely provide a more upright body position. I built a bike for my Mom recently and did this exactly… got a stem with much more rise (like 45-degree angle and 31.8mm diameter like this) then mounted a mid-rise handlebar like this to it (note the selector drop down that provides 3″ or 5″ rise, be sure to choose 31.8mm bore to work with the stem, this is the same dimension of the stock handlebar). So my mom now has all the benefits of the efficient, light, road setup but a more comfortable upright position that is easy on her neck, back, and makes chatting with friends more comfortable as she rides. She bought a gravel grinder, which is like a road bike that has slightly higher volume textured tires. She gets less flats and can ride in more places! The bike is a hit, her friends all have fancy road bikes, but they don’t use the drop bars, wish they had her standard brakes, and wish they had the upright bars. I wanted to buy her a Vado SL and convert it exactly as I’m describing, but Specialized has been out of stock where she lives and she’s okay with her Motobecane carbon bike from a year or two ago. Hope this helps, and good luck ;)
ReplyGarry
4 years agoQuestion for Court, to convert vado sl 5.0 to gravel, what tires do you recommend? Do I go with tubeless? What other upgrades you recomend? Thank you.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Gary! I’m not super familiar with tire offerings. To be honest, I usually just ask the shop for recommendations or the maximum allowable width. Like, if you know this ebike uses 700c tires, you just need to know the maximum width that will work with the fork or seat stays (so they don’t make contact with the frame) then search around. I realize this is just a starting point, but I hope it helps nonetheless. As for supporting accessories, I really like the Future Shock suspension stem that comes with the higher end versions of some Specialized models. I often consider seatpost suspension units, and sleek water resistant reflective panniers :)
ReplyGarry
4 years agoThank you for your reply. Your comments and reviews are very helpful.
Dick McFaul
3 years agoIn turbo boost mode, my bike clicks and then very briefly pauses losing boost. Comes and goes. Had it back to Archer’s bike shop twice and they claim they could find nothing wrong. I have two other ebikes… Yamaha and Tern fold up without this issue. There is something wrong with this boost gear.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHmm, thanks for laying this out. You sound pretty experienced with ebikes, having the Bosch and Yamaha motors for comparison. The MAHLE mid-drive is custom for Specialized, and something that is fairly new. It’s interesting that the bike shop said it’s fine. This is not a behavior that I noticed during my limited ride time. Please keep us updated as you learn more! Feel free to post in the forums or ask more in the Specialized forum from other owners.
ReplyDick McFaul
3 years agoI believe there’s something faulty with the motor with turbo boost. I will try to record the ‘click, pause’ I experience in Turbo mode to convince the mechanics at Archer bikes in Prescott Valley, AZ. So far, they claim they don’t find anything wrong. The Bosch and Yamaha motors in turbo mode are so superior if indeed this is ‘normal’. Has anyone encountered this?
Barry
3 years agoHi Court. Thanks again for your thorough reviews. Question for you. I have the “original” Specialized Turbo, with the removable battery and hub motor (https://electricbikereview.website/specialized/turbo/). It’s been a great bike but it’s heavy and gets really hard to pedal over about 24mph. I like the idea of a mid-mounted motor and having the bike be a lot lighter of course has many benefits. I’d like to upgrade to the Vado SL, but I’m worried I’ll lose some power. My existing bike (the original Turbo) feels more powerful than the Vado SL on test rides. I assume my bike has better acceleration, but I’m hoping the Vado SL is better at speeds above 24mph. I use this bike primarily for commuting. Can you comment on comparing the two? Tell me the new Vado SL is lightyears ahead of my original and I’ll pick it up tomorrow! Thanks
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Barry! Wow, you got one of most awesome ebikes ever made :D the original Turbo was very special, and ahead of its time in many ways, in my opinion. Those GoSwiss Drive motors offered regenerative braking, smooth near-silent operation, and lots of power. I don’t remember having a feeling that the bike struggled past 24mph, because it was one of the only speed pedelecs available at all at the time. I was just impressed in general. It has been so long since I rode it, and I love how lightweight the new bikes are. I do think that hitting and maintaining 28mph on most ebikes can be challenging. Even the Bosch Performance Speed motor (which is very powerful at high speeds) doesn’t really maintain 28. More like 26mph with the potential to go faster if you work hard. I feel like the Specialized SL motor is even weaker at high speeds, but since the bike is lighter weight, it feels fast and can also reach 28mph if you put in the effort. If you want the light feel of the bike, are curios about mid-drives, and are willing to be active and feel YOUR OWN power more due to the lighter bike, then the SL is worth checking out. It may be a good idea to upgrade and put in that pre-order now in case your original Turbo starts to lose charge capacity. I’ve heard that Specialized is pretty backordered for some models and sizes. Another cool ebike, and one worth watching in the ride test, is the CANYON Grail:ON which uses the Bosch Performance Speed. Maybe it will help create a basis for power vs. lightweight.
ReplyEd Beaumont
3 years agoHi Court, great review on the Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ. Any updates on when you will test the Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Ed! It depends on inventory and some of the other reviews I have lined up. Will keep an eye out in the coming weeks, but nothing planned as of today :)
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