Long time cyclist, first e-bike, Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 - any advice or insight?
Posted by beardnurse@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 25 comments
DoctorArtichoke@reddit
Check out the Specialized App, they put some great security features in it that allow you to lock down your bike when you walk away
Fantastic_Key_8906@reddit
Put a proper fork on it, Specialized bikes usually come with a Roxshock fork of some type. You really only need it if you go offroad though. Also that pannier looks fishy. Its only being held by the vertical supports? Better make sure nobody sits on it.
beardnurse@reddit (OP)
It uses the fender to support the rack, but it still seems odd to me, but they design good bikes so I’m going to see what happens.
Fantastic_Key_8906@reddit
Its probably good enough for having a bag on and such. And who knows, maybe that vertical support is even better than the regular two tiny sticks that usually hold it?
greggers1980@reddit
Nice bike. How you finding it? I'm looking at the vado 4
beardnurse@reddit (OP)
I like that it feels like a bike and that the assist is natural and not too much. Not sure about the Vado 4
Versacelemonade@reddit
How does it do on hills?
MassiveGarlic0312@reddit
-Keep your battery stored at the appropriate temperature (inside the house if your garage/bike storage location gets super hot or cold). -If you’re not going to be riding for a week or more, don’t store it on the bike either. -Wait 20 mins before re-charging it before a big ride. -Don’t drop it or subject it to sudden force.
Finally, enjoy it!
Opposite_Classroom39@reddit
That was one of my wishlist bikes. Keep an eye on the hydraulics (your brakes), in case a leak developes over time. My high end build from Cannondale is 11 years old and still perfect but hindsight being perfect as well, I am wishing I had gone with an alloy frame over CF.
mperham@reddit
So jealous. The Vado SL rides wonderfully.
r_yahoo@reddit
Oh you are going to have a lot of fun.
Gamma2014@reddit
I’ve got the same bike. Love it. Biggest adjustment was the weight of the bike. It’s heavy!
Impossible-Money7801@reddit
They weigh between 32 and 36lbs. That’s incredibly light for an e-bike 🤷
Gamma2014@reddit
Oh it’s the SL. Didn’t see that.
Pretty-Effort4433@reddit
Dude. Just ride the thing
Worried_Document8668@reddit
just the same things as with regular riding. wear your helmet, shift down before coming to a stop, check your brakes before setting out for the day...the usual.
solid choice
beardnurse@reddit (OP)
Well said, the advertising seems to be spot on, “it’s you, only faster and fitter” only thing it seems I need to adjust is maintenance schedule related to the increased strain on the drivetrain
Worried_Document8668@reddit
the whole "increaed drivetrain wear" thing is mostly a myth that came about because of a lot of e-bikers being lazy/bad at shifting. And because of 1000w+ drives that are way beyond what a human would put out.
they just leave it in one gear, because the motor can just brute force start-ups and hills, and that's what forces extreme torque situations on the drivetrain, wearing it out faster.
especially with light assist motors like yours and good shifting you aren't putting any more strain on the components than a physically stronger rider would.
i have a non electric xc hardtail and a bosch sx equipped gravelbike on just about the same mileage and the chains are indostinguishable when it comes to the wear gauge
beardnurse@reddit (OP)
Oh that makes a lot of sense, I guess I’ll just keep checking chain wear and doing my usual drivetrain management. I’ve also heard e-bikes have attracted a lot of new folks which is great, but there’s a lack of understanding of using chain oil, drivetrain maintenance, and keeping tire pressure up.
TogaLord@reddit
I've actually been finding with my SL2 that leaving it in gear doesn't produce the results you'd expect. I definitely have to gear down or I have the same rough time time getting up to speed that I do on a manual bike. Mid to low gear is a dream off the line though. I think I like it that way better, though. Gives me a more authentic cycling feel.
IndividualActive786@reddit
Just enjoy it.
Like many others here, my first ebike was not the best choice for me but I loved it and regretted waiting so long to pull the trigger. I enjoyed it for two years, riding through hot summers and snowy winters.
knowing what I learned from the first ebike allowed me to refine my goals when I chose my second ebike.
beardnurse@reddit (OP)
I like this, it can be easy to overthink everything, carpe diem!
Wants-NotNeeds@reddit
It's easy to fall for the power if you like to go fast! My VO2MAX took a big hit. Good thing I hung up my cleats years ago.
professoreaqua@reddit
Quality chains replaced early. Get a gauge and use that to determine when. Battery health is everything. Find out where you can get a new quality battery when yours degrades.
beardnurse@reddit (OP)
Great advice. Yeah I need to adjust to a new chain replacement schedule, the specialized app seems to do a good job with battery health, and the local shop I bought it from is great with specialized service and can do battery stuff.