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Turbo Vado SL 4.0

4.6

18 Reviews

Meet the Vado SL. This super-light e-bike was designed to take on anything from daily…

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Product Details

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Meet the Vado SL. This super-light e-bike was designed to take on anything from daily commutes through urban landscapes to clocking even faster workouts. Need to carry your bike? No sweat. Weighing 40% less than the full-power Vado, there’s no other electric bike out there with ride quality, range, and power like this. All you need to do is get on and go.

The Vado SL comes equipped with everything you need to start riding right away. First, the extra-bright, built-in lights give you higher visibility in low-light areas. Next, the MasterMind Turbo Control Unit (TCU) makes it easy to view ride info on the go. The Pathfinder tires roll fast on or off the pavement with plenty of grip, and the Vado SL's featherweight status also makes it perfect for city commuting and offers far more than ride quality — it means you can hang it on a wall or car rack. And it makes public transportation a breeze.

So whether you're going fast or far or both, the Vado SL provides the confidence to do it all at a fraction of the weight.

LIGHT WEIGHT: You’ll be blown away by how easy it is to lift your bike on to a rack, carry it up stairs, or ride nimbly around town, thanks to the category-leading light-weight of the Turbo SL technology, optimised frame materials, design, and specification.

COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT: Body position and handling are optimized to deliver unsurpassed riding comfort, confidence, and control. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes reign in your speed, while larger tires provide maximum traction for turning and stopping.

TURBO SL: The heart of the Vado is its Turbo SL technology, the advanced and integrated electric bike system that delivers an unequaled combination of light-weight, natural feel, anti-theft functions, training tips, a full-function bike computer, ride anywhere range, and more.

The speed limit at which the motor will stop supporting may vary significantly by region and is based on local requirements. It may also affect range: a higher speed limit may result in less range.

  • Long-Range - Fully integrated Specialized 320Wh downtube battery w/optional Range Extender compatibility for up to 80 miles (130 km) or 6 hours (eco mode) or up to 120 miles (200 km) or 9 hours w/ range extender (eco mode).

  • Specialized SL 1.1 custom lightweight motor, peak 240W / 35Nm, 2x you rider amplification (180% assistance), assist up to 28mph.

  • Premium lightweight E5 Aluminum frame.

  • Clean internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, and reflective graphics.

  • Premium hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power.

  • Bright, integrated front and rear lighting to see and be seen.

  • 11-speed SRAM NX shifting for reliable performance for the long haul.

Technical Specifications

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E-Bike

Motor

Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor

Battery

Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh

UI/Remote

Specialized TCU, 10-LED State of charge, 3-LED Ride Mode display, ANT+/Bluetooth®, w/Handlebar remote

Charger

Custom charger, 48V System w/ SL system charger plug

Wiring Harness

Custom Specialized wiring harness w/ chargeport

Frameset

Frame

E5 Aluminum, bottom bracket motor mount, fully integrated downtube battery, internal cable routing, fender and front rack mounts, Smooth Welds

Seat Binder

Integrated w/ frame

Suspension

Fork

Rigid full aluminum disc, Boost™ 12x110mm, front- rack-compatible

Brakes

Front Brake

Tektro HD-R290, hydraulic disc, 160mm

Rear Brake

Tektro HD-R290, hydraulic disc, 160mm

Drivetrain

Shift Levers

SRAM NX, 11-speed

Rear Derailleur

SRAM NX, 11-speed

Cassette

SUNRACE, CSMS7, 11-42t, 11-speed

Chain

KMC e11S, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™

Crankset

Praxis, Forged alloy M30, custom offset

Chainrings

Praxis, 44T, 104BCD

Wheels & Tires

Rims

700C disc, 22mm rim depth, 21mm internal width

Front Hub

Specialized alloy front hub disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x110mm, Center Lock™, 24h

Rear Hub

Specialized alloy rear hub disc, Center Lock™, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm, 28h

Spokes

DT Swiss Industry

Front Tire

Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c

Rear Tire

Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c

Inner Tubes

Standard 40mm PV 700x32-50

Cockpit

Stem

Specialized Stealth Stem, alloy, 14 deg, 31.8mm, integrated TCD mount

Handlebars

Specialized, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 15mm rise, 31.8mm

Grips

Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on

Saddle

Bridge Sport, Steel rails, 155mm

SeatPost

Specialized, alloy, dual-bolt, 25mm offset, 27.2mm

Accessories

Pedals

Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors

Headlight

Lezyne Ebike Hecto STVZO E65, 210Lumens, 12V

Taillight

Specialized integrated saddle mount, LED Technology, 12V

Bell

Simple bell

Weight

Weight

15.5kg (34 lb, 2.7 oz)

Weight Size

MD

* Weights based on production painted frames as pictured. Actual weights will vary based on colorway, frame size, and component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Geometry

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SMLXL
Crank Length170mm172.5mm172.5mm175mm
Handlebar Width680mm680mm680mm680mm
Stem Length60mm75mm75mm90mm
Saddle Width155mm155mm155mm155mm
Seatpost Length350mm350mm350mm350mm
Head-Tube Length130mm161.5mm194.5mm230mm
Head-Tube Angle70°70.5°71°71.5°
Trail78mm75mm71mm68mm
Chain-Stay Length445mm445mm445mm445mm
Seat-Tube Angle73.5°73.5°73.5°73.5°
Stack542mm574mm607mm643mm
Bike Stand-Over Height791mm811mm836mm861mm
B-B Drop70mm70mm70mm70mm
Top-Tube Length (horizontal)558mm589mm613mm632mm
Fork Rake/Offset50mm50mm50mm50mm
B-B Height291mm291mm291mm291mm
Wheelbase1062mm1091mm1110mm1126mm
Reach397mm419mm433mm442mm
Front-Center626mm655mm675mm690mm
Seat-Tube Length415mm446.5mm494.5mm535mm
Fork Length (full)390mm390mm390mm390mm
Geometry

Rider Reviews

4.6

18 Reviews

 

Great Electric Bike

I bought an earlier model a few years ago, and it has served me well commuting and getting places in NYC. The power assist may not be as powerful as some e-bikes out there, but it's enough for most inclines. The battery life is decent. I turn on the power assist only when I need it, but even if I keep it on during any given week, I don't worry about running out of battery. It works well as a regular bike without power assist. Another bonus is that it doesn't look like an electric bike at first glance. So, it's less likely to draw attention other than for its good looks.


Name:
Andrew

Helpful?

A little help when you need it.

I'm 76 and have not used my road bike since I got the Vado SL. I enjoy the freedom of not having to clip in and the comfort of a more upright position. I have over a thousand miles over mostly flat terrain. I enjoy that I can ride even if its windy. I try to stay in Eco mode because I do want some kind of a workout when I ride. However, the most fun I've had is riding to the top of Vail Pass in Colorado. The ride up is about 10 miles (used Turbo a couple of times). The ride down is fantastic, of course. I only used about 50% of the battery. The bike is so light that I get away with a trunk mount carrier.


Name:
Mark R.

Helpful?

Disappointing

Hi purchased this bike in Dec 2022 in order to ensure I had a bike for the 2023 summer. It has been in repair since June.. and still waiting on a new motor that they say won't arrive until October, and possibly later. I am very disappointed with this purchase. The bike is now on sale... and so paying full price for a bike that does not work is extremely frustrating.


Name:
Alicia

Helpful?

Don't think you'll go the distance? Turbo Vado SL 4.0

You're correct. Just bought this bike for my wife. On our first ride (today), she rode 32 miles... and then the battery died. So, add the price of the extra battery if you want to consider this bike. Weak sauce considering it was the "up to 80 miles on a single charge" that convinced me to purchase the bike. Seems they rate downhill with a tailwind.


Name:
Brent M.

Helpful?

Vado SL 4.0

I have never enjoyed riding quite so much! I took advantage of the sale price and purchased a Vado SL 4.0. I utilize the bike for (in my opinion) its intended use as a 'fitness bicycle'. While Class 3 this bicycle has a relatively low(er) powered motor it is quite capable of 'assisting' a fitness minded rider. This model is FIRST an analog bicycle and secondarily an 'ebike'. Most of my rides are completed 50+% with assist completely off. Unless you are QUITE fit and capable of heavy exertion you should not plan on motoring around your city at 25+mph. At 33lbs...a capable and wonderful ebike for fitness minded cyclists.


Name:
Jason

Helpful?

Wonderful bike

I've rode a couple hundred miles and absolutely love the vado SL 4.0. It goes fast. It helps when you need it. I set the power controls to 100-40, 100-70, and 100-100 and this suits me well. Sometimes I turn assist off. Great bike. Wife loves her step through too.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Mark

Helpful?

Riding for 8,000+ miles so far..

Initially, I found the ride to be harsh and jolting riding over anything but smooth asphalt. If I had a time machine I would spring for the 5.0 for the future shock stem feature. In order to smooth out the teeth rattling jolts over bumps & pot holes, the seatpost was replaced with a redshift shockstop suspension seatpost. Cons: not easy to make even minor changes to the initial setup. Examples: to change the saddle the wiring to the rear light has to be disabled which is connected to the main battery. This bike has no seat collar clamp, which gives an elegant look, but is impractical. The seatpost is tightened from the top tube. When removing or changing the seatpost, the screw assembly falls into the seat tube 99% of the time. Then it has to be fished out (magnets sometimes work, but not always). Overall quality is excellent. After 2 1/2 years & 8,000+ miles the battery has 100% health and has had no mechanical issues. Bottom line: Fun, fun, fun to ride!

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Christopher

Helpful?

Perfect amount of assist

I've had this now for 1000 miles. I use it primarily for commuting. So far I've deleted the front headlamp. Didn't like that it's always on. Also threw on some continental terra speed 40mm's. Tubeless. Rides like a dream now. This bike allows me to put in the same effort, but now I get home in 1 hour vs 1.5 hours from work.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Corey

Helpful?

Great Bike But …

Great lightweight ebike however disappointing and surprised that a Specialized rear rack is not even available for the VADO 4.0 SL … I put a planet bike eco rack on my bike … In addition had to purchase a kickstand as well …

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Gary

Helpful?

Missing that little kick ?

I'm 64. This bike makes me feel 34. It's does what is needed: Support on hills and against the wind. I have been using it on 35 support / 100 power only on the app, and that gives about 40 miles range. Everything is good on stock bike ( Vado SL 4.0 ). Only added pedals and bottle cage. I have a fancy ass gravel bike with bowed seat stays, and this bike rides almost as good. Think I'll sell the gravel bike.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Kevin

Helpful?

Feels like a regular bike

With 500 miles since last June, this ebike is a dream to ride. Smooth, just the right power, and haven’t used more than 75% battery on rails to trails rides up to 65 miles, with 20lb of panniers - and that’s without the range extender battery! Never thought I’d want or need an ebike and others we looked at were like tanks. Best part, it weighs the same as my 34lb Trex 8.4 DS, which I’ve been riding for many years. So even if the battery did run out, I wouldn’t know the difference and wouldn’t be pedaling a 60lb bike back to the car.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Evad

Helpful?

Best Bike for Someone Not Ready for Full Time eBiking

After 500 miles I love the bike. It's nimble, rides comfortably and is aerodynamic enough to handle the CO winds. The things I like about it are: I can turn e-assist off completely and ride totally glucose powered, the TCD (extra $$), the concealed battery simplifies transport and the SRAM mech is an excellent upgrade and the ability to program the assist level for the day's ride. Things I'd like to see different are: it would be nice to be able to turn off the damn lights, the blue lights on the control panel are hard to see in bright daylight, using presta valved tubes is a pain and the motor is a bit buzzy compared to my wife's Bosch on her Trek Verve 2+. If you're at a point in your life where age is creeping up on you, but you can still push hard, this is your bike. Also, I'm 6', 200lbs with wide shoulders so wind is a big deal to me. Having the battery to offset a 20 mph headwind allows me to ride on days that in the past my bike would have stayed on the garage wall.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Mike P.

Helpful?

Love It!

I've had my Vado SL for about three months. I'm 69 years old and not a daily rider, but I've put about 400 miles on it so far. At first I thought 2X assist wouldn't be enough, but it is. I live in coastal South Carolina where it's flat, and the SL was the perfect choice. Most of the time I ride in eco mode, but if a headwind kicks up then I'll go to the next level. I've ridden it in turbo mode just to see what it was like, but haven't encountered a situation where I actually needed it. I suppose if I lived in a hilly area I'd want the 4X version, but for here the SL is just fine. Build quality is excellent. The bike is comfortable, reasonably quiet, and I love the light weight. Most people don't even realize it's an ebike unless I tell them. The only changes I've made are to add a suspension seatpost and a leather saddle. I'm looking forward to years of fun riding. I love this bike!

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Jeff

Helpful?

Vado sl 4.0

I’ve had my Vado sl 4.0 for 3weeks now and logged about 500 miles I’ve had it on gravel and pavement. It does real well on both I am taking it to the mountains next week and do a bit of single track, nothing technical tho. I weigh in at 205 so I only get about 70 miles on the bike battery and another 30 on the extended battery. I have a friend that’s a little women and she says she gets about 125 total with the extended battery

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Mike

Helpful?

Best Bike after 50 years of Searching !

I’ve been a a cyclist for well over 50 years . I love bikes . My local shop refers to me as that ole ‘Bike Junkie’. I must have owned close to 100 bikes over the the years . Bought and sold . Loved them all. But let me tell you, the Turbo Vado is the best bike I’ve ever owned . I’ll keep this jewel til the day I die. These 76 year old legs just aren’t what they used to be , but the Turbo makes up for it ! She’s a real keeper and I never intend to part with her. The ride is smooth and natural . Tried a rear hub bike from another shop and there’s no comparison. Do yourself a favor and try the Turbo Vado, you can’t go wrong .

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Floyd

Helpful?

Pedal assist great for climbs.

Specialized made a fitness bike that is light enough to pedal without battery power. Using it to climb mountain through rainforest near where I live. Use sport mode for the 5 mile climb. It is easy on my knees. I'm 72 getting in good shape climbing to the summit. Like the greenstone color. I can lift it into back of my Forrester. Couldn't do that with all those ugly heavy ebikes.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Keith

Helpful?

Love My Vado SL 4.0

I have had my Vado SL for about a month, and taken it on four 20 mile trips on hilly terrain. This bike handles the hills like a champ, which was my main reason for getting an electric bike. There are 10 indicator bars for power available, and each of those trips took less than 2 bars. That equates to getting a minimum 100 miles, or most likely 120 miles on 1 charge of the battery. That outperforms the 80 listed in the bike features. One of the top reasons I bought this bike is its 33 lb weight, which I can lift by myself on my bike rack. This bike is the envy of my biking buddies. I love the bike and highly recommend it. It has the power to get up long and steep hills, and a battery strong enough to do long bike rides. I did change the seat, which is OK for about the 1st 15 miles, but after that, it is hard.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
CGLowe

Helpful?

Great Commuter

This is my second e-bike. I needed something that can easily go on the train and bus but still carry a full set of panniers. The geometry is very similar to my Sirrus Sport (which I also love). This bike is so light I sometimes forget to turn the pedal assist.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Chris

Helpful?

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