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Turbo Vado SL 5.0

4.8

21 Reviews

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

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Product Details

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.

The MasterMind Turbo Control Unit (TCU) is your information hub with customizable display fields to experience precisely the ride you want.
Coming Soon: Over-the-air updates when paired with the Specialized app, allowing your bike to improve over time.
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.
Lightweight and high-strength premium carbon fork with Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle.
Future Shock 1.5 reduces impacts from rough roads and terrain, potholes be gone!
Premium hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power.
Extra-bright front and rear lighting to see and be seen.
SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain for lightweight, precise performance for the long haul.
Float over the rough stuff with DT Swiss R500 disc wheels paired with fast-rolling, high-grip, Specialized Pathfinder 38c tires, featuring proprietary GRIPTON® rubber compound.

Technical Specifications

E-Bike

Motor

Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor

Battery

Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh

UI/Remote

Specialized MasterMind TCU, percentage of remaining charge, 120 possible display configurations, MicroTune assist adjustment, over-the-air updates, 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, front rack mounts, Smooth Welds

Seat Binder

Integrated w/ frame

Suspension

Fork

Future shock 1.5w/Smooth Boot, Rigid carbon fork, Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle, flat mount disc

Brakes

Front Brake

Tektro HD-R510, hydraulic disc, 160mm

Rear Brake

Tektro HD-R510, hydraulic disc, 160mm

Drivetrain

Shift Levers

SRAM GX, trigger, 12-speed

Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed

Cassette

SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed, 11-50t

Chain

SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed

Crankset

Praxis, Forged alloy M30, custom offset

Chainrings

SRAM X-SYNC 44t, 110BCD

Wheels & Tires

Rims

DT Swiss R500 disc, 22mm internal width, 23mm internal depth

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, hollow cr-mo rails, 155mm

SeatPost

Specialized, alloy, single bolt, 21mm offset, 27.2mm

Accessories

Pedals

Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors

Headlight

Lezyne Ebike Power STVZO E115, 310Lumens, 12V

Taillight

Specialized integrated saddle mount, LED Technology, 12V

Bell

Simple bell

Weight

14.9kg (32 lb, 13.6 oz)

Weight Size

* 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

	S	M	L	XL
Crank Length	170mm	172.5mm	172.5mm	175mm
Handlebar Width	680mm	680mm	680mm	680mm
Stem Length	60mm	75mm	75mm	90mm
Saddle Width	155mm	155mm	155mm	155mm
Seatpost Length	350mm	350mm	350mm	350mm
Head-Tube Length	130mm	161.5mm	194.5mm	230mm
Head-Tube Angle	70°	70.5°	71°	71.5°
Trail	78mm	75mm	71mm	68mm
Chain-Stay Length	445mm	445mm	445mm	445mm
Seat-Tube Angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Stack	542mm	574mm	607mm	643mm
Bike Stand-Over Height	791mm	811mm	836mm	861mm
B-B Drop	70mm	70mm	70mm	70mm
Top-Tube Length (horizontal)	558mm	589mm	613mm	632mm
Fork Rake/Offset	50mm	50mm	50mm	50mm
B-B Height	291mm	291mm	291mm	291mm
Wheelbase	1062mm	1091mm	1110mm	1126mm
Reach	397mm	419mm	433mm	442mm
Front-Center	626mm	655mm	675mm	690mm
Seat-Tube Length	415mm	446.5mm	494.5mm	535mm
Fork Length (full)	390mm	390mm	390mm	390mm

Manual Downloads

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Swedish

Range Extender (SBC-B16) User Manual

2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (EN FR DE CZ PL SK)

2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (EN IT SP PT KR)

2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (NL DK NO SV SL HR)

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Russian

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - English

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Chinese Simplified

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Croatian

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Dutch

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - French

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Japanese

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Slovenian

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - German

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Polish

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Spanish

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Czech

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Finnish

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Italian

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Korean

Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility - Slovakian

Future Shock Front Suspension (2.0 damper/1.5 undamped) User Manual

2024 VADO SL - USER MANUAL - ENGLISH/FRENCH UL

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY - TURBO BATTERIES

ARTICLE 10 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON BATTERY PERFORMANCE & DURABILITY

Rider Reviews

4.8

21 Reviews

07/24/2024

Vado 5.0

I and several friends just got the bike. We all love it. The performance is great on flats and hills. The assist controls let me manage my battery energy for a great ride without an add-on battery for our typical distances.

Name:: Dennis

Helpful?

03/06/2024

Turbo vado SL 5.0

Ho acquistato questa bici nel maggio 2020 appena uscita e sono veramente contento. La sua leggerezza mi permette di usarla anche senza l’aiuto. Con l’ uso dell’ App e’ possibile personalizzare le modalità di assistenza per cui nelle salite anche impegnative di può apprezzare la sua funzionalità.Per concludere la consiglio a chi vuole veramente divertirsi .

Name:: Giuliano

Helpful?

11/17/2023

Loving it!

I recently upgraded from an Aventon Level E bike. Although there was nothing wrong with my previous bike other than the fact that it was heavy, a common problem with E bikes. Not so with the Vado 5.0 SL. This bike is amazing. Its ease of handling its light frame weighing in approximately 33 pounds is almost half of other bikes. I am an avid 69 y/o rider averaging about 25 miles each ride. Today’s ride was on the eco-mode, but not necessarily the whole time. This was affording me almost half again as much speed as my previous bike. The handling, ergonomics, shifting and performance are exactly what I was looking for in a bike. The Shimano derailer performs flawlessly up and down the range. There is an app that you can download and customize your speed and performance really makes this bike unique. If you are serious about riding and want to have fun at the same time, then this bike is a winner. Battery usage is as predicted. Today I finished at 79%.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Gary

Helpful?

11/13/2023

Hills? & Battery life

Vado SL 5.0 is a great handling bike & love the brushed finish! Ride the flats and rollers with no assist, but utilize assist for Hills for the 35-45 mile rides in Upstate NY. I do wish the SL 5.0 was equipped with the 1.2 motor as well as it would be great if a 500 watt battery would fit in current design down tube. At 180 lbs., achieve 35 miles max in this terrain which is why I shut off frequently because my experience is this bike does give you battery anxiety.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Scott

Helpful?

11/05/2023

Nice

Brushed aluminum Vado SL 5.0, last year's (cheaper, but this year's SRAM better?), computer included. Hard part was admitting I'm old (69), preferred the new maroon X 5.0. Installed Red Spot suspension seat post and better Specialized seat (EQ made this possible - taillight/wire elsewhere), wife found quick-release shopping baskets on Amazon (hers a maroon Vado SL 4.0). Relatively light, not obviously electric, plenty of power/battery, no problem riding without power. New app requires you to start ride, not automatic. Use a strap to restrain flapping rear fender tail while on rear carrier at freeway speeds.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: David

Helpful?

08/29/2023

Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 SL

Absolutely LOVE my Turbo Vado 5.0 SL! My LBS (Gray Goat Sports, Franklin, IN, Brandon) did an awesome job with setup, adjustments, and delivery. This is my second Specialized bike from their shop. Specialized has exceeded all my expectations with this bike. From engineering and design to build quality, aesthetics, overall weight and attention to detail…top notch! After riding my new steed just 300 miles, I can say this bike is perfect for this 73-year-old who has ridden over 45,000 lifetime miles on an “analog” road bike. The shifting, support levels, handling and braking all function flawlessly. And the beautiful brushed aluminum finish is a real head-turner. GREAT JOB, Specialized team!

Name:: Andy

Helpful?

08/16/2023

good bike with some buts

Got my Turbo Vado SL 4.0 last week and I can say it is a great bike. Rides fast and smooth with good control. Color and torque (dark matte grey) is outstanding and everyone cannot take their eyes of it. The negative points in my view is the lack of front shocks which can make a big difference (my previous bike Specialized Crossroad had) and it is a pity there's no option for this model. Another pitfall is the fact it does not come with Built in Lock like its sister 4.0 EQ. All in all I am not super impressed but happy with it.

Name:: Ricardo

Helpful?

07/26/2023

Superb

This is my first e-bike and i love it. Smooth transition from el. powered to no assistance, and back is really good. If you go to the hilly area with a lot of steep hills your battery range will be cut a lot (depend on mode). I did 24km up to the hill around 1200m elevation in turbo mode and battery was on 23% on the finish. 2nd time i did it in Eco mode and had 60% of battery at the finish. On flat i get around 80 -90km on eco mode (customised 40/100). There is plenty of power if you are aware that this motor is 35Nm ,around max 300W of assistance which is more that enough for almost any ride except really steep and long hills. It has become my daily vehicle and i LOVE IT. I go everywhere with it, no limits. Regards,

Name:: Luka

Helpful?

07/03/2023

Great Bike

A welcome addition to my 4 acoustic bikes. At 74 I can keep up with others that are 20 years younger, ride longer and faster and I have have about 70+ miles of range riding mostly in eco and using sport for the steeper climbs here the NE. It’s great for road, but I use it mostly on gravel. It weighed about 35 lbs out the door with pedals and kickstand.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: JJ

Helpful?

06/18/2023

Really like this bike

Turbo Vado SL 5.0. I am 72 years old with back and shoulder issues. This bike has allowed me to keep riding farther and hills are no longer an issue. Shifting and handling are precise. Changing battery modes is seamless and easy. Mission Control is very helpful. The shock absorber in the seat stem apparently does nothing. I raise the handlebars about 5 in to ride more upright. I only use the motor when going up hills and the bike pedals quite well. I have written the bike about 1,000 MI with no issues, but time will tell. Be aware that premature wear on the drive system can occur if care is not taken as indicated in specialized support article. Overall I really love the bike.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Kerry

Helpful?

06/18/2023

Génial

Super vélo efficace sur de multiples types de terrain. Pas besoin d’utiliser en permanence le moteur comme avec le VAE de mon épouse de 24kg. Un super compromis entre vélo musculaire et électrique. Je le recommande fortement pour ceux qui veulent rouler pour le plaisir

Name:: Sylvain

Helpful?

05/31/2023

La mejor bicicleta

Es una bicicleta electrónica con aspectos de bicicleta normal. No parece una moto eléctrica. 14 kg fácil de manejar con amortiguación integrada delante. Un motor que ayuda y que se incorpora de manera suave a tu pedaleo. La mejor opción para los que quieren bicicletas de verdad con asistencia eléctrica al pedaleo. Gravel, ciudad, paseo... es una todoterreno, solo un pero, quizás, su plató de 44 es demasiado para rutas muy empinadas. Las tres marchas del motor cumplen la función de los platos de una bicicleta clásica.

Name:: Josep

Helpful?

05/19/2023

Après 8 mois c'est toujours aussi agréable

C'est un excellent vélo-taff mais pas seulement. Il est plaisant de faire des sorties 1h30. Le mode "ECO" tient ses promesses : 1% de batterie par kilomètre malgré mes 95 Kg et le relief de la chaîne des Puys. Pour le mode sport on est plutôt à 2%.

Name:: William

Helpful?

03/19/2023

今まで乗っていたe-Bikeより軽く荒れた路面でも快適に走行できる

他社製のe-Bikeからの買い換えです。それまで乗っていた製品は重量が20kgありモーターのアシストが弱くなる時速20km以上で重さを感じました。また凹凸のある路面からの振動が直接サドルとハンドルに伝わり、綺麗に舗装された道路以外での乗り心地に不満がありました。 VADO 5.0 SLはそれまで持っていた製品に比べ5kgも軽く、カーボンフォークとFuture Shock 1.5、太めのタイヤにより荒れた路面もさほど苦になりません。時速24kmでアシストが切れますがそこからの速度の伸びもあります。決して安い買い物ではありませんが買って後悔することはない製品と思います。

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Ken

Helpful?

02/27/2023

Great ride, but wish it had 50 nm torque

The SL 5.0 is a great handling bike. Nimble for an ebike and a comfortable fit for my arthritic neck. Love the smooth shifting! At approx. 33 lbs., riding same routes as my Roubaix, when it comes to hills - I do feel that the SL needs more climbing assist, such as 50 nm torque. I prefer climbing hills with my Roubaix over the SL 5.0, which is a disappointment in Upstate NY & Vermont.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Scott

Helpful?

02/07/2023

Turbo Vado SL 5.0

At 72 years old, I was thinking of selling my other bikes until I rode my neighbors e bike. Lots of hills in my area. I remember seeing the Vado SL 5.0 sometime ago and thought that's a good looking bike. I bought Lg. frame 5.0 in Nov. 2022. Weather has been poor in the NW, but I've been able to get out occasionally. I'm not getting anywhere near the type of mileage as advertised. With a range extender added I'm only getting 30 miles on a full charge. Cold weather, weigh 210 lbs., lots of hills? Try again when the weather warms up. I hear the batteries like it warmer. The bike is a dream to ride and since my daily rides don't usually go over an hour the mileage won't be an issue. This the perfect bike for my needs. Good exercise and help when you need it on big hills.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: HOWARD

Helpful?

02/04/2023

super pour femme

Léger, rapide, facile

Name:: Jackie

Helpful?

12/14/2022

Turbo vado 5.0 SL

Bicicletta fantastica, la utilizzi spesso senza uso della batteria, talmente scorrevole e leggera come una muscolare. All'occorrenza ti aiuta in qualsiasi situazione.... in salita è eccezionale, insomma mai avuto una bici così funzionale.

Name:: Fabio

Helpful?

11/13/2022

Love this Bike

This bike makes me smile every time I ride it. As I life long rider in my upper 60’s, 40+ years of biking and skiing have taken there toll on on neck, back and knees. Riding my road bike was just not fun any more. I have just finished my second season on this bike, riding way more than I have in years, getting a great workout on my very hilly local routes and coming home with a smile after every ride. What’s better than that? Everything on the bike has worked great, including the customizable power setting - a great feature I use. My average ride is 20-25 miles with 1500-2500 ft of climbing. Bike is light enough to pick up, carry and put on a bike stand or rack. Highly recommended!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Mickey

Helpful?

09/30/2022

One of the best purchase decisions I've ever made.

If you like to ride while putting in some extra work, the SL model is the way to go. It rides just as well as my Hardtail with assist off. I cruise though my mountain bike route with upgraded 700x50c tires on eco. I'm putting out the same amount of "me" watts, but I finish faster. This allows me to stay out longer and explore new routes. This is a stiff frame, and on the road it shines. You could spend all day on the road to trails and back to road and hardly make a dent in the battery life. There are a couple of items I would like to see changed on this model. It appears there is no longer a way to turn off the head and taillights. I get the safety part of it, still the option would be nice. Also, it seems this model doesn't have a high beam for the headlight. If you're looking for a bike where you can do a little bit of everything even some long-distance touring. Then this is model is for you.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: David

Helpful?

08/29/2022

Dream Come True

Fabulous bike. It is literally like a dream come true. Just when you could use a little extra help, Vado delivers that help. While you are riding this bike you are in heaven. When you’re not riding this bike, you’re dreaming of riding. I’m a 69-year-old rider riding lots of different surfaces here in Maine. Everything the bike comes stock with is perfectly fine. But I did make some modifications myself. I put on Pathfinder tires. I upgraded the pedals, I put on the cushier seat, I installed a shock absorbing seat post, I swapped out the handlebars. But as I say, the bike comes stocked with beautiful gear. Mine is the EQ version so I got some nice paniers. I’m riding more, I’m healthier, I’m happier, I’m thinner - what more could you add for?

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: seabirdman

Helpful?

Turbo Vado SL 5.0

Unleash Your Dream Ride

Product Details

Technical Specifications

E-Bike

Frameset

Suspension

Brakes

Drivetrain

Wheels & Tires

Cockpit

Accessories

Weight

Geometry

Manual Downloads

Rider Reviews

Vado 5.0

Turbo vado SL 5.0

Loving it!

Hills? & Battery life

Nice

Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 SL

good bike with some buts

Superb

Great Bike

Really like this bike

Génial

La mejor bicicleta

Après 8 mois c'est toujours aussi agréable

今まで乗っていたe-Bikeより軽く荒れた路面でも快適に走行できる

Great ride, but wish it had 50 nm torque

Turbo Vado SL 5.0

super pour femme

Turbo vado 5.0 SL

Love this Bike

One of the best purchase decisions I've ever made.

Dream Come True

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