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Turbo Vado SL 4.0 Step-Through

4.4

15 Reviews

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

Turbo Vado SL Step-Through

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 depending on your country
  • Premium lightweight E5 Aluminum frame.
  • Clean internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, and reflective graphics.
  • Step-through frame for easier on/off and managing commuter traffic.
  • 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.
  • Durable, lightweight alloy wheels paired with fast-rolling, high-grip, Specialized Pathfinder 38c tires, featuring proprietary Gripton rubber compound, are as good on gravel as they are on pavement.

Technical Specifications

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E-Bike

Motor

Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor

UI/Remote

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

Battery

Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh

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

Specialized Alloy, 30.8mm

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

Chainrings

Praxis, 44T, 110BCD

Shift Levers

Sram NX, 11-speed, multi-shift

Rear Derailleur

SRAM NX, 11-speed

Cassette

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

Chain

KMC X11eT, 11spd

Crankset

Praxis, Forged alloy M30, custom offset

Wheels & Tires

Rims

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

Front Hub

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

Rear Hub

Specialized alloy rear hub disc, sealed cartridge bearings, Center Lock™, 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

Tape

Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on

Stem

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

Handlebars

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

Grips

Body Geometry Women's Contour

Saddle

Bridge Sport, Steel rails, 155mm

SeatPost

Specialized, alloy, 2-bolt, 12.5mm 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

* Weights based on production painted frames as pictured. Actual weights will vary based on colourway, 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
Stack542mm574mm607mm643mm
Reach397mm419mm433mm442mm
Head-Tube Length130mm161.5mm194.5mm230mm
Head-Tube Angle70°70.5°71°71.5°
B-B Height291mm291mm291mm291mm
B-B Drop70mm70mm70mm70mm
Trail71mm67mm64mm61mm
Fork Length (full)390mm390mm390mm390mm
Fork Rake/Offset50mm50mm50mm50mm
Front-Center626mm655mm675mm690mm
Chain-Stay Length445mm445mm445mm445mm
Wheelbase1062mm1091mm1110mm1126mm
Top-Tube Length (horizontal)558mm587mm610mm630mm
Bike Stand-Over Height616mm631mm655mm688mm
Seat-Tube Length405mm431.5mm469.5mm510mm
Seat-Tube Angle73.5°73.5°73.5°73.5°
Geometry

Manual Downloads

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Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (All Languages)
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2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (EN FR DE CZ PL SK)
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2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (EN IT SP PT KR)
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2021 VADO SL USER MANUAL (NL DK NO SV SL HR)
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2022 Rider/Bike Weight Limits and Terrain Conditions
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Charger User Manual (SBC-C04 / SBC-C05 / SBC-C06 / SBC-C07)
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_US
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_AU-NZ
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CA
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_JP
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CNT
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CH
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SPECIALIZED_MOUNTAIN_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CZ_SK
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_SL
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_HR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_DE
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_DK
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_SV
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_FI
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_ES
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_PT
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_FR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_GB
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_IT
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_NL
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_NO
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_PL
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_LATAM
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_BR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ROAD_GRAVEL_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_BR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_KOR
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SPECIALIZED_TURBO_ACTIVE_ASSEMBLY_GUIDE_CNS
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2022_VADO_SL_MASTERMIND_USER_MANUAL_EN_FR_DE_CZ_PL_SK
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2022_VADO_SL_MASTERMIND_USER_MANUAL_NL_DK_NO_SV_SL_HR_RU_FI
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Range Extender (SBC-B16) User Manual
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Mission Control App 2.0 User Guide (English)
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Mission Control App 2.0 User Guide (Chinese)
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Li Ion Battery UN38.3 Test Summary
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2024 VADO SL - USER MANUAL - ENGLISH/FRENCH UL
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EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY - TURBO BATTERIES
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ARTICLE 10 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON BATTERY PERFORMANCE & DURABILITY

Rider Reviews

4.4

15 Reviews

 

Noisy motor

Love the bike if riding without the electric motor. However, going uphill the motor is incredibly noisy. I’m in Europe and Specialized France tell me the motor noise is “normal”. Untrue, other brands at same price point are VERY quiet. I’m hoping Specialized USA will help with this issue.


Name:
Sandra

Helpful?

Good if lucky - QC issues luck of the draw

We liked this lighter nimble e-bike bike for my petite wife and it was easy to setup for her comfort and control with plenty of cable lines. So we ordered another same model this time on line from Specialized for another location up North. The hydraulic lines were too short compared to the other cabling on the 2nd bike to setup the same way. Specialized says its our cost for their inconsistent quality control. Labor cost intensive to remove motor and battery to replace brake lines. Will be returning and look for another one in a shop or a different bike. Its Specialized fault not the shop.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Charley

Helpful?

Techno Queen

This bike flattens hills! Light, agile, responsive. Power quietly and seamlessly kicks in. Great components. Mine is a step through in Lime green.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Cat

Helpful?

Great bike let down by the drive chain system support

What's good, and in fact great about this bike is covered by others. However, the poor design and spec of the drive chain let the bike down badly unless you ride 100% on smooth roads/paths. Take it even slightly offroad or encounter a pothole and the bike's poor chain drive design lets it down. The chain comes off the chainring and snags between the chainring and the frame. Damaging the frame's paintwork and worse if you don't have the tools/knowledge to unsnag the chain. Basically, the setup is a Praxis Wave front chainring that is designed to stop chains coming off but it demands a rear derailleur with a working clutch. In theory the SRAM NX 11 Speed rear derailleur fits this requirement as it has a clutch. However, what if the clutch isn't strong enough or just stops working? The chain jumps off the chainring and snags on the frame because the gap between the frame and the chainring is smaller than the width of the specified chain. Basically, the design relies on a working rear derailleur clutch.

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

If you are on the fence, buy it!

I bought this bike to keep up with my husband - I always have to work so much harder to keep pace. I love it! I'm riding more than I anticipated I would because even on days I'm not feeling energetic, I know I have the power assist to help me out (Some days I'm all about the turbo and others I never leave eco). I'm 4'll and 107 lbs and I'm able to lift the bike and it's easy to ride. My only negative is that I wish it told me which gear I was in.

Would Recommend?
No

Name:
Lisa

Helpful?

Love the bike, even if

Love the bike, even if it didn't have the electric assist.

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

Wife loves the new bike,

Wife loves the new bike, it is some much lighter than her previous ebike. Would buy again and is highly recommended.

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
William P.

Helpful?

A super bike for me

A super bike for me as I'm coming of an age that requires core strength which my body just can't provide anymore. Climbing hills and other tough terrain was becoming something preventing me to get out and ride like I use to, but now...now I'm able to traverse trails I wouldn't have imagined doing before getting this bike...Love It!

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Robert M.

Helpful?

I can't love this bike

I can't love this bike enough! I am a 70 year old female weighing 145 and this bike is light enough I can easily put it on and off my bike rack. I was having difficulty getting up hills and keeping up with my group on my Specialized Vita Carbon. This bike feels just like my Vita in terms of maneuverability, balance, etc. Not clunky at all. It has put the fun back in biking for me!


Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

I LOVE my new bike!

I LOVE my new bike! Feels like I’m flying! Works well with Mission Control. Ordering and delivery was a breeze.

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

I love this bike. It

I love this bike. It gives me the extra push I need and it is light and easy to maneuver

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

I enjoy this bike and

I enjoy this bike and the features with the exception of the “step through” aspect. I have found that the step through is “too high” and with a water bottle attached, I might as well saved my $300 and gotten the “regular” bike and stepped over the bike while tilting. Otherwise, battery life, lower weight, gearing are great. I think the handle bars are a little too wide for someone who has been used to riding a regular road bike and it would be nice to have an indicator as to what gear one is using.

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

I have had a great

I have had a great experience with Specialized. They did not have the bike available at the time I wanted to buy so I signed up for email/text notifications to let me know when one became available. I got a text the next day!! Was able to purchase it and received it very quickly. I love Specialized!!

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

Great bike. Love the ride,

Great bike. Love the ride, easy shifting and enough power for steeper hills.

Would Recommend?
No

Verified Buyer
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Name:
Guest G.

Helpful?

Turbo Vado 4.0 SL (Step through)

This is a great bike especially paired with the Mission Control app on my phone. I thought the Umber color was going to be more red but it isn't but will live with it. The bike is very smooth and hills are not a problem any longer! I wanted the 4.0 EQ with the fenders and bike rack but they were sold out at the time of my purchase.


Name:
Sf N.

Helpful?