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Turbo Vado SL 5.0

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Turbo Vado SL 5.0

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.

Technical Specifications

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Cockpit

Saddle

Bridge Sport, hollow cr-mo rails, 155mm

SeatPost

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

Stem

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

Grips

Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on

Handlebars

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

E-Bike

Motor

Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor

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

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

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

Inner Tubes

Standard 40mm PV 700x32-50

Rear Tire

Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c

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

Accessories

Headlight

Lezyne Ebike Power STVZO E115, 310Lumens, 12V

Taillight

Specialized integrated saddle mount, LED Technology, 12V

Bell

Simple bell

Pedals

Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors

Drivetrain

Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed

Shift Levers

SRAM GX, trigger, 12-speed

Cassette

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

Crankset

Praxis, Forged alloy M30, custom offset

Chain

SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed

Chainrings

SRAM X-SYNC 44t, 110BCD

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

Weight

Weight

14.9kg (32 lb, 13.6 oz)

Weight Size

MD

* 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
Trail78mm75mm71mm68mm
Fork Length (full)390mm390mm390mm390mm
Fork Rake/Offset50mm50mm50mm50mm
Front-Center626mm655mm675mm690mm
Chain-Stay Length445mm445mm445mm445mm
Wheelbase1062mm1091mm1110mm1126mm
Top-Tube Length (horizontal)558mm589mm613mm632mm
Bike Stand-Over Height791mm811mm836mm861mm
Seat-Tube Length415mm446.5mm494.5mm535mm
Seat-Tube Angle73.5°73.5°73.5°73.5°
Geometry

Rider Reviews

  • 4.7
  • 13 Reviews

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?