Pinch to Zoom

Rotate screen for larger image

Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ

4.2

9 Reviews

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

It’s You, Only Faster

Turbo Vado SL is e-Bike of the Year!

Nothing like the view from the top of the podium. Turbo Vado SL takes home Cycling Plus’s and Bike Radar’s top prize, best e-Bike of 2024. Agile, ultra-light, and so much damn fun. Calling it an ‘e-Bike’ is an insult.

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 Nimbus 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!
Safety features including premium hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power, and extra-bright front and rear lighting to see and be seen.
Turbo SL mounted rear rack, Racktime-compatible for your favorite bags and panniers, and DRYTECH fenders to keep the spray away.
SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain for lightweight, precise performance for the long haul.
DT Swiss R500 disc wheels paired with fast-rolling, high-grip, Nimbus II Sport Reflect 700 tires with BlackBelt flat protection and reflective accents to increase visibility.

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, fender and front rack mounts, Smooth Welds

Seat Binder

Integrated w/ frame

Suspension

Fork

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

Nimbus II Sport Reflect, 700x38mm

Rear Tire

Nimbus II Sport Reflect, 700x38mm

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

Lezyne Ebike Rear Fender STVZO, 11Lumens, 12V

Rack

Turbo SL Rack, Closed Platform, direct fender mount, Racktime-compatible, 15kg

Fenders

Specialized DryTech, Aluminum

Kickstand

Specialized kickstand, 40mm mount

Bell

Simple bell

Weight

16.5kg (36 lb, 6 oz)

Weight Size

* 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

	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

4.2

9 Reviews

11/01/2024

Not as advertised

The Turbo SL EQ 5 is listed as "Class 3, 28 MPH" stated on the frame. This bike has never seen 28 mph and tops out right around 21. This bike should be listed as a Class 1 as it doesn't perform any better.

Name:: Richard

Helpful?

10/29/2024

A Time Machine

Last year while riding with my local crew I realized I was not recovering easily after topping the tall bridges we frequently tackle on our rides. So I looked for a solution, I had to have something electric but it had to look like a bike not a utility vehicle. The Turbo Vado SL5 EQ was the perfect solution. I rode it and bought it. So now a year later I have to say it has performed flawlessly. I can keep up with members of the crew 30 years younger than me. The range is excellent and the power is there for whatever comes. One thing that isn't mentioned in the sales info though is the weight is low enough that you can not use any power on rides. Yes, while still having the lights on and the computer recording you can ride it like a regular bike when you don't need the assist. That is a plus for your ego and extends your range. Oh and I still have the CrossTrail for short rides. But having the Vado on power is like going back to my 40's.

Name:: Carl

Helpful?

04/05/2024

Fun machine

So much fun to ride, you'll feel like a kid again. Handles beautifully and very stable (ie if you push it a bit further than you meant to you're not going to wobble and crash). It's mainly for road but it can handle a dirt track now and then if it is in reasonable condition. It was worth paying more for this quality, I have no regrets.

Name:: David

Helpful?

12/15/2023

Love This Bike!

I've been a serious rider for the past few years, clocking more than 2500 milers a year. I rode a Sirrus X Carbon Fiber and liked the light feel and geometry. Trouble was that my friends all went to high-end electric biker and I had trouble keeping up. I bought the SL 5.0 EQ at a good price and now i have no trouble riding with my friends. The motor is smooth and strong, all components are top quality, and the geometry is very similar to my Sirrus which I felt was perfect for me. Wish I had bought it sooner.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: RICHARD

Helpful?

11/13/2023

Vado 5.0 ST / 2019 durability

I'm 74 years old , 200lbs and have ridden dirt track and paved over 4000 miles. A great experience overall. Electric bikes are a fantastic way to see the world even with bad knees and hips. My wife and I ride alot on local , very mountainous roads, finding 20 round trip miles doable. Flat riding accommodates for 20-30+ miles easy. Vacations include a Burly "Tail Wagon" trailer containing two rat terriers , so fun , they love it too. My motor failed out of warranty @ 3000 miles, battery still seems good. Brake pad and less frequent rotor replacement is dedundant, best to learn how. Overall my impression is that chains and gears take a lot of punishment with electric drives. All of which I have replaced. My next bike will have an integrated motor/gearbox with belt drive to the rear. I would advise shopping for such. Do not let your charger get wet !

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Tom

Helpful?

06/10/2023

My Silver Streak

My wife and I have been riding for 30 years or more, probably 25 or so on dropped handle bar road bikes. When I transitioned from a hybrid bike to the road bike it was similar to moving from a station wagon to a sports car. The transition to this Turbo Vado SL is moving to a totally different level of enjoyment, exercise, speed, control and joy. I can now ride the distances I want and work as hard as I can, and get the amazing variable assist that stops my knees and lungs from slowing me down. As someone commented previously the engineering in this bike is amazing. I can petal along unassisted as if I was on a regular bike or ask for wind at my back if I so desire. The styling and ride makes it a stealth e-bike, and I am very happy with the hybrid handle set up. I simply love it...

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Nick

Helpful?

05/17/2023

Tubo Vado sl 5.0 EQ

I am a life long biker, it all started in my early 20s when I got my first trek. I just turned 60 on 04/26/2023 and the bike makes me feel like I did when I was 30 years old when I think about the stuff I used to be able to do and I can't anymore, this bike makes me feel like I'm 30 years old again and I can do stuff that I could only dream of before making this purchase. It's rare when you can buy a product that gives you back time and oh my god this is that product! I know this sounds too to be true and possibly a love letter to my new Tubo Vado sl 5.0 EQ I standby 100%

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Robert

Helpful?

11/05/2022

Eval Vado sl 5.0

I heavily researched and rode all possible to arrive at what I was trying to avoid. Reasoning, was trying to maximize or be sure to invest in product that would validate want for a pricey recovery/therapy and commuting tool. Lamenting for a least 3 intense months in arrived at my worst fears. To simplify, you usually and most definitely in this case get what you pay for. I do not have nor see signs for future buyers remorse. The only change I needed was a saddle and pedals. That is a give in within this industries norm. Don't will this need to use as a stepping stone in walking away. Failure to accept is simply failure in one self to recognize truth and will be doing exactly as mentioned with any other bicycle maker. Remember, you are worth every cent invested. The only crime would be in turning olit into a clothes hanger, yet even then it would shine in serving that outcome. This is one beautiful creation of design and function.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Glenn

Helpful?

09/21/2022

Best E Bike Ever !

If you want an e bike that flys under the radar and looks more like a conventional bike this is it !!! The bike is so well engineered that you will never have range anxiety because if the battery runs out it’s so well balanced that you just ride it like a conventional bike ! My trips have been longer , getting more exercise, and the fun factor puts a smile on your face. Honestly been researching e bikes for two years and this one checks all the boxes!!! Absolutely love this e bike !!!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Gary

Helpful?