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Turbo Vado SL 5.0

4.7

14 Reviews

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

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.

  • 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

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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

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
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

Manual Downloads

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Rider Reviews

4.7

14 Reviews

 

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?