This Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 is a rare bike for us. We don’t often get e-bikes and never in such nice condition as this one. This bike was owned by a responsible, mature rider who had the bike recently tuned up by a local high-end bike shop in Palo Alto.
The Turbo Vado SL is known for how light it is, advertised as a bike that can easily be carried upstairs or on trains. This very well-kept unit has like-new Specialized Pathfinder Sport 700c38c tires, a carbon fork, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain.
The bike does have quite a few miles, as the owner bought it to ride. The odometer is currently showing 3169 miles (mileage will change due to test rides), but the meticulous maintenance has helped this bike provide plenty of fun and recreation. This is a 2021 model with a 320Wh battery and a 48V charger (included). The motor is a Specialized SL 1.1 version. Besides the original charger, we also have the original owner’s manual.
This bike is a Class 3 model, which means there is no throttle, but the motor provides pedal assist up to 28mph.
With the raw aluminum finish, the bike still looks really clean and it is in Excellent condition overall. There are some very minor cosmetic scratches on the bar-mounted bell and the control clamp next to it (on the left side of the handlebar, see last photo for detail). The original owner did complain about an intermittent clicking sound coming from the bottom bracket area while climbing, but during multiple test rides, we are unable to replicate this. The built-in front headlight is loose, but in working condition (this is a common issue with this model of bike).
The original MSRP was $4500 and similar used models are listed on Upways for $2199. Our price here is a screaming deal!
This bike is so awesome, a newer version won BikeRadar’s Best Urban Bike of 2024:
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/electric-bikes/specialized-turbo-vado-sl-5-0-eq-review
The official size is Small and should fit most riders in the 5'1" to 5'5" range, according to the manufacturer.
Frame Material: Premium Aluminum
Fork: Carbon rigid Boost with flat mount disc
Drivetrain: Shimano 1x12
Brakes: Tektro HD-R510 hydraulic disc
Brake Levers: Tektro
Shifter: Shimano SLX rapidfire (paddle levers) shifter
Front Derailleur: n/a
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Crankset: Praxis forged alloy with Praxis 44T chainring
Handlebar: Specialized alloy flat bar
Stem: Specialized alloy single-bolt
Saddle: Specialized Bridge Sport with Cr-Mo rails
Seatpost: Specialized alloy 2-bolt
Wheels: DT Swiss R500 22mm rims, Specialized alloy hubs
Tires: Specialized Pathfinder Sport 700x38c
Extras: Lezyne headlight, bar-mounted bell, composite bottle cage
Product Description from the Manufacturer:
“There's no other e-bike out there with ride quality, range, and power like this, at a weight that's light enough to carry.”
“The Turbo Vado SL 5.0 is best for workouts, riding beyond the beaten path and last-minute adventures. All you need to do is get on and go. Extra-bright, built-in lights in front and back mean you'll see and be seen. A Turbo Connect display makes it easy to view ride info. Plus, Pathfinder tires roll fast on or off the pavement with plenty of grip.”
Features:
--Integrated Turbo Connect Display to view key ride data quickly and safely.
--Fully integrated and secure Specialized 320Wh downtube battery w/optional Range Extender compatibility for up to 120 miles of range.
--Specialized SL 1.1 custom lightweight motor, peak 240W / 35Nm, 2x you rider amplification (180% assistance), assist up to 15.5mph.
--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 disk brakes for maximum stopping power.
--Extra-bright front and rear lighting to see and be seen.
--12-speed Shimano SLX shifter and XT derailleur for lightweight precise performance for the long haul.
--Float over the rough stuff with DT Swiss R500 disk wheels paired with fast-rolling, high-grip, Specialized Pathfinder 38c tires, featuring proprietary Gripton rubber compound.
