New here with a Specialized Vado SL 4

[Steve Harrison]

Hi All
I'm new on here, but after 62 years not new on the planet!
Back in March, after much indecision as to what type I wanted, I pulled the trigger and bought my first ebike, a Specialized Vado SL 4.
I must say it's a game changer. I use it purely for leisure rides on the quiet country lanes, which around here can go up and down quite a lot - 30 miles will typically see 3000ft of climb. The bike is light enough to ride motor off for most of the time, but when things get too steep there is enough motor to keep me going.
So far I've only two complaints.
1. The chain has a tendency to jump off the chain ring and wedge itself meaning it's a PITA to get it back on. I think this is a resonant frequency thing because it only seems to jump when I'm crossing a cattle grid.
2. The paint finish is very fragile and bits are easily chipped off, I've bought some Specialized touch-up paint of allegedly the right colour. Still it's not an ornament, it's meant to be ridden and bumps and scratched are part of the process.
People have told me riding an ebike is cheating, but isn't cheating what the game is all about? :-)

 

[Dogtrousers]

People have told me riding an ebike is cheating, but isn't cheating what the game is all about? :-)

Sitting on your backside not riding a bike at all is the real cheating.

 

[wiggydiggy]

1. The chain has a tendency to jump off the chain ring and wedge itself meaning it's a PITA to get it back on. I think this is a resonant frequency thing because it only seems to jump when I'm crossing a cattle grid.

Do you mean at the front so its wedged between the frame and the chainring? I had the same issue, turned out the bike hadn't been fitted with something called a thick/thin chainring. I had my local bike shop (LBS) have a look at it and that was the issue, replaced with no further issues.

But.... I looked at the Specialized Vado SL 4 and it says it alread has one Praxis, 44T, 104BCD. I'd suggest looking at some chain guides that help keep the chain on - going over those cattle grids is rattling it off!

 

[Dadam]

Welcome, nice choice of bike. I have one of those too. I prefer the lighter ones that ride like a normal bike when the motor is off.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

As far as cheating is concerned then the people who think that way are often riding something made of carbon with all sorts fo fancy things on them

which is as much cheating as an ebike
if you make the base of cycling a steel framed hybrid with a 3 speed hub or something

I would say that the 1000W 2 wheeled vehicle where the rider does 30 mph uphill without pedalling
it certainly not a bike
and calling it is not right and could be cheating

but if the motor makes it more likely that you will go out and riding requires at least some effort
then it isn't cheating

riding a UK legal ebike 20 miles 3-4 times a week is more cycling than having a great up-to-date bicycle with every new fangled gadget
which sits in the shed for weeks on end

 

[Steve Harrison]

Do you mean at the front so its wedged between the frame and the chainring? I had the same issue, turned out the bike hadn't been fitted with something called a thick/thin chainring. I had my local bike shop (LBS) have a look at it and that was the issue, replaced with no further issues.

But.... I looked at the Specialized Vado SL 4 and it says it alread has one Praxis, 44T, 104BCD. I'd suggest looking at some chain guides that help keep the chain on - going over those cattle grids is rattling it off!

Yep, it's already got right thick/thin chainring.
I've considered, am still considering, a chain guide of some variety but for now I'm just carrying a small set of chain link pliers with me as that seems the least brutal way of unjambing the thing. It's only jump 3 times in the last 1000+ miles so it's not a major problem, just an irritation.
If the chainring was a few millimeters out from the frame the chain wouldn't jam and rehooking it becomes a 10 second job. I might see if I can put a spacer in there, but that's a job for another day.