Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Review: The Stealth Fighter of E-Bikes
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- Опубліковано 25 жов 2024
- Check the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 price here:
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Check out our written review here:
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In this review of the all-new Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2, we dive into everything you need to know about this sleek, lightweight e-bike. From its 1.2 motor and integrated battery to its smart app features, we cover how it performs for daily commuting, fitness, and weekend rides. Plus, we’ll explore the key components, range, and all the extras that make this bike stand out. Let’s see if this stealthy ride lives up to the hype!
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00:37 - Overview
03:25 - Motor & Battery
11:34 - Components
17:44 - Display
23:41 - Ride Quality
29:03 - Mechanic's Take
33:51 - Conclusion
Thank you for stating the price in the first minute of the review.
No Problem!
So here's my take. I own a Turbo Vado SL 4.0 and have over 10K miles on the bike. I added a Redshift suspension seatpost and stem and run Specialized Pathfinder Pro 700X38 tires. This setup really smooths out the ride from the most part. I paid 3k for the bike and have another 500 bucks in upgrades for a total investment of around $3500. Yes, my bike only has 35 newton meters of torque and I wont lie, there are times and hills that I wish it had more but overall I live in a very hilly city and have been very happy with the bike. $6500 to upgrade to a carbon frame and a quieter motor with a bit more torque just does not seem very logical to me for my needs.........Keep up the fantastic reviews fellas!
Thanks Martin! The Vado SL 4.0 is a sweet bike and I also have the Redshift on my Gravel bike and its a game changer in my opinion, happy trails! - Mike
while I tend to shop on the lower end of the spectrum, I do really appreciate seeing what's out there on the higher end! That's what Court did very well IMO. So, well done!
Love the review. I didn’t see the item I can afford in the links, the bike stand. Thanks again, great channel you guys run.
Hey there! Good catch! I just added the links to the video now. And here 😉 ebreviewdeals.com/feedback-HD-stand-YT
I own a white Stumpjumper carbon Comp for 1.5 years. I paid 3000 Euros in Switzerland during a great sale (it was originally over 5k). I upgraded the wheelset for 450 Euros with carbon Elitewheels pro 36 (1.5KG).
I absolutely love this bike.
However, I think 6.5K or 9K for a carbon commuter bike without suspension is completely crazy and a target for theft.😅
RIDE1UP does have an E-Commuter bike, the Roadster V3, for 1.3K.
Cheers from Switzerland
All good points and I'm jealous of your Carbon Comp, I've had my Stumpjumper Alloy for nearly 4 years now and I absolutely love it. I've finally upgraded everything like tires, suspension and brakes and it feels great, I can only imagine how much better it would be coming in a few pounds lighter. Happy Riding! - Mike
I recently got a tero 5 90nm its good but real heavy.
I just got a vado sl 4 with 35nm. I love how light and nimble it is. I would like this bike with the bigger motor. Keep the carbon.
Finally!!! A Vado review!!!!!
Thanks!!! 😊
The Porsche of bikes. Expensive but #1. Specialized is simply incredible. So much better than all the other bikes. Attention to detail and service incredible.
How would you compare to the Turbo Vado 4.0? (The Toyota RAV4 of Ebikes)
9.5/10 ✅
Thanks! I was excited to get this one and it didn't disappoint at all. The TV4.0 is another very good bike with the 2.0 motor that has 70 Nm of torque which will help as the bike is heavier at 58 lbs. Still get great components and ride quality thanks to its front suspension fork. You will be happy regardless, these are so smooth and fun to ride around town. -Mike
@@ElectricBikeReview
Thanks Mike!
Awesome job! 👍
@@billyrock8305 Vado 4.0 way more fun than a RAV4. I own both. Haha.
A sporty wagon might be a better comparison. Not really a car guy though.
It does it all while still being fun and sporty. Really interested in testing out this SL 2.0.
@@rosemcommm
Awesome taste! ✅
I love my Vado 4.0. I tried switching to the previous SL and didn't like it. The regular Vado is more comfortable to ride while still being somewhat aggressive and fun. Its just a bit too chunky for what I use it for. Although the front suspension is very much appreciated for winter riding.
This version looks like a leaner version of the Vado 4.0 which is a dream come true for me. Looks like an amazing bike.
Just wish it was in the $3,000-$4000 range.
Your Turbo Vado 4.0 is an awesome bike! This is just the higher end for those how want the Carbon and overall lighter bike with the SL 1.2 motor. - Mike
I bought a used vado sl 4.0 a few months ago. One of the issues you highlighted was right on with the headlight bracket, which snapped on mine. I replaced it with a GoPro mount at the recommendation of my dealer. The other issue I had was the chain popping off the chainwheel going over a bump getting snagged between the frame where the motor is and bottom bracket. The problem, which is specific to this motor, is when you pedal backwards the chain doesn't reverse like a regular bike. Total PITA to get back on the chainwheel. I was stuck late at night in a crappy area of LA and not too happy about it. After flipping the bike over, 15-20 minutes later a managed to do it. Anyway, I hope this is something they addressed because it's such a great bike otherwise and this new one seems that much better.
That's some really great feedback that I'm sure Specialized will see. Next time, you might be able to get it quicker if you use the rear derailleur and relive the tension on the chain to put it back on without flipping it upside down and save some time! That 4.0 SL has a SRAM NX derailleur I believe and it should have a clutch allowing you to lock it out in a position with the tension removed. Overall, it is a great commuter series (Turbo Vado) and any improvements over time will really help dial it in even further. Thanks for sharing! - Mike
While for sure this is not for everyone, i feel people questioning the value proposition miss how light this bike is. If someone wants to do some gravel on an ebike, without the agressive position, there aren't many options that simultaneously keep the weight low (under 35lbs/16kg).
My wife had the previous gen Vado SL 4.0. She loved the motor which was so natural & refined but the aluminum frame felt a little too harsh with the added weight of the motor and battery when going over bumps, etc. The frame could not accommodate bigger tires either for gravel riding and increased comfort.
She went to a lightweight e-MTB, but this new gen addresses the issues that made her switch. So while the price is very high for a “commuter” bike, it could serve as a relaxed geometry, flat bar gravel e-bike. And carbon e-gravel and e-MTB bikes are in the same price range…
If you've got secure parking at either end of the journey and can replace expensive car commuting or train tickets, then this will pay for itself in 1 to 3 years. Still too expensive...
I like this type of feedback, it really does help me and the brand understand better where these designs shine and where to improve. This new model sounds like it could be a great do-it-all kind of bike investment for your wife. Thanks for sharing! - Mike
I run 2” tires on my vado sl 4. This is of course without fenders.
300 charge cycles quite low and price of battery probably $1000 plus labor. People forget to factor in the price of battery/availability into their purchase. It will only last 3-5 years and need eventual replacement.
Absolutely, it's a problem and battery tech improvements are only slowly coming into the ebike space. Focus is much more on cars even though bikes will really benefit from having double energy density batteries.
My ebike has done 4500 miles and the battery is at about 90% health, which I think isn't great... A replacement will cost about 800 bucks, but at least I can fit that myself.
Only charge to 80%. This will extend life.
Nah man. $6500 and needs professional maintenance? There’s so many other areas of your life you could throw that money towards and drastically improve the quality of your life. Excellent review though!
Agreed.
This channel has been reviewing premium e-bikes from the beginning…
Some people can do both. This bicycle is meant for them.
@@Don19762 absolutely. People buy overpriced things all the time.
What do you mean by professional maintenance? I take my Vado 4.0 to the local non-Specialized bike shop all the time for tune ups. The only thing I need to bring it into a Specialized dealer for is software updates.
I ride it daily 365 all seasons with no issues. The fun factor with the very natural brose motor is off the charts.
It's supercool but for urban riding, I'd love a step-thru version. The top bar is way too high, but speaking of being stealthy... you're a stealthy stud! 🔥
Haha, I think your screen resolution might be a bit too low😄! And yes, a step-thru would definitely be a nice addition for city riding!
@@ElectricBikeReviewNope. I’m watching through a 16K screen. I see through things. What I see is perfection. Just sayin’. Wait… is this channel about bicycles?
Canondale headshok revisited! - hopefully works as well as the RedShift stem - what next? Thudbuster seatpost?
Haha! I have the redshift stem on my personal gravel bike and I love it too! - Mike
i have a Turbo Vado 4.0 non-SL which has been the best bike I've ever had at almost 10,000 miles on it in 2.75 years and turned into a do everything bike: commuter, shopping, touring. having the front fork suspension shocks, makes everything comfortable, so wonder how comfy this is as that is the true test over time.
Same bike. I love it too. 80% of my miles are from a morning ride for exercise/getting out. About a 20 mile loop. Very curious about this because they basically made the SL more like the regular Vado. Looks excellent.
That is such good feedback for any bike company, and bravo for using your bike that much! ✌🚴♀️ -Mike
Seems like a big step backwards. The previous version seemed more no-nonsense and practical, expensive but the value proposition was clear with high performance combined with sensible build that looked like a normal bike for the most part. Who needs a carbon commuter bike that costs over 6 grand and is going to be such an obvious target for theft? Bike industry can't get out of their own way.
That price seems odd. The original vado sl sold for about $3000 (mid-spec).
Thanks for checking it out! They still have the Turbo Vado SL live on the Specialized website for half the price. This Carbon edition (6.0 EQ Carbon) is just going to have a more premium price tag. - Mike
6500$??
those fenders... leave them! I have a terox, if they're the same fender the length is perfect, mud or water barely hits the bottom bracket. and those extenders can fold up behind the wheel completely and not even leave a mark
See, I love good insights like that from people who have used this style before. Ben our mechanic who commuted on a bike for 8 years without a car and he gave the same praise of these longer fenders. Thanks! - Mike
@@ElectricBikeReview good reviews will attract good engagement. EBR on UA-cam and the forum was a large factor in my decision to buy the terox.
Non-removable battery is really bad for cold climates, as charging lithium ion batteries at freezing temps can damage cells and make them more fire prone.
I’m in love 🥰 😊
I am too! - Mike
Can you install a dropper post on this bike? The new version to the older one. Same speed as the old one. Seems like a waste of money.
Yes, you can install a dropper post on this bike, they have stated so in the information kit we got. - Mike
I like the handlebar shock but I need a throttle
The future shock is great, and you should check out the Globe series from Specialized as those have throttles. -Mike
Pedal the bike, you don’t need a throttle!!
I wish i understood the value proposition here beautiful bike but $6 G's!!?? and only 2 years of peace of mind (FOR THE NEWER STYLE DESIGN OF INTEGRATED BATTERY ?!) -- and pro maintenence only !?!? Hmm I wonder why in a time of hyperinflation this is the choice of SPECIALIZED to release this type of design and pricepoint ? -- well i guess if even the rich are replacing cars w/ bikes because that's the only person who would buy this ??
I'm not sure its going for the value proposition as its the new SL (Super Light motor) and Carbon frame, its among the highest tier of the Turbo Vados. They still have new Turbo Vados in Alloy frames that are half the price. This model is much more the premium version for those looking to go on the higher end. The only pro maintenance part is reserved for any issues concerning the battery, not the bikes general maintenance as that can all be done b y the user or a local bike shop. Hopefully that helps clarify! - Mike
1% at Strava, for a 28 class bike, not an ebike for shure. Go to germany in 2013: Grace Easy S 45km/h 350W classified, 1300W peak on a direct hub motor, battery removeable, listed for 2800€, sold for 1500€ in late 2018.
6000$ for a non-removeable battery at a class 28 bike. Its a joke. Wait for the boom goes away - then there is no way for stupid decisions.
"spoiler alert: paid review"
The cables in the front hang just like on the $1K Soltera 2. 41 lbs is heavy for a carbon-fiber bike. How easy it is to remove the battery, how much does it cost, for how long it will be available? I expect a reputable brand like Specialized to offer replacement batteries for at least twenty years. Can they guarantee this? If not, there are better, lighter bikes with fully concealed cables and brake lines for quarter the price, which give me quarter the grief when the battery dies. Did I mention this bike is ugly?
Can you give me examples of the better, lighter bikes your talking about..
@@Taeonerocsowell In the US, Ride1Up offers the Roadster V3 with 10-speed Shimano Deore, hydraulic disc brakes, concealed cables, with removable battery for $1.3K. A replacement battery is $300. 39 lbs as advertised, 44 lbs measured with fenders and 10-speed (there is a single-speed version).
$6500 hundred dollars for a commuter bike. You all are crazy!!!! Where in the world is safe enough to ride this bike?? Nowhere that's where. Commuter bikes should not ever cost this much. They are meant to be ridden and locked up and left. I wouldn't leave this anywhere but underneath me.
The design is hideous, the frame is the first to go in a drop.
💀
This definitely ain't for the 99% of us!!!
Traverse City, MI. Awesome bike trail system and I leave my Vado 4.0 unlocked outside the grocery store all the time.
@@rosemcommmSo wise to say this out loud.
who buys this? needs cheap light frame not carbon, these bikes should have belt drive, more mounts and wireless shifting.
I prefer my Trek Allante 7. This is fugly and overpriced.
sha bi bike
No thanks. For this price I won't buy it.
I hear ya. Court always reviewed high end bikes, which i dont mind watching, even tho they were too pricey for me. The average ebike customer probly not looking to spend $8000
I like it. But I like my Pedego Avenue better. I dont like mid-drives with no throttle. And my Avenue was $6000 cheaper 🤔