Best Stealthy commuter e-bike in Europe?

[caz777]

Heya,

For the past 3.5 years I have had a an Ampler Stout, that just got stolen That means that I am in a market for a new e-bike, but I have limited knowledge about which brands/model are good, and how they compare to for instance Ampler.

What I am looking for is:

- Stealthy e-bike, where it is not obvious that it is an e-bike
- I prefer the bike to be light, preferably under 20kg
- 50km/30mile+ range
- I believe I want a torque sensor bike, i.e. the natural bike feeling of power when i pedal
- I am used to only 25km/h, but am open to faster speed (but not a requirement)
- My communite is in Switzerland, which is primarily flat, but with some short steep climbs
- Price is not a major concern, if the quality corresponds to the price.
- Primarily interested in bikes that ships easily within Europe

Sooo, what models/brands should I be looking into? It seems to be a crazy jungle since the last time i purchased an ebike.

Thanks in advance
Casper

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 or 5.0. Designed in Switzerland
If you have the money to burn, see the latest Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 Carbon.

Basically, I recommend buying a Specialized e-bike at a Specialized dealer store (not online).

 

[caz777]

Thanks Stefan,

It is funny you are mentioning them as I was just looking at Specialized's selection, particularly the differences between the various Vado models

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Thanks Stefan,

It is funny you are mentioning them as I was just looking at Specialized's selection, particularly the differences between the various Vado models

No one of us here has the Vado SL 2 6.0 Carbon yet. A new thing. It has a stronger motor and a bigger battery than older Vado SL models.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I was just looking at Specialized's selection, particularly the differences between the various Vado models

Ask Me Anything

 

[caz777]

oh no for the vado sl 2, I have historically had difficulty resisting people dangling new things in front of me

What would typical real world range be for communiting (80% flat, 20% hills) on the Vado SL 4.0 or 5.0?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Vado SL 4.0 and 5.0 have the same motor and the battery. I cannot tell you about the hills but the Main Battery was good for 77 km/160 m elevation gain when it was brand new and I used 55/55% assistance. Range Extender bottle batteries are available.

For your understanding, 55/55% means your leg power is assisted with exactly the same motor power, and the maximum motor power with this parameter is 132 W.

@MartsEbike, @Jeremy McCreary: you guys ride your VSL e-bikes in hilly areas. Your legs are a way stronger than mine. Any range estimates?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@caz777: A thought.

I hope you have a good Specialized dealer around. Why not visit them and ask about the SL 2 6.0 Carbon? Perhaps you could do a demo ride?
My point is: I own a heavy Vado 6.0 (an old 45 km/h e-bike) and a Vado SL 4.0 from 2021. There is no point for me to even think about the latest SL. However, I have a feeling it is a darn good thing

Specialized describes SL 4.0/5.0 as fitness e-bikes while the SL 2 6.0 is declared a commuter e-bike... Because of the power and the battery.

 

[caz777]

@Stefan Mikes

It is a good thought, and I am planning to find a good specialized dealer to test/feel the bikes. Hopefully already later today.

On Specializeds webpage there are currently Vado SL options:

Vado SL 4.0 Step-through: 2000 CHF
Vado SL 4.0 EQ Step-Through: 2500 CHF
Vado SL 5.0 EQ Step-Through: 3500 CHF

1CHF = 1.07 EUR = 1.13 USD

So my big questions are:

1) Is the difference between 4.0 and 5.0 big enough to justify a 1000 EUR price difference?
2) The offers mentioned here are all Step-Through. Are there any disadvantage to the Step-Through compared to Diamond? I am considering getting a Range Extender and a Abus Bar Lock. Would both fit on a step-through?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

1) Is the difference between 4.0 and 5.0 big enough to justify a 1000 EUR price difference?

Yes, definitely. The 5.0 has the Future Shock front suspension, and a carbon fork. It is worth every centime! Apart from that, the 5.0 has higher end components, a way higher.

2) The offers mentioned here are all Step-Through. Are there any disadvantage to the Step-Through compared to Diamond?

No disadvantage. Two of my e-bikes are Step-Through, one is High-Step (Diamond).

I am considering getting a Range Extender and a Abus Bar Lock. Would both fit on a step-through?

No idea about Bar Lock. Range Extender fits any SL e-bike. You will need some extras: SL Cable (Road) 220 mm. Possibly an SL Y-Cable for charging both batteries in parallel.
P.S. Step-Through has the water-bottle bosses on the top tube, an another set on the bottom tube. Ask the dealer for the details, that is, where the bottle-cage for Range Extender is installed.

On Specializeds webpage there are currently Vado SL options:

Please be aware the Specialized dealer has a very different pool of e-bikes than the website. For instance, who knows if the SL 5.0 (diamond) is not available to the dealer?

 

[caz777]

@Stefan Mikes Thank you for all your swift advice and guidance!

Never let it be said that I dont act quickly So I went to a local Specialized dealer to look at the Vado SL in real life. It seems that stock is getting low generally with the Vado SL 2 now being released.

Anyway I ended up buying a used silver Vado SL 5.0 EQ, with the Turbo Connect Display. It was previously owned by an elderly gentleman who had ridden it for around 1000km over 3 years, and brought it in for service/tuning every year. It looked to be in very pristine condition, and the shop owner immidiately mounted a lock on it, and I left the store with the bike

I felt it was a pretty good deal paying 2300 CHF for a slightly used Vado SL 5.0 EQ. Sometimes things are just meant to be in regards to timing of everything.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes Thank you for all your swift advice and guidance!

Never let it be said that I dont act quickly So I went to a local Specialized dealer to look at the Vado SL in real life. It seems that stock is getting low generally with the Vado SL 2 now being released.

Anyway I ended up buying a used silver Vado SL 5.0 EQ, with the Turbo Connect Display. It was previously owned by an elderly gentleman who had ridden it for around 1000km over 3 years, and brought it in for service/tuning every year. It looked to be in very pristine condition, and the shop owner immidiately mounted a lock on it, and I left the store with the bike

I felt it was a pretty good deal paying 2300 CHF for a slightly used Vado SL 5.0 EQ. Sometimes things are just meant to be in regards to timing of everything.

Congratulations!

Oh my, what a sweet deal! I admit I spent more than 1000 Euros to make my SL 4.0 upgraded, still it is not a 5.0

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Caspar,
Welcome to the Vado SL User Club!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

@MartsEbike, @Jeremy McCreary: you guys ride your VSL e-bikes in hilly areas. Your legs are a way stronger than mine. Any range estimates?

Vado SL 5.0 EQ here. I'd say I'm a so-so rider on a varying mix of gently rolling coast rides and steep (for me) inland hill rides. I'll share 4 recent battery usage examples captured from the Specialized app used to record them.

As you'll see, you can't really discuss range without getting into the resistances (gravity, wind, soft surfaces) faced and the assistance mix used. The more speed against a given total resistance at constant rider power, the more battery you'll burn per mile.

That said, with my usual low-assist riding and 12-15 mph pace, I'd say that my SL and I are generally good for at least 50-60 mi on a full charge in my terrain.

1. Yesterday's lazy coast ride with more assist than usual, 22 mi on 33% battery = 1.5%/mi.

2. Strenuous (for me) hill ride, 17 mi on 37% battery = 2.2%/mi.

3. A more energetic coast ride with a lot less assist, 24 mi on 27% battery = 1.1 %/mi.

4. Another strenuous hill ride with the least assist I could handle without killing myself, 14 mi on 23% battery = 1.6 %/mi.

I'd totally spend the extra $$$ for the SL 5.0 package again, but not so sure about the EQ part.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

@Stefan Mikes Thank you for all your swift advice and guidance!

Never let it be said that I dont act quickly So I went to a local Specialized dealer to look at the Vado SL in real life. It seems that stock is getting low generally with the Vado SL 2 now being released.

Anyway I ended up buying a used silver Vado SL 5.0 EQ, with the Turbo Connect Display. It was previously owned by an elderly gentleman who had ridden it for around 1000km over 3 years, and brought it in for service/tuning every year. It looked to be in very pristine condition, and the shop owner immidiately mounted a lock on it, and I left the store with the bike

I felt it was a pretty good deal paying 2300 CHF for a slightly used Vado SL 5.0 EQ. Sometimes things are just meant to be in regards to timing of everything.

Congrats! I think you'll be very happy with this purchase. We expect photos and a full report once you two have become acquainted.

I've received tons of excellent pre- and post-purchase help on my SL from many knowledgeable and experienced SL riders on EBR. Don't hesitate to ask. The forum search function is your friend.

 

[caz777]

Thank you @Jeremy McCreary .

I am already very happy with my purchase. Not only because I expect it to be an amazing bike, but also because it was a good deal (and sustainable to buy second hand).

I already had a chance to drive it up a short quite steep hill (from my parking garage to the front of my house). And already there I can definitely feel that it is a lot better at that climb than my old ebike. So that will be a joy I am sure.