Checked out a Specialized Vado 4.0-compared to a 700

[tlippy]

In limbo and bored while waiting for my Sep 15 ship date so I stopped at a Specialized dealer and took my 700 spec page in and asked if they had a comparable bike. The Vado 4.0 was their recommendation and they had one on the floor. $3550 . It was a nice bike but ! Spec comparison: Vado vs 700: Shimano Deore set vs Acera-250W motor vs 500W - 42V/500WH vs 48V/672WH - Mid drive vs hub. Chincy back rack vs one that can accommodate panniers.
The 700 uses Samsung 35E batteries - which is as good as batteries get. Vado doesn't spec the battery manufacturer. The uptick Vado Shimano set is a plus. The Vado is a mid motorTorque drive. The 700 is a hub Cadence drive.
The little upticks for the Vado just don't equate to the price difference, IMO.
Really, eBikes compared to a descent peddle road bike are pigs. Fat and heavy. It made sense for me to spend money on my Fuji Cyclocross to reduce the weight - not on an eBike. The more I research, the happier I am with the 700. Since I haven't ridden any eBike all my opinions have come from reading comments on this forum. Again: IMO

 

[Sierratim]

I'm sure you'll be happy with your new ebike. I just want to clarify a few comments re specs.

Many mid-drive motors are rated for Euro complaince. Their actual peak power is quite a bit higher.

Many popular mid-drive motors peak at ~500W output.

I use the Specialized Mission Control app and its power meter functions when I ride. My ebike's Specialized 1.3 motor reports power output reaching as high as 800W when I'm at max effort.

You are correct that the Vado rack has a lower weight limit than bikes intended for touring. However the Vado series is rated for a max load of 300lbs, rider + cargo. As such we're able to use our Vados for 'credit card' touring.

Outfitted for a tour.

Enjoy your new bike and Ride On!

 

[rchenail]

Don't forget the throttle, a plus for the 700. My sister, husband and my wife's sister own Vado 4 and I had a quick drag race with the brother in law, smoked him and I found out later my power output was set at 7amps instead of my usual 17amps.
The fact you can tweak the PAS levels for different types of of riding situations is also a plus.
They also had to recall their controllers for bugs etc... I thought they would be much lighter... heavier than I thought.
Nope no match for the price! I'm getting so many compliments, if I had a stock to sell I'd be rich.