eBike reviews? Who do you believe?

[tlippy]

EBR posts the best eBike of all is the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ @ $3500. ByWays bike review claims the R1U 500 is the best.
On paper the Specialized doesn't come close to the R1U 700 specs at double the price. And it's ugly! Is the Specialized better because of real quality differences or because of store front markup? How do you separate the chaff from the wheat?

 

[fooferdoggie]

the RU is a hub drive bike with really cheap components and it looks like some generic battery. it only has a cadence sensor the turbo is a light weight road bike made for light assistance use but would still have far more torque since it is a mid drive. its like a yugo and a mid priced car.

 

[tlippy]

That's an opinion. And we all have one!

 

[fooferdoggie]

That's an opinion. And we all have one!

No it’s fact. The bike has very cheap parts and not even an bafang motor. 1000 bikes have to be made cheaply since batteries are expensive. Mid drives have far more power because they use the drive train. But hey it’s your money spend it how you will.

 

[rich c]

That's an opinion. And we all have one!

I thought you were asking for opinions? No way the 500 is the best overall eBike in the world!

 

[BigNerd]

If I could afford the Vado SL I would get it just for the weight factor.

 

[TomD]

Neither are the best. My bike is the best. No, seriously, it is.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Neither are the best. My bike is the best. No, seriously, it is.

wait I thought mine was.

 

[Taylor57]

The best one Ive seen is the Superdeelite from R and M. 9 grand but my oh my what a good lookin piece of machinery. I wouldnt even want to drive one cuz I know I could never jump on my Lectric again...

 

[TomD]

Seriously though, OP did you read or watch the reviews? They are completely different bikes. R1U is a good option if you want an inexpensive bike. The Vado SL is appealing if you want something super light (SL) for an ebike that rides more like a regular bike. If I had room for another ebike it would defintely be the latter. The R1U is a dime a dozen. The SL is a niche product.

 

[pmcdonald]

EBR posts the best eBike of all is the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ @ $3500. ByWays bike review claims the R1U 500 is the best.
On paper the Specialized doesn't come close to the R1U 700 specs at double the price. And it's ugly! Is the Specialized better because of real quality differences or because of store front markup? How do you separate the chaff from the wheat?

A) They're not competitors, they're not even vaguely in the same class of bike, and b) the notion of 'the best Ebike' is utterly absurd. It's a little akin to asking which is the best car, a Toyota Supra or a Ford F-150?

The best Ebike for your budget and needs may never take you anywhere near a leaderboard or click bait 'top 10' list. Do your research, closely examine your use case, test ride anything and everything you can get your hands on, then ride it into the ground!

 

[Over50]

EBR posts the best eBike of all is the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ @ $3500....

What I read in the written review is that @Court thought it was one of the best bikes he has ever reviewed (not the best e-bike overall). What I recall from the video is that he said it is his favorite for 2020. I have the 5.0 and in my opinion it is a winner. To me, those bikes are apples/oranges and fit in different categories. The R1U big motor big battery heavy somewhat more limited range and lower end components. SL much lighter meant for a different rider or riding style extremely efficient but not powerful motor. Probably some markup in price due to big company Specialized with store fronts. Lots of value in the Mission Control App in my mind offering complete customization of assist levels.

 

[Latitude]

I enjoyed Court’s review of the Turbo Vado... it looks like a really pretty and very nicely put together bike. One could hardly go wrong buying it. But it still wouldn’t be the best bike for me! I love my Trek Verve + 3 as it came at an entry level price with the ideal step-over frame I wanted. The power is as much as is legal here in my province and has proven to be great for my riding style. By the time I have added the Redshift ShockStop stem and seatpost, it will cost as much as an Allante, but be more suited to my purposes. So for me, it’s the best eBike of 2020.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Plus it can only be the best bike if it fits you and your needs.

 

[BET]

Buy what suits your needs and budget. We have a Ride1up 500. It is a good bike worth the price. Parts are good. Good battery, good motor, etc. Best bike ? No. I would not buy a bike for more than $2000. I agree you cannot really compare different style bikes. Some want a torque sensor. I don't. Some want a mid drive motor. I don't. Reviews should explain bikes uses and limitations. Is it worth the money.

 

[Art Deco]

Who to believe? Maybe people who spent their own money for a bike...like...EBR members?

 

[Over50]

... ByWays bike review claims the R1U 500 is the best...

I had never heard of Byways bike reviews so I pulled up the website: seems like they cover just about everything: "searching the byways for a wedding destination" is a recent article. I wonder how many e-bikes they've reviewed over they years and whether they've covered the full product spectrum? In the "13 best ..." article where the R1U comes out on top, they mis-spell pedal as "...peddle power alone isn't enough". They don't explain how they selected their candidates. They are all low-end bikes and the only name brand is the Trek Verve+. Nothing over $2,500. So yes, if you're comparing the R1U to an Aceshin at $620 or to a Nakto at $620 or to eAhora at $800 then yes, I can see the conclusion that the R1U is the best (at least of that bunch). Not much credibility IMO in that Byways site. Interesting that they started the review with a picture of the Tern GSD yet there were no Terns included in the comparison. Click-bait?

 

[TomD]

Looks to be mostly affiliate links in their reviews. Even the R1U. Don't believe any review with affiliate links.

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[tlippy]

Seriously though, OP did you read or watch the reviews? They are completely different bikes. R1U is a good option if you want an inexpensive bike. The Vado SL is appealing if you want something super light (SL) for an ebike that rides more like a regular bike. If I had room for another ebike it would defintely be the latter. The R1U is a dime a dozen. The SL is a niche product.

I did read the review and thought it strange the 500 got the best review. It didn't make sence. I started this post just to demo that you'd probably be able to find a review to your liking for any bike. Never thought it'd generate this tyrade