Specialized’s ultra-light 120-mile range e-bike - Turbo Vado SL

[FlatSix911]

Looks like a great bike for fit riders looking for a low power/high range option.

Specialized's ultra-light, 120-mile range e-bike mixes fitness and transport

Specialized has just released the latest edition to its Turbo e-bike lineup, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL. With “SL” standing...

electrek.co

Specialized has just released the latest edition to its Turbo e-bike lineup, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL. With “SL” standing for Super Light, this is also one of the lightest e-bikes in Specialized’s lineup, weighing in at as little as 33 lb (14.9 kg).
The motor is designed to provide up to 200% of the rider’s pedaling output, and specific emphasis was placed on programming the motor and controller to feel as natural as possible when it rolls on the power.

The idea is to maintain the rider as the central unit of the bike and to keep the assist as just that — an assist system that doesn’t detract from the ride experience that cycling enthusiasts find so critical.

An internal 320Wh battery is designed to provide up to 80 miles (128 km) of range, at least when used in Eco Mode.

Higher-power modes will reduce that range a bit, though Specialized also offers a range extender battery that fits in one of two water bottle holders and can add another 40 miles (64 km) of range, bringing the total max range up to 120 miles (193 km).

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL is available starting today from as low as $3,350.​

 

[Chancelucky2]

Why do I feel like I'm looking at a Turbo Creo with flat bars? The price, though, is a lot lower and the motor's maybe more visible. I like it that they seem to
be bringing the approach (lower power more rideable without power) across their range of offerings.

 

[onlineaddy]

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ Review | ElectricBikeReview.com

Price: $3500.00 | Model Year: 2020 | One of the best ebikes I've ever reviewed. Relatively light weight at 36.9lbs including integrated lights, a rear rack, and custom designed tubular fenders with extra long rubberized flaps to keep your feet dry. Reasonably priced for outstanding motor and...

electricbikereview.com

 

[onlineaddy]

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I wonder who the target customer would be.
@Phyz, you?

 

[FlatSix911]

I wonder who the target customer would be.
@Phyz, you?

Looks like a great bike for fit riders looking for a low power/high range option. ​

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Looks like a great bike for fit riders looking for a low power/high range option.

What I hate about the SL line is the un-removable main battery.

@FlatSix911: The second thought. The bike weighs perhaps 10 kg less than the Turbo Vado. The rider is the heaviest part of the equation. You can set the assistance level as you like in the regular Vado by Mission Control, meaning you can have little power and long range. So I can't understand the SL concept, only the fact the bike is super light.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Looks like a great bike for fit riders looking for a low power/high range option.

Specialized's ultra-light, 120-mile range e-bike mixes fitness and transport

Specialized has just released the latest edition to its Turbo e-bike lineup, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL. With “SL” standing...

electrek.co

Specialized has just released the latest edition to its Turbo e-bike lineup, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL. With “SL” standing for Super Light, this is also one of the lightest e-bikes in Specialized’s lineup, weighing in at as little as 33 lb (14.9 kg).
The motor is designed to provide up to 200% of the rider’s pedaling output, and specific emphasis was placed on programming the motor and controller to feel as natural as possible when it rolls on the power.

The idea is to maintain the rider as the central unit of the bike and to keep the assist as just that — an assist system that doesn’t detract from the ride experience that cycling enthusiasts find so critical.


An internal 320Wh battery is designed to provide up to 80 miles (128 km) of range, at least when used in Eco Mode.

Higher-power modes will reduce that range a bit, though Specialized also offers a range extender battery that fits in one of two water bottle holders and can add another 40 miles (64 km) of range, bringing the total max range up to 120 miles (193 km).


The Specialized Turbo Vado SL is available starting today from as low as $3,350.

Really compelling design.
At 33lbs, it would be city dwellers preferred choice.
Mahle developed this motor for them, I believe.

This is what innovation should be like. High-quality, relatively affordable and lots of useful features.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Glad @Court already posted the review.

 

[Art Deco]

Sub 40 pound bikes could come pretty quickly if this sells well. I'd love to see more lightweight , long range bikes rather than pushing for higher acceleration and higher speeds on 60 plus pounders. But I don't ride in city traffic, either.

 

[onlineaddy]

I was interested in this bike. But the battery has to be replaceable. This is just plain silly in my book.

Replaceable? it is; you just need the shop to do it for you.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Replaceable? it is; you just need the shop to do it for you.

There happen to be cold winters on many continents and in many countries or states, maybe not in California. I cannot imagine carrying the bike to the flat to ensure the battery is at proper temperature...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Really compelling design.

A Class 3 e-bike with a 320 Wh battery and the 240 W (max) motor? Is it only me who can see something is substantially wrong there?
P.S. I apologise. The Creo can do it (but it is a road bike, not a commuter).
P.S.2. To be not completely negative, I would say the motor in the Vado SL is probably to be only used against headwind and to climb easier.

 

[StmbtDave]

From what I understand, the battery is removable by the user. You do have to first remove the motor. With the main battery removed you can power the bike with the Range Extender. This makes traveling/shipping of the bike feasible.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You do have to first remove the motor.

LOL.

 

[StmbtDave]

A Class 3 e-bike with a 320 Wh battery and the 240 W (max) motor? Is it only me who can see something is substantially wrong there?
P.S. I apologise. The Creo can do it (but it is a road bike, not a commuter).
P.S.2. To be not completely negative, I would say the motor in the Vado SL is probably to be only used against headwind and to climb easier.

As Chancelucky2 observed, this is a Creo with flat bars. I absolutely love my Creo. It does mean you can't mount all the doodads that you have on yours.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

A Class 3 e-bike with a 320 Wh battery and the 240 W (max) motor? Is it only me who can see something is substantially wrong there?

It is not reasonable to expect every Class 3 E-bike has to fit everyone's needs perfectly, Stefan!

There are other riders who would find it very appealing. Not everyone needs 500-600 watts of motor assistance.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Ravi, you know the relationship between the speed and power demand (cubic), don't you. Of course you do.

 

[Solom01]

Folks this seems like a great bike. It is meant for people who are primarily interested in cycling, but just need a little help now and again, in the same way as the Orbea Gains. The light weight makes them handle like bikes and not tanks and make it a heck of a lot easier to load onto racks, take up stairs and so forth. I'm well aware that there are tons of ebikes out there with larger motors, huge batteries, etc. and I'm sure they're perfect for their intended audience (If I wanted to be snarky I'd say that at some point you should just get a scooter and be done with it) but there is obviously a market for this type of bike since they seem to sell quite well. If you weigh a ton, are out of shape and need lots of help this is not the right choice - but they never claim that they are.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

As Chancelucky2 observed, this is a Creo with flat bars. I absolutely love my Creo. It does mean you can't mount all the doodads that you have on yours.

Dave, Creo is good because it is a normal road bike on sterides. I would expect something very different from a commuter e-bike. There is a rack in Vado SL so you're expected to carry a pannier. You ride the Vado in moderate position, decidedly not aero.

Sure, the buyers for the Vado SL can be found. For me, it is just stretching the idea of super-light e-road bike and of "normal e-MTB only lighter" towards a commuter. I bet, however, the Vado SL will sell like fresh buns because people love novelties and... the price is very attractive.