Stromer ST 1 LE vs Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0?

[MAPC]

Was looking hard at the Vado and Como 4.0s after deciding Stromer was out of my price range when I found a dealer offering a substantial discount on an in stock ST1 Limited Edition.

Thoughts?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Will you have an LBS that is capable to handle Stromers?

 

[MAPC]

Yes

 

[opimax]

FYI, I have bought multiple Stromers. Twice the different local shops quit being Stromer shops due to poor service on Stromer’s dealer support program. The impact to me a warranted customer was devastating. Many reports of other Stromers never needing anything , not any of mine. I had 1 that was at 20,000 + miles when I got rid of it. This one I tell people I had almost 5000 miles of trouble free riding. They were spaced out between the other 15000 miles of it “still kind of runs” while the other Stromers in the garage weren’t even able to do that!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Then the substantial difference is how both types of e-bikes handle. Stromer is equipped with a very heavy Direct Hub Drive that is "pushing" the bike while you pedal. The weight is distributed to the rear of the Stromer (the motor weighs 1/3 of the bike's alone weight). Vado sports an excellent geometry with the bike weight distributed centrally and low. The nature of the mid-drive e-bikes (especially the Vado/Como) is very natural bike feel on pedalling. It is as if Lance Armstrong was pedalling together with you. The motor in Vado/Como is totally silent. Its 90 Nm torque is twice of that in Stromer, meaning rapid acceleration.

I am a fan of the Specialized Vado. Other users, especially Stromer owners may tell you more about their e-bikes.

 

[MAPC]

Thanks....I have been impressed with the motor and weight distribution on the Vado/Como as well. Struggling with preferring the upright nature vs the features of the Vado. Also- concerned about whether the Como will be 'too cruiser' and if the Vado will be 'too forward'. I am probably splitting hairs here, and overthinking....I just wish I could test them back to back, which I cannot do.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I was in even worse position, as being on a limited budget, I was offered with a 2017 Vado 5.0 New Old Stock, the 28 mph version, Step-Through frame at the price I could live with. I didn't like the first rides because I had to ride leaned forward. Simple adding the 75 mm stem riser changed my rides to pure pleasure.

One thing I can say to praise the Vado (no experience with Como!) is how fantastic geometry it has. My other e-bike which has a traditional touring frame seems to be "a large cow" compared to the Vado even if both bikes are sized for me and weigh almost the same.

Because you need to make your decision fast (and the availability is getting reduced) think about the Step-Through against Step-Over. The Specialized website specifies bike geometry: check the Standover Height!