Interesting discussion above...I have both a Stromer ST-2 and a Specialized Vado 6. The Stromer is simply a strong, supremely engineered bicycle The motor is very powerful and the battery life is very, very good. I have ridden it a bit over 3000 miles in city and country riding and enjoy the rear hub motor for both its power and its torque. The Vado 6 has touched nearly every base in terms of its engineering at half the cost of the newly minted Stromer ST-5. Larger wheels (27.5), an upgraded battery and motor, lights ,horn. and a front shock. Sadly, at the moment, the phone interface through the Mission Control app for the Vado is amongst the missing. Hence the Blok's interface provides very little info. I find that I have to do a good bit more shifting on the Specialized because of the way it handles the motor's torque. The torque on the Stromer is nearly instant and positive. Both provide a very enjoyable experience out on the road. In terms of a price point, the Specialized provides very good value and I believe that is true of the lesser numbered Vado's also. I purchased the Vado as a back-up bike and the ability to get it serviced locally. The Stromer folks are very good with solving problems and most helpful in that regard. Largely, I have not had a problem that I couldn't solve via contact with them. The electrical gremlins are always about (think computers), but so far have not provided any major problems on either bike. I did get a flat the other day (first one in a couple of years) on the Stromer and changing the rear tire on a rear hub motor is for sure challenging, but entirely doable, particularly given the wonderful engineering on the Stromer. At this point, I am glad that I do not have to choose between them, so I simply grab one and go. Much of the time, I think that I pick the Specialized because of the front fork; other times, the Stromer because of its instant torque. I have yet to determine which one handles best but perhaps a little not to the Vado??
