Vado 3.0 vs 4.0

[Laurobb]

Has anyone rides both bikes to give a comparison, on performance. Seems like a big jump in price for the 4.0.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The difference is US$700.

Vado 4.0 vs 3.0:

1. Stronger, standard issue Specialized 1.2 motor vs. economical 1.2e one. It might matter in a hilly area;
2. 500 Wh battery vs 460 Wh one (that is not a big difference);
3. Two times faster charger for 4.0 compared to the one delivered with 3.0;
4. More modern design of 4.0 axles (thru-axle vs. open dropout QR);
5. Higher class brakes on 4.0;
6. Far higher class drive-train in 4.0 (Deore vs. Alivio) with better gearing for hills.

Vado 3.0 is a good e-bike. The features of 4.0 justify the +700 dollar price difference. For city riding on flats and shorter commutes, purchase of the 3.0 is fully justified. It is also cheaper to maintain the 3.0.

 

[Laurobb]

Thank you very much for your info. Much appreciated

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Laurobb: It is worthwhile to mention that in case you like Vado 3.0, the (extra) faster charger alone costs US$200. Specialized is not a cheap company...

 

[Laurobb]

@Laurobb: It is worthwhile to mention that in case you like Vado 3.0, the (extra) faster charger alone costs US$200. Specialized is not a cheap company...

Thank you, I live in an area where the terrain is pretty flat, but I'm still not sure what Vado to purchase

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Can you take a demo ride?

 

[Laurobb]

Seems like everyone's inventory is currently zero on the Vados

 

[Stefan Mikes]

U.S. Vado is a fantastic e-bike regardless of the version. All Vado versions feel similarly. There are differences, yes. If you want to use the Vado for recreation and don't plan really long rides, go for 3.0. One thing is sure: maintenance cost would be low and spare parts easier to get. And 3.0s come in nice colours

 

[Laurobb]

Really appreciate your help, better advice then I received from the local shops, Thanks again

 

[Mulezen]

Thanks for the evaluation between the 2 models. I currently am looking for a guest rider. I sold my Trek SC 7 (XL) and am shopping for a medium. I have a $2200 credit at my favorite LBS where the choice is between Specialized or Trek. While I am very happy with my Trek Allant9s I will spend considerably less for the second bike. I want a Class 3. Specialized seems to offer more for the money. It’s country riding so a Vado 3 or 4 is what I’ve narrowed it to. Stefan, you make a strong case for a Vado 4

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

While I am very happy with my Trek Allant9s I will spend considerably less for the second bike. I want a Class 3. Specialized seems to offer more for the money.

I think you will find a lot of benefits sticking to one eco-system (Specialized or Trek). I know you have the Trek and If you get a second bike with the specialized system, you lose some of those benefits. Let me highlight what those benefits are:

1. Extra set of chargers and batteries.
   I keep one charger at home and one in office. You never worry about charge status or range because you know you have charging options at either end.
   The extra set of batteries make a big difference. On weekends, I go on 75+ mile rides and I never worry about charging in between.
   
   
2. If any of the parts (display, battery, charger) goes out, you have spare parts to minimize the downtime. It also helps in quick diagnostics.
   
   
3. You just can use a single dealer or resource for service or parts.

If you are unable to find a suitable bike, let us know the details of your LBS and we will contact and them see if they can service our bikes and help you use your store credit.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

If I acted that way Ravi, I would have never owned a decent e-MTB. Chose Giant Trance E+ instead of Turbo Levo I dreamed of Besides, one who rode a Vado knows what a good e-bike is... Sure, the practical benefit of keeping a single ecosystem is there as you say. Less fun though

Two different ecosystems (Giant and Specialized), tons of fun

 

[Mulezen]

No easy answer for me is there.
I did think of Ravi’s company for several reasons. When I get 5K on my Trek I want to get a road bike, and I like the Gates option Ravi will offer. Also of course I’m partial to the word Zen and here offer the use of my screen name MuleZen for Ravi to use on his mountain bike iteration

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I think the Brose S Mag drive is amazing but Specialized did a blunder by changing the battery format and size for different bikes. The fact that you can't use a Levo eMTB's battery on a Vado or vice-versa is minor drawback. But, it may not matter much to some.
Also, the Brose TF drive used in specialized bikes need belt replacement every 6000 miles. It is one reason Specialized worked with Mahle company not Brose for their SL lineup. It was costing them way too much for warranty replacement (check reports here: https://www.emtbforums.com/)
Their advantage is the mission control app but other players like the Bosch (with their new Nyon) and Shimano (E-tube app) also offer this feature. I think mission control is a bit better but the displays on Bosch are better.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Oh yes Ravi. Name a silent mid-drive motor. The name is?
P.S. Vado 4 uses Brose T, 3.0 has Brose CB, and the 5.0 - Brose S Alu Why did you mention S Mag or TF?