I've seen some people do that. Didn't seem worth it, but if you look at the Creo (and Canyon like above), seems like you can get a better drop bar bike, for a better price than the Vado SL2.
Sorry if I’m misunderstanding your implication… but the Canyon Grzl:ON CF 9 is just as if not more expensive than the new Spesh SL 6.0 (here in UK)
In the US, the top level Grizl:ON cf 9 is the same regular price as the base SL 2 6.0, but has better wheelset and drivetrain that are similar in spec level to the 6.0 LTD. Obviously, there are other factors and Specialized never really wins out in component level/$ since a lot of their value is in the warranty/local support/gee whiz sw addons...
Sorry iMan f you want to go 28 Mph you need to pedal harder like around 90 to 100 cadenc on Turbo 100/100, I think I have got it up to 32 Mph and it was scary. The orginal SlL is pretty capable to go fast but it needs your help, maybe a better fit would had been the regular Vado with the bigger motor.
Very interesting parallels. Many questions:
Both rides were extremely similar to each other, which is proven by the leg power figure. (The Summer ride was tiring because of heat. The Autumn ride felt nicer but I returned with cold feet. Nothing related to the e-bikes).
I prefer SL 4 for that route. It is easier to climb at low assistance on the lightweight e-bike (as long as the grades are 1-4%, I need more assistance otherwise). On the other hand, I once went Turbo on the 6.0 to show my friend the Vado capability... It shoot forward like a rocket!
I would keep Vado 6.0 as it is the only of my e-bikes that is good for high mountain road rides. I can remember several long and steep climbs I had to ride in full Turbo and 38-46T gearing!
Not (already having both 6.0 and SL 4!) I said the SL 2 could replace the role of both e-bikes if I were bikeless
Not a chance, the SL 5.0 is the exact bike I wanted; a bicycle first, easy to pedal with no assist/light, and an e'bike second.
Actually, I can ride at 28 mph or even faster on occasion on my SL4 EQ. (My highest speed was 34 mph which according to a gearing speed calculator is the speed the bike can go ignoring whether there’s a motor.) Most often this is on the last mile of my usual route with a 3% down slope, often with a tail wind. While I usually go to turbo, I’ve done this at 60% assist in Sport. My cadence hits about 120 rpm at the lower assist levels. I’m 76 and as I’ve mentioned many times have only been riding as adult since I was 71.
Cadence takes top priority with me, too. It's always been clear that I operate best at 80-90 rpm, and at 76, my funky knees demand it.
For sure the battery, tires/tubes, and frame are the biggest pieces factoring in the weight. The wider rims are 70g heavier ea according to DT Swiss specs, so not a big difference there.
I neglected to mention that I have a carbon handlebar, carbon seatpost, and lighter Bontrager 700x38 tires that weigh in at 450g each. So comparing my 38 lbs bike with the Vado SL 2 6.0 EQ takes similar things (except cranks) into account.
I went with Redshift seat post Pro and I love it, the shock is adjustable so you can tune in to how you like it. Just some thing to think about, it's not Carbon
I purchased a Specialized CG-R FACT carbon seatpost. It helps take up just a bit of the road vibration.. I had various "sprung" seatposts on my prior e-bike, but found them too "bouncy" at higher cadence rates. When combined with my Selle Anatomica leather seat, I find the CG-R to be more comfortable than the elastic or sprung seatposts I had used prior.
