Sefutau2020
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northern VA
After a year of riding and for the most part, really enjoying the Prodigy V2 eBike, I ultimately decided to part ways with it. It wasn't an easy decision, because I truly believe this is a very good bike. In fact, I’ve owned several Specialized eBikes over the years, and the Prodigy holds its own in terms of build quality. It’s solid, well-constructed, and features the reliable Brose motor, which delivers impressive power and smooth performance when you need it most.
That said, there were three key factors that led me to sell it.
First, and perhaps the most persistent issue, was the sizing. The Prodigy V2 is offered in only one frame size, and at 6’2”, I simply never felt quite right on it. I tried to work around this by installing a longer seat post, but the geometry still didn’t suit my height or riding style. For shorter or average-height riders, it may be just fine, but for taller folks, it’s something to seriously consider.
Second, the 9-speed cassette just wasn’t enough gearing for my needs, especially when tackling steeper climbs. The motor does a great job helping out, but with fewer gear options, I found myself wishing for more versatility on hilly routes. It felt like a bit of a mismatch between the power of the motor and the limitations of the drivetrain.
Lastly, and perhaps most noticeably, was the battery range. Compared to my Trek Allant+ 8s and Specialized Vado 4.0; both of which offer larger batteries and extended range; the Prodigy came up short. On longer rides, the difference in range became increasingly apparent, often requiring me to manage power levels more carefully than I’d like or cut rides shorter than planned.
To be clear: I think for many riders, especially those sticking to moderate distances or urban commutes, the Prodigy V2 could be a fantastic fit. It’s well-built, stylish, and powered by a great motor. But for my needs, longer rides, more varied terrain, and a bike that fits me like a glove; it just didn’t check all the boxes.
When you compare it to something like the Vado 4.0, which offers 70Nm of torque and a 710Wh battery, it’s hard not to notice the gap. That combination of power, range, and sizing options is tough to beat.
In the end, selling the Prodigy was simply about matching the right tool to the job. It’s a great bike; it just wasn’t the right one for me.
That said, there were three key factors that led me to sell it.
First, and perhaps the most persistent issue, was the sizing. The Prodigy V2 is offered in only one frame size, and at 6’2”, I simply never felt quite right on it. I tried to work around this by installing a longer seat post, but the geometry still didn’t suit my height or riding style. For shorter or average-height riders, it may be just fine, but for taller folks, it’s something to seriously consider.
Second, the 9-speed cassette just wasn’t enough gearing for my needs, especially when tackling steeper climbs. The motor does a great job helping out, but with fewer gear options, I found myself wishing for more versatility on hilly routes. It felt like a bit of a mismatch between the power of the motor and the limitations of the drivetrain.
Lastly, and perhaps most noticeably, was the battery range. Compared to my Trek Allant+ 8s and Specialized Vado 4.0; both of which offer larger batteries and extended range; the Prodigy came up short. On longer rides, the difference in range became increasingly apparent, often requiring me to manage power levels more carefully than I’d like or cut rides shorter than planned.
To be clear: I think for many riders, especially those sticking to moderate distances or urban commutes, the Prodigy V2 could be a fantastic fit. It’s well-built, stylish, and powered by a great motor. But for my needs, longer rides, more varied terrain, and a bike that fits me like a glove; it just didn’t check all the boxes.
When you compare it to something like the Vado 4.0, which offers 70Nm of torque and a 710Wh battery, it’s hard not to notice the gap. That combination of power, range, and sizing options is tough to beat.
In the end, selling the Prodigy was simply about matching the right tool to the job. It’s a great bike; it just wasn’t the right one for me.
