Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Review | Sleek, Savvy & Stealthy

For current pricing on the Turbo Vado SL 2, click the link below:

For a full detailed written review of the Turbo Vado SL 2, click the link below:

At 41 lbs, the carbon fiber Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 is a light, nimble, high-performance commuter e-bike that takes itself extremely seriously.

It’s equipped with the Specialized 1.2 mid-drive motor with 320W of power and 50 Nm of torque. We loved its highly responsive, dialed-in feel that, as the bike itself says, is “You, Only Faster”.

With such light construction, the bike felt quick, nimble, and energetic. It handled like a dream, hugging corners, zig-zagging around obstacles, and generally being super fun to ride.

On the surface, the bike might seem basic—and it can be if that’s your thing. However, for tech-savvy users seeking customization, the Specialized app opens up a world of possibilities.

Users can track ride data, change the motor output, activate security features, and more!

See our full review of the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 for all the details.

01:08 - Overview
05:35 - Brake Test
06:42 - Speed Test
11:40 - Range Test
14:01 - Hill Test
18:02 - Ride Quality
23:05 - App Walkthrough
28:08 - Conclusion

[craigthomas]

I have the vado 4.0 that received a great review via EBR and I can't say enough about what it is. commuter, touring, shopping, 10, 000 miles. this looks like a worthy successor. I know it is costly but it can be a true car replacement, and the $ savings can really equalize.

[warrenjansen]

I'm not trying to throw a shade on you, but I laughed out loud when your opening line was "it practically gets you to work." I have to have a bike that definitely gets me to work, not just part way😂😂!

[allan]

You need to add a stair carry test of at least ten to twenty steps. A lot of people have to carry their bikes indoors to their storage area either at work or at home. You also forgot to mention that it's approved to UL 2849 or EN 15194.

[rosemcommm]

I'll wait 1 year and hope it ends up on sale under $4k. Love my Vado 4.0.

[bd]

Great review thanks mate. Finally someone who tests e-bikes the right way, especially the hill test. Test of an e-bike without hill test, is no test...worthless....not everybody leaves in a flat area. I actually go to work 4 kms away but I go through 3 hills one way and again 3 on the way back, pluss the city itself is full of small hills....Anyway, we would appreciate it if you could review the Canyon Roadlite On CF9. I think its the king of its category according to specs and demand. Though where I leave I don't have a chance to test one. Thank you

[WashingtonDCnospam]

If you live in a place where you need to carry your bike up and down stairs, the Specialized Turbo SL (superlight) line is really without competition in the mid-drive, reliable bike market.

I recommend them to all my friends looking for an ebike commuter.

[OrtoInScatola]

Why did they remove all the Enviolo from their entire line up?

[billyrock]

Topgun bike from the Porsche of Ebikes. 911 like.

#1 Topgun🥇

[briancollier]

I like that Specialized has come out with this bike. Huge fan of the suspension on the handlebars - an upgrade from my Ruby. If you want a cheap ebike, look elsewhere. If you want a light ebike that can perform, this is worth considering. And I love the range extender - I still like to be able to do 100k rides, this will remove the concerns about range. Will definitely be looking into this bike at my local dealer.

[Jocha.]

A $6500 bike that doesn't even have a removable battery? That's pretty much a standard feature for any ebike.

[RB-sroc]

Nice review. Wish you had covered the changes to the original (for those of us who own the original). I think the original motor was made by Mahle. Is this motor the same? Upgraded in anyway? New frame is carbon, how about wheelset? IMO the 5.0 EQ, with the mods I made, is a fantastic and efficient commuting machine.

[DM-fpuw]

What was the speed on the pas 5 range test and the pas1? Sometimes you give this in your reviews and sometimes you don't. Its the only way to understand the range as you refuse to normalize range tests based on speed.

[tenman]

I ride a Specialized Turbo Vado SL EQ 5.0 to work. Very nice bike; my mileage is nowhere as good as described here and I ride in sport mode (the middle assistant). Use Turbo mode for hils only. Agree that it is pricier than the average non big name brand but some of that premium is justified.

[rosemcommm]

How would the carbon fiber hold up in a cold winter?

[difflocktwo]

that mountain of a top tube to conquer every time you want to mount/dismount makes this a nonstarter.

[tenren]

one thing that dissapoints me; this Vado SL2 looks more obvious as ebike - the down-tube is a giveaway - too thick!. Not like its predecessor that really hard to notice except if one pay attention to the bottom bracket host.

[CRAIGNV]

WHAT SOUTHERN TOWN IN UTAH ARE YOU IN, LOOKS NICE

[brotherofpearl]

Yes, the price is seriously eyewatering, but I love my Vado 1 so much, and did so much miles on it that I am perfectly willing to spend that kind of money. Will probably wait for the Aluminium Version to make the price somewhat reasonable

[MrBestMan]

This bike makes no sense from a price standpoint. The recently released Ride1Up Roadster V3 which was reviewed on this same channel a few weeks ago is aimed at exactly the same buyer but is less than a quarter of the price ($1, 400 with the added rack vs $6, 000+ for this ripoff) with only a few minor downsides (slightly heavier, and no special 20mm suspension). The Roadster also gives you a few things this bike doesn’t have at all—a removable battery and a throttle, which can really come in handy when commuting. Anyone who buys this bike needs to be equipped with a complementary blindfold so they can’t see the rest of the market. It’s incredible that this review didn’t compare the bike against the market in terms of value. Makes me feel like there is some sort of brand deal going on here behind the scenes.

[dzembassy]

Thank you for the great review of this sweet e-bike. I really like this type of e-bike and would be willing to buy this bike, but the non-removable battery is a non-starter for me! Do you know of any manufacturer that make a mid-drive e-bike similar to this one with integrated lights that is under 40 lbs and has a removable battery?