Comparing the Turbo Vado and Vado SL

Which Turbo Vado is right for you? 2x you or 4x you. Mark puts both bikes to the test.

[nancybevilacqua]

that was the best video, i am struggling to understand these bikes as I am new to the sport, but actually seeing the hill test with and with out power, no sales person could have ever explained that to me where i would have understood it. thank you Nancy.

[edsinofsky]

I work in a Specialized bike store as the e-bike guy. I delivered a vado SL 5.0 to a customer and rode it. I then immediately ordered a 4.0 for myself. Smoothest power delivery I have ever experienced. And I ordered an awesome red/black combo. Delivery in August.

[Walcingham]

I first watched this video in August 2020 and the next month went to buy a Vado SL but there where none in my size in the Seattle area. So I ended up buying the Turbo Vado and put over 2000 miles on it the first year... half on gravel.. I took the fenders and rack off and added a shock absorbing seat post and it makes a great mild gravel bike. Everything in the video is true that you will ride more, further and have more fun.. Its you only better... its all true... In the same month I bought the Vado I purchased a Sirrus X 5.0 and spent another $1000 on upgrades.. super nimble, super trick bike.. that I almost never ride because the ebikes are so much fun.

[ohhector]

Thanks! I wasn't really looking at the regular vado so much, but this helped with my Vado SL research quite a bit!

[joaonunomarques]

One of The best informative compare video I ever encountered: GREAT job guys! Kudos

[fxhood]

For me the SL - if I get one of these. I did a test drive and was impressed! But: The build in battery is an issue for many people in winter times stored in the garage. The fork "suspension" is not suitable for rural areas, if road conditions gettin realy rough. Would love to buy an "Levo SL HT" with a VADO SL like frame. It could have a lightweight fox suspension and offroad 29 x 1.95 tires. A Hardtail with about 15-16 kg. Maybe this would be perfect for commuting AND easy single trails 😎. Lets see whats upcomming 2021 guys. 😋

[PQV-]

Thanks for a great in depth and practical review between the two. Two great bikes and definitely a trade-off.

[TeoSluga]

This is perfect for commuting... Not to get sweaty on the way to work...

[k.whiking]

Thank you, that short and simple review helped more than other long rviews. And yeah the SL I think would be the right one.

[robwoods]

This is an amazing video - thank you for the comparison. I will be getting a Specialized - just a matter of which one!

[maksymvinyarskyy]

These bikes...absolutely beautiful. One of the best in the industry 😍😍🥰

[redvctd]

I’ve got almost 7000 miles on a Vado SL. So far it’s been bulletproof.

[arevee]

As the owner of a non-SL Turbo Vado 5, I can say from experience that it's plenty powerful and somewhat comfortable, but it's too big and heavy for my taste. Good for a non-bike rider who takes up eBiking later in life. Less good for a lifelong cyclist expecting more of a "normal" bike feel. I prefer my bikes to be lighter and smaller - like the SL.

[soy_leche]

any chance the SL will get a belt drive anytime soon?

[TheAngelaDuke]

Great video! My husband and I just purchased the Turbo Vado. We're hooked!! Question. No one seems to know how to change from kilometers to MPH on the digital readout on the handlebar. I even contacted Specialized direct, and have not heard back from them. Even the bicycle shop we purchased it from had to look into it. The manual has not helped either. Any input on your end? Thank you! Best, Angela

[michaelmallory]

Nice, concise, practical. Great work. Thanks.

[joshuaschneck]

For me the weight is really the critical factor - I live in a city and without a garage, so I need to carry the bike up a flight of steps and inside my house. So while I would love to have more power for going up hills, carrying a 50+ pound bike every day is just not feasible.

[fredrohrs]

How do I stop the beeping on my turbo Vado? I bothers me and the person I ride with! Excellent video and nice controls.

[seascape]

Great review! Are either of those bikes capable of going up that hill several times (1/3 of a mile, 9% avg gradient - I live nearby :) carrying a total load of 250lbs without pedaling? Looking to replace my car with an ebike, and carrying groceries is my biggest concern, as I’ll have to ride about 6 similar hills round trip.

[TyreGuard]

Hi, I’m interested in the cycle carrier on your car in this video, what brand/type is it ?
(I’m going for the Vado SL and my wife the Vado)