The new Specialized Vado SL 2 Alloy has an aluminium frame and costs around £2,000 less than the carbon version that was released last year.
Trading carbon for aluminium has added some extra weight to the new Vado, but Specialized says it still weighs “as little as 20kg”, depending on the model.
Available in two builds and with prices starting from £3,500, this new electric commuting bike benefits from many of the same features and tech as the lighter carbon models.
As with its carbon equivalent, Specialized says the new Vado SL 2 is a “high-performance vehicle” that's destined to relegate your car.
Motor and battery
At the heart of the aluminium Vado SL 2 Alloy lies the Turbo SL 1.2 electric bike motor. This is the same motor system as found in the Turbo Creo 2 SL and Levo SL electric mountain bike, which delivers up to 50Nm of torque.
Specialized claims the motor produces 43 per cent more torque and 33 per cent more power than the previous-generation SL 1.1, and is said to be quieter than its competitors from Fazua and TQ.
The battery capacity for the alloy models remains unchanged at 520Wh, which Specialized says can deliver up to five hours of assisted riding. For riders looking for even more range, there’s the Range Extender, a 160Wh external battery that mounts to the bike via a bottle cage (sold separately).
Those who want to dive into their performance diagnostics can do so with the Specialized App, which displays how the battery charge is used and can also record heart rate, cadence and power data.
Tech and features
While the more affordable Vado gets the same motor and battery as the carbon models, Specialized has downgraded it to the previous-generation Future Shock 3.1 damping system, not the FS 3.2 found on the carbon Vado.
Nevertheless, it benefits from the system’s 20mm of travel, located between the stem and head tube.
The wide, 47mm tyres found on the more premium models make an appearance here though, promising to make the metal Vado capable on and off the tarmac.
With the Specialized App, Vado owners can keep track of their bike’s health and be notified of any required servicing.
When a service is required, the bike’s computer holds the relevant diagnostic data for Specialized dealers and approved bike shops to carry out the necessary work.
Once complete, the service is recorded and synced to the owner’s Specialized App, which the brand says provides owners with a service history – just like a car.
The onboard computer is also Apple Find My enabled, which should offer iPhone users the ability to track their bike if it’s stolen.
Equipped to carry
Unlike the carbon Vado, which is available in both a bare-bones build and the cargo-ready Equipped model, the new aluminium Vado 4.0 and 5.0 are sold exclusively in the latter configuration.
The aluminium models come fitted with an MIK HD pannier rack (which is rated to carry up to 27kg) and DryTech fenders front and rear.
Road safety and visibility during after-hours riding are taken care of by the included Spanninga Glow Brake Alert Taillight, and both models benefit from front lighting as standard.
Availability and pricing
The aluminium Vado SL 2 is available in two ‘equipped’ iterations, dubbed 4.0 EQ and 5.0 EQ. Unlike the carbon models, they are both available with a step-through frame.
The Vado SL 2 4.0 EQ is the most affordable option in the line-up, costing £3,500 / $4,500 / €4,250.
Spend £300 (or $500) more and you get the Vado SL 2 5.0 EQ, which benefits from upgraded Tektro brakes and an 11-speed Shimano Cues drivetrain.
