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src=”https://thedailyriderdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/specialized-logos-2024-icon-digital_icon-large-dark-181×300.png” alt=”” width=”181″ height=”300″ />If you’re like us, this brand needs no introduction. Specialized has been an innovator and trend setter since starting in 1974 in Morgan Hill, California. Models like the Stumpjumper, the Allez, and Sirrus all played their part in defining or redefining their respective categories. Specialized’s roots grew from the early California mountain biking years. As an importer, they brought in hard to find, high quality components from Europe to supply the nascent sport and industry. Soon after, Specialized introduced the Stumpjumper, the world’s first mass-produced mountain bike.

Electric Innovation

Building upon its legacy in road and mountain biking, Specialized has become a significant player in the electric bike (e-bike) market. The Turbo and Globe lines exemplify the company’s “Innovate or Die” philosophy, featuring advanced motor and battery technologies. Specialized describes the experience of riding their e-bikes as “It’s You, Only Faster,” emphasizing the seamless integration of electric assistance.

Turbo

The Turbo series incorporates compact motors and frame-integrated batteries, maintaining the aesthetic and ride quality of traditional bicycles. Models like the Turbo Creo for road cycling, Turbo Levo and Kenevo for mountain biking, and Turbo Vado and Vado SL for urban commuting offer Class 3 motor assistance up to 28 mph. Riders can adjust the level of assistance to match their desired effort and terrain.

Globe

Launched in 2023, the Globe Haul ST and LT (Short Tail and Long Tail) models entered the cargo bike market with 3.5-inch wide “Carless Whisper” tires and a comprehensive range of accessories for transporting children, groceries, camping gear, and more. Equipped with Class 3 hub motors, these bikes provide assistance up to 28 mph, with an optional throttle for quick acceleration from a standstill. The upright riding position enhances comfort for city errands and longer journeys.

Sirrus X

For years,the Sirrus line has been one of the world’s most popular hybrids. With the introduction of the Sirrus X, a gravel inspired flat-bar road bike, Specialized has once again added something new to the category. The Sirrus X can take on weekday utility rides and weekend recreational rides with equal skill. This bicycle is for riders that want a go anywhere, do everything bike.

Diverge

For those preferring drop bars, the Diverge serves as a versatile option. Equally adept on rough city streets, gravel roads, and dirt paths, the Diverge encourages all-day exploration. Multiple mounting points accommodate racks, bottle cages, and gear bags, supporting a variety of adventures.

Comprehensive Accessories

Originating as a parts importer, Specialized now offers a wide range of premium tires, water bottles, apparel, and other accessories. Customers can utilize the “Ship to Store” option for bikes not currently in stock, ensuring professional assembly upon arrival. For smaller items like shoes or helmets, the “Pick Up in Store” feature provides a convenient alternative to home delivery.
Specialized’s commitment to innovation and quality continues to influence the cycling industry, offering products that cater to a wide range of riders and preferences.

src=”https://thedailyriderdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Specialized_VadoSL_Commuter_AS9I6953_16352_A-300×200.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”200″ />The Vado SL 4.0 EQ from Specialized is a stealth e-bike, offering a sleek design that closely resembles a traditional hybrid bike. Its oversized downtube discreetly houses the battery, while the compact, integrated motor is positioned near the bottom bracket. It doesn’t look significantly different from a conventional hybrid bike. The only visible indicators of its electric capabilities are a micro control pad on the top tube and a handlebar remote.

Motor Assistance

The Vado is a stealthy ride as well. Assistance comes from that small Brose motor adding boost to 240 watts when needed. The motor’s support is most noticeable at higher cadences, encouraging an active riding style. The Vado is an athletic ride and pushes the rider to accelerate along with the motor. At 39 pounds, this bike feels light compared to other e-bikes. It is capable of being ridden without motor assistance, although the bike truly shines when using the second of its three assistance levels.

City Utility

I headed across the hill to pick up some hardware for the shop and locked up in front of Frager’s Hardware. The large tubes and small ABUS Granit 54 Mini lock I had in my backpack presented a challenge. Additionally, I didn’t want to scratch the pristine White Sage finish. I spent the summer riding a Tern Quick Haul, which perpetually had a Basil Bottle basket hung off its side. With the Vado, I chose the backpack. A night earlier, I used a basket on the Vado’s rack to pick up carry out from Maketto, and found it didn’t interface well.

The rear rack is integrated into the fender, and as such has about a 35 pound weight capacity. Suitable for a laptop pannier and light duty errand running, this is no cargo bike. The EQ in the model name refers to “equipped with” rack, fenders, and kickstand which bring the bike up to $4,000. The base model retails for $3,500. The EQ version is recommended if this bike is being used for transportation.

Effortless Shifting

I approached this bike from a decade of riding internally geared and belt drive bikes. The Vado’s SRAM NX drivetrain was impressive. It shifted under load without any hesitation. Often it can feel like you’re putting a derailleur under stress when shifting on e-bikes, but the Vado had effortless and quick shifts. This proved essential, as acceleration on this bike from 0-25 mph happens fast, shifting nearly every other pedal rotation.

Power On Demand

Heading across town to do some additional errands, the bike felt at its best on longer stretches where it could be ridden at a steady 20+mph. Flying down the middle of Pennsylvania Ave towards the Capitol made me wish for some more time to take it out on the Mount Vernon Trail and see how far we could go. At the base of Capitol Hill, a temporary cell tower was interfering with my bluetooth headphones, so I stashed them in a pocket. I placed the assist on full Turbo in preparation for the climb up Capitol Hill. Launching from a stop and onto the hill, the supercharger whine of the motor surged to match my effort. We reached the top in record time. Time to return this stealth machine back to the shop.

The Specs:

Frame: E5 Aluminum, bottom bracket motor mount, fully integrated downtube battery, internal cable routing, fender and front rack mounts, Smooth Welds

Motor: Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor

Battery: Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh

Brakes: Tektro HD-R290

Drivetrain: SRAM NX, 11-speed

Front Light: Lezyne Ebike Hecto STVZO E65, 210Lumens, 12V

Rear Light: Lezyne Ebike Rear Fender STVZO, 11Lumens, 12V

Extras: (EQ Package): Turbo SL Rack, Specialized DryTech fenders, Specialized kickstand, bell

src=”https://thedailyriderdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Eclipse-Speed-1-300×200.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”200″ />The new for 2024 Gazelle Eclipse models arrived in our shop earlier this year during our busiest season. So, on the coldest day of the year (so far), I took one for a test ride to see what I had been missing.

Gazelle Eclipse: Confident Comfort

The first visual impression of this bike is its mere presence. In deep Anthracite Grey, the 50cm step-over Gazelle Eclipse looks imposing. It has a large downtube that holds the fully integrated 750Wh battery and a squared off top tube. Mounting the bike, the commanding riding position is comfortable and gives the rider great visibility. The wide, supportive saddle and Ergon grips are well suited to much longer rides. In traffic, riders look over motor vehicles and keep pace in the city, passing most traffic. Rack integrated taillight and bright fork mounted headlight add to visibility and illumination.

Getting up to 25mph and maintaining it comes easily with the Performance Line Speed motor providing assistance. I made it across the hill in around 5 minutes, passing other traffic and pulling up to the post office at Eastern Market warm from the sprint in 30 degree temperatures. Locking up on Pennsylvania Ave., I used a new ABUS Bordo Big 6500K, set the Gazelle Eclipse’s integrated wheel lock, and removed the display.

Bosch Smart Technology

If I have wanted to explore some more, the Eclipse had nearly 90% of battery life left, which translates into around 44 miles in “Eco” mode, a light assistance level. Gazelle states that a fully charged 750Wh battery is capable of 100 miles range. This information was presented in a bright color display directly in the center of the handlebars. The Kiox 300 shows various customizable screens with riding data, navigation, and fitness app integration. This display essentially “locks” the bike when removed, adding another level of security.

Heading to the shop, the rough road surface of 6th St. NE was tamed by the suspension fork, wide 27.5″ tires. The powerful 4 piston Shimano brakes easily kept my speed under control.

Eclipse Ride Impressions

The Gazelle Eclipse C380+ is a premium e-bike for super-commuters, bike trekking enthusiasts, and high speed city errand running. The frame and suspension fork paired with the large capacity tires create a planted and safe ride feel. The 55 pound capacity of the rear rack is well suited for commutes or light touring. This bike has a refined appearance with a fully enclosed stem, and internally routed cables. Several upgraded touches, from the full color display to the hidden charge port, place this bike in another category. This is an everyday luxury vehicle.

Tested Bike

Gazelle Eclipse C380+ with Bosch SmartSystem: $5,999

Reflecting on your first childhood bike, you might recall a heavy frame, coaster brakes, and gearing suited only for flat terrain. In recent years, companies like Woom have recognized that traditional children’s bikes often fail to meet the specific needs of young riders. Woom has addressed this by designing bikes that prioritize safety, comfort, and ergonomics for children.

Woom children’s bikes are packed with features that ensure safety and increase comfort for your smaller rider. Woom didn’t just scale down an adult bike, they designed the frame and components around every dimension where children are different.

Woom Advantages

• Lightweight frame and fork
• Lightweight, low spoke count wheels
• Ergonomically designed contact points (saddle, grips, pedals)
• Custom child-sized brake levers
• Steering limiters
• Adjustable stem (woom 4, 5, and 6)
• Simplified gearing

Quality Matters

The build quality of these bikes and durability mean that they will be passed along to the next rider when the first one graduates to the larger size. For years, we have seen these pass through the hands of multiple families in a neighborhood. Woom bikes also thrive on the secondary market with a healthy resale value.

Tern and Woom, Family Biking Stars

Many of our Tern families are Woom families as well. A not uncommon sight in the shop is a Woom 3 sticking out of a Cargo Hold bag after the smaller riding partner opted to take the last half ride on the back of a GSD. Woom bikes are designed to keep up with parents or bigger kids,  so kids can start learning safe riding practices early on. With low weight and appropriate gearing for longer rides, kids can experience independent riding at a much younger age.

With the rise in family biking in DC and beyond, Tern and Woom are natural partners. They both share a commitment to high quality, long lasting components, and rider centered design.