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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.

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