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.

class=”wp-image-2544 size-medium” src=”https://thedailyriderdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TN-HSD_G2-Mom-LIFESTYLE-1-300×200.jpg” alt=”A woman and child ride on a Tern HSD through a town square in front of a statue. ” width=”300″ height=”200″ /> The new Tern HSD arrives in October 2023

When Tern introduced their compact cargo bike, the HSD quickly became a customer and shop favorite. The all new HSD Gen. 2 improves on and delivers all the familiar features of the original.

The small but strong Tern HSD carries 180 kg (397 lb). A full compliment of Tern accessories are available for passenger or cargo carrying duties. With the upgraded cargo capacity and a new Captain’s Chair, passengers from children to adults can be capably carried.

Assistance on the HSD is provided by a Bosch Performance Line motor, which delivers 75nM of power and a larger 545 watt hour battery. This power makes short work of hills, and expands the usable range.

The Bosch Smart System welcomes the rider with larger displays, with full color offered on higher end HSD models. Intuitive controls make changing menus or settings simple while riding.

These new models are arriving in the shop in October 2023. If you want to experience the new Tern HSD stop in for a test ride today. Call or text the shop for availability.

Meet the new HSD models

HSD P10 in orange

HSD P10

• Class 1 Bosch Performance Line motor with Bosch Smart System provides up to 75 Nm of torque and increases your pedaling power by up to 340%
• Detachable and easy-to-understand Intuvia 100 display
• 1×10-speed Shimano Deore groupset with trigger shifter

HSD P5i

Tern HSD P5i in Sea Breeze

• Class 1 Bosch Performance Line motor with Bosch Smart System provides up to 75 Nm of torque and increases your pedaling power by up to 340%
• Detachable and easy-to-understand Intuvia 100 display
• Silent, smooth, and virtually maintenance-free Gates CDX Belt Drive
• Shimano Nexus INTER-5E internally geared hub

HSD S00

HSD S00 in Dark Blue

• Class 1 Bosch Performance Line motor with Bosch Smart System provides up to 75 Nm of torque and increases your pedaling power by up to 340%
• Bosch ConnectModule—for the Smart System’s enhanced theft-protection functions like eBike Alarm and eBikeTracking
• Kiox 300 color display that automatically activates eBike Lock when removed from the bike
• Silent, smooth, and virtually maintenance-free Gates CDX Belt Drive
• Enviolo Heavy Duty internally geared hub with 380% gear ratio range and twist shifter
• Ultra-bright Ignis Headlight with high/low beam ensures 24/7 visibility, no matter the weather
• Always-on RearStop Brake Light helps you safely signal stops

 

HSD S11

 

HSD S11 in red

 

src=”https://thedailyriderdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GSDS10-LX-schoolbusyellow-300×300.jpg” alt=”” width=”300″ height=”300″ /> The new 2021 Tern GSD continues to define the compact cargo category. When the original Tern GSD arrived on the scene in 2017, it immediately changed everything for the compact cargo concept. This small electric folding bike quickly became a shop and customer favorite. The shop’s demo has carried patio furniture, mulch, other bikes, and weekly groceries for over a year in our fleet.

The HSD arrived last year, and we immediately saw a number of features on it that we wanted to see on the new 2021 GSD.

The 2021 Tern GSD delivers all of these improvements and things we didn’t even know we wanted.

Anyone who has ridden the Tern GSD with a fully loaded cargo area (or passenger seats) can attest to the stiffness of the frame and absolute solid feel. Tern decided that they needed even more carrying capacity (now 440 pounds) and increased frame rigidity.

New Features on the 2021 Tern GSD

Locking Atlas Kickstand

A new and improved locking Atlas kickstand provides a stable platform for loading and unloading passengers or cargo. The stand’s locking feature is actuated by a lever on the bars. This feature makes getting the bike rolling when fully loaded much easier than before.

2021 Tern GSD Frame Improvements

Integrated lower foot decks and cross-bracing on the new Tern GSD ensure passenger safety and contribute to the feeling of security when carrying heavy loads.

GSD With Storm Shield installed

Weather-Proof Passenger Compartment

The Tern GSD v.2 adds several new accessories that we’re excited about. Extra wide deck extensions are available for adult passengers and integrate into the all new Clubhouse Fort. This accessory consists of the new Clubhouse, Storm Shield and Storm Box.

With the Clubhouse Fort installed, your passengers will enjoy a warm and dry trip whatever the weather is.

Abus wheel lock and Suntour suspension fork

Suspension and Security

The new 2021 Tern GSD borrows one of the best features from its little brother, the HSD. Our first ride on that bike had us asking for the Suntour fork to be added to a new GSD once it arrived. Tern has granted our wish for squish and added an extra measure of security by including an Abus wheel lock as standard.

Reserve a GSD Now:

If the 2021 Tern GSD is the bike for you, you can be added to our list to be contacted once it arrives in early Spring. We’ll be bringing in a demo bike for those that wish to test ride as soon as they become available.

Happy New Year! We’ll be taking New Years Day 2021 off, but return on the 2nd at 10AM.

With expanded guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified our operations to keep our staff and customers safe. While we previously operated in a “zero-contact” manner, we are allowing brief interactions with customers outside. We require masks to be worn when interacting with our staff outside. Please call or text when arriving.

The effects of the bike boom in the US has bike shops and manufacturers trying hard to meet demand. We’re being told by several distributors that our 2021 bike orders cannot be completely fulfilled.

Schedule a repair by email or phone call:

Our current first available repair date has come down to less than one week. Please call or email for an appointment. All major repairs are being scheduled in this manner. If you couldn’t get in this summer when we had a month wait, this is your time.

We now offer limited day-of repairs for minor issues such as flat tires. We take them each day on a first-call, first-serve basis. These will be accepted until we reach capacity (usually before 11:30AM) and are generally completed the same day.

New Arrivals for January 2021 (Updated 1/19)

Near the end of December we received a limited number of Marin Fairfax 2 ($599) models in medium and large. We are now out of stock. (1/19/21) Upgrades to this bike from the Fairfax 1 include:

• Lighter frame w/butted & formed tubing and internal cable routing
• Aluminum fork
• 24 speed drivetrain
• Hydraulic disc brakes

Another new arrival this last month is the Marin Terra Linda 1 ($459), which is a step-through version of the Fairfax 1. The step-through frame is easier to mount, useful if you intend to put this into service for child carrying. Very limited sizes available: Small

Bikes in stock for January (Updated 1/3)

Marin Donky Jr. 24″

Marin Donky Jr. 20″

The Marin Donky 16″, 20″, and 24″ bikes arrived in December and we have a selection in our front window. These lightweight, aluminum-framed bikes all come with hand brakes. The 20″ and 24″ models have a 6 speed drivetrain for family rides that include hills or keeping up with parents and older siblings.

Marin Fairfax 1 in black

The Marin Fairfax 1 ($469)became a hot item in 2020 and sold out quickly. We have received a small allocation of them in all sizes in November, but now only have small and extra small remaining. If you’re shopping for a hybrid, this is one to consider as the folks over at Wirecutter named it the best commuter bike of 2020.

Marin Muirwoods in Black

Another hybrid that has just arrived is the Marin Muirwoods($799). These sturdy and capable bikes have steel frames and 29″ wheels with hydraulic disc brakes.We have them available in medium, large, and extra large.

We have two remaining extra-large (21″) Fuji Nevada 1.9   in stock. This basic mountain bike is useful on DC’s streets and capable of handling some off-road detours. The models pictured on the Fuji site are prior year models so paint colors have changed somewhat. See our Instagram page for the actual bikes we have in the shop.

Biria Citibike 8 ST

The Biria (Citibike Stepthrough 8) remains available in large (48cm) in celeste.

Breezer Midtown 1.7 Stepthrough

We have received a full selection of the Breezer Midtown, a new model to us, designed for urban biking. Offered in step-over and stepthrough (pictured), it has wide 27.5″ tires to take on imperfect pavement and to smooth out the ride around town. If you’re looking for a basic bike for fitness riding and transportation or family outings, come take the Midtown for a test ride.

Fuji Rookie 20″

The Fuji Rookie 20″ is in stock in red, grey, pearl white, and seafoam. Send the kids outside to escape their Zoom classes on this aluminum-framed bike with hand and coaster brakes.

Our selection of electric cargo bikes is decent for the moment, but we are seeing stock shortages there as well in certain sizes.

If you were looking for a Tern HSD, we now have the S+ in stock which when we first rode it changed our perception of biking.

BICYCLE PARTS SHORTAGES

In 2020 our entire industry saw incredible demand for parts and accessories. So many people are taking their old bikes out of storage and riding them. This is great! But it wasn’t anticipated, and our distributors stocked for a normal year. These parts are starting to arrive back in stock, but supplies are limited, so we’re having to compete with every other shop in the US to get at this supply. If you have called another bike store looking for a certain part and they’re out of stock, we are likely out as well. Common parts that we are currently out of and cannot order are:

• 26″ tubes in presta valve
• 26″ tires
• 29″ tubes
• 27.5″ tires
• Some shifters and derailleurs
• Some basic home repair tools
• Some repair grade wheels

CURRENT HOURS OF OPERATION

Sunday: 12-4

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 10-6

January Holiday Closures: Closed New Years Day

Have another question? Visit our FAQ

With expanded guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have modified our operations to keep our staff and customers safe. While we previously operated in a “zero-contact” manner, we are allowing brief interactions with customers outside. We require masks to be worn when interacting with our staff outside. Please call or text when arriving.

The effects of the bike boom in the US has bike shops and manufacturers trying hard to keep up. We’re in the same situation and are taking steps to ensure that we can complete the repairs we’re taking on.

Schedule a repair by email or phone call:

Our current first available repair date has come down to less than one week. Please call or email for an appointment. All major repairs are being scheduled in this manner. If you couldn’t get in this summer when we had a month wait, this is your time.

We now offer limited day-of repairs for minor issues such as flat tires. We take them each day on a first-call, first-serve basis. These will be accepted until we reach capacity (usually before 11:30AM) and are generally completed the same day.

New Arrivals for December (Updated 12/23)

Marin Donky Jr. 24″

Marin Donky Jr. 20″

The Marin Donky 16″, 20″, and 24″ bikes all arrived last week and we have a selection of them assembled and ready for pickup this week. These lightweight, aluminum-framed bikes all come with hand brakes. The 20″ and 24″ models have a 6 speed drivetrain for family rides that include hills or keeping up with parents and older siblings.

Marin Fairfax 1 in black

The Marin Fairfax 1 became a hot item this year and sold out quickly. We have received an allocation of them in all sizes but are now out of mediums. If you’re shopping for a hybrid, this is one to consider as the folks over at Wirecutter named it the best commuter bike of 2020.

Marin Muirwoods in Black

Another hybrid that has just arrived is the Marin Muirwoods. These sturdy and capable bikes have steel frames and 29″ wheels with hydraulic disc brakes.We have them available in medium, large, and extra large.

We have two remaining extra-large (21″) Fuji Nevada 1.9   in stock. This basic mountain bike is useful on DC’s streets and capable of handling some off-road detours. The models pictured on the Fuji site are prior year models so paint colors have changed somewhat. See our Instagram page for the actual bikes we have in the shop.

Biria Citibike 8 ST

The Biria (Citibike Stepthrough 8) is available in both sizes in celeste, and in small (42cm) in red and black.

Breezer Midtown 1.7 Stepthrough

We have received a full selection of the Breezer Midtown, a new model to us, designed for urban biking. Offered in step-over and stepthrough (pictured), it has wide 27.5″ tires to take on imperfect pavement and to smooth out the ride around town. If you’re looking for a basic bike for fitness riding and transportation or family outings, come take the Midtown for a test ride.

Fuji Rookie 20′

Just in time for the holidays, the Fuji Rookie has arrived! We have this in red, grey, pearl white, and seafoam. If the tree you have isn’t big enough to hide this bike, we can hold it here in the workshop until the night before.

Our selection of electric cargo bikes is decent for the moment, but we are seeing stock shortages there as well in certain sizes.

If you were looking for a Tern HSD, we now have the S8i back in stock as well as the S+, which when we first rode it changed our perception of biking.

BICYCLE PARTS SHORTAGES

This year our entire industry has seen incredible demand for parts and accessories. So many people are taking their old bikes out of storage and riding them. This is great! But it wasn’t anticipated, and our distributors stocked for a normal year. These parts are starting to arrive back in stock, but supplies are limited, so we’re having to compete with every other shop in the US to get at this supply. If you have called another bike store looking for a certain part and they’re out of stock, we are likely out as well. Common parts that we are currently out of and cannot order are:

• 26″ tubes in presta valve
• 26″ tires
• 29″ tubes
• 7 speed freewheels
• 7, 8, and 9 speed shifters and derailleurs
• some basic home repair tools
• some repair grade wheels

CURRENT HOURS OF OPERATION

Sunday: 12-4

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 10-6

December Holiday Closures: Closing at 4PM 12/24 and 12/31. Closed 12/25

Have another question? Visit our FAQ

src=”https://thedailyriderdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MY19-Fairfax-1-300×195.jpg” alt=”2021 Marin Fairfax in black” width=”300″ height=”195″ />We received hundreds of calls and emails this summer asking about the Marin Fairfax 1. They sold out in almost every size by June, leaving us with no stock and no idea when they would return. Since this bike was featured in Wirecutter as the best hybrid commuter bike, we made sure to have some as soon as they returned.

This hybrid is ideal for fitness riding or commuting across DC. With flat bars and a wide 21 speed drivetrain, the bike is ready for weekends on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and weekdays downtown. Wider hybrid tires and disc brakes make this bike an all season, all-weather transportation solution.

We received word today that the Marin Fairfax 1 order that we made in May will arrive this week. If we had you on the list of pre-orders we’ll be reaching out as they are assembled. If you wish to get on the list, please call or email the shop.

This order only has medium and large sized Marin Fairfax 1 models, so if you’re between 5’5″ and 6’1″, these should fit you.

Want to test ride  before purchase? Call us 15 minutes in advance and we’ll get one ready for you to ride. Arrive with a mask on and a credit card and ID for us to hold during your ride.