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Special e-bike model in Ferrari red220 Specialized Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 26.08.2025

The Specialized Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD is said to weigh 13.7 kilos - including the 520 Wh battery.
Photo: Specialized
The Specialized Vado SL is definitely an eye-catcher! With its flat bar and stylish paintwork, the bike simply stands out. The Ferrari look of the limited special model and its e-bike motor promise to combine practical suitability for everyday use with hip style and plenty of speed.
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With the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD, Specialized presents an e-bike that is designed to blur the boundaries between classic categories. The Specialised Vado SL is an elegant commuter with electric drive. For the special model, the Americans have given the bike components from professional racing and mountain bike sport.

The result is a wild mixture that leads to a very special package. In a limited edition of just 220 units, the e-bike is said to weigh 13.7 kilograms. The eye-catching S-Racing Red paintwork with corresponding graphics package underlines the model's sporty aspirations and is based on the designs of Specialized's professional racing bikes.

The Specialized Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD is said to weigh 13.7 kilos - including the 520 Wh battery.Photo: SpecializedThe Specialized Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD is said to weigh 13.7 kilos - including the 520 Wh battery.

Components from professional sport used

When it came to equipping the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD, Specialized reached deep into the box of high-performance components. The electronic Sram Red AXS groupset, which is also ridden by the Red Bull professional racing bike team, forms the centrepiece of the shifting components. It is complemented by specially adapted RED flat handlebar brakes, which are designed to ensure precise deceleration.

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The Sram Red AXS shifts wirelessly via radio.Photo: SpecializedThe Sram Red AXS shifts wirelessly via radio.Sram appears to have borrowed the brake levers for the flat bar from the Motive MTB brakes. The one-piece carbon cockpit also comes from mountain bike racing.Photo: SpecializedSram appears to have borrowed the brake levers for the flat bar from the Motive MTB brakes. The one-piece carbon cockpit also comes from mountain bike racing.
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The Roval Rapide carbon wheels also come directly from professional racing cycling and are designed to offer aerodynamic advantages as well as low weight. The cockpit consists of a one-piece carbon handlebar stem system that from the Epic 8 XC mountain bike of the Factory Team was adopted. This combination of lightweight and high-strength components makes a significant contribution to the low overall weight and is also intended to ensure maximum rigidity and control.

Rare combination: Sram Red brakes from professional sport and a mount for a side stand.Photo: SpecializedRare combination: Sram Red brakes from professional sport and a mount for a side stand.

Natural driving experience thanks to the drive technology

At the heart of the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD is the latest version of Specialized's Turbo SL 1.2 light motor, which, according to the manufacturer, is particularly quiet and should not have much pedalling resistance above the cut-off point. With a peak output of 320 watts, the drive should provide powerful acceleration and feel like a natural extension of your own pedalling power.

>> Click here to test the new Specialized SL 1.2 motor in the lab and in practice!

The Specialized SL 1.2 weighs less than 1.9 kilos, making it one of the lightest mid-motors for e-bikes.Photo: SpecializedThe Specialized SL 1.2 weighs less than 1.9 kilos, making it one of the lightest mid-motors for e-bikes.

According to the manufacturer, the integrated battery with a capacity of 520 Wh enables journeys of up to five hours without recharging. In practice, this means that commuters travelling 20 minutes to work could get by for a whole week without recharging. The combination of a powerful motor and large battery with a low weight should make the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD particularly suitable for everyday use without compromising on performance.

Specialized is only building 220 of the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD. Each bike is numbered consecutively!Photo: SpecializedSpecialized is only building 220 of the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD. Each bike is numbered consecutively!

Security functions and digital integration

Numerous settings can be made on the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD via the Specialized app. The manufacturer promises extensive personalisation options, individual adjustments to the riding behaviour and detailed usage statistics. Specialized attaches particular importance to the safety functions: The Turbo System Lock enables the drive to be locked electronically, while the Find My function is designed to make it easier to track down the bike in the event of theft.

These digital features are designed to round off the user experience and offer additional safety. Integration into the Specialized app also enables regular updates and enhancements to the functionality so that the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD can remain up to date in the future.

The chic carbon frame of the Specialized Vado SL in the bright red special paint finish.Photo: SpecializedThe chic carbon frame of the Specialized Vado SL in the bright red special paint finish.

Positioning as a premium mobility solution

Specialized deliberately positions the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD not as a classic e-bike, but as a high-quality mobility solution for discerning users. The manufacturer emphasises that conventional means of transport are often associated with waiting times and inconvenience, whereas the Vado SL 2 S-Racing LTD offers immediate mobility and an active experience. The slogan "Calling it an 'e-bike' is an insult". An approach that Specialized shares with other manufacturers of light e-bikes. But it was actually the Americans who really kick-started the light e-mountain bike trend in 2020 with the 17-kilo Specialized Levo SL e-MTB.

By combining road bike components with an e-bike drive, Specialized wants to create a new category of bikes that are suitable for both sporty rides and daily commuting.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 S-Racing: Info & Price

  • Motor: Turbo SL 1.2
  • Battery: 520 Wh, permanently integrated
  • Frame: Carbon
  • Total weight: 13.7 kg
  • Limited to 220 copies
  • Price: 9999 Euro
  • Tracking and motor lock via Specialised app

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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