Verdict on the Specialized Vado 3 X 6.0 test
Expensive and heavy, yet the Specialized still impresses in practice. The Vado 3X rides superbly and sets new standards in terms of comfort and touring capabilities. With its comprehensive electronics package and full suspension, it’s a very well-rounded bike with a premium finish. If you’re willing to pay for it, that is.
Data and facts about the Specialized Vado 3 X 6.0
| Price | 8.399,00 € |
| Weight | 32.1 kg |
| Motor | Specialized 3.1 |
| Battery | Specialized SB-C B26 |
| Drivetrain | SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS |
Fiery red and really expensive: No, we’re not talking about a Ferrari here, even though that’s a common association with Specialized. Can the bikes still live up to this premium image? The new technological flagship, the Vado 3X, certainly makes a credible case for it. Specialized combines a host of technical refinements with full suspension, a striking red finish and the most powerful motor the brand has ever featured in its range.
As the name suggests, the Vado is part of Specialized’s Touring e-bike range. The Vado is available in three versions: the Vado with a rigid rear end and road tyres, and the Vado Evo with lightweight treaded tyres for light off-road use. The Vado X is the model with 130/120-millimetre full suspension and follows in the footsteps of the Tero X SUV e-bike, which came out on top in our test last year.
105 Nm: The incredibly powerful engine
The motor is completely new. The Vado X is powered by a Specialized 3.1 drive unit delivering up to 105 Newton metres and 810 watts of peak power, which, until now, has only been available on the Levo e-MTB. Only very rare (e-MTB) motors such as Mahle and DJI/Avinox take it one step further. So, for a touring bike, there’s plenty of motor power on offer. The battery has a capacity of 840 watt-hours. That’s a lot, but it has to be, given the high motor power. You can boost the range even further with an optional range extender or fast charger (499 euros).
Touchscreen, PIN and Apple tracking
With the Vado 3X, the electronics are more important than performance anyway. Keyword: added value for everyday touring. When you switch the bike off, the frame and battery locks are activated if desired. This means you can lock the rear wheel and remove the battery without having to fiddle with a key. The fact that the bike offers this option every time you switch it off makes perfect sense in everyday use.
If you wish, you can secure your bike with a four-digit PIN. Our top-of-the-range model, the Vado 3X 6.0, even uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from behind and, like Giants Explore E+, issues a warning in the event of an impending collision. The vehicles following behind are shown in a sidebar on the display. The Vado 3X can be easily located using Apple’s ‘Find My’ feature. It’s an effective anti-theft measure, although not quite as reliable as SIM-card-based systems such as Bosch Connect or itsmybike. On the other hand, there are no ongoing costs.
Specialized’s trump card: Here’s what the Vado 3 X is like to ride
The bike is expensive and heavy, but anyone who takes a seat on the Vado 3X will clearly sense its premium feel. Thanks to its upright riding position, responsive suspension and very wide tyres, the Vado offers maximum comfort. Everything appears to have been thought through down to the last detail and fits like a glove straight from the factory. Hardly any other bike brand manages this so well, and in this respect the Vado 3X takes another significant leap forward compared to its predecessor.
The Specialized accelerates quietly yet with real power. The cockpit, with its centrally integrated colour display, is a veritable command centre and feels very high-quality. The SRAM electronic gear system, with its crisp operation and very quiet, smooth shifting even under heavy load, is, without exaggeration, the best derailleur system you can buy for e-bikes. Even Shimano’s XT Di2 Linkglide falls well short in comparison.
Over 30 kilos: has the Vado become too heavy?
Thanks to its low centre of gravity and well-thought-out geometry, you hardly notice the Vado’s heavy weight. The bike actually rides with remarkable dynamism and is a real joy, whether you’re commuting or out on a long ride. However, the solid and powerful riding experience reminds us more of BMW’s GS adventure motorbike than of a classic bicycle. ABS, heated grips and an automatic gear-shift system would also be a welcome addition to the Specialized. And you really don’t want to have to push or even carry the Vado.
Fans of light-footed minimalism won’t be happy with the Vado 3 X. On the other hand, the exceptional comfort and smooth, confident ride combined with powerful acceleration are likely to delight many e-bike riders. Its everyday practicality is excellent, thanks to great mudguards, a sturdy kickstand, bright (high) beam headlights and a full-size luggage rack. Even a front rack and a Quad-Lock mobile phone mount are included as standard – they were simply missing from the test bike. You’d have to look very hard to find any real drawbacks in everyday use. Only the SRAM brake tended to squeak. Specialized could easily fit the thicker SRAM HS2 discs, which would probably sort that out.
The Specialized Vado 3 X 6.0 at a glance
Strengths
- Confident & comfortable
- useful in everyday life
- powerful engine
- high-quality electronics
- Premium finish
Weaknesses
- The price and weight are high
- The brake tends to squeak
Adrian Kaether
Editor