This e-bike, even if it doesn't want to be called that, wants to be more than just a utility vehicle for travelling from A to B. The new Specialized Vado SL 2 Carbon attempts to transfer the feeling of a ride in a sports car to an e-bike. There is also a strictly limited special edition to mark Specialized's 50th anniversary.

Turbo Vado SL 2 Carbon: High performance thanks to flyweight?

Although the Vado SL 2 Carbon doesn't want to be labelled as an e-bike, the motor and battery even give the bike the character of an S-pedelec. On the one hand, the Turbo SL 1.2 motor is supposed to run quietly in the frame and, on the other hand, theoretically support up to 45 km/h with 320 watts, or up to 45 km/h in other countries! However, due to the legal situation in Germany, it is limited to 25 km/h in this country.

Despite the power of the motor, the battery, which has been boosted by a whopping 200 Wh to 520 Wh, is sufficient for up to five hours of use. Specialized has tailored the range to a specific application: On a 20-minute commute, the battery should last until the end of the week before it has to be plugged in again. The support level used for this measurement remains open.

The Specialized Vado SL 2 Carbon is said to be available for less than 15 kilos. For a commuting pedelec with these performance data, that's really sporty - especially as at this weight you could easily exceed the 25 km/h limit. The aim of the whole thing is to make cycling a fun and practical experience.

Sporty truck: carbon bike with cargo bike vibes

A performance bike for improving your own performance. This is because the Specialized app can be used to track performance data such as heart rate or real-time cadence. The commute can thus become a practical and efficient training session on the go, which is particularly useful for the way home. However, thanks to the motor assistance, it doesn't have to be.

In addition to its sporty DNA, the Turbo Vado SL 2 also has practical advantages. Specialized explains that it is the only carbon bike under 20 kilos that is equipped with a MIK HD luggage rack, which has several attachment points for bags and child seats. This now has a maximum approval of 25 kilos. The option of mounting a front carrier (maximum load 14 kilos) gives the sporty commuter bike a cargo bike vibe and expands its range of use.

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Beautiful & safe: eye-catcher with smart support

The new Turbo Vado SL 2 also advertises improved comfort. The Future Shock suspension under the stem offers 20 millimetres of travel in the 3.2 version, providing relief for the arms on rough terrain and more control.

Compared to the previous models, such as the one we tested, the Specialised Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQThe head tube and steering angle is slacker and the tyres are now 47 millimetres wider, which calms the handling and also leads to more control over the bike.

With the new Specialized Torbo Vado SL 2, the issue of safety even goes beyond the ride. The bike comes with a tracker that allows the owner to track their bike in the event of theft - at least if they have an iPhone.

A cooperation with Apple resulted in a tracker, comparable to an airtag, which is hidden in the bike. By pairing the board computer with the iPhone, the bike is then displayed in the "Where is?" app.

After all, opportunity makes thieves. And visually, the Specialized pedelec is a real eye-catcher. The cables and wires run neatly through the matt lacquered frame. It also looks very minimalist and at the same time impresses on paper with its range of features and intended use.

The maintenance service that Specialized is launching with the bike is brand new. The bike computer is connected to the app, which tells the rider when the bike needs to be freshened up. And thanks to several co-operations with various partners, this is even possible all over the world.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2: Models & Price

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 comes in two equipment versions: either stripped down to the bare essentials and trimmed for sport or fully equipped in the Equiped version with pannier rack and mudguards. Both pedelecs are equipped with mechanical 12-speed XT gears from Shimano and TRP disc brakes.

There is also a sports version, limited to 250 units, which is equipped with brakes and electronic shifting from Sram. The new Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 is available now.

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Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 Carbon

• Price: 6200 Euro
• Weight: 15.98 kg (size: M, manufacturer's specification)
• Frame: New 2024 Vado SL carbon frame
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Motor: Specialised 1.2 SL Custom Rx Trail Tuned Motor
• Battery: Specialised SL2-520, fully integrated, 520Wh
• Fork: Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon, Tubus front carrier for up to 14kg
• Stem: Specialized Stealth Stem, aluminium, 31.8 mm, integrated display and mounted light, size S: 60 mm + 17°, M/L/XL: 75 mm + 15.5°
• Brakes: TRP HD-R803, hydraulic
• Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT 8100, 12-speed
• Impellers: DT Swiss G540 Disc, 24 mm inner width, tubeless ready
• Tyres: Specialized Hemisphere flat protection, reflective stripes on the sidewalls, puncture protection insert, clincher tyre for asphalt and gravel, 700x47c

Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 EQ Carbon

• Price: 6500 Euro
• Weight: 17.99 kg (size: M, manufacturer's specification)
• Frame: New 2024 Vado SL Carbon
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Motor: Specialised 1.2 SL Custom Rx Trail Tuned
• Battery: Specialised SL2-520, fully integrated, 520 Wh
• Fork: Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon, Tubus front carrier for up to 14 kg
• Stem: Specialized Stealth Stem, aluminium, 31.8 mm, integrated display and mounted light, size S: 60 mm + 17°, M/L/XL: 75 mm + 15.5°
• Brakes: TRP HD-R803, hydraulic
• Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT 8100, 12-speed
• Impellers: DT Swiss G540 Disc, 24 mm inner width, tubeless ready
• Tyres: Specialized Hemisphere flat protection, reflective stripes on the sidewalls, puncture protection insert, clincher tyre for asphalt and gravel, 700x47c
• Mudguards: Specialized custom alloy fender, Sandblast anodised black finish, 700c, integrated alloy stay
• Luggage carrier: Turbo SL Rack, MIK-Compatible, 25 kg
• Stand: Specialised kickstand, 40 mm mount

Limited: Turbo Vado SL 2 Carbon LTD - Forward 50

• Price: 9000 Euro
• Weight: 14.98 kg (size: M, manufacturer's specification)
• Frame: New 2024 Vado SL Carbon
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Motor: Specialised 1.2 SL Custom Rx Trail Tuned
• Battery: Specialised SL2-520, fully integrated, 520 Wh
• Fork: Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon, Tubus front carrier for up to 14 kg
• Stem: Specialized Stealth Stem, aluminium, 31.8 mm, integrated display and mounted light, size S: 60 mm + 17°, M/L/XL: 75 mm + 15.5°
• Brakes: Sram Level Silver Stealth
• Rear derailleur: Sram Force XPLR AXS
• Impellers: Roval Terra Carbon CL, 25 mm inner width, tubeless ready
• Tyres: Specialized Hemisphere flat protection, Reflective side walls, Wirebead, All terrain tyre, 700x47c
• Edition: 250 pieces (anniversary edition 50 years Specialised)