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This article was first published on 04/03/2025 and has now been updated.
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 is currently available in two versions. As a clean sports bike and as a bike suitable for everyday use with mudguards and carrier. Both top models, the Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 and 6.0 Equipped, have a carbon frame. The Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 and the Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0 entry-level model with aluminium frame are new additions. The aluminium models are priced around 1500 euros less than the carbon bikes.
The new Specialized SL 1.2 motor is more powerful and quieter
In future, all Turbo Vado SL 2 models will be powered by the new Specialized SL 1.2 motor. With 50 Newton metres and 320 watts of power, it should offer 33 percent more power and 43 percent more torque than its predecessor. Also pleasing: the new Specialized drive is much quieter than its predecessor.
Like its predecessor SL 1.1, the Specialized SL 1.2 is only available in combination with a permanently installed 320 Wh battery. The battery cannot be removed for charging or changing on tour. A range extender in water bottle format is available to increase the range. The 160 extra watt hours weigh just over a kilo and fit easily into smaller rucksacks. Specialized specifies the weight of the carbon models at 14.9 kilograms, while the aluminium versions should also weigh well under 20 kilograms.
Components and equipment
The equipment varies depending on the model. The top model of the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 Carbon has a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes from TRP. The wheels are from DT Swiss and are fitted with 47 millimetre wide tyres. The equipment also includes an integrated rear light in the seat post and a front light. The "Equipped" versions are also equipped with mudguards, pannier rack and kickstand.
On-board suspension system
All Vado SL 2 models are equipped with the Future Shock suspension system. This is a shock absorber integrated into the head tube with 20 millimetres of suspension travel. According to Specialized, this system is designed to reduce shocks and vibrations on the handlebars by up to 53 per cent. Compared to a conventional suspension fork, Future Shock is lighter and allows accessories to be fitted to the fork.
Connectivity: Smartphone operation
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 has various connectivity functions. The bike can be connected to a smartphone via the Specialized app. This allows the support levels to be customised and riding data such as heart rate, power and cadence to be analysed. Integration with Apple's "Find My" function is also possible in order to localise the bike in the event of theft. A digital locking function called "System Lock" is designed to prevent unauthorised movement of the bike.
Expansion options and accessories
Specialized offers various accessory options for the Turbo Vado SL 2. These include special pannier racks, bags and the aforementioned Range Extender battery. The "Equipped" models have a MIK HD rack with a load capacity of 27 kilograms as standard. This also allows a child seat to be fitted. The Turbo Vado SL 2 is also approved for trailers weighing up to 60 kilograms. There are mounts on the fork for an optional front pannier rack.
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2: Technical data
Vado SL 2 6.0 Carbon
- Price: 6200 Euro >> available here
- Frame: Carbon
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.2, 320 W, 50 Nm
- Battery: 520 Wh integrated
- Fork: Carbon with Future Shock 3.2 (20 mm travel)
- Gear system: Shimano XT 12-speed
- Brakes: Tektro TRP HD-R803
- Wheels: DT Swiss, 700C
- Tyres: 47 mm wide
- Display: Mastermind H3 2.13 inch TFT colour display
- Weight: 14.9 kg
- Maximum assistance: 25 km/h
Vado SL 2 5.0
- Price: 4550 Euro
- Frame: Aluminium
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.2, 320 W, 50 Nm
- Battery: 520 Wh integrated
- Fork: Aluminium with Future Shock 3.1 (20 mm travel)
- Gear system: Shimano Cues 11-speed
- Brakes: Tektro TKD-148
- Wheels: 700C
- Tyres: 47 mm
- Display: Mastermind H3 with handlebar remote control
- Weight: under 20 kg
- Maximum assistance: 25 km/h
Vado SL 2 4.0
- Price: 4250 Euro >> available here
- Frame: Aluminium
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.2, 320 W, 50 Nm
- Battery: 520 Wh integrated
- Fork: Aluminium with Future Shock 3.1 (20 mm travel)
- Gear system: Shimano Cues 10-speed
- Brakes: Tektro HD-R285
- Wheels: 700C
- Tyres: 47 mm
- Display: Mastermind H3 with handlebar remote control
- Weight: under 20 kg
- Maximum assistance: 25 km/h
General features
- Optional range extender: 160 Wh
- Maximum tyre width: 56 mm front and rear
- Luggage carrier (Equipped models): MIK HD, 27 kg load capacity
- Trailer authorisation: up to 60 kg
- Connectivity: Specialised App, Apple Find My Integration
- Battery charging time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
