2021 Specialized

Turbo Vado SL 5.0

A 700c aluminum frame hybrid e-bike with upper mid-range components and hydraulic disc brakes.
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MSRP$4,500
FrameAluminum
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXT, SLX
MotorSpecialized 240W 35Nm mid-drive
BatterySpecialized 320Wh
BrakesHydraulic Disc
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Insights
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

38 mph

Turbo Vado SL 5.0

35 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Turbo Vado SL model range

View Comparison
Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Reviews
Downtown
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ in review

Sep 2021 · Philipp Schwab

With the Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ, Specialized have sent a promising urban ebike into the race and rely on their own SL 1.1 motor. Is 35 Nm torque enough for a commuter bike or does the bike squander the chance for a test win? Find out here!

Highs
  • Perfect motor integration

  • Modular battery concept

  • Good vibration damping

  • Full coverage mudguards let you arrive at the office clean

  • Comprehensive spec

Lows
  • Chaotic cockpit cable routing

  • Comparatively low motor support limits range of applications

Read Review

Bikerumor
Review: Specialized Turbo Vado SL is the commuter e-bike for cyclists (and urbanites)

Feb 2021 · Tyler Benedict

The original Vado, which launched in 2017, uses a full-size (but still custom) motor with all the power you’d need for high-speed commutes. But, like all full power e-bikes, they’re heavy, and they provide a lot of assist right out of the gate. The Specialized Vado SL takes a different approach. It uses a lower

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Gran Fondo Magazine
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ on test – Chilli vanilli

Nov 2020 · Benjamin Topf

Normally, Pascal churns his way up the hill on his 3-speed Dutch bike. So, if he says, “Yeah man, I’m really flying uphill today!” then something special is afoot: it’s the brand new, lightweight Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ with its SL 1.1 motor providing up to 240 W support. Is this the perfect […]

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BikeRadar
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 review

Oct 2020 · Oli Woodman

Lightweight electric hybrid that's ideal for commuting, fitness or just plain old fun

Highs
  • Natural feeling power delivery

  • Very well tuned motor modes

  • Great brakes

  • Seriously fun handling

  • Secure positive single ring drivetrain

  • Low overall weight

Lows
  • Brake lever rattles

  • Motor slightly underpowered for heavier riders on the hilliest terrain

  • Hard work to maintain speeds above 15 5mph on flat ground

  • Rear rack compatibility

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ebiketips
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0

Jul 2020

Specialized has been making the Brose-powered Vado city e-bike for a few years, but with the launch of its new, lightweight SL1.1 motor the company has been rolling out new models across all disciplines. Road was first, then mountain biking, and now it’s the turn of urban and utility cyclists to get a go on the new system. The Vado SL comes in a range of builds, with this, the 4.0, the cheapest at £2,499. Considering the road bikes went up to eleven grand that doesn’t seem too salty, but it’s still a fair whack for a mid-spec city e-bike.

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Electric Bike Review
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ Review

Jun 2020

Price: $3500.00 | Model Year: 2020 | One of the best ebikes I've ever reviewed. Relatively light weight at 36.9lbs including integrated lights, a rear rack, and custom designed tubular fenders with extra long rubberized flaps to keep your feet dry. Reasonably priced for outstanding motor and battery technology. Class 3 speed-pedelec performance offers 28mph (45km/h) assisted speeds for fun, respect from automobiles, and overall faster commutes

Observations
  • One of the best ebikes I've ever reviewed. Relatively light weight at 36.9lbs including integrated lights, a rear rack, and custom designed tubular fenders with extra long rubberized flaps to keep your feet dry. Reasonably priced for outstanding motor and battery technology. Class 3 speed-pedelec performance offers 28mph (45km/h) assisted speeds for fun, respect from automobiles, and overall faster commutes

  • Boost hub spacing provides sturdier spoke bracing angle, 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at speed, excellent weight distribution (low, centered, balanced front to rear). Decent hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro with sturdy 160mm rotors. Practical Shimano drivetrain with 10-gears, wide 11-42 tooth cassette, stiff derailleur, and versatile shifter mechanism

  • Internal battery offers modest capacity but weighs under 4lbs and provides impressive range. Additional Range Extender bottle-shaped batteries are easy to use, quiet, and beautiful. The bike is satisfying to pedal, even without assist from the motor. Reflective stickers and accents on the fenders, frame, and tires help keep you safe. Two color options, comfortable saddle and grips, useful smartphone app and wireless heart rate monitor integration

  • Only available in a high-step frame at the moment, no step-thru. The range Extender 160wh battery pack costs extra and the primary battery is on the small side. Since the primary battery is not easily removable, you may need to store the entire bike inside, away from extreme heat or cold, and near a charging port. Kickstand pokes into soft terrain, no USB charging ports, limited readouts on the TCU display and the TCD costs extra, no suspension elements on the 4.0 version of this bike and the all-aluminum frame could be jarring at high speed with high tire pressure

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Cycling News
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 ebike – first ride and gallery

Jun 2020 · Graham Cottingham

We take a look at the lightweight city commuter that claims to set the standard for urban ebikes

Highs
  • Incredibly refined motor and power delivery

  • Agile handling gives superb control when weaving around the streets and urban obstacles

  • Lightweight

Lows
  • Price

  • Future Shock 1.5 may be superfluous for some riders

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

E5 Aluminum, bottom bracket motor mount, fully integrated downtube battery, internal cable routing, fender and front rack mounts, Smooth Welds

ColorBrushed Aluminum / Black Reflective

Fork

Rigid carbon fork, Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle, flat mount disc

Stem

Specialized Stealth Stem, alloy, 14 deg, 31.8mm, integrated TCD mount

Handlebar

Specialized, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 15mm rise, 31.8mm

Saddle

Bridge Sport, hollow cr-mo rails, 155mm

Seatpost

Specialized, alloy, single bolt, 21mm offset, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Pedals

Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors

Grips

Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT, Shadow Plus, SGS Cage, 12-speed

Crank

Praxis, Forged alloy M30, custom offset, Praxis, 44T, 104BCD

Shifters

Shimano SLX, Rapidfire Plus, 12-speed, w/o OGD

Cassette

Shimano SLX, Hyperglide+, 12-speed, 10-45t

Chain

Shimano SLX, 12-speed, w/Quick Link

Brakes

Front: Tektro HD-R510, hydraulic disc, 160mm, Rear: Tektro HD-R510, hydraulic disc, 160mm

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

DT Swiss R500 disc, 22mm internal width, 23mm internal depth

Spokes

DT Swiss Industry

Front Hub

Specialized alloy front hub disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x110mm, Center Lock™, 24h

Rear Hub

Specialized alloy rear hub disc, Center Lock™, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm, 28h

Tires

Front: Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c, Rear: Specialized Pathfinder Sport, 700x38c

Electric Components
Motor

Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor

Battery

Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh

Recycling Program♻️ Call2Recycle

Charger

Custom charger, 48V System w/ SL system charger plug

Accessories
Lights

Front: Lezyne Ebike Power STVZO E115, 310Lumens, 12V, Rear: Specialized integrated saddle mount, LED Technology, 12V

Bell

Simple bell

Rider Notes
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Last updated October 8
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