Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon review: A top-of-the-range lightweight urban hybrid
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Professional Vado SL2: One Minute Review
When I first hopped on the dedicated Vado SL2 carbon, it immediately reminded me of my time at the Tenways CGO600 Pro. It has something to do with the shape and sleek design, but most importantly, it’s a smooth ride and a relaxing power delivery that never makes you want.
I used Vado SL2 carbon on a variety of different routes, including traveling between home and work, which itself includes city streets and country roads. I found it to be excellent, definitely worth mentioning, and is one of the best electronic cyclists around.
It’s been a while since we reviewed the first iteration of this e-bike I’ll go to SLbut it can be said that professionals make it better in almost every way. These include design, performance and battery life.
Few e-bikes can bring advanced quality, but they have achieved good results, which is a very high price. As a result, Vado SL2 carbon is only for elite commuters who have more money than they really know.
|
Element |
Professional Vado SL2 |
|---|---|
|
Size range: |
not specified |
|
engine: |
Professional 1.2 SL system |
|
Maximum speed |
15.5mph / 25kmh (UK) |
|
strength: |
Professional SL2-520, fully integrated, 520Wh |
|
control: |
LCD display |
|
Electronic bicycle category: |
Level 3 |
|
speed: |
Shimano 12 speed |
|
brake: |
Hydraulic disc brake |
|
Frame material: |
carbon |
|
weight: |
17.9kg / 39.7 lbs |
|
scope: |
Riding for 5 hours |
Professional Vado SL2: Price and Availability
- $6,500 £5,500 UK/$9.900
- Available in black or red paint finish
The dedicated Vado SL2 carbon is $6,500, UK £5,500/$9,900 AUS, and is the most expensive e-bike I’ve ever had. followed by Blompton Electrical P-tier Cityretails for $4,750/£3,695, which is an aggressive steal by comparison. Vado SL2 carbon has a black or red paint finish.
Professional Vado SL2: Design
- Carbon Framework
- Inevitable battery
- Excellent handlebar screen
The sleek, stylish design means you’ll look at parts between home and work and between return to work. Compared to previous iterations of this e-bike, Specialized opts for a smoother and simplified aesthetic. I know I’m not alone, but they definitely nailed it. It shouts from every angle.
The frame and other components are made of carbon, which leads to a very light electronic bike. Now I don’t have a weightlifter, but I just lift the whole thing with one hand and it’s fine. At 17.9kg/39.7 lbs, you’ll have a hard time finding a lighter e-bike of the same size. Although it is not foldable and therefore not suitable for the car trunk, the minimum weight will make it thrown onto the bike rack.
The weight and ergonomic positioning of the seats and handlebars make it easy for you to handle telepathically. With some e-bikes it feels like you’re moving on a truck, but that’s not the case with the Vado SL2. It is as easy as possible to turn and make quick adjustments. Overall, the balance level of the electronic bike is surprising given its built-in heavy-duty battery. This is not the case for many e-bikes, but during the more challenging inclination I was able to even stand up and ride.
Thanks to Future Shock 3.2, Specialized produced an electronic bike that effortlessly buffers any uneven bike tracks or bumpy road surfaces. So each ride is super smooth, and it’s an ideal experience for commuters who want to show up for work without feeling like they’ve already exercised.
I tested the EQ (equipped) version with additional features that are not available in a basic package. These include a rear rack with lights, cage rack, fenders and a stand. I’m so glad to have these extras, especially during the British winter on cycling, which is known for being wet, mud and dark!
The E-Bike also has one of the best handlebar screens I’ve ever encountered, with a well-designed interface that provides enough data including speed, distance travel and remaining battery life. There is a dedicated app that takes it to a whole new level, but I chose to stick with the E-Bike’s built-in screen because I don’t want to have to install my phone every time I ride.
Professional Vado SL2: Performance
- Smooth power transmission
- Responsive processing
- Effective shock-proof technology
The professional Vado SL2 Carbon is a powerful force in performance. After testing the electric bikes on a series of surfaces over a few weeks, I never found myself wanting it. This is rarely the case when I test the E-type bike with torque, handling, or motor sensitivity. This is not the case with Vado SL2 carbon.
Powerful power and high torque are delivered from Specialized’s custom SL 1.2 motor. I knew it was a special e-bike when I rode for one kilometer. I was impressed by the responsiveness and smooth power delivery this bike provides. With no delay between rotating the pedal and power transfer, I know I can trust that the SL2 can give me what I need when accelerating from a fixed position.
As the motor gets up and running, I love how it goes smoothly, even with a medium tilt it keeps going to top speed. Like most e-bikes, the SL2 strives to provide the power needed to steep hills. I don’t mind burning muscles at this stage, but if this is a problem for you, you may want to explore other options.
Due to the severely lightweight carbon frame, I was a little worried that the handling would be twitchy and unreliable, but all my concerns were unfounded. On the contrary, due to the ergonomic layout of the handlebars and seats, the handling is very beautiful. If anything, weight loss means limited pressure on my arms
The 12-speed rear derailleur provides excellent gear range, but unfortunately, it’s a bit clumsy during shifting. I was able to get into all gears, but moving between gears was slower than what I expected for an e-bike at this price point. As we discussed the topic of things that could be improved, I found that the effectiveness of the disc brakes meant that I couldn’t stop as quickly as I expected.
More positively, I like the Future Shock 3.2 technology, which effortlessly handles any uneven surfaces of my bike. This is especially noticeable when traveling over pothole roads where I live.
I will also definitely test the e-bike at night to see how the lights are performing. Both the front and rear lights are battery-powered, but only the rear lights are integrated into the frame. Both provide enough light that others can see, but the frontline lacks the power to light up rural roads without street lighting. So I found myself needing a secondary headlight to do this for me.
Overall, the Vado SL2 Carbon is one of the highest performing e-bikes I have ever had with riding fun. It is powerful and smooth and provides excellent handling.
Professional Vado SL2: Battery Life
- Up to five hours
- Professional SL2-520
- Fully integrated
Professionals are weird about the number of miles or kilometers that e-bikes will manage, but it does last for five hours. This is likely to be at the lowest level of pedal assist, with minimal rider weight and no headwinds.
During my testing, I found that I reached about 35 miles per full, which is equivalent to about two and a half hours. These rides include a range of terrain and weather conditions, which will make the e-bike work harder than usual.
If range may be your focus, you can always buy a dedicated range extender battery, which may give you an extra 1 hour range. In real-world testing, this may be less, and the same as buying a second battery. However, the extender does have the benefits of being super portable.
The battery is integrated inside the frame, which means you have to be able to charge the electronic bike where it is stored. This is far from ideal for me, and I prefer batteries that can be taken indoors overnight.
- Battery life score: 3.5/5
Professional Vado SL2: Scorecard
|
category |
Comment |
Fraction |
|
value |
For many people, high prices will be difficult to justify |
3.5/5 |
|
design |
Gorgeous carbon frame design lacking detachable batteries |
4.5/5 |
|
Performance |
Smooth power delivery and responsive processing provide dream riding |
4.5/5 |
|
Battery life |
Prices need to be increased for 35 miles per charge |
3.5/5 |
If…buy it
if…
Consider it too
|
Element |
Professional Vado SL2 |
Another Mapth Four N1 Air |
Tenways CGO600 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Size range: |
not specified |
not specified |
157 cm x 96 cm |
|
engine: |
Professional 1.2 SL system |
250W rotating motorcycle |
250W (UK) / 350W (UK) |
|
Maximum speed |
15.5mph / 25kmh (UK) |
15.5mph / 25kmh (UK) |
15.5 mph/h/25 km (UK) and 20 mph (US) |
|
strength: |
Professional SL2-520, fully integrated, 520Wh |
360WH 10AH high capacity battery |
36V 10AH lithium-ion battery with LG cells |
|
control: |
LCD display |
LCD display |
Small OLED display |
|
Electronic bicycle category: |
Level 3 |
Level 3 |
Level 1 |
|
speed: |
Shimano 12 speed |
Shimano 7 speed |
Single speed |
|
brake: |
Hydraulic disc brake |
Hydraulic disc brake |
Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
|
Frame material: |
carbon |
carbon |
aluminum |
|
weight: |
17.9kg / 39.7 lbs |
15.6kg (34 lbs) |
18 kg (including accessories) |
|
scope: |
Riding for 5 hours |
62 miles / 100 km |
62 miles / 100 km |
How do I test a professional Vado SL2
When the e-bike fell to my doorstep, I cracked it straight away. Soon after, it’s packed and the way it’s mainly set up. With the rest of the setup done, I started using all the e-bikes I rode in for six weeks. This includes my daily 7-mile commute through the country, along crowded roads, through city streets. My testing period was in winter, so I was able to test the e-bike in a range of weather conditions including rain.
First review: February 2025
