Specialized unveils a new version of its ultra-light electric bike. The Vado SL 2 Alloy takes the ingredients of the 2020 SL with one exception: exit the carbon frame. It is the return of aluminum and therefore a less stratospheric price.
The Vado is an essential reference in electric bikes. King of the "bike to work", the Turbo Vado is still one of the bikes that we highly recommend in our guide to the best electric bikes. Its SL version, for "Super Light", is also one of the emblematic urban VAEs and, for good reason, it is one of the very first to have reduced the weight of an electric bike to 15 kg only.
A little heavier, much cheaper
The new SL2 Alloy version, in aluminium, obviously does not do as well (20 kg on the scale), but it allows to diversify the offer and to propose a more accessible lightweight VAE than the high-end carbon. Indeed, the four versions of the Vado SL2 Alloy range from 4,250 euros to 4,550 euros. Prices to be compared with the 6,200 euros requested for the Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 version.
At this price, the Vado SL2 obviously remains a premium VAE equipped with high-flying equipment and the same surgical geometry that made the success of the first version. Thus, the new “light weight” features the Specialized SL 1.2 engine with 50 Nm of torque and a 520 Wh battery, which however has the disadvantage of not being removable, which could be a constraint for some users, especially those who charge their battery at the office.
For the rest, we find Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano Cues transmission with 10 or 11 speeds depending on the version and quality accessories such as Spanninga optics.
What about the carbon version?
Sold 2000 euros cheaper than its carbon equivalent, this Vado SL 2.0 Alloy is nevertheless intended for the same use, that is to say for rides, obviously, but also and above all for "commuting" or "bike commuting". Finally, it should be noted that the arrival of the "alu" version is a simple addition to the Specialized catalog, the carbon version remains on sale for those who would like to shave a few extra pounds.
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