Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Review
- Price: $4,000
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 650b Aluminum
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: It features a lightweight alloy frame and a comfortable geometric design.
What we didn’t like about it: It’s relatively expensive and not very budget-friendly for riders on a tight budget.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 incorporates Specialized’s award-winning proprietary technology. The motor delivers powerful and efficient performance, resulting in faster riding speeds.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to several top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, stay tuned.
Riding Experience
The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has everything you’d want in an electric bike. It offers a balanced ride with excellent comfort and an electric range of up to 90 miles, making it a top performer in its class.
For this review, I planned to ride the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 to my friend’s farm for a barbecue gathering, covering a distance of approximately 50 miles round trip. The overall terrain is mostly flat, with few uphill and downhill sections, but there are some unpaved gravel roads towards the end of the route.
Cargo Riding
For this gathering, I brought along a keg of beer and securely fastened it to the rear cargo rack of the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0. Once everything was properly secured, I set off on my ride.
The most immediate impression I got when riding the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is that it doesn’t feel like your typical leisure-oriented electric bike. It gives me the sensation that I can ride fast.
The Turbo Full Power 2.0 motor and 710Wh battery provide me with strong and consistent power output, making my long-distance cargo ride effortless and enjoyable. The motor’s power delivery is smooth and stable, with minimal noise, making it almost imperceptible.
What I appreciate is that the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is equipped with an SR Suntour MobieA32 suspension fork with 80mm of travel. This allows it to absorb more road vibrations on unpaved gravel roads, keeping the bike stable and providing a more comfortable riding experience.
Finally, when I need to brake, the SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes offer powerful and reliable stopping performance. Despite the bike’s weight and inertia, it still decelerates effectively. The responsive braking response allows for quicker stops.
Specifications
The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 comes in four frame sizes: S-XL, suitable for riders ranging from 5’2″ to 6’7″ in height, making it suitable for riders of almost all heights.
With an 80mm SR Suntour MobieA32 front suspension fork and a suspension seatpost, it reduces the impact of rough road surfaces, ensuring a comfortable ride in the saddle.
The fully integrated removable and lockable down tube battery is convenient for charging and easy to secure. Front and rear mudguards help reduce splashing and keep clothing clean.
The SRAM NX drivetrain offers crisp, responsive shifting and efficient transmission. The SRAM hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking performance in all weather conditions.
Video
What do we like about it?
- SRAM hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking power in all weather conditions.
- The MasterMind display screen shows all relevant riding information, allowing real-time adjustments and enabling wireless updates to keep your bike up to date.
- The specialized app can disable the bike’s motor activation and sensor alarms. Once locked, the motor cannot be reactivated without the owner.
- The SR Suntour MobieA32 suspension fork absorbs all bumps in everyday riding.
- Fully integrated removable and lockable down tube battery – easy to charge, easy to secure.
- Equipped with DRYTECH mudguards, LED front and rear lights, and a rear cargo rack with a 27kg capacity. The rear rack is compatible with child bike seats, and the bike supports towing thru-axle trailers.
What don’t we like about it?
- It’s expensive, making it a challenging purchase for budget-conscious riders.
FAQ
- What is the electric range of this bike?
It has an electric range of up to 120 miles.
- How long does it take to charge the biker?
Using the specialized 48 V charger, it can be fully charged in 2 hours and 35 minutes.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart here, but the best way to find the most suitable size is to try it out, as it may not necessarily follow a standard sizing convention.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Specs
Build
| Frame | E5 Aluminum, bottom bracket motor mount, fully integrated &lockable downtube battery, internal cable routing, lock and front rack mount, sliding dropoutColors: Cast Black / Silver Reflective; White Mountains / Black Reflecitve; Red Tint / Silver Reflective |
| Fork | SR Suntour MobieA32, 80mm travel, lockout, fender-mounts, integrated light mount |
| Stem | Specialized Flowset, 3D-forged alloy, 20-degree rise, 31.8mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Specialized, alloy, 15-degree backsweep, 46mm rise, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Rivo Sport, steel rails, 155mm |
| Seatpost | Spring suspension, alloy, 40mm travel, 30.9mm, 2-bolt clamp, 34.9mm sleeve |
| Pedals | Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors |
| Grips | Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM NX, 11-speed |
| Crank | Custom alloy forged crankarms, Praxis, 48T, 104BCD |
| Shifters | SRAM NX, 11-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1130, 11-speed, 11-42t |
| Chain | KMC e11S, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™ |
| Brakes | SRAM Level, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm 6-bolt |
Wheels
| Rims | 650b disc, double-wall alloy, pinned, 32h |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Industry |
| Front Hub | Specialized alloy front hub disc, sealed cardridge bearings, 6-bolt, 15x100mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Specialized alloy rear hub disc, sealed cardridge bearings, 6-bolt, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Pathfinder Sport Reflect, 650Bx2.3, Rear: Pathfinder Sport Reflect, 650Bx2.3 |
Electric Components
| Motor | Specialized 2.0, 70Nm torque, custom tuned motor, 250W nominal |
| Battery | Specialized U2-710, alloy casing, state of charge display, 710Wh |
| Charger | Custom charger, 42V4A w/ Rosenberger plug, 100-240V |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ Speed | Click View | 650b Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano MT200 | 1 × 9 |
| Scott Sub Cross eRIDE 20 EQ USX | Click View | 27.5″ / 29″ Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano BR-M200 | 1 × 9 |
| CUBE KATHMANDU HYBRID, ABS 750 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Magura MT C ABS | 1 × 12 |
| KTM Macina Sport 710 | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Shimano Deore XT T8100 / M8120 4-Piston | 1 × 11 |
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 vs. Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ Speed
These two bikes excel in different areas.
In terms of geometry, the former has a more aggressive geometry, offering faster riding speeds. Meanwhile, the latter boasts a more comfortable geometry and makes getting on and off the bike easier.
Furthermore, the former is equipped with a larger capacity battery for longer rides. Both bikes use the same hydraulic disc brakes in their braking systems, ensuring reliability and trustworthiness.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a faster riding experience, the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is the better choice, while the Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ Speed provides a more comfortable riding posture.
Learn More: Is It A Good Bike? [Cannondale Adventure Neo 3 EQ Review]
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 vs. Scott Sub Cross eRIDE 20 EQ USX
When comparing these two bikes, I would recommend the former. Firstly, both of these electric bikes come with suspension forks. However, the former has a longer travel, and combined with the suspension seatpost, it does a better job of smoothing out road vibrations.
In terms of geometry, the former is more aggressive, allowing for faster riding. The latter offers a more upright riding position for improved comfort.
Regarding the braking components, the former provides a more responsive and direct braking experience, while the latter feels a bit more gradual.
In summary, the performance of the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is slightly better, and its aesthetics appeal to me more. Therefore, I prefer it.
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 vs. CUBE KATHMANDU HYBRID, ABS 750
When comparing these two electric bikes, the latter has slightly better component performance. Firstly, they both have batteries with the same specifications, but the latter’s motor delivers more torque, resulting in a stronger power output.
However, I prefer the frame geometry of the former; it has a more appealing appearance and offers a more aggressive riding posture. On the other hand, the latter is more convenient for getting on and off. In terms of weight, the former is still lighter.
In conclusion, while the components of the latter may be slightly superior, I prefer the price and appearance of the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0.
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 vs. KTM MACINA SPORT 710
With the same battery capacity, the latter boasts a stronger torque and more powerful power output, providing greater support for uphill riding.
In terms of drivetrain components, the latter is equipped with Shimano XT, which is of a higher level and offers higher transmission efficiency compared to the former’s SRAM NX. Moreover, in the braking department, the Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes on the latter exhibit superior braking capabilities with more responsive speed and linear braking operation.
In conclusion, between these two electric bikes, if you prioritize the components of an electric bike, the KTM MACINA SPORT 710 stands out. Conversely, the more affordable price and attractive appearance of the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 make it my preferred choice.
Summary
Above is my review of the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0. In our opinion, it’s a nimble electric bike with an impressive battery range, which is why we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other electric bikes, we also review a variety of bikes across different price ranges, all of which are equally fascinating. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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