BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Following the October 2024 launch of the carbon-framed Vado SL 2, Specialized UK has now introduced the full Vado SL 2 range, which includes an alloy-framed version of the urban e-bike.
As is the way for the Morgan Hill located brand, the claims for the alloy Vado SL 2 are typically bold, opening with one of the big two e-bike questions: Weight. “Nothing in its class is lighter in alloy at just 20kg.”
Interestingly, the bike alloy Vado SL 2, available in both step-through and regular top tube, has both an alloy frame and fork. With many brands, including Specialized, promoting the use of a carbon fork as an area where the material can improve ride quality and reduce weight, it does seem an odd choice.
Naturally enough, power comes next. Here, the brand points to its Brose-sourced SL 1.2 motor pushing out 50 Nm of torque.
To power that motor, the brand offers a 520Wh battery, which is integrated into the frame design (removeable in a workshop, having first removed the motor), with the charge port found on the non-drive side. As with the previous generation of Vado SL, this is tucked behind a hinged door.
Pricing
- Vado SL 2 Alloy 4.0 £3500
- Vado SL 2 Alloy 5.0 £3800
For people keen on exploring getting from A-to-B in a pedal-assisted fashion, the alloy edition of the bike represents a chunky cash saving on its carbon equivalent.
For that chunk of spare change, there’s no shortage of equipment. Mudguards, pannier rack, and lights all come as standard. The load-carrying capability is 27 kg for the rear rack, making the bike eminently usable as a daily transport option.
What does 5.0 get that 4.0 does without?
For the extra £300, people buying a Vado SL 5.0 will get the added comfort of 20mm vibration damping from the brand’s own Future Shock 3.1, an upgrade on the lighting systems, with the front light now provided by Lezyne, and a move to 12-spd from 11-spd (XT vs Cues).
Question here: With both bikes now sporting 47c tyres, is it fair to say that, in this particular application, the impact of the Future Shock isn’t what it was when first introduced?
Think back to when the Future Shock was launched: A 32c tyre seemed large, and a 38c was distinctly commuter-hybrid focused. Now GrandTour winners ride 35c tyres, and gravel racers rock 45 and 50c. The point here: Comfort from tyre volume is massively enhanced, making the impact of the Future Shock less notable.
Where retailers add value (from which customers and brands benefit)
What could £300 buy a Vado SL 4.0 customer?
Well, there are highly water-resistant and durable panniers. A jacket or two – one warm, one waterproof. A pair of waterproof trousers. And, naturally enough, a helmet – possibly with a light mounted to it.
The big question: Will people feel short-changed when riding a bike equipped with Shimano Cues 11-spd compared with XT 12-spd? Does the ratio range and gap between the cogs and final drive ratio make that much difference on a pedal-assisted e-bike?
What adds value for ‘people’ isn’t the same as for ‘cyclists’
An experienced cyclist will certainly have a – typically performance and marketing shaped – preference, but, for a person buying a bike for transport? They may well find that having great weather appropriate clothing, and a long lasting set of panniers will make a bigger difference to the frequency with which they choose to travel by bike.
It’s here where the value of experienced staff in strong shops will make a positive and powerful difference – hearing customers’ specific needs and wants, not automatically defaulting to experienced cyclist preferences.
Now, about that carbon fibre Vado SL 2 and its ultra lightweight, attention-grabbing “Calling it an ‘e-Bike’ is an Insult” statement…
