Since the first generation of the Turbo Vado SL in 2020, Specialized has only cautiously revised its lightweight urban e-bike. However, the new Turbo Vado SL 2 is now a comprehensive update that brings the electric drive in particular up to date. In addition to more power and a longer range, there are also improvements for better riding comfort and greater suitability for everyday use.

More power for motor and battery

The heart of the new Turbo Vado SL 2 is its brand new SL 1.2 motor. With a torque of 50 Nm, it offers a significant increase in performance compared to its predecessor with 35 Nm. This puts Specialized on a par with other light e-bike motors such as the Bosch SX with 55 Nm. Another advantage: the new motor is now said to be whisper-quiet, thus eliminating one of the criticisms of the first generation.

In addition to the motor power, Specialized has also significantly increased the battery capacity. Instead of the previous 320 Wh, there is now a whopping 520 Wh available, but the battery is still permanently installed in the frame of the bike and therefore cannot simply be removed for charging. If you wish, you can also purchase the optional range extender with 160 Wh capacity to further increase the range.

Mastermind H3 control unit: full control and connectivity

The latest Mastermind H3 control unit is now located centrally on the handlebars with a compact display that shows all relevant riding information. Thanks to the connection to the Specialized app, numerous functions can also be used, including

• Locking the bike via app
• Riding mode personalization
• Real-time coaching for heart rate, power and pedal cadence
• Integration with Apple’s „Find my” network to locate the bike

Improved everyday usability and more comfort

In addition to the electric drive, the riding comfort and usability in everyday use have also been optimized. Wider 47 mm tires (instead of the previous 38 mm) provide more comfort and better grip. In addition, all models now feature Future Shock suspension on the head tube with 20 mm travel, which is designed to absorb shocks effectively.

Particularly interesting for commuters and families: the luggage rack is now compatible with the MIK HD system. This means that child seats weighing up to 27 kg can be easily attached with a single click, as can baskets and panniers. In addition, child trailers with a total weight of up to 41 kg can also be used.

The extensive commuter equipment is completed by mudguards and a lighting system consisting of a Lezyne headlight and the integrated rear light in the rear rack. All variants feature Shimano derailleur gears.

Slightly heavier but also lighter

With all the improvements to the new Turbo Vado SL 2, the weight of the bike has also increased. With the aluminum frame, the bike now weighs around 20 kg — three kilograms more than its predecessor. But if you really take the “SL” (Super Light) suffix seriously, you can opt for the new carbon frame version: here the weight drops to a very light 14.9 kg (but then without luggage rack, kickstand and mudguards)!

Four variants of the Vado SL 2

Specialized is launching four variants of the new Turbo Vado SL 2, including two models with a carbon frame and two with an aluminium frame:

• Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Carbon 6.0: the lightest model, weighing just 14.9 kg, does without a rack, kickstand and mudguards, but has an integrated lighting system. The gears are Shimano’s XT with 12 gears. The braking system comes from Tektro’s TRP HD-R803 series, while the headlight is Lezyne’s Hecto E500.
• Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 Carbon 6.0 Equipped: the carbon model with the same features as the 6.0, but with a rack, kickstand and mudguards. The gears are Shimano’s XT with 12 gears. The braking system comes from Tektro’s TRP HD-R803 series, while Lezyne’s Hecto E550 headlight is installed.
• Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 Equipped: the aluminium frame model is said to weigh around 20 kg and comes with a rack, stand, mudguards and lighting system. The gears are Shimano’s Cues with 11 gears. The braking system comes from Tektro’s TKD-148 series, while Lezyne’s Hecto E115 headlight is fitted.
• Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0 Equipped: the second aluminium frame model should also weigh around 20 kg and comes with a rack, kickstand, mudguards and lighting system. The gears are Shimano’s Cues with 10 gears. The braking system comes from Tektro’s HD-R285 series, while Lezyne’s Hecto E65 headlight is installed.

While the carbon models are only available with a diamond frame and high top tube, the two aluminum frame variants are also available with a comfort frame in a trapezoidal shape.

Conclusion

Long overdue, but quite contemporary: the new Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 comes with many new features that bring the model series up to the state of the art. More power, extensive app connectivity or tracking with Apple’s “Find my” network are just as much a part of this as more extensive and comfortable equipment. The moderate increase in weight of the models with an aluminum frame is certainly bearable — especially as there are now also lightweight carbon versions that undoubtedly do justice to the SL branding.

Prices start at 4,250 euros for the Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0 in dark gray or mint green. At 4,550 euros, the Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 is only slightly more expensive, available in dark blue or light gray. However, the difference to the carbon versions is more significant: the Turbo Vado SL Carbon 6.0 costs 6,200 euros, while the Equipped version costs 6,500 euros. Both lightweight models are available in dark gray or wine red.