Name: Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 Review
Item: Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0
Author: Court Rye

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Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 Review

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Electric Bike Review

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Platform Pedals

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 604 Watt Hour Battery Pack

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Comfort Locking Grips

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Front Dry Tech Fender Ncx Suspension Fork

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Super Nova Head Light

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Integrated Rear Rack Saddle

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 3 Led Rear Light

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Reflective Sidewall Tire 180mm Hydrulic Front Disc Brake

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Shimano Deore Xt System

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Ip Rated Protected Brose Mid Drive

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Portable Battery Charger

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 4amp Battery Charger

Specialized Turbo Vado 5 0 Stock High Step Black

A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack
Available in 6 sizes including high-step and mid-step frame styles with gender-specific saddle and grips, custom tuned 50mm suspension fork with plenty of adjustment, sturdy thru-axles for improved power transfer and handling at high speed
Specialized TCD display, Mission Control smartphone app syncs with display for GPS readouts and battery optimization, powerful Shimano ICE-tech 180mm hydraulic disc brakes in the front and 160mm in the rear
The display is not removable, nor does it have a range estimator, there is no quick release on either wheel or even the seat post, and the battery can be tricky to click in securely

Make:

Specialized

Model:

Turbo Vado 5.0

Price:

$5,150

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting, Touring

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

United States, Europe

Model Year:

2020

Total Weight:

52.6 lbs (23.85 kg)

Battery Weight:

7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)

Motor Weight:

7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)

Frame Material:

E5 Aluminum Alloy, Hydroformed with Smooth Welds

Frame Sizes:

15.74 in (39.97 cm)17.71 in (44.98 cm)19.09 in (48.48 cm)19.68 in (49.98 cm)21.06 in (53.49 cm)21.65 in (54.99 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Medium High-Step 45cm Measurements: 17.75" Seat Tube Length, 22.25" Reach, 29.5" Stand Over Height, 31.75" Minimum Saddle Height, 27.5" Width, 74.25" Length, Large High-Step 50cm Measurements: 17.75" Seat Tube Length, 23.25" Reach, 31" Stand Over Height, 34.25" Minimum Saddle Height, 27.5" Width, 74.25" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Black Liquid Silver

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour NCX E25 Spring Suspension with Multi-Circuit Damping (MCD), 50mm Travel, 44mm Offset, Compression Clicker, Preload Adjust, Rebound Adjust, 32mm Black Anodized Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing 15mm Thru-Axle with 5mm Hex Key

Frame Rear Details:

148mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Thru-Axle with 5mm Hex Key

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Rear Rack Bosses, Rear Frame Lock Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

11 Speed 1x11, Shimano Deore XT with Shadow Plus GS Cage, Shimano SLX 11-42 Tooth Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano Deore SLX Triggers on Right (Two-Way High, Three-Shift Low)

Cranks:

Praxis Works, Custom Aluminum Alloy, 170mm to 175mm Length, 48 Tooth Narrow Wide Aluminum Alloy Chainring with Plastic Guard, 104mm Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD)

Pedals:

Custom Specialized Fitness, Nylon Platform with Grip Traction

Headset:

FSA, Alloy Steerer, Cartridge Bearings, Internal Cups, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2"

Stem:

Aluminum Alloy, 20° Rise, Length: 60mm (S) / 70mm (M) / 80mm (L) / 90mm (XL), Two 5mm Spacers, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy, 680mm Length, 9° Backsweep, 4° Upsweep, 15mm Rise

Brake Details:

Shimano Deore XT BRM8000 Hydraulic Disc with 180mm ICE-Tech Rotor Front and 160mm ICE-Tech Rotor Rear, Dual-Piston Calipers, Shimano Two-Finger Levers with Tool-Free Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Gender Specific, Specialized Body Geometry Contour, Ergonomic, Rubber, Locking

Saddle:

Gender Specific, Canopy Comp, Hollow Cr-Mo Rails

Seat Post:

Forged Aluminum Alloy, Punched Out for Weight Savings, Single-Bolt Clamp, 21mm Offset, Micro Adjust

Seat Post Length:

340 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

Aluminum Alloy, Double-Wall, 32mm Outer Width, 28 Hole, Reinforcement Eyelets, Reflective Stickers

Spokes:

DT Swiss, Stainless Steel, 15 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Specialized Trigger Sport, 28" x 1.85" (700 x 47c) (47-622)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

50 to 75 PSI, 3.4 to 5.0 BAR, Reflective Sidewall Stripes, Blackbelt Puncture Protection

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Racktime Bolt-On Rear Rack (20kg / 44lb Max Load), Custom Dry-Tech Tubular Alloy Fenders (Extra-Long Flextender Multi-Plastic Lower Piece, 58mm Width, Reflective Stickers), Supernova V521s Integrated Headlight with Alloy Housing (205 Lumens), Supernova E3 Integrated Rear Light (3-LED, 250° Visibility), Transparent Slap Guard Sticker, Adjustable Rear-Mount Kickstand (40mm Bolt Spacing), Optional Replacement Battery Pack 604 Watt Hour ($900)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack with ABUS Locking Core (Plus Code Card), 1.9lb 42 Volt 4 Amp Charger with Rosenberger Plug (Magnetic EnergyBus Standard), Optional 1.3lb Portable 2 Amp Travel Charger, IP67 Water and Dust Protection Rating on Battery Pack, IP56 Water and Dust Protection Rating on Motor, Battery Stops with 4% at Top and Bottom to Avoid Straining Cells, Internal Cable Routing, KMC X10eT Chain with Missing Link

Motor Brand:

Brose S ALU, (Specialized Turbo 1.3), 120 RPM Max Support

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

550 watts

Motor Torque:

90 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Sony, LG, Samsung, 20700 Cells

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

16.8 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

604.8 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours (7 Hours with Optional Travel Charger)

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

75 miles (121 km)

Display Type:

Turbo Connect Display Wired (TCD-W), Fixed 2.2" Backlit LCD, Buttons: Left, Right, (Press Left or Right to Navigate Readouts, Hold Left for Settings: [Time & Date, Units, Pairing to Heart Rate Monitor], Press Left and Right to Select a Setting to Adjust)

Readouts:

Assist Level (3 Bars), Clock, Battery Infographic (10 Bars), Page 1: Current Speed, Trip Distance, Battery Percentage, Page 2: Average Speed, Timer, Cadence, Page 3: Heart Rate, Power Watts, Page 4: KCAL, Page 5: Max Speed

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Buttons: Set, +, -, Lights, (Press Set to Cycle Menus [Trip Distance, State of Charge, Ride Time, Odometer], Hold + for Walk Mode, Hold - for Trip Reset), Mission Control App (Bluetooth, iOS and Android), ANT+ Wireless (For Heart Rate Monitors)

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque, 380% Peak Multiplication Force of Rider Input)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by Specialized. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of Specialized products.

There has been some updates in the Specialized lineup and today we are taking a look at the Turbo Vado 5.0. The Vado 5.0 is the top of the line model and an efficient and almost purist 28mph pedelec with a smooth Brose S ALU mid-drive, hydraulic brakes, and many commuter amenities. If you read my review on the other Vado lineup, there may be some parallel information here, but there are a few upgrades here and there. The bike comes in 1 color (black), 2 frame styles (a high-step and a mid-step-through), and 6 individual frame sizes between the 2 frames. Today we are checking out the large size high-step. There is so much to cover overall, so I will just kind of talk about the whole package, then dive deeper into the specs. The frame as a whole feels tight and rigid in a very good way…there is no real frame flex of any kind. There is quite a bit of comfort too, which I will get into, but it has a speedy and assertive feel to it from this leaned forward geometry and flat aggressive handlebar. From the frame integrated color matched battery, internally routed cables, and small TCD display, the bike gives off a presence of minimalism. In addition to that, the weight is nice and centered, as well as being low… giving it a great feel when you ride. So let’s look at some of the finer components to see what attributes to that. In the front you have a suspension fork with 50mm of travel, this is purposely limited travel, since its for the street, and it does quite well. This is an SR SunTour Ebike rated fork with a compression clicker, rebound adjust on the bottom, preload adjust, lot of adjustment here… this much adjustment is usually something you only see in air suspension forks. The tires are in-house Specialized brand ‘Trigger” tires. These are 700x47c, so roughly 28” in diameter. That means they are a little wider, have a lower attack angle, and fairly high volume. These are really comfortable tires rated for 50-75psi. The tread itself has some vibration dampening qualities while being efficient with the thin center crown. There is reflective sidewall striping here as well as Black Belt puncture protection, so really great in rough terrain also. The wheels are attached in a rigid sort of way, with a 15mm through-axle in the front and 12mm through-axle in the back. They both have 148mm hub spacing. To me this is pretty much boost hub-spacing, maybe to fit that wider 10 sprocket cassette…definitely a good choice. Commuters here are rewarded with a battery integrated headlight and rear light. The headlight is an alloy encased adjustable Super Nova light that is extremely bright. In the rear, you get a 3 LED Super Nova light as well. The included rack in the back is more of a narrow setup, but is perfect for panniers. The bike also has included fenders, but they go much more beyond your typical fenders. They are extra long aluminum alloy and they have reflective stickers. Additionally, they have been wind-tunnel tested and engineered to really keep you clean. There is a plastic channel on the bottom side of the front fender that pushes debris to the side, and the extra long rubber piece keeps your shoes clean more than most any other fenders out there. All around the bike, there is Specialized branding everywhere, like the ergonomic locking grips, plastic sandpaper grips pedals, and nice saddle (30.9mm seat post by the way, if you want to swap that out). I love that there is not 1, but 2 bottle cage boss mountings! There is also some seat stay bosses for a frame lock or cafe lock. The saddle is a gender specific saddle from Canopy, Specialized is really good and dialing in rider geometry and fit, so this is a great addition. Other features include a clear plastic slap guard, custom adjustable kickstand, and integrated bell. Really just a lot going on here so the fact that cost $5,149 make this a very reasonable offering, especially given the upgraded drivetrain and brakes that we will get into next.

Driving the bike is a compact mid-motor from Brose called the S ALU for aluminum. This is quite an upgrade for the 5.0. However, it didn’t get the lighter-weight S MAG (magnesium motor) which would have had the weight dropped from 7.5lbs to 6.39lbs. But you still get a very narrow Q Factor, optimal spindle placement (to reduce chain stay length for snappier turns and a shorter overall frame length), and excellent ground clearance. This motor is compact and the weight that is there is fully balanced to the bike. There’s a sturdy plastic skid plate below, in case you do take a rock or log strike with the suspension fully compressed on a drop. Note that the crank arms are 165mm vs. 170mm to reduce pedal strikes. So, the motor unit is small, but it really packs a punch. You get 250 to 560 watts of power output with up to 90 newton meters of torque! That’s extremely high for a mid-drive unit. Power is delivered based on your rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal pressure. These signals can be adjusted in the optional smartphone app called Mission Control. If you do want to spin, the Brose motors all support 120+ pedal RPM. This means it won’t drop out on you while downshifting on approach to a big hill. Moreso than many other competing products, the Brose motor really hangs in there at high pedal speeds. The S ALU is still light, powerful, and quiet and smooth because it contains a Gates Carbon belt drive that transitions from gears to spindle output. This reduces vibration and provides an organic feeling to the pedal experience that I can vouch for. The older Drive S was my favorite between Bosch, Shimano, and Yamaha for this reason, and Brose is expanding its support and presence in North America. There’s no pedal drag if you do choose to pedal unassisted (no reduction gearing) and the motor is decoupled from pedal strokes beyond the maximum supported speed of 32km/h (20mph). It’s an outstanding drive system and it really rounds off this high end bike well. Mechanically, they went for Shimano Deore 11-speed cassette here (with great 11-42 tooth spread) and a 48 tooth chain ring with a narrow wide pattern. This is a fantastic setup for the higher power motor and it handles the higher speeds well. For stopping power, the 5.0 gets ICE-tech hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors in the front and 160mm rotor in the rear, both with dual pistons.

Powering the bike is a 36v 16.8ah battery, so about 604 watt hours total. This is the highest battery available for the Vado lineup. You could use the other Vado batteries here, however, the batteries are so integrated into the frame that you really need to make sure you get the one that is color matched to your bike if you want it to keep that streamlined look. I am told you can also do this by replacing the plastic cover that bolts on over the battery itself. This one weighs about 7.5lbs and a replacement is $900, so make sure to take proper care of the one you have. Luckily, the bike comes with an Abus card so you can get your locks “key to like”, meaning that your battery key can be the same key that you might use for an Abus lock or a cafe lock, so really a great way to keep it protected. Charging is done through a 1.9lb compact 4amp charger with a magnetic Rosenburg EnergyBus charger. 4amps means the charging will happen a little quicker here than some other bikes out there. The battery can be charged on or off the bike and has this neat little magnetic door with a leash and I love that its nice and high away from the crank arm when locked onto the bike. Careful when clicking the battery into place, one of my grips about this bike is that it can be tricky getting the battery in just right, especially on a model not worn-in yet. Sometimes you will get a click and it will still be a bit loose. They call this a ‘phantom click’ so make sure to give it a good wiggle to make sure its secure. To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.

The display panel on the Turbo Vado is the TCD (Turbo Connect Display). I like it because it’s large, is backlit, has integration with the Specialized Mission Control app, and has a dedicated light button. Hold down left and right to enter settings, while + and – allow you to go up and down. Unfortunately, it appears that you must turn the bike on by pressing a power button on top of the battery pack vs. a button on this control ring… and that requires some reaching or planning. It’s a minor gripe, but made a little worse from the slow startup of the display. The display is not removable, but can be tilted a bit. I do like how the battery readout is in percentages here as well as a 10 bar infographic. The two buttons on the display can be cycle through pages and so can the controls on the side. You can cycle through distance, average speed, timer, pedal cadence, heart rate monitor, power levels, k-calorie, and more. There is also integration with Mission Control. This app allows you to further customize power output from the motor in each level of assist or plan rides in a way that the battery will not run out (the bike will automatically provide power based on how far you have yet to travel). It’s one of the cooler apps, but it’s completely unnecessary to just get on and ride. The setup allows for 3 levels of pedal assist as well as a 0 mode where the system is completely off.

In conclusion, there is a lot to love about the Vado series especially this 5.0. It serves as a great example of not only a great execution of an Ebike, but also a good marriage of commuting comfort and speed. There is so much to cover here that there are bound to be some tradeoffs as well. Some of those tradeoffs include the display is not removable, nor does it have a range estimator, the custom kickstand may not be good on all terrain, and there is no quick release on either wheel or even the seat post. But the biggest tradeoff here has to do with the battery. The battery can be stubborn to click into place. On the one hand you want to be delicate since it is an integral part of the setup. But on the other hand, you can get it in there and hear a phantom click, giving you a false sense of security. Really make sure to jostle it a bit after it’s in there and make sure it is secure. Honestly, these problems are not the end of the world, and for a bike that costs $5,149 with so much engineering into the front fork, rack, and event the wind tunnel tested fenders, I think it is a fast, smooth, and high quality setup. Thank you Specialized, I really enjoyed testing the Vado 5.0.

As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own a previous version of the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the Specialized Ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)

Pros:

Interactive TCD display panel allows you to navigate menus quickly, can sync with the Mission Control smartphone app to display GPS, track routes, and record elevation, you can also engage with it using the handlebar remote to adjust assist level or cycle through standard trip stats like odometer, trip distance, ride time and range estimator
I love the SR SunTour Ebike rated fork with a compression clicker, rebound adjust on the bottom, and preload adjust, there is a lot of adjustment here which is usually something you only see in air suspension forks
Sturdy tubular fenders hug the tires to keep you dry and clean, the front fender is extra-long featuring a multi-plastic (sort of rubberized) Flextender to keep your feet and shins dry, if this portion of the fender is kicked or collides with a curb it bends naturally, Specialized calls their fenders “drytech” and has tested them in a wind tunnel to simulate how water responds at ~20 mph, the top portion of the front fender features a plastic wall to spread water to the sides vs. out to the front and up into your face… this can happen when air is pushed quickly forward at high speed
The fenders and rack were very quiet, even though the Flextender portion vibrated and bounced around a bit, it didn’t produce much noise at all and the custom cargo rack felt sturdy but didn’t add much width or length to the bike, I like how it’s minimalist and integrates the brake light
Integrated lights help you see and be seen in dark riding conditions, the headlight is mounted underneath the stem keeping the cockpit clean and points where you steer, the rear light is at the very end of the rack so it won’t get blocked by panniers or trunk bags
In addition to integrated LED lights, there are several reflective stickers on the fenders and rims to increase your visual footprint in dark riding conditions, the tires even have reflective sidewall striping
The Brose S ALU mid-drive motor is extremely compact and quiet, it has a carbon belt inside that transfers power from the planetary gear, it feels smooth and is very responsive… the base of the bottom bracket has vents to allow air to pass directly across the motor casing and cool it
Excellent weight distribution with both the motor and battery mounted low and center,
the frame is totally custom so the electronics blend in and wires are internally routed, the battery doesn’t stand out thanks to a paint-matched shell
I like how the battery tips out towards the left side vs. going up and down because this allows the mid-step frame to have a lower top tube and will reduce frame bumps when mounting and dismounting the battery
All around the bike, there is Specialized branding everywhere, like the ergonomic locking grips, plastic sandpaper grips pedals, in-house tires, and nice saddle, it shows how much control the brand has over the execution of the bike, rather than have something slapped together
The Men’s high-step Vado frame has two sets of bottle cage bosses (in the traditional spot on top of the downtube and below the top tube) This is especially useful if you want to mount a folding lock, mini-pump or other accessories without adding panniers or a trunk bag
Specialized offers a solid two-year comprehensive warranty with lifetime on the frame and has a vast network of dealers who can provide expert fitting and maintenance
The bike frame was designed to feel stable and I was able to pedal down a hill at 40+ mph comfortably, Specialized uses Body Geometry fit data from over a decade of research and includes gender-specific Body Geometry saddle and grips for improved comfort
The battery pack is removable so you can store its safely and charge conveniently, I’d suggest removing the battery when carrying the bike or using walk mode to help climb stairs, the locking core is made by Abus and they can match folding locks to the same key for convenience and reduced clutter if you want
The charger has a magnetic interface so it won’t knock your bike over as easily if the cord gets tripped over,
the cover for this plug on the bike is also magnetic and has a little rubber leash so it won’t get lost so easy
High-end drivetrain makes it easy to start and climb or maintain the ~28 mph top speed, The Shimano Deore Shadow+ derailleur keeps the chain tight on bumps to reduce bouncing and slipping with a one-way adjustable clutch (this drivetrain has traditionally been reserved for mountain bikes), the same clutch can make removing the rear wheel easier if locked so the derailleur doesn’t spring back
Unlike the Specialized Turbo Levo e-mountain bikes that also use the Brose drive system, for the Vado models the battery actually locks to the frame (the mountain models just have a 15 mm thru-axle holding it in place) and the charging port has been elevated to the top of the pack to stay clear of the cranks vs. the Vado where it’s very low, basically under the bottom bracket
The battery mounts from the top left side so putting it on and taking it off is less likely to bang the top tube and has allowed for a lower top tube on the Women’s model
The drive system uses freewheels to decouple when pedaling unpowered (or above the top assisted speed) which is likely what other Brose ebikes do as I did not notice a difference… but Specialized was emphasizing this
This is really a great option for commuting, you get a rack, integrated lights in the front and rear, front fork, hydraulic brakes, and of course 28mph speed!
With great power and speed come great responsibility! and for that you get Shimano ICE-tech hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors in the front and 160mm rotors in the rear
In addition to having a plastic chainring guard (that keeps your pants or dress clear of the front sprocket and oily chain), the sprocket itself uses a narrow wide tooth pattern that grabs the chain better to reduce drops and noise

Cons:

Careful when clicking the battery into place, it can be tricky getting the battery in just right, especially on a model not worn-in yet, sometimes you will get a click and it will still be a bit loose, they call this a ‘phantom click’ so make sure to give it a good wiggle to make sure its secure
The rear rack looks sleek (with fewer support arms) but doesn’t support as much weight as most standard racks I see on other ebikes, you get 48.5 lbs (22 kg) vs. 55 lbs (25 kg) capacity
There is no quick release on either wheel, so do be mindful of that for maintenance, also, no quick release on the seat post
This doesn’t seem to be an issue for most riders who reduce pedal pressure as they shift gears (because the motor controller measures torque) but you don’t get shift sensing like Bosch and some Impulse motors which could result in more mashing if you’re not careful, I saw this happening a lot once on a media ride… people would slow down for stop signs and lights just before hills (or on hills) and then clunk the gears hard shifting down as they started from zero which is bad for the chain, sprockets and derailleur
If you want another battery or need a replacement, you might want to make sure you have one that is paint matched to your frame color if you want to maintain that streamlined look, I am told Specialized has a separate plastic shell you can buy apart from the battery
I don’t think the battery has an integrated handle, so be careful taking it off the bike and carrying it around, it’s sensitive and should be handled with care
The bike takes a moment to power on after pressing the on/off button at the top of the battery pack, I feel like you have to press that button for a full second and the display isn’t immediate to light up or turn off… it just feels annoying compared to some others like Bosch

Resources:

Official Site: https://www.specialized.com/

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

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MODEL YEAR: 2020

One of the most satisfying lightweight full suspension electric mountain bikes available... just 38.8lbs total! Uses a proprietary mid-drive motor and downtube-integrated battery pack that weigh under 8.3lbs combined. Optional range extender bottle-shaped batteries weigh 2.3lbs, are easy to use, and the control system allows for simultaneous or independent drawdown. You can even remove the downtube battery and rely solely on the range extender packs, which may be eligible for commercial air travel. Boost hub spacing for strength, varied front and rear tire for improved handling and traction,…...

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO Review

MSRP: $6,500
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A lightweight gravel grinder road ebike with flared handlebars, wide treaded tires, a seat post dropper, and unique Future Shock 2.0 steer tube suspension. Available in six frame sizes, sold through a vast network of dealers with professional fitting systems, solid two-year comprehensive warranty. The frame offers provisions for two bottle cages, fenders, and a rear rack, wide range of color options. Boost hub spacing with sturdy 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at higher speeds, sturdier…...

Specialized Turbo S-Works Levo SL Review

MSRP: $13,525
MODEL YEAR: 2020

Extremely lightweight and satisfying. The S-WORKS Levo SL is the most premium offering in the Levo SL lineup, featuring more lightweight carbon fiber and titanium hardware (crank arms, derailleur cage plate, handlebar, saddle rails). It comes with an electronic dropper post, gold colored 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, and Fox Factory Kashima coated 150mm suspension. Weighs just ~38lbs, uses a proprietary mid-drive motor and downtube-integrated battery pack that weigh under 8.3lbs combined. Optional range extender bottle-shaped batteries weigh 2.3lbs. You can even remove the downtube battery and rely solely on the range extender packs, which may be eligible for commercial air travel. Boost hub spacing for strength, varied front and rear tire for improved handling and traction,…...

Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Review

MSRP: $4,150
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great top of the line model for Specialized, starts at $4,150 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, front rack, a smooth mid-drive motor, 28mph top speed, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose S ALU mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, high…...

Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 Review

MSRP: $3,350
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great mid point for Specialized, starts at $3,350 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, a smooth mid-drive motor, 28mph top speed, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose T mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, 36v 14ah…...

Specialized Turbo Kenevo Expert Review

MSRP: $7,550
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A purpose built, strong and sturdy, full suspension, all mountain with some enduro, agile and balanced with it’s 50/50 weight distribution, smooth and powerful mid-drive electric mountain bike. This is an extremely sturdy and overbuilt setup, thanks to points of interest like this…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Review

MSRP: $3,550
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack. Available in 6 sizes including high-step and mid-step frame styles with gender-specific saddle and grips,…...

Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 Review

MSRP: $2,950
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great entry point for Specialized, starts at $2,949 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, a smooth mid-drive motor, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose CB mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, 36v 12.8ah…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Review

MSRP: $8,250
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A lighter, stiffer, even more powerful second generation Turbo Levo platform, custom side-arm rear suspension design improves cable routing, tubeless ready rims and tires, unique hidden SWAT multi-tool under stem cap. 29er wheel size with narrower 2.6" tires reduce friction and improve steering precision, new battery…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Fat Review

MSRP: $5,000
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A hardtail, fat tire electric bike with high-volume 4.6" tires, four frame size choices, and an extensive network of dealers in the United States. Sturdy thru-axles provide stiffness and strength, the RockShox Bluto air fork provides comfort with lots…...

Specialized Turbo Como 2.0 Low-Entry 650b Review

MSRP: $2,600
MODEL YEAR: 2018

A comfortable, stable, quiet, and efficient electric bike made in two frame sizes and colors, well-suited to neighborhood riding and cruising. Relatively lightweight at ~48 lbs, in part because it comes without lights or fenders, you…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 6.0 Review

MSRP: $4,800
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack. Available in four sizes including high-step and mid-step frame styles with gender-specific saddle and grips,…...

2017 Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 Review

MSRP: $4,600
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A high-speed urban electric bike with premium tubular fenders, minimalist rack with integrated light, 600 Lumen headlight, reflective stickers on fenders and rims. Available in four frame sizes but only one style (high-step), rigid alloy fork and thru-axles…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 Review

MSRP: $3,200
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A feature-complete urban electric bike with premium tubular-alloy fenders, integrated rack and lights, rims and tires as well as a suspension fork with 50 mm travel. Available in four frame sizes and two styles (high-step or mid-step), rigid thru-axles improve handling,…...

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $7,500
MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

One of the stealthiest electric mountain bikes around with integrated battery and motor technology from Brose, available to demo and buy from a wide network of shops. Responsive and zippy without producing a lot of noise, you don't get shift detection here…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $4,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

The lowest priced Turbo Levo eMountain bike model from Specialized, it's a hardtail with 10 gears, an air fork and the Brose drive system. You get a slightly smaller battery capacity here but the same beautiful integration into the…...

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Comp 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $5,500
MODEL YEAR: 2016

A full suspension electric mountain bike with 650b plus "six fatty" tires for improved traction, handling and comfort. Seamlessly integrated Brose motor and downtube battery pack, completely purpose built frame available in two…...

Specialized Turbo S Review

MSRP: $7,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016

An extremely fast, quiet and stiff electric bike with premium drivetrain and brake components and sleek integrated lights, available in four frame sizes for improved fit. Beautifully integrated battery pack, it matches the frame perfectly and even features a bottle cage…...

Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $9,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016

The highest level full suspension e-mountain bike from Specialized, purpose built frame incorporates battery and motor seamlessly. Premium suspension from RockShox Pike RCT3 and Fox Float with Autosag, 11 speed SRAM XX1…...

Specialized Turbo Review

MSRP: $3,800
MODEL YEAR: 2015

Completely purpose built with integrated lights, in-frame cabling and downtube mounted battery pack that blends in. Available in four frame sizes for improved fit, optional city kit with fenders and rear…...

Specialized Turbo X Review

MSRP: $4,000
MODEL YEAR: 2015, 2016

Stealth appearance with integrated battery pack and near-silent motor helps it blend in like a "normal bike". Excellent weight distribution, responsive hydraulic disc brakes, integrated LED lights, rack and fender mounts, nice…...

2014 Specialized Turbo S Review

MSRP: $6,000
MODEL YEAR: 2014, 2015

One of the fastest, quietest and sturdiest road-style electric bikes around, extremely refined. Solid 15mm thru-axles, tapered head tube and alloy frame for efficient power transfer and high…...

2013 Specialized Turbo Review

MSRP: $5,900
MODEL YEAR: 2013

One of the fastest and priciest electric bikes around, Top speed 45kph (27.96mph) at $5,900 USD. Clean aesthetic with internally routed cables, integrated lithium ion battery pack and built in LED…...

Michael

5 years ago

Does the men’s Turbo Vado 5.0 have motor inhibitor on both brake levers and does the tail light get brighter when you apply the brakes? Also, is there no gear indicator display on the SLX-11 shifter? I realize it’s redundant for experienced riders… Is the Vado 5.0 S Pedalec limited to 32 or 45Km/h in BC, Canada? Thanks for the great reviews!

Court

Hi Michael, the Vado models I have tested do not have motor inhibitors on the brakes because the Brose motor controller is very sensitive and doesn’t go unless you’re pressing in near realtime. Not sure on the brake lights, might be a different response on each different bike. Traveling so my reply is a bit short here, maybe someone else can chime in with more details :)

Hi Court. Thanks for your reply. I re-watched your Vado 5.0 video review and you did indeed mention that there wasn’t a motor inhibitor. I have ridden the 2018 Vado 2.0 and 2019 Vado 4.0 and liked both of them. I’m sure I’ll love the 5.0 but it’s tough waiting a month or so before it arrives. At least I have other chores to get done and some tennis tournaments to keep me occupied while I wait. Happy traveling!

Greg Gritton

Court must like this bike a lot since he labelled it one of his best picks. The one oddity is that it is listed as a best pick in the “city bike” category, but doesn’t have the upright riding position of a city bike. The review itself points out the advantages of this bicycle as a commuter bike. I wonder if it shouldn’t be a best pick in that category instead?

Hi Greg! I really struggle with the “top pics” page, and update it ongoing. Sometimes I blend the results for each category based on what I have reviewed recently because new bikes are always coming in. The Vado is a great city bike, and has the accessories to be considered a commuting platform (fenders, rack, integrated lights). It’s not a perfect fit for “city” which I would describe more as affordable and fixie styled, like the Populo stuff or this Desiknio. It’s difficult to balance relevant products against the blending that has happened in this space, along with which bikes are “best”. Thanks for your input :)

Robert

Is this bike suitable for dirt trails that may be rocky and gravely, the kind of trail that a regular hybrid or cross bike would be perfectly fine on, but maybe not a road bike. If not, could you please recommend a specialized bike that would be, thanks.

Hi Robert, sure… I think this model would hold up fine if you were to ride on gravel roads. Not sure about large loose rocks, but if there are some stones embedded in the trail, that should be alright. My big concern is not usually the bike so much as the comfort of my back and neck. This model has a suspension fork and some moderately wide 1.85″ tires that should be stable and somewhat comfortable :)

Sean Patrick

Hi, Trying to decide on the best Specialized option for my situation. Looking at the Tech Specs on the Specialized website and as far as I can tell, there are no differences between the 2019 Vado 6 and the 2020 Vado 5, except for chainrings, tires and handlebars, but I can still buy the Vado 6 for $600 less. Is there any reason I should opt for the 5 instead of the 6? I want to make sure I’m not missing a major advantage that the Vado 5 has over the 6……

Hi Sean! I’m not as familiar with differences year to year, but one thing you might consider is how well the last-years model has been taken care of by the dealer. Did they keep it charged? Did it get a lot of ride use by customers? My understanding is that Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time naturally and won’t hold as much of a charge cycle as you use them (or if you let them drain all the way down and stay there… or get too hot). As someone who prefers to buy used and get discounts, these are the biggest things that I consider with ebikes. If the bike looks good, comes from a supportive shop, and you observe that there aren’t many differences year over year, maybe it’s a good way to go :)

Bill

I have the 2020 Vado 5. It has the hard wired display. The 6 your looking at has the older display that I hear had issues. Im big at 210 lbs and this thing climbs hills with ease with the 90 NM motor. I too was looking at cost when deciding my purchase and in the end went with the XT group set. The brakes are two piston not four but still XT. I have had it up to 43 miles per hour on a steep down hill road and the brakes worked great. If your not a large person the Vado 4 looks like the sweet spot for the price point. I like the 604Watt battery on the 5 and the torque that motor puts out. I hammer it all I want and get about 45 miles of both steep hill climbs and bike trail runs. The mission control is sweet and you can program it to get you home without running out of juice. I did it once and the bike ran at a slower speed and I made it with 5% battery left. As far as the other comment I ran the bike on a dirt path and it was fine. The fork is great and you can jump off the pavement like a hard tail mountain bike with complete control. I ended up installing the larger tires that the 6 has. Had to adjust the fenders by removing one metal…yes metal spacer that came installed on my bike as stones were getting caught between the fender and tire.

Stefan Mikes

I own a 2019 Turbo Vado 5.0 WMN. This specific model for unknown reasons has a rigid fork and 29×2.0 Electrak II tires; I like both very much as both the fork and fat tires make fast riding extremely enjoyable. TRP Zurich brakes are a nice extra. The only but grave issue of the 2019 model is the old BLOKS display. It does not work as advertised, it does not work with Mission Control app but there are even worse issues. The display can freeze and effectively cut the pedal assist. I had a displeasure to ride 10 miles upwind back home with the motor not working. Then the display reset itself overnight and everything went back to normal. This is, however, not what I paid for. Luckily, the dealer promises replacing the old display with the new TCD-W under warranty, so I hope that will bring the 2019 Vado to its full functionality.

The lack of Mission Control app support by the old display makes the range shorter than it probably could be. I can feel very high acceleration even in the Eco mode, meaning high peak current. I’d be happy to set my own support and peak current profile via Mission Control app as I prefer longer range to high acceleration. Again, replacing the BLOKS display with TCD-W would probably cure that problem, too.

The minor issue is clicking the battery back into the place. That is just annoying. One might fancy a handle at the battery side would solve the problem for good.

Outside the older display issues and problematic clicking in the battery, Turbo Vado is the most enjoyable bike for aggressive, fast rides. In my opinion it is not a city but a performance bike. The rider’s low position is not what I like the best but certainly it is aerodynamically very good.

Kyle

I owned the 2018 Vado 5.0 and now own the 2020 Vado 5.0. Specialized offered me a bike swap after an unfortunate experience with the 2018 Vado 5.0. For the last 5 months I have been riding the 2020 Vado 5.0. So far I’m in for 3,100 miles. The bike feels more snappy and responsive than the previous version. I can accelerate and hold high speeds more easily.

In the 2018 version I had to replace the cassette and chain every 700 miles with a new motor every 2000 miles. The 2020 version has required a chain replacement every 1100 miles and a new cassette every 3000 miles and have been no motor problems.

The bike still has some electrical connection concerns where the assist is lost. My fix includes restarting the bike, taking out and reinstalling the battery, and cleaning the magnet on the rear rotor. If all that fails, I have the LBS install a new shim in the battery housing which usually does the job.

The bike is great and provides me a lot of joy.

Wonderful comment, Kyle! Thanks for sharing your experience with each of these different model years. I’m glad you’re enjoying the bike so much… and your tips about the shim is awesome :D

John Kozero

Michael: Any idea when Specialized will release their 2020 ebikes? I’m particularly interested in the Como ebike but if I bought the current version I might be missing out on any improvements that might be coming fairly soon. Any counsel you can provide would be appreciated. I very much value your reviews. John

Hi John! I run the site and my name is Court. One of my friends runs a shop in Washington DC and is starting to get 2020 models. I’m hoping to shoot some updated reviews in the spring. I hope that helps! His shop is called ElectriCity Bikes :)

John, Cynergy in Santa Monica has the 2020 Specialized ebikes. They are a Specialized Flag ship store. You can rent to own a bike for $125 a day which is a great way to really test ride the bike. They are my LBS and provide great service.

Steve

Court, in the display of Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 can be max. speed be changed by the user? I’m in Canada, I think at Specialized Canada dealers has to sell their Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 model set the max. speed of 20mph. I would only be interested in this bike if I can ride it to 28mph. You don’t list this e-bike as being available in Canada (this bike is listed at Specialized Canada website as being available here).

Be careful which specific models you list on EBR as being available in Canada, as usually Class 3 speed pedelec models are usually never sold in Canada (they’re some exceptions). Many of the Class 3 speed pedelecs that you list on EBR as being available in Canada are actually not (example the Class 3 speed pedelec Bull models, none are available in Canada to my knowledge).

Hi Steve, I think you’re correct about the Class 3 limitation in Canada and possible different version here. I Will check with Specialized, but my assumption is that they will get a down-specced version that is Class 1. I hope that Canada eventually adopts legislation like the US, because it’s fun to go fast, and can be very useful for commuters. I wish I had more details to share with you, but that’s all I know at this point :)

I already know for this version in Canada, it will be set-up to 20mph max. from the Specialized dealer. My question is can the max. speed be easily changed to 28.8mph by the customer for this Turbo Vado model without voiding the warranty? I won’t buy any e-bike in Canada with a Bosch motor, as Bosch won’t support anyone in Canada on a e-bike with their Bosch Performance Line Speed or Cargo Line Speed mid-motor (their 2 motors that can go to 28mph).

Also for this specific model checking the specs in UI/remote section, in their Specialized TCD-W display there’s a built-in anti-theft feature. What’s this anti-theft feature controlled by a display?? 2 very important things I want in my first e-bike ever. I want a max. speed of 28mph and some good reliable anti-theft protection built-in (that doesn’t require a continuous monthly fee long-term).

Great questions Steve, I’m not in a position to answer them thoroughly at the moment (or reach out for answers) so I’m just going to approve and see if anyone else has input. You may get feedback in the Specialized forums as well. Good luck, and I’ll try to loop back later ;)

Noticed somebody has started a thread (not me) in the Specialized forum asking about the Turbo Vado 5.0 anti-theft feature. The Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 e-bike would be on top of my list, if I was not too worried that my bike would be stolen every time I left the bike unattended for any extended time. Even with a very good bike lock, I would be worried.

CC

4 years ago

“There’s no pedal drag if you do choose to pedal unassisted (no reduction gearing) and the motor is decoupled from pedal strokes beyond the maximum supported speed of 32km/h (20mph)”

Hi Court, great review. Can you clarify the above sentence please. Does this motor get you to 20mph or 28mph?

Thanks

Hi CC, this motor will definitely get you to nearly 28mph (most cut short just before or at 45km/h 28mph due to legal restriction). The cogging drag and decoupling is in response to some older Bosch motors that had a reduction gearing situation, causing some drag. Since Bosch is such a leader, and the real originator for ebike mid-drives in North America, I often compare others to them. In this case, I’m celebrating what Specialized and Brose have achieved with their drive unit :D

San Luis Obispo, CA rider

The msrp for this bike on the Specialized web-site is $4,350, different from the $5,150 indicated in the Introduction above. Which is correct?

Good question… I got my pricing info directly from Specialized at the time of this review, but companies are notorious for running sales and liquidating older stock. That’s probably the case now that they have the Turbo Vado SL models coming out (which have lighter motors and new battery designs). You can see my review of this new product here. Hope this helps! Yes, I’d trust Specialized vs. EBR for pricing, especially for an older review like this one, which was conducted in August of 2019.

Eric

Court – Thanks very much for your reviews, they’re great! Could you comment on three bikes I am considering and can purchase locally? They are the Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0, the Gazelle Ultimate T10+, and the Trek Allant 8s. I’m looking for class 3 (I see it as a safety issue) for a combination of city, road, and gravel paths. I’m over 60 and value a comfortable ride. I also wonder how people use/attach a phone for Google maps, etc. Only the Trek has a dedicated phone holder.

Hi Eric! My favorite from this list is the Specialized because their Body Geometry saddle, grips, and frame designs feel the best to me. The only bike I currently own (and have owned for many years now) is a Specialized mountain bike. The Turbo Vado is great! I especially love the minimalist (but high quality) suspension fork they chose. I don’t love the frame aesthetics as much as the new Vado SL models, but they won’t offer as much range or power as this. If you weigh more, plan to carry a lot of cargo, or just want that suspension fork… then go for the standard Vado. Specialized uses the quiet and smooth Brose motor for this ebike, and it works great. Gazelle and Trek use Bosch, which I also really love and actually trust more than Brose… but not by much. Those ebikes are going to be very very similar to this one, so if you can test ride locally and prefer the fit or look or sizing for one bike vs. another, then go for it. Frankly, these are all winners in my book. You could get the Bosch SmartphoneHUB Connect interface for your phone for the Gazelle or Trek, but it will cost extra. The good news is that it will charge your phone as you ride and let you use it to interact with the bike assist, your music and phone calls, and GPS! That might be what pushes you over the edge to go Bosch. I actually really like the Gazelle Ultimate T10+ with its swept-back handlebar, adjustable stem, and 4th Generation Bosch Performance Speed motor. It’s a beautiful ebike too, with the integrated battery pack. While I haven’t covered the Trek Allant 8s yet, it appears that the Trek Allant+ 7 that I did review, is much lighter than the Gazelle. When we get into the little details, this discussion almost becomes infinite… there’s weight, price, style, availability, displays, upgrade options. These are all winners in my book, but I’d probably rank them Specialized, Trek, then Gazelle based on brand recognition, availability, and my own personal tastes.

Thank you, Court – great ideas! One issue for me is size as I’m long-waisted with a shorter inseam. Because of this I may need a step-thru for clearance even though that limits the bosses for water bottles or locks and does not allow space for an extra battery if I eventually want that. I do like the wider tires on the Trek compared to the other two for stability, especially on gravel. One downside of the Vado SL compared to the non-SL is the battery is not removable for charging in the former as I recall. I also like the more substantial rack on the Gazelle. BTW, you should consider charging a fee for customized advice!

Great input Eric! There is so much to learn about these advanced models, thanks for sharing some of your insights about the trade-offs between sizes. Yeah, I enjoy sharing feedback/advice but it can get a bit overwhelming and I fall behind on comments at times. Thanks for your encouragement and support. Hope you have a great week and enjoy whichever bike you choose… are you leaning Specialized so far or have any other products come into consideration?

Thank you, Court. I’m finding many models out of stock and I really need to test them so it will likely be some time before I decide. In my case, sizing is an issue as a large frame works best from the waist up but standover height is too high, so I’ll try step-thru versions when (or if?) they come in. Unfortunately, step-thrus have less bosses for water bottles or a lock. I really like the peppiness (torque) of the Turbo Vado 5.0 with the Brose compared to the Trek Allant 8s and Gazelle Ultimate T10+. Love the wide tires of the Allant, very stable, but the tiny rack and back light, and no shock rule it out. Wondering if you ever review or have experience with bike racks? Searching for a rack is a major pain as many don’t have the weight capacity e-bikes, cannot accommodate bikes with fenders (such as the highly rated Thule T2 Pro XT), or require an adapter for step-thru versions.

Joe

I have this bike and I really like it. I have a couple of comments though.

I would second the warning about being very careful when replacing the battery. I thought that I had mine securely clicked back into place, but the battery fell out and chipped the plastic coating. It still works fine, but the finish is a little messed up.
The tires have “black belt” puncture protection, but my experience is that it is not very effective. I took it out on a gravel bike path, and the next day both tires were flat from thorns. I have another bike with Clement USH tires, and have never gotten a flat riding many miles on similar terrain. I am thinking of getting some tire liners.

Thanks for the feedback here, Joe. It’s a bummer to get two flats! I hope the tire liners help… I may do a guide about tire care and puncture protection options sometime soon. It’s a really important topic in the ebike space especially. Sorry to hear about the battery case chip/scratch, thanks for chiming in about this to help others ;)

Chris

Hi Court, great review. It was this review that helped me decide between the Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 and the Trek Allant+ 8S. I test rode the Allant+ 8S yesterday and test rode the Turbo Vado 5.0 today. I am having a difficult time deciding which size Vado to get. It appears that I’m smack dab perfectly in between the medium and large frame. I rode them both fairly extensively with the sales rep watching me ride around the parking lot first before I took it to the road. Neither one really felt better than the other. I normally ride a 54cm road frame and usually ride a medium or 18″ mountain bike frame. Mt sweet spot would be a 55cm road frame but there are few manufacturers that make that size.

You’re not much shorter than me. I am 5’10” with a 32″ inseam. The large frame felt pretty snug during the standover but didn’t feel huge when I was riding it. The medium frame, although better during the standover, didn’t feel much different. The reach on both was fine. The sales rep said the large frame made me appear to sit more upright. When I tried to determine why, it’s because the handlebars are high on the large frame. Neither bike felt aggressive in the reach.

So here’s my question, Court. Would you choose the medium or large frame if you were me? Also interested in which size frame you’d prefer for yourself. I’ve heard you say in other videos, I think the Super Commuter+ 8S that you were riding a small but would prefer a medium or even a large frame. That said, what say you, my friend?

Hey Chris! It sounds like we have the same problem… my own height and inseam is very close to yours and whenever I test and review ebikes they offer me Medium or Large. Reading through your comment, I was really surprised to hear that the large made you appear more upright. That’s not what I would have expected, usually smaller frames have a shorter reach and thus a more upright body position if the rider is held constant. For me personally, I’d go with Medium. It sounds like the two are very close in terms of fit and ride quality for you… and Medium will give you a bit more control of the bike, reduce weight a smidge, and also make it easier to resell because it will fit a greater number of people (men or women). You can always swap the stem for increased reach, and it sounds like you’re getting full leg extension on both. Having just a bit more standover room and the resale boost push me towards Medium, but it sounds like Large would be fine too (like if you prefer the color or it’s less expensive or something). I hope this helps :D

Thanks for the quick response, Court. I was also surprised that I appeared more upright on the large frame and I agree with your reason why a smaller frame should make a rider appear more upright. It just defies logic, doesn’t it? I believe it’s because the handlebars on the large frame are significantly higher than those on the medium frame. I put both bikes side by side, the saddle height was identical on both bikes but the handle bars were lower on the medium frame and higher on the large. Case solved.

That said, Specialized has a bike sizing app on their website. It’s the Retul method which measures your overall height, your knee to the floor and your ankle to the floor. It then recommends your bike frame size and saddle height. Pretty cool stuff.

I think I will take your recommendation and go with the medium frame for all the reasons you mentioned but also because it felt as comfortable as the large frame, in my opinion. Thanks again for the quick response. I know you’re a busy guy!

For what it’s worth, I am 5’10” and have a 32” inseam also. I got the medium and have been very happy with it.

That advice is worth its weight in gold, Joe. Much appreciated. It just validates Court’s opinion. When you’re dropping $4,500 on another bike, it’s nice to know that your decision is the right one. Thanks again.

John

Court –

Thanks so much for your excellent review. This site has helped me so much with my research on bikes. After your review and a test ride of multiple bikes I really was blown away by this particular model despite not loving the frame as much as some of their other models. I want to warn other readers though if you’re looking at getting the Specialized Como 5.0 you might want to look elsewhere based on availability of this e-bike. There’s no question all bike manufacturers have had challenges that were out of their control due to COVID like supply chain disruptions and an unforeseen surge in customer demand. But some manufacturers seem to be doing better than others.

I placed a deposit on a Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 back in October 2020 and while I’m not surprised that it’s still not available in late Feb 2021 I am bummed that they still have no visibility as to when it might be available. While that’s unfortunate – it’s still absolutely understandable. However, it something you should think about if you’re considering purchasing this ebike.

There is one other issue to be very wary of though from Specialized and that’s unexpected price hikes. Despite me placing an order for this bike and leaving a deposit back in October – Specialized recently raised the price of this bike by several hundred dollars and doesn’t honor the price at which you originally put down the deposit. So net / net they raised the price of a bike I ordered 5 months ago and still can’t tell me if / when it will come. To be frank, business practices like this have completely turned me off this brand despite the fact that I really liked the quality of the bike.

Wow, that’s pretty surprising to hear! I would be frustrated too, if I had put a preorder AND DEPOSIT to secure that product at that price… only to have the light-contract changed. I hope it’s not too much of a financial burden for you, John. Also, sorry for my delayed reply here, things have been busy for me too. I hope you can still enjoy the bike, and I hope Specialized can avoid this sort of behavior in the future, though I’m sure they are encountering many challenges with supply chain as you suggested.

My apologies I mistakenly left this review on the Vado page and not the Como page. Although I guess since my comment isn’t really about the ebike but the company – it fits here as well.

I should have done my research on the company prior to this transaction as the Better Business Bureau has a significant list of complaints against them and they are also not BBB accredited.

I am surprised though that a corporation with the massive amount of revenue they collect can’t do better for the customers.

Thanks for the insights, John. I don’t know what it’s like running a big company like specialized, but I do my best with the three person team supporting me here with EBR. I must say that I’ve had some challenges with Giant and Cannondale in the past, but feel that Trek is very good at communicating and supporting customers, in part because they work almost exclusively with Bosch. Specialized has teamed with Brose, which seems decent, and their SL motor comes from MAHLE, but both companies are newer to the space than Bosch. At the end of the day, I wish them well and hope that they can adapt to supply chain difficulties from 2020 and course correct with any misses for customers that might have happened.

Thom

3 years ago

Hi Court, any chance you might be able to review the new 2022 Turbo Vado 5.0 soon? These have been redesigned and I’d love to hear what you think. They even have an IGH model which looks very interesting!

Hi Thom! I’m finishing up the Specialized Turbo Taro 5.0 EQ as I write this… will keep an eye on the Vados to try to cover an updated model too :)

Dave

Hi Court! I’ve narrowed my choices for a new bike (to replace my ’19 Rad Rover) to the Gazelle Ultimate C380+ HMB, or the ’22 Specialized Vado 5.0 EQ with the Envolio and belt drive. Like Thom in the last post, I’d be really interested in your review, especially the Envolio/belt version. I have loved my Rover, my first e-bike, but it’s a monster and I just want something lighter, sleeker, tighter, without fat tires and with much higher level components. Pretty much sold on the Specialized if only because of the huge dealer network, otherwise the two bikes are very similar. Thanks!

Hi Dave! Yeah, it’s exciting that Specialized if starting to offer belt drive and Enviolo. I haven’t reviewed that setup for any of their previous ebikes, but my overall impression of the brand is very good. You might end up paying more than the Gazelle, but their Body Geometry touch points are awesome, the style is usually on point, I love their Mission Control App, and they do tend to have a good dealer network (although Gazelle is also very good). I think inventory is actually the biggest question, I’d try to pre-order and lock one in if you’re leaning that direction… especially to get the color and size that you want. I hope to review more of their bikes this year (as well as Gazelle, which I’ve been more up to speed on because they have a smaller lineup).

Dave Thomas

Thanks Court. I talked with a dealer who caries both brands yesterday and I agree, I need to place an order now for the Vado. He said that Gazelle has a couple hundred bikes in a warehouse without any brakes, waiting on backordered parts. He offered to take some and install his own, or ship his to them, but no dice, liability issues. Weird times we’re living in.