Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ e-Bike Has More Range Than You Need

Even if you know nothing about bikes, but have seen commercials on TV, movies, or some Tour-de-France scenes, you’ve seen the word Specialized somewhere, for sure. So you can expect that these guys will make a top of the line ebike, and they did.

This is the Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ. And she’s hella fresh. So fresh, that she’s already sold out online. Only local dealers may still have one or two left. But with a base price of $3,500 (2,950 Euro at the time of this article's publishing), you might still find one locally.

We’re just going to run through this the way Specialized does, with the most important component of any e-bike first, the battery. But where is it? We don’t see a battery anywhere on this normal sized frame. Unlike most other kits and e-bikes, it’s hidden inside the downtube. This method has become the preferred way for protecting this component as it offers maximum protection against the elements and theft.

Specialized pulled no punches in throwing a 320Wh battery with an optional range extender that will push this unearthly animal's range to 120 friggin miles (193 km)! The most we’ve seen so far and exactly the distance between San Diego and L.A. if you take the I-5.

If you do happen to run out of battery power as you’re riding around town, don’t worry, you’ll still make it home thanks to the ever-present Shimano 10-speed gear set. The derailer, cassette, and shift levers, are also Shimano.

The motor is a Specialized SL 1.1 Lightweight motor with a peak of 240W and 35Nm of torque. It offers 180% pedal assist and can run up to 28 mph (45kph) in doing so. Anything beyond that you can thank your legs for. Were you able to spot the motor? If not, it’s hidden at the bottom of the bike. That black bit from which your cranks stick out. We’ve seen this before on the Bosch bike design.

To control the motor, a Specialized TCU remote is set into the top tube of the frame for easy access and control. Ready with a 10-LED state of charge and 3-LED ride mode display with Bluetooth capabilities to record and display data on your device.

If you happen to fear going too fast or anything unexpected happens, not to worry, braking is supplied by Tektro HD-R290 160mm hydraulic discs on both the front and back of the bike.

As far as the frame and fork go, they’re composed of lightweight and durable E5 aluminum. But unlike other models from the Vado line, this one allows for a rear rack and Drytech fenders to be mounted, making it suitable for longer distances. A few holes here and there, and the EQ offers a clean-cut look due to internal wiring. This is the same technique used in giving the Platzhirsch her own clean design.

Aside from any other trinkets or accessories that can be added or removed at will, the only question that remains is whether or not this bike comes with their famous lifetime warranty. Because if it does...enjoy the ride.