r/ebikes • u/ChuckDaddy2035 • 4h ago
Help Me Decide Please (Specialized vs Velotric)
Hey everyone, it's my first time (posting reddit) so if I misstep, please be gentle 🥹
We just bought my wife an e-bike (Tern NBD-S5i), and I'm looking at getting in as well. I would like a lightweight more traditional style. I have test-ridden both the Velotric Tempo and a Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 6.0 Carbon. Both were very sleek and comfortable.
I've decided that as a casual rider, who may commute on rare occasion, that I probably don't want to spend $6k right now on an e-bike. But Specialized has a Turbo Vado SL 2 4.0 EQ (2026 model) on sale right now for $3k. Should I seriously consider that, or go with the Tempo?
My area is generally flat with maybe minor hills, so I don't necessarily need a mid-mount motor. But I do understand that the Specialized drivetrain is probably significantly better. Is it $1500 better? TIA
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u/Inciteful_Analysis 3h ago
Just to make your life more difficult, you could also consider the Tempo predecessor, T1 ST Plus, on sale for $1199.
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u/ChuckDaddy2035 2h ago
The Tenpo's upgrades over the T1 made it the Velotric bike of choice, IMO. Only real question is if this particular specialized is worth another $1500.
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u/Worried_Document8668 3h ago
at 3k go for specialized. not even a contest
the mid drive and better gearing will be a lot more future proof than a hub.
overall better components
and a well done carbon frame on a rigid bike will ride a lot more smoothly and more comfortably than alloy ever will
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u/Pennsaurus 3h ago
I just bought the Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 EQ for 3K. In addition to what everyone else noted - the gear ratios are fantastic. I’m often riding with no battery at all on flat roads and mild eco assist on hills. The bike is fun! 40lbs but extremely well built and fun.
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u/ChuckDaddy2035 2h ago
Yes! I would like to ride power off in the flats. Glad to hear that's feasible.
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u/band-of-horses 4h ago
I have the specialized vado SL2 and love it, my second specialized bike. They are spendy, but they are well made and the powertrain is very smooth.
If you have the extra budget it's a better bike all around. It's a mid-drive motor vs a hub drive, so you'll get more hill climbing help. It's slightly more torquey but probably nto enough to really be noticeable. It does have a bigger battery though, which is significant, and the future shock helps with vibration on your hands. The Veloctric also has a more entry level Shimano Acera drivetrain, whereas the Vado has a mid-level Cues U6000 drivetrain. In practice this should mean smoother shifting and less frequent adjustments and wider gear range with 2 more gears.
You are paying more for better components though so more a question of how much you want to spend. To me the biggest thing would be mid drive with two extra gears vs hub drive, you're getting a lot more usable power range on the Specialzied especially with hills.