The 320-watt motor delivers enough power and speed to make light work of most terrains and trips.
I was particularly impressed by the super lightweight carbon frame, which made handling and transporting an absolute breeze.
That includes the design, performance, and battery life.
Few e-bikes deliver this premium level of quality, but with great results comes a pretty hefty price tag.
The Vado SL2 Carbon is available in either black or red paint finishes.
Compared to the previous iteration of this e-bike, Specialized has opted for a much smoother and streamlined aesthetic.
I know Im not alone in thinking this but they have absolutely nailed it.
It shouts premium from every single angle.
The frame and other components are made of carbon, which results in one seriously light e-bike.
Now Im no weightlifter, but I had no problems lifting the whole thing with just one hand.
At 17.9kg / 39.7 lbs youll be hard-pressed to find a lighter e-bike of the same size.
The weight and ergonomic positioning of the seat and handlebars make for an effortless telepathic handling experience.
With some e-bikes, it feels like youre shifting a truck around but not so with the Vado SL2.
Turning round corners and making quick adjustments is as easy as it could be.
Overall, the e-bike delivers a surprising level of balance considering it has a heavy battery built into it.
These include a rear rack with lights, cage mounts, fenders, and a kickstand.
Specialized Vado SL2: Performance
The Specialized Vado SL2 Carbon is a powerhouse of performance.
Not so with the Vado SL2 Carbon.
Formidable power and high torque are delivered from Specializeds bespoke SL 1.2 motor.
I was particularly impressed with both the responsiveness and smooth power delivery that this bike provides.
As is the case with most e-bikes the SL2 struggled to provide the power required for steeper hills.
Rather, handling was beautifully telepathic thanks to the ergonomic layout of the handlebars and seat.
This was particularly noticeable when traveling over pothole-laden roads around where I live.
I was also sure to test the e-bike at night to see how the lights performed.
Both front and rear lights are powered by the battery but only the rear is integrated into the frame.
I therefore found myself requiring a secondary front light to do this for me.
Overall, the Vado SL2 Carbon is one of the highest-performing e-bikes Ive ever had the pleasure of riding.
Its powerful, smooth, and delivers fantastic handling.
The extender does have the benefit of being super portable, though.
This is far from ideal for me and I much prefer batteries that I can take indoors overnight.
A perfect e-bike solution for commuters.
The magnetic torque sensor and carbon belt drive deliver smooth and seamless performance.Read our full reviewhere.
It didnt take long, thanks to the way it was packaged and mostly pre-setup.
This included my daily 7-mile commute through the country, along heavily congested roads, and through city streets.
