Specialized rolls out its next-gen Turbo e-bike collection with the Vado, Como, and Tero models.
Not that long ago, e-bikes seemed like a gimmick, a passing fad that functioned like a heavy sit-down motorized scooter. A couple of years of R&D and quarantine, and suddenly, e-bikes are … cool? Sexy, even.
That’s certainly the case with Specialized’s new line of turbo-powered e-bikes. Launched and available worldwide beginning Sept. 21, Specialized offers three models: Como, Vado, and Tero. Each Specialized Turbo model boasts power, clever tech, and seamless integration.
“These new Full Power Turbo electric bikes are the smoothest, quietest, most powerful, and most secure ride from Specialized, perfectly suited for everyday commutes, workouts, and adventures,” the brand said in a press release.
Specialized Turbo E-Bikes
The company eyed three types of riders in designing its next-gen models.
The Como is its laid-back, step-through city bike built for cycling and e-cycling newbies or everyday runabouts.
Specialized couches the Vado as “the vehicle for everything from daily commutes to fast workouts to longer-than-planned adventures … designed to boldly take on the ever-changing landscape you’ll encounter as a daily rider, carry whatever you need it to, and keep you riding more often.”
Finally, the Tero is the brand’s all-terrain eMTB. “Tero’s strengths are the fusion of power, confidence, and versatility.
“Developed in concert together toward a single end goal, these attributes result in a strong, efficient, adaptable bike that is a joy to ride everywhere from city streets to backcountry trails,” Specialized said.
Turbo Power and Design
All three bike trims are available in standard (full power with 90-mile range) and SL (lighter, with a 62- to 80-mile range) and come complete with a 2.2 motor (90 Nm of torque) and a 710Wh battery for smooth, quiet operation regardless of speed.
Riders should expect top speeds between 20 mph (typical in class 1 offroaders like the Tero) and 28 mph (usual in class 3 commuters like the Como and Vado). More range will result from lower ride assist settings. Specialized claims that the Turbo e-bikes produce up to four times more power than the human output on the highest rider-assist setting.
It also states that the acceleration feels natural thanks to intelligent suspension damping. A custom testing mechanism analyzes bumps to increase comfort and vision.
The brand pairs that precision with an E5 aluminum frame, an integrated downtube battery, internal cable routing, locking dropout, a suspended seat post, higher-volume tires, and an 80mm suspension fork.
It adds DRYTECH fenders, a LED front and rear light set, a front rack mount with lock, and a 60-pound-capacity rear rack compatible with child bike seats. And the e-bikes are rated to pull a thru-axle trailer.
Ride Intelligence and Smart Controls
Where Specialized’s next-gen e-bikes stand out may very well be in their programming. The MasterMind onboard computer and Mission Control Bluetooth feature comprise the bike’s neural command center.
MasterMind Computer and Mission Control App
MasterMind dually integrates with the bike’s local systems and the Mission Control smartphone app. The MasterMind operating system is the conduit for cloud-based software updates, range-optimization tools, ride history, essential hardware and diagnostic stats, advanced tuning intel, and antitheft control. Users can even adjust the degree of ride assistance, all through a handlebar-mounted display and the app.
The app’s OTA software updates deliver improvements and new features on a rolling basis. “As we learn and continue to develop from a software standpoint, the bike gets better over time,” said brand leader Ian Kenny.
Antitheft Turbo System Lock
A Turbo System Lock and the Mission Control app make up the Turbo line’s antitheft feature set. The on-bike System Lock technology ties the bike’s tangible aspects to its intangible capabilities.
By tapping into System Lock via the Mission Control app, riders can place their bikes in a virtual Faraday cage, and they can do so from just about anywhere. The e-bike owner’s Mission Control account allows them to remote disable and re-enable the bike motor and computer, plus activate and deactivate the motion-detecting alarm.
Garmin Rear-Facing Radar
Garmin’s rad new rear-facing radar detection holds down the security fort and integrates with the handlebar display. Garmin indicated that the detector, which is primarily designed for automotive traffic but can detect other moving objects, picks up on moving objects from a distance up to 460 feet (140 m).
And, of course, what would Garmin be without a readout? The Radar routes visual, audio, and haptic notifications to the MasterMind computer. A glance down at the display can give the rider info about approaching vehicles’ proximities and speed.
Pricing, Availability
As of Sept. 21, the Como, Vado, and Tero e-bikes are available in a number of finishes through Specialized and its many partner dealers worldwide. Prices vary by model and range from $3,250 MSRP to $5,500 MSRP. Put some power in your ride over at Specialized.com.
