Gocycle G2 vs Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0

The GoCycle G2 can connect to your smartphone and a companion app via a Bluetooth connection and allows improved customization of your bike and also monitors different aspects such as speed limits, power mode and battery life. You can also keep the bike itself up to date with the Connect app, as it's possible to update the bike's firmware through the application. In the case of a technical failure, the app is able to generate a maintenance log for future reference.

Another feature of the Connect app is the ability to upload custom maps: you can specify parts of that map where the Gocycle should provide motor assistance. In case of a stolen G2, the app allows the user to remotely lock the bike if someone else tries to pair with it.

The Gocycle G2 has a good weight distribution across the frame of the bike which results in a great handling of the device.

The Gocycle G2 features a sleek design with most elements such as the chain and battery integrated into the frame. Some parts such as the wheels can be dissembled as the G2 is quite modular in its nature.

The maximum range of the Gocycle G2 is measured at an impressive 40 miles (65 kilometers), an excellent result for a compact, foldable electric bike.

The remaining battery life of the Gocycle and the current speed can be read off the compact LED-display on the steer at all times.

Bike maintenance is almost non-existent with the G2. The chain is self-tensioning and built-in and doesn't require lubrication. The only thing that needs to be checked every once in a while is the tire pressure.

The framework of the Gocycle G2 is entirely made out of magnesium which is a light, yet solid building material.

The Gocycle G2 only weighs 35 pounds (16 kilograms) and is considered a light-weight electric bike. The weight distribution across the bike is also quite balanced for easier transport and better handling.

Assembling the Gocycle G2 is straightforward and only takes up a couple of minutes, as seen in this instructional video.

The official maximum speed of the Gocycle G2 is limited to 15.5 miles per hour (25 kilometers per hour), but this can be ramped up by using the official Gocycle companion app and setting a custom profile with speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h). When using this adjustment, the Gocycle G2 is faster than the majority of all electrical bicycles.

This e-bike has three different levels of assistance: Eco, Sport and Turbo. The Eco level only helps you to maintain speed, whilst Turbo will kick in almost immediately and will push you forward with great effort. The exact amount of assistance levels for each mode can be fine-tuned in the smartphone app so you can personalize the bike to your needs. The battery capacity should be enough for most everyday commuters, as it can go as far as 50 miles in Eco mode or 25 miles in Turbo mode.

You can download the Specialized E-Bike Mission Control app that offers a wide range of features and allows to customize your bike. You can check all the previous stats of your rides, the current status of the battery, plan routes accordingly to the battery level and diagnose potential problems with the bike. You can also fine tune the characteristics and response of the motor and change the behavior of each travel mode.

The bike is designed in a way that from a distance, it’s hard to tell that it has a battery and a motor. The battery is seamlessly integrated in the down tube while the motor sits hidden in the bottom bracket. It does have a built in headlight, a display mounted on the handlebar and a taillight that works as a brake light, but the rest looks like an ordinary bike so it’s less likely to attract thieves and will blend in the traffic with the rest of the bikes.