Gocycle G3 vs Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0

The maximum range of the Gocycle G3 is rated at 50 miles (80 kilometers), which is extremely high for a compact and foldable electric bike. Compared to the Gocycle G2, that's a battery life improvement of 25%.

The Gocycle G3 is very comfortable to ride with thanks to a highly adjustable seat and good weight distribution of the bike. Compared to the Gocycle G2, the new revision features ergonomically designed grips and shifters, slimmer disk brakes and pedals with improved grip.

The third generation Gocycle has a total weight of 36 pounds (16,3 kilograms), which is only a tad heavier than the previous G2 model. Overall, weight is still very low compared to similar electric bikes.

The Gocycle G3 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 disassembled as the G2 is quite modular in its nature.

The framework of the Gocycle G3 is entirely made out of magnesium which is a light, yet solid building material. Compared to the Gocycle G2, the new revision features ergonomically designed grips and shifters, slimmer disk brakes and pedals with improved grip.

The GoCycle G3 can connect to your smartphone via a Bluetooth connection and allows improved customization of the 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 G3, the app allows the user to remotely lock the bike if someone else tries to pair with it.

According to Gocycle, the app will be updated to better fit the new G3 bike with additional factors and statistics such as the amount of calories burnt, distance traveled, assisted speed settings and weather reports.

The Gocycle G3 features an integrated and bright daytime running light, for added visibility on the streets.

The official maximum speed of the Gocycle G3 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 G3 is faster than the majority of all electrical bicycles.

Assembling the Gocycle G3 is straightforward and only takes up a couple of minutes, as seen in this instruction video.

Battery life, gear settings and speed can be read off the compact edge-to-edge LED-display on the steer of the Gocycle.

Bike maintenance is almost non-existent with the G3. 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.

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.