Marin Hawk Hill vs Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0

Despite being relatively low-end, it uses an air-spring suspension instead of a coil spring or no suspension at all. The air suspension can be more precisely adjusted and while it may feel stiffer and with less play compared to more expensive systems, it’s a very noticeable leap from cheap coil suspensions.

Braking is handled by Shimano Deore brakes with 180/160mm center lock rotors. These don’t have the same bite as more expensive models, but the longer levers provide good leverage and precision. Although these won’t totally compete with high-end trail bike equipment, only professional-level riders will have to worry about the difference since it’s good enough for most situations.

The 10-speed gears are shifted by a Shimano Deore Shadow Plus derailleur that are known for their sturdiness and precision. Combined with an 11-42t Sunrace cassette, it also brings the costs down without sacrificing performance.

This bike comes in five different frame sizes, but the gear stays the same. With this approach you only need to choose the correct size and don’t have to worry about the equipment differences. Most mountain bikes are available in multiple models that use the same frame with different build kits to create a range. This can be confusing especially when you try to figure out why some bikes are more expensive than others though they look the same.

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.