Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant (All Features Compared)
I have spent the last two weeks trying to choose between the Specialized Vado and Trek Allant. I researched each of their specs in order to choose an e-bike that would match my needs. Here’s a quick rundown of my observations from comparing a Specialized Vado to a Trek Allant.
As a general rule, Specialized Vado is a good choice for beginners for everyday urban commuting, as it offers a powerful system with a functional and smooth ride. Trek produces powerful, impressively fast, high-tech city and mountain e-bikes, making them more suitable for experienced cyclists.
On average, Specialized has been pioneering new technologies in the e-bike market since the 1990s, while Trek Allant recently became a more popular choice among riders. Trek Allant provides high-profile e-bikes for top-level cyclists, as well as novices and intermediate cyclists.
Apart from their looks and ratings, I had questions about the difference in specifications of Specialized Vado and Trek Allant e-bikes that would matter the most to me. With the help of my research, I have compiled detailed comparisons of all of the following specifications found in the chart below.
Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
| E-bike | Lifespan | Weight | Running Cost | Cost of Maintenance | Warranty | Top Speed | Range | Reliability | Battery | Cost |
| Specialized Vado | 5 to 6 years, with diligent maintenance | around 50 lbs | $0.14 USD/kWh | $50-$350 | Lifetime warranty or 2 years warranty | 28 mph | 80 miles | Reliable with proper maintenance | Specialized 500Wh-700Wh | $3,600 to $5,250 |
| Trek Allant | 4 to 5 years, or more with diligent maintenance | around 54 lbs | $0.14 USD/kWh | $100-$400 | 2 years warranty | 28 mph | 120 miles | Reliable with proper maintenance | Bosch 500Wh-625Wh | $3,749 to $6,349 |
The Lifespan of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
On average, both Specialized Vado and Trek Allant e-bikes have a 5-year average lifespan. Their batteries may run out after three to four years, after which a replacement would be necessary. Their batteries could last longer if properly maintained.
Specialized Vado is built with high-quality aluminum and steel, making it a long-lasting companion. On the other hand, Trek Allant uses a Bosch battery, and you can replace it through your local Bosch service center at the cost of $800 to $900.
Both Specialized Vado and Trek Allant electric bikes use a lithium battery, which loses its capacity over time, even when not in use. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the optimal temperature and charging strategies in mind to increase the lifespan of a lithium battery.
Battery experts have advised that e-bike batteries should be protected from extreme high and low temperatures. Lower temperatures can cause the battery to drain faster, while temperatures above 30°C can shorten the battery’s life.
The batteries should be stored in a cool place, ideally 0-68°F (0-20°C), without extreme exposure to sunlight. Regular discharging and charging above 80% should be avoided, especially before storing.
Check out our article about 17 e-bike storage ideas to learn more about safely storing your e-bike batteries.
“Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.”
-Eddy Merckx
Running Cost of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
As a general rule, it takes anywhere between 3 to 5 hours to charge a Specialized Vado, whereas a Trek Allant takes around 4.5 hours to charge fully. Specialized Vado costs about 10 cents per charge, and Trek Allant would cost 8 cents, which is slightly lower.
Specialized Vado comes with a 48V charger, whereas Trek Allant has a 36V charger. Like other electric bikes, these two e-bikes cost little to nothing to charge fully.
Since Trek Allant takes slightly less time to fully charge than Specialized Vado, the difference in their charging cost isn’t too significant, and there is no real difference in a real-world application.
Cost of Maintenance of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
As a whole, Specialized and Trek both offer repair and service packages for their e-bikes. A Specialized Vado can be repaired for $50-$350, while a Trek Allant’s servicing costs $100-$400. The condition of the electric bike has a major impact on the cost of maintenance.
If your e-bike is used with proper care, maintaining the Specialized Vado and the Trek Allant e-bikes won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For an electric bike in average condition, you can purchase the basic service packages of Specialized and Trek that don’t cost more than $200.
These batteries can last a long time if kept in ideal temperatures and are properly cared for. A battery replacement can cost around $500 to $900+.
Furthermore, Trek Allant has provided a guide for at-home maintenance of your electric bike. By properly maintaining your electric bike you can help avoid unnecessary repairs and replacements. In cleaning your electric bike, we recommend using the Muck-off Bike Wash, which can be found on Amazon.
Warranties of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
As a whole, Specialized Vado offers a lifetime warranty for registered electric bikes and a two years warranty for non-registered electric bikes. Trek Allant offers a two years warranty to all of its customers.
Specialized and Trek warranties could help you avoid costly repair and replacement charges. However, both companies do not cover the replacement of wear and tear and damage from accidents, abuse, corrosion, or improper maintenance.
Top Speed of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
On average, Specialized Vado and Trek Allant have the same pedal-assisted max speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). Specialized Vado uses a full-size motor that provides continuous power to high-speed riders. Both electric bikes are class-3 e-bikes that do not have a throttle.
The Specialized Vado is 40% lighter than an average electric bike, allowing cyclists to ride at a faster pace.
Although some riders have claimed a maximum speed of 20 mph on the Trek Allant, the brand promises a faster maximum speed. Overall, there isn’t much difference between the Specialized Vado and Trek Allant in terms of speed.
Range of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
Trek Allant can travel up to 120 miles, while Specialized Vado can travel up to 80 miles of distance. Trek Allant e-bike has an additional Bosch Range Boost Battery, which effectively increases its travel distance.
Trek Allant is the perfect e-bike for long-distance trekking or touring, thanks to the optional Bosch Range Boost Battery second battery pack. With Specialized Vado, you have an option to add a battery range extender.
However, even while doing so, the optional Range Extender can only increase the Specialized Vado’s travel distance by up to 40 miles, which still falls short of the Trek Allant’s max range of 120 miles.
Reliability of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
As a whole, Trek Allant outperforms Specialized Vado in reliability. That is because cyclists have reliability concerns about some parts of Specialized Vado, particularly the internal drive belt.
Trek Allant has quality parts that ensure a reliable and long-lasting lifespan. While Specialized places a high value on quality, some riders have found the motor and other components to be unreliable in some situations.
When it comes to electric bikes, problems in the motor are common in most manufacturers. However, Specialized offers a great warranty, which helps customers build trust in their brand and can help support you if a covered component needs replacing.
The Battery of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
On average, Specialized Vado uses a Specialized 500Wh battery, whereas Trek Allant uses a 500Wh Bosch battery. The batteries that Specialized and Trek Allant use are both well made. In addition, their batteries are removable with a key.
Specialized Vado and Trek Allant both have an optional battery extender to extend your potential range. However, Trek Allant offers a waterproof battery, making it safer for unexpected rainy days.
Removable batteries allow riders to charge the battery indoors or while mounted on the electric bike. Furthermore, both companies’ batteries have similar charging times and travel distances.
Cost of Specialized Vado Vs. Trek Allant
As a general rule, Specialized Vado is generally more expensive than Trek Allant. Specialized Vado Costs around $5,000, whereas Trek Allant costs $4,500. As a result, Trek Allant is generally thought to be a more cost-effective option.
Specialized Vado and Trek Allant are high-end electric bikes that come with innovative technology, making each of them worth the money. Specialized offers an impressive warranty, an E5 Aluminum frameset, and a magnesium motor mount for a good price.
Trek Allant, on the other hand, allows customers to have access to a wide range of services, such as excellent customer service which is able to resolve issues quickly. Their e-bikes are produced in smaller volumes and outperform comparable e-bikes in terms of durability and their top-notch features, which in most situations justifies the price.
Pros and Cons of Specialized Vado
| Pros | Cons |
| Lighter than Trek Allant, as well as most e-bikes | Increased risk of theft |
| The hydraulic brakes are easier to maintain | Complaints of brake lever rattle |
| Impressive warranty | Expensive accessories. For example, the range extender battery costs around $500+ with an additional cable |
Pros and Cons of Trek Allant
| Pros | Cons |
| Sporty design with a comfortable riding experience | Available in only one color, glossy nautical navy |
| Easily removable integrated battery, which is safer to carry around | The battery casing adds an extra weight of 1.3lbs to the e-bike |
| Offers great value for money | Expensive and premium cost |
If you are planning to buy an electric bike within your budget and style, reading our article “Best Electric Bike Brands (Ranked by Budget Level & Style)” might help you choose the best e-bike for you.
