Why buy an e-bike?: is it worth the money? A review of the Specialized Tero 4.0 EQ.

A comprehensive look at my decision to replace my carbon fibre hard-tail with a heavy and fully equipped electric bike - the Specialized Tero 4.0 EQ. I will take you through the process I went through to come to the decision to part with 4.5k, why I went for Specialized, what you can expect from riding an e-bike, including the good points and the bad, as well as a direct comparison in uphill performance with a fast hard-tail.

[@user-eg3hx5gl7l]

To taken the Tero for its first ride and I wasn't disappointed. What a machine and look forward to hitting the trails in my area with some monster climbs

[@zbigniewbohdanowicz8897]

I really like this bike, it makes me want to explore more and more. So well made and comfortable

[@k.whiking4372]

Thank you this is just the sort of information that I've been looking for.

[@wakajawaka44]

A very good in depth honest review. Thank you for uploading!

[@TimFurlong]

Thanks!

[@LesJames57]

great video and report. I have just bought the Vado 5.0 EQ.

[@joshuaanglesey2689]

Really fun review with great shots of different terrain. I enjoyed how you showed the advantages and realistic problems that can be confronted.

[@TimFurlong]

I'm glad you found it useful. I hope to follow up soon.

[@LatirDownesThomas]

What a well put together, informative, comprehensive and entertaining piece! Thank you for doing this. Interested in the Turbo Vado, for a somewhat different use case but this was still so helpful in assisting me with my decision to pull the trigger. BTW, your explanation of the Mastermind pedal pace feature and it's utility is literally the only one I've come across that actually makes sense, including anything from Specialized themselves.

[@TimFurlong]

Hi, I really appreciate that comment, it means a great deal - thanks! I hope you enjoy the choice you make.

[@MichaelVoss-dh5dj]

Great video.. looking forward to get mine😊

[@user-eg3hx5gl7l]

Watched this video this morning and so looking forward to picking up this very bike this afternoon. Great indepth review on this Rig

[@TimFurlong]

Great stuff! I should start taking commission. Hope you have fun.

[@km4089]

What a great honest review, thanks. Im thinking of getting a ebike as i live in a hilly area, so they'd be useful and fun too.

[@badabing8884]

I’ve had my Gazelle U380 HMB for a year now. So this is very interesting video as it is similarly priced and specked, although I went with an enviolo hub CVT with carbon belt drive. It uses the Bosch smart system which was important for me as it came with the Connect system for security and flow app. Having a motor assists with pedalling and just makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

[@shane4176]

Great detailed review!

[@richardstenzi]

Great video, Thank's!

[@davewilkins9981]

Great review thanks !

[@TimFurlong]

Thanks for watching!

[@javedjasim]

Great video!

[@jeremyrimmer9247]

Great video Tim. Very informative. It confirms my decision to drop the cash on a 2023 Specialized Turbo Vado 5, which appears to be your bike, but with a different name. I’ve been enjoying the bike immensely so far. I’ve found that all of the points about e-bike ownership in your video are spot on. We are very spoiled with many beautiful places to ride and explore here on British Columbia’s southern Vancouver Island, however the area where you live and did your filming looks amazing and very inviting for any cycling enthusiast. Thanks for posting and sharing you experience!

[@TimFurlong]

Another one from Vancouver Island! I am so very jealous of your homeland. I once flew over in a tiny sea-plane, in fact I think I have it on video....wait....here it is...kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoWTeJuOlpyBbbcsi=64UjjIUNptEu6xqB

[@BLUESKY-zt1nv]

Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH i am looking at but i also have an old car ..a fiat 500 and i cannot afford both ..i am retired now ..i mainly use the car for local trips to the grocery shop and to take my westie dog for coastal / beach walks ..i dont know what to do ..cars are a big expense and the older they get ,the more you spend , but how would i be able to take a dog on a bike ..? i have never had an electric bike before

[@TimFurlong]

@@BLUESKY-zt1nv you could put the dog in a trailer, but you need to consider when you might need a car, visiting family, hospital trips and trips to the supermarket. You could survive with the bike, but it can't replace a larger, warmer space offered by a small, low carbon car. Electric or hybrid might be the way to go. Ebike for the summer months (I'm assuming you have cold seasons where you are from)

[@joekalipso]

This video was much more enjoyable than the other that you mentioned partway through. Thank you for the in depth look, very well done. 👍

[@TimFurlong]

Thanks!

[@jimbo4203]

I have the Turbo Vado SL and love it, have put over 2500 mi on it and just did a video putting on new gravel tires

[@thesmithsmaf]

Bom dia Tim! What a wonderful film, I enjoyed watching this immensely and it was just the review I was looking for. I moved to northern Portugal last week from Brighton and was thinking of buying this very bike. Your video is the final piece in the jigsaw - now to try out some fledgling POrtuguese with the "local" Specialized dealer some 30 miles away - I cannot thank you enough for putting the time and creativity into making this - safe riding Tim - Obrigado Maf

[@TimFurlong]

Thanks Maf! Sounds like you are starting a great new adventure and the Portuguese mountains will be a change to the South Downs. Let me know how you get on.

[@thesmithsmaf]

Morning Tim, thanks for your reply. I’ve sent messages to half a dozen Specialized stores in my region and some positive responses already. I wondered if it’s easy to take the back rack and large mudguards off, or is that not possible with the light embedded? Perhaps I should go for the non EQ version? I only plan to use the bike for Summer and sunny days here in Portugal. The hills are very steep so also wondered if the 4 would give me the “ help” I need…I’m 56 and pretty fit so think it’ll be okay. Any thoughts Tim 👍🏾

[@TimFurlong]

@@thesmithsmaf Hi, I am guessing taking them off is easy enough, as they do the non-EQ version but as soon as you take them off, would you ever put them back on? The question really is, how wet, muddy and dark is it going to get in those Portuguese mountains? I am guessing not much, and the extra weight loss, will be to your advantage too.

[@thesmithsmaf]

@@TimFurlong thanks again for taking the rime to reply and help. I have opted for a Turbo TeroX 4 which is on offer in Brighton for £2K , I guess its a older model that they are wanting to off load before newer models come in. Now I just need to figure out how to get it over to Portugal. Once again thanks for the tips and safe riding...Maf .ps. Yes I won't be riding it in the the wet so I'm agnostic about mudguards etc.

[@peterreece6547]

I find ebike is good against head winds, I live on the coast in West Cumbria and our prevailing winds off the Solway Firth can be quite strong. These are south westerlies and a lot of our hedge rows and trees have a permanent lean pointing to the north east. So my ebike which is a sit up and beg style gives this 75 year old a hand when out and about. It has the Bosch active line plus motor and shimano nexus 8 speed hub gears. It certainly makes my life easier. With a pair of panniers on I regularly do the supermarket run and it’s step through frame helps me a lot.

[@JCastroreale]

I'll

[@BLUESKY-zt1nv]

Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH i am looking at but i also have an old car ..a fiat 500 and i cannot afford both ..i am retired now ..i mainly use the car for local trips to the grocery shop and to take my westie dog for coastal / beach walks ..i dont know what to do ..cars are a big expense and the older they get ,the more you spend , but how would i be able to take a dog on a bike ..? i have never had an electric bike before ..i live in Cornwall uk

[@badabing8884]

Same here, I went with the step thru e-bike.

[@davidr1431]

Thanks for this video and for the pointer to the other review. This bike is on sale at the moment for £2,500 so, unless I change my mind by the end of this video (which I’ve watched several times), I’m buying it.

[@DazzleOnTv]

They are on sale everywhere, I also see Evans have them for £2295 Brand New.

[@davidr1431]

@@DazzleOnTv I bought one. Really really pleased with it.

[@StephenSmith-ge1qf]

Excellent review. I just bought a Vado 4.0 EQ. Where I live is a bit more hilly than Essex, (the Italian Alps, actually), so I'm really appreciating the assistance of the motor. The Vado's controls are far simpler, and there's no display. But you can set the power levels via the app, and set the ride. Though the settings don't take into account that your road may be climbing up 3000 feet. And yes, I need the range extender because, hills. The Vado only weighs 15 kg, though, which helps!

[@TimFurlong]

I'm very jealous of the location! I hope you only run out of power on your descent 😄

[@geebutteree4755]

Well thats made my mind up thanks 😊 🚴 Edit, picking it up this weekend 😊

[@TimFurlong]

Let me know how you get on!

[@rydellster]

Excellent review Tim! I have a Turbo Tero 3.0 and I love it. Have had it less than a year. I keep that one in Miami but am about to take it to Chile. In California I’ve had a Turbo Tero 3.0 for about 4 years. It’s still like new as I’ve always kept it inside. I do prefer the Tero but it wasn’t available back when I got the Turbo Vado. Now there’s a new Tero model out with additional suspension that I’d love to have but it’s a thousand dollars more than the “regular” Tero. I don’t have the step Thru on either of mine but wish I did.

[@TimFurlong]

Wow, two homes in two great states. Are you in Chile now? How was/is it?

[@rydellster]

@@TimFurlong I’m not going to Chile until mid October. I go every year and have for almost 50 years. I’ll stay probably 5 months. Boy it’s almost impossible to ship the battery by air to chile with FedEx or DHL. It’s possible but very complicated and very expensive. I may just buy another battery in Chile.

[@sanatandharma4435]

You Sir have done a great job in helping me understand the e bike market. I was so confused about which bike to get! Turbo this and turbo that, model 3, 4 and 5! Moustache, Giant, Trek! e+1 etc!! I went into a specialised store yesterday and sat on a teru 3, it fitted! Not sure if it's a 3, 4 or 5 but am going back today better informed thanks to you. I need the assist for where I live in N. Spain because I live up a 4km hill...I think the 50Nm should be enough!.....

[@TimFurlong]

Hi, I am really pleased it helped you make the right decision. Do let me know how you are getting on climbing that big hill in Northern Spain!

[@cadriver2570]

I ride my e-bike more consistently, and longer distance. As a commuter vehicle there is no contest. Bean powered bike means I drive my car more often. Only downside is the motors can be annoying to listen to.

[@vbnxt]

great video! love the range callout - 94km! that's amazing. do you feel like it tests your fitness too? wondering if the assist negates any exercise benefits? One of goals is to do longer rides, but also worried if i run out of range is it too heavy to ride without battery support?

[@TimFurlong]

Instead of a 20 mile off-road ride, you can do a 40 mile ride - so still keeps you fit, though I still feel it doesn't give you the extreme workout a conventional MTB would. As can be seen on the video, cycling uphill a mile and a half with no power was tough and I could not do that twice over without a rest - the bike is very heavy.

[@ponymoore6140]

Great video! I have to say, I wouldn't bother with the so called "fenders". I have never used any type of mudguards on my mountain bikes .

[@TimFurlong]

Me neither - but when commuting on those muddy trails, they are a must - or I turn up at the office looking rather dirty :)

[@fredderf6208]

Thanks for the review! There aren’t many good ones. Re bumpy ride: let some air out, makes a huge difference? When I’m on bumpy trails with 3” tires I run 10lbs max.

[@TimFurlong]

Goodness me, that's low! Not a bad idea though, problem is, I ride tarmac to/from get to the trails.

[@neilsternthal6907]

Have you tried the Turbo Vado and if so how did it compare? I ask because most of my riding will be for commuting with gravel on the weekends.

[@TimFurlong]

Hi, I enquired about the Vado, but the shop pointed out it had no front suspension - I note they do now and spec looks similar, so could be worth it on a lower budget?

[@victorhodgson7824]

Hi Tim. Qny problem with servicing the motor as yet? As a Specialized unit, there are less up North than in the SE. Love the music by the way, but Shazam couldn't detect the right one. Any tips?

[@TimFurlong]

Hi, to be honest, I've not serviced it yet as my dealer is too far from me, so will take into my local shop soon. The motor is fine, but I have an issue with the control buttons that I need sorted (the one to go up and walk). I'll try and do a one year on video once I get it sorted. The music is all my own work, with the help of my little friend Abbi. I've linked to my KZbin in a comment further down, or search my channel for "Amazing Things".

[@patrick.771]

Very good review! My only question: how noisy is the motor? Can you hear it when driving in Eco on flat terrain? I don’t like the Bosch CX so I‘m looking for a more silent one 😊

[@TimFurlong]

Hello, that's a good question, however the noise from the motor is expected from any electric motor. You may get a minor difference in audio between different motors but in the general scheme, motor noise is way down on the list of important considerations. To try and answer your question, I'd need something to compare it to. I don't hear it on the road, when cars are passing, I would hear it in the woods if I focused on it. It's not something you would be bothered about, just as you don't listen to your car engine. I think you need to prioritise other factors first, like components, weight, gearing and warranty etc.

[@patrick.771]

@@TimFurlong thanks! I tested 3 bikes with Bosch CX motor and 2 with Yamaha and while I find the Bosch to be very annoying (sounds like a power drill in every mode and terrain), the Yamaha was much quieter and had the less annoying noise too. That’s why I‘m asking and why I won’t buy a bike with Bosch motor :) The Shimano EP801RS is also a very silent motor that has a very natural feeling when pedaling too. I have to test a specialized when I get an opportunity to do so. Motor noise is an important factor for many buyers, hear and read that all the time.

[@TimFurlong]

I'm going to guess that you'll like the specialized then, as it's never been an issue for me but would be if it sounded like a power drill!

[@adrianmaynard1431]

Hi, what did u use to find the dummy battery cover.?

[@ulster7717]

I went for the Como 4 belt drive. Love it. Only thing annoying is they have now discounted it by £800. How much is your model to buy now.

[@TimFurlong]

Hi, it looks like it's holding at around 4200 for the EQ. However, I note there is now a full suspension version out, the Tero X, that would sort out the bumping issues.

[@archstanton9703]

Great video! An ebike seems like it gives you enough assist to have fun and get some exercise. I have a Trek Stache, but i will sell it if to help offset an new ebike. Do you have any experience with the Tero 3.0? The 4.0 isn’t available here in the States, and the Tero 5.0 is above my budget. Cheers!

[@TimFurlong]

Hi Arch, thanks very much for the comment. It's odd the 4.0 isn't available, however all these numbers mean in reality is how much the motor will do for you and to be honest, I don't think you'll see any massive differences, especially with the speed limit. Obviously the 5.0 will get you there with less effort, but if you cannot save up for it, then the 3.0 should serve you well.

[@Matys1975]

You should look into the Ride1Up Prodigy XC. I have a Ride1Up LMT’D that cost $1.7k and my wife has a Trek Allant+ 8 for $4.5k, and the performance of both bikes is basically identical. The only thing that is better with the Trek is the paint finish quality, a fancy app, the fact I didn’t have to do some assembly my self and the dealer network. But all that costs $2.8k extra. I am pretty happy with my Ride1Up and I think the Prodigy model would give you the same performance as the top of the line Tero for less than 50% of the price.

[@archstanton9703]

@@Matys1975 I appreciate the suggestion. I am going to check out their website and that bicycle. Cheers!

[@BDX55]

Why does everyone want to dash around at 15+ mph particularly on touring and mountain bikes? Anyway, you are not limited to 15.5mph, you can go as fast as your legs will take you. The 15.5mph limit is just for the motor assistance, if you want to go fast you can, or get an unrestricted bike and register it, pay the road tax and insurance, and off you go.

[@archstanton9703]

@@BDX55 Just need a little extra help on the steep hills. 15mph is fast enough for me.

[@makki4064]

Great review, its so hard to find geniune reviews as KZbin is full of chansers who get bike for free and do reviews only for money. I think KZbin need to find how to give us an option to filter from commercial reviews vs genuene. Thank you

[@TimFurlong]

Totally agree and therefore the review is purely based on a few weeks riding.

[@fredderf6208]

So how’s the Tero doing? You still happy with it? Thanks for the initial review, very thorough.

[@fredderf6208]

Are you missing a higher gear?

[@TimFurlong]

@@fredderf6208 - well it's been too flippin' cold here in the UK for riding, but Spring is springing, so I hear the Tero calling from its cave - I'll let you know (and yes, another few gears would be useful).

[@lindd3509]

Thank you. this video is very helpful. Also the music who is it by?

[@TimFurlong]

Glad it was useful! You are the first to ask about the music, it's a little hobby of mine but I recruited the assistance of my little friend Abbi, who has an amazing singing voice.

[@lindd3509]

@@TimFurlong Can I download?buy the track? It's so good. Your video has convinced my husband to get the bike he's been pondering for a while . So thank you again.

[@TimFurlong]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3fEmWSbhb6fmdUsi=2T4zlo3e89ISrbbY

[@TonyN-uc2wc]

Ive just bought one and the battery wont release when i pull lever any tips to release before i send it back. Thanks

[@TimFurlong]

My only advice is to get it back to the dealer whilst its under warranty.

[@XIENTIFIKO]

You voice is a little bit somniferous, but my friend what a good video, the comments are right on point and it is good to see that you enjoy the bike!!! keep going!!!!

[@TimFurlong]

Ha! I'll take that as a compliment - not a big fan of the over-enthusiastic, shouty youtubers.

[@gorjnjch]

Your pedaling looks very intense in the video. Do you feel like you are pedaling more often compared to riding your 29" MTB? On my 29" MTB on a straight road, I stick to the reference pedaling speed of 90 rpm, but it's tiring to do it for a long time :) . This is probably individual, and according to the physical condition of the cyclist.

[@TimFurlong]

Hmmmm, I'm not sure where you've observed that but I do find the gearing reasonable. Of course, you could change that, if you so wish.

[@vilavg3657]

What’s the bike been like? Is it too heavy to ride if you run out of power?

[@TimFurlong]

I do need to do a one year on review, however, I've actually been out on it for 6 months. In answer to your question, yes, it'll be too heavy to cycle more than a couple of miles, especially uphill as you will have seen.

[@ChipZilla69]

The 15mph laws kill ebikes for me. I've got a Comp e5 2022. It's nice.

[@garethbarrow4694]

You can get it re programmed

[@2020mike1]

Thoughts about the turbo Vado sl? What disliked about Turbo Vado sl.. cheers

[@Mindsi]

Sur on!

[@TimFurlong]

@@2020mike1 Hi, I did enquire about the Vado and was quite sure until recently, it did not have the front suspension. It may now be a good low budget contender?

[@TimFurlong]

I do agree the 15.5MPH is way too low for the open roads, but having power is very useful for commuting but I do feel it's unneccesarry for the weekend riding - unless you are going up a mountain.

[@vbnxt]

does the display also show routes/GPS?

[@TimFurlong]

Nope - but the phone app will.

[@peteg9011]

This is now going for 2.5k and i can get on the cycle to work scheme. Should i go for it Sir?

[@TimFurlong]

2.5k sounds like a very reasonable price!

[@peteg9011]

@@TimFurlong Hi Tim can you ride it without electric function?

[@TimFurlong]

@@peteg9011 just

[@shocks123]

first rate, thanks

[@andrewhayes7055]

It's cheating end of! But each to their own.

[@TimFurlong]

Cheating suggests there is dishonesty in our choice to own and enjoy an ebike. Please explain.

[@move_i_got_this5659]

If you can only go 15mph then this bike is a big waste of money.

[@reddevil3453]

Depends what is important to you I suppose, easy to get a chip speed bypass fitted if you need

[@TimFurlong]

You will note in the video, I got it up to 40mph. If you are referring to the UK restriction, it's 15.5mph assisted.

[@masonfreeparty]

you can go faster if you peddle harder...cant see the problem

[@TimFurlong]

What is the "problem" you are referring to?

[@fernandoperea2766]

Cities car's average speed goes slower than that most of the times. Bicycles may be a great opportunity for many people that don't get aware of It.