Velotric Summit 1 Vs Specialized Turbo Tero X Comparison

I hinted at this earlier, but at some point, the bike that costs more than twice as much as the other was bound to show off its advantages. Rather than stating the obvious, let’s focus on the value each bike brings to the table for the spec it has.

Velotric has managed to deliver a solid trekking bike at a $1,999 MSRP. Its powerful motor makes efficient use of the 710Wh battery (tested in torque-sensing mode, which helps), and it’s equipped with solid Kenda 27.5×2.6” MTB tires that provide good traction, stability, and respectable cornering on loose surfaces.

The 8-speed Shimano drivetrain performs reliably, offering suitable gearing for both fast-paced flats and easier uphill climbs. A slightly broader gear range would have been welcome for hitting Class 3 top speeds more comfortably, but with a quickened cadence, it gets the job done.

The bike features a coil suspension fork with 120mm of travel. The UD34 Boost fork isn’t a household name in the industry, and while it’s fine for lighter applications like trekking and smoothing out rough, cracked roads, it’s not designed for jumping or overly aggressive use in the dirt. The suspension leans on the firmer side but performs fine for its intended purpose.

The key touchpoints—grips, saddle, and pedals—are all nice, offering comfort and functionality.

The Summit’s commuting aspects may require some upgrades unless you just use a backpack. Velotric doesn’t include a rack or fenders, though these are available as optional accessories. You can also upgrade to a suspension seatpost for added comfort or attach bags for carrying supplies.

When considering its performance and price, the Velotric Summit 1 proves to be a capable hybrid e-bike with room for customization to suit your needs better.

The Turbo Tero X 5.0 we tested offers significant value if a $5,500 price tag fits your budget. Specialized also offers 4.0 and 6.0 models priced a thousand less and more, respectively.

The Tero X 5.0 we reviewed includes features that push its off-road capabilities further. Three standout elements are the air fork with 130mm of travel, the 120mm rear shock, and a dropper post with 150–200mm of travel, depending on frame size.

These components provide a smoother ride and make the bike more adaptable to the rigors of XC trails. The suspension delivers a supportive yet supple feel, while the dropper post enhances control and convenience, especially for tackling drops or technical descents.

These features aren’t just beneficial off-road—they add value on-road as well. While full suspension and dropper posts are overkill for most commuter bikes, the added comfort and the convenience of lowering the seatpost at stoplights are welcome ride enhancements.

The Ground Control tires deliver excellent traction and control on dirt, and the mixed-wheel setup combines the roll-over capability of the 29” front tire with the maneuverability of the 27.5” rear tire for navigating obstacles like rocks and roots.

The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain offers a wide 12-speed gear range, though I might have preferred a 36t chainring over the 38t it has for off-road use.

The touchpoints—grips and saddle—are solid, but the flat pedals are better suited to paved roads than off-roading. Pedals with more aggressive teeth for grip would be something I recommend.

Specialized equips the Tero X with everything you need for commuting, including fenders, a rack, and lights as standard. Optional add-ons like bags or hard-shell panniers make it easy to carry cargo on your rides.

Specialized gives you all you need for commuting, including the fenders, rack, and lights coming standard. You can add bags or hard-shell panniers, too, to take some cargo with you on the ride.