How Do Specialized e-Bikes Compare to Cannondale?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 27, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Two of the biggest names in cycling go head-to-head. But long story short, an electric bike from either Specialized or Cannondale is a big win.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
If your hunt for the perfect e-Bike has introduced you to the names Specialized and Cannondale, you’re on the right track. These long-standing American bike brands are consistently at the leading edge of two-wheeled innovation and have large fleets of standard and electric bikes— and that means options for every budget, too.
I’ll start with a claim. Specialized and Cannondale are more similar than they are different. That’s an arm-wavy blanket generalization, but maybe it helps to mellow expectations— don’t expect a firm answer to which brand every rider should go with, we know the world isn’t that black and white.
Instead, I’ll help you get to know each of these high-quality brands a bit better and present their top e-Bike models. Then, you can go off and explore those electric bikes and dive deep into the weeds of their looks and specs— that’s the fun part, anyway.
I’ll start with a claim. Specialized and Cannondale are more similar than they are different. That’s an arm-wavy blanket generalization, but maybe it helps to mellow expectations— don’t expect a firm answer to which brand every rider should go with, we know the world isn’t that black and white.
Instead, I’ll help you get to know each of these high-quality brands a bit better and present their top e-Bike models. Then, you can go off and explore those electric bikes and dive deep into the weeds of their looks and specs— that’s the fun part, anyway.
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Brand overviews
Cannondale
As the story goes, Cannondale got its start not through manufacturing bikes but rather by producing the world’s first bicycle-towed trailer, the Bugger. That was back in 1971 and founders Joe Montgomery and Murdock MacGregor continued to focus on bike accessories and apparel, eventually expanding to complete bikes.
Cannondale gained major traction by being the first brand to mass-produce aluminum frames and worked on innovative frame shapes and designs. The brand has sponsored Tour de France teams (and continues to do so) and makes bikes for all disciplines, including excellent e-Bikes. The brand focuses on developing new technologies and has some spunky proprietary features like the Lefty suspension fork.
Cannondale gained major traction by being the first brand to mass-produce aluminum frames and worked on innovative frame shapes and designs. The brand has sponsored Tour de France teams (and continues to do so) and makes bikes for all disciplines, including excellent e-Bikes. The brand focuses on developing new technologies and has some spunky proprietary features like the Lefty suspension fork.
Specialized
There are countless bike brands headquartered in California, but Specialized was the O.G. Founded in 1974, Specialized focused on mountain bikes and fueled the MTB revolution with its legendary Stuntjumper model and subsequent off-road machines.
Specialized bikes are known for their advanced and balanced geometry, and the “S-Works” range of high-performance models is a favorite among professional riders. Specialized sponsors tons of pro teams across virtually every discipline out there, but they also produce budget-friendly models for everyday use.
Specialized bikes are known for their advanced and balanced geometry, and the “S-Works” range of high-performance models is a favorite among professional riders. Specialized sponsors tons of pro teams across virtually every discipline out there, but they also produce budget-friendly models for everyday use.
Specialized & Cannondale e-Bike models
SPECIALIZED
Hardtail eMTB
Turbo Tero
Commuter
Turbo Vado
Hybrid cruiser
Turbo Como
Cargo
Globe Haul
Trail eMTB
Turbo Levo
Road e-Bike
Turbo Creo
Enduro eMTB
Turbo Kenevo
CANNONDALE
Gravel e-Bike
Topstone
Commuter
Tesoro
Comfort hybrid
Treadwell
Utility e-Bike
Compact Neo
Enduro eMTB
Moterra
Motors and pedal-assist
Both brands use high-quality electric motors to power their e-Bikes. Specialized manufactures its own motors for all of its e-Bikes, while Cannondale picks and chooses among various motor designs and brands, depending on the model. Simply put, Specialized uses custom-built motors, and Cannondale incorporates premium off-the-shelf motors from Bosch, Hyena, and more.
You’d have to compare specific motor specs to really carve out differences between any two models. The brands typically stick to mid-drive motors, but several models have rear hub motors. Additionally, most e-Bikes are Class 1, but some can be unlocked to Class 3 speeds, including the Specialized Turbo Vado and Cannondale Tesoro Neo X adventure e-Bike.
You’d have to compare specific motor specs to really carve out differences between any two models. The brands typically stick to mid-drive motors, but several models have rear hub motors. Additionally, most e-Bikes are Class 1, but some can be unlocked to Class 3 speeds, including the Specialized Turbo Vado and Cannondale Tesoro Neo X adventure e-Bike.
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Design and technology
There’s a lot of special tech and advanced designs built into every Cannondale and Specialized e-Bike. These are long-standing brands that invest a ton into custom R&D— I won’t name names, but many new brands these days simply copy frames or have other companies make their parts. Some Cannondale highlights include the Lefty fork suspension technology, though I don’t think that tech has made it onto a Cannondale electric mountain bike just yet.
Specialized is known for the Body Geometry fit system that delivers a well-balanced and comfortable ride. And its bikes are ultra-popular among the pro ranks, so you know they are loaded with the latest and fastest components. I can’t claim which brand is better in terms of design and tech; you’ll just have to compare individual models and see how they fit your preferences and needs.
Specialized is known for the Body Geometry fit system that delivers a well-balanced and comfortable ride. And its bikes are ultra-popular among the pro ranks, so you know they are loaded with the latest and fastest components. I can’t claim which brand is better in terms of design and tech; you’ll just have to compare individual models and see how they fit your preferences and needs.
Price and value
Cannondale and Specialized aren’t low-budget brands— their quality electric bikes are a significant investment and cost more than entry-level brands like Aventon or Rad Power Bikes. But that higher price comes with serious gains concerning reliability, performance, and durability when riding hard. That said, each brand offers e-Bikes in a few different setups to match your budget, typically indicated by the number at the end of the model name. Read my recent comparison of Specialized vs. Aventon for more brand recs.
What's the best deal on a high-end electric bike? Purchasing a used electric bike on Upway lets you enjoy your dream Specialized or Cannondale model at a deep discount, meaning more room in your wallet for accessories, energy gels, and post-ride drinks.
What's the best deal on a high-end electric bike? Purchasing a used electric bike on Upway lets you enjoy your dream Specialized or Cannondale model at a deep discount, meaning more room in your wallet for accessories, energy gels, and post-ride drinks.
Browse Upway’s selection of Specialized e-Bikes:
Key Takeaways
Versatile Models: Both brands offer diverse options, from Cannondale’s adventure-ready Moterra to Specialized’s city-friendly Turbo Vado SL.
Premium Value: These e-bikes are an investment, delivering advanced features, durability, and long-term reliability.
