Overview: Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert

The Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert is a high-end electric road bike designed for forward, aggressive riding. It falls under the Speed Pedelec class (Class 3) of electric bikes, which means it can assist riders up to speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h). The bike comes with a carbon fiber frame, fork and seat post, making it lightweight yet sturdy. The body position is also designed to be forward, which allows for better aerodynamics and efficiency. As for suggested use, the Turbo Creo SL Expert is ideal for road cycling enthusiasts who want to cover long distances quickly and comfortably. It features a range of up to 80 miles (130 km) on a single charge, thanks to its 320Wh internal battery and an additional 160Wh range extender battery. Priced at $9,000, the Turbo Creo SL Expert is a high-end electric road bike, but it is also backed by a 2-year comprehensive warranty, as well as a lifetime warranty for its frame and fork. The bike was released in 2020 and is currently available in Canada, Europe, and the United States.

• The Specialized Creo SL is a super-lightweight ~29lb full carbon electric road ebike.
• Class 3 speed-pedelec performance offers 28mph (45km/h) assisted speeds.
• Proprietary Future Shock 2.0 steer tube suspension adds comfort while minimizing weight and maximizing rolling efficiency.
• Available in six frame sizes, sold through a vast network of dealers with professional fitting systems, solid two-year comprehensive warranty.
• The frame offers provisions for two bottle cages, fenders, and a rear rack.
• Boost hub spacing provides sturdier spoke bracing angle, 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at speed.
• Both wheels offer quick release systems for easy transport and ride maintenance.
• Powerful fast-cooling hydraulic disc brakes utilize 160mm Shimano ICE-Tech rotors that dissipate heat from stainless steel rotors through air-directing aluminum alloy cores and mount arm.
• The internal battery offers modest capacity but weighs under 4lbs and provides impressive range.
• Additional Range Extender bottle-shaped batteries are easy to use, quiet, and beautiful. Range Extender 160wh battery pack costs extra.
• The new Specialized SL (Super Light) 1.1 motor system is compact and lightweight, providing good torque and satisfying power, functioning as a Class 3 motor supporting top speeds of 28mph capably. It fades out smoothly and does not introduce drag if the bike is pedaled in zero mode or above 28mph (45km/h).
• The main battery can be removed with help from a local shop, reducing the bike's weight to 24.8lbs and allowing it to be shipped on airplanes. The bike can then run solely off of a range-extender when you arrive at your destination.
• The Creo SL Expert and Expert EVO both come in six frame sizes, with the EVO setup being a gravel grinder with flared handlebars, wider treaded tires, and a seat post dropper creating a weight difference of roughly 1.9lbs.
• The Creo SL Expert models feature Shimano Di2 electronic shifting, quick, precise, and reliable, with no cable stretch as with mechanical shifters, requiring less maintenance. It does not offer multi-shift, so there’s more single clicks, but it requires less hand effort.
• The bike is fairly expensive in general and only available in one color.
• Since the primary battery is not easily removable, the bike may need to be stored inside, away from extreme heat or cold, and near a charging port.
• No charging ports are available for aftermarket lights or the Mission Control smartphone app.

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Pros:

• The bike has provisions for bottle cages, fenders, and rear rack mounting points.
• The design is stealthy, with a compact motor casing and internalized battery.
• Ant+ wireless connectivity for heart rate monitoring and pedal cadence tracking.
• Excellent weight distribution, low and centered on the frame.
• Smooth and fluid motor activation.
• Shimano Di2 shifting is quick and precise.
• No reduction gearing or drag when riding without assist.
• Tight tolerance on battery pack alignment and mounting systems.
• Wider Boost hub spacing and thicker thru-axles provide strength and stability at high speeds.
• Long rubber slap guard protects the frame from chain strikes.
• Narrow-wide tooth pattern on the chainring reduces drops and provides maximum power transfer.
• Shimano Deore XT Di2 derailleur offers a one-way clutch to reduce chain bounce.
• Carbon fiber seat post provides comfort and lowers weight.
• Vast network of dealers and excellent warranty.
• Choice of which battery to draw down first when using the Range Extender pack.

Cons:

• The deep-dish carbon fiber wheels can be influenced by crosswinds more easily.
• Only one color choice for the Expert and Expert EVO models.
• Need to purchase a left-entry bottle holder for the Range Extender battery pack.
• The Range Extender battery pack does not come with the required cable to connect to the bike's charging port.

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Specifications: Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert

MAKE	Specialized
MODEL	Turbo Creo SL Expert
PRICE	$9,000
BODY POSITION	Forward, Forward Aggressive
SUGGESTED USE	Road
ELECTRIC BIKE CLASS	Speed Pedelec (Class 3)
WARRANTY	2 Year Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame and Fork
AVAILABILITY	Canada, Europe, United States
MODEL YEAR	2020
MOTOR BRAND	Specialized SL 1.1 (MAHLE GmbH German Manufacturer)
MOTOR TYPE	Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
MOTOR NOMINAL OUTPUT	240 watts
MOTOR PEAK OUTPUT	240 watts
MOTOR TORQUE	35 Newton meters
BATTERY BRAND	Panasonic, LG, or Samsung, 5,000 mAh 2,170 Cells
BATTERY VOLTAGE	48 volts
BATTERY AMP HOURS	6.9 ah
BATTERY WATT HOURS	331.2 wh
BATTERY CHEMISTRY	Lithium-ion
CHARGE TIME	2.5 hours (7 Hours with Optional Travel Charger)
ESTIMATED MIN RANGE	35 miles (56 km)
ESTIMATED MAX RANGE	75 miles (121 km)
DISPLAY TYPE	Turbo Connect Unit (TCU), Rubberized LED Console on Top Tube (Blue and Green LEDs), Buttons: Power, S Button (Hold S for No Assist)
READOUTS	Battery Charge Level (10 Bars Total, 5 Bars for Range Extender Battery), Assist Level (0-3)
DISPLAY ACCESSORIES	Shimano Di1 Charging Port on Right Side Bar End, Mission Control App (Bluetooth, iOS and Android, Can Turn Off LEDs), ANT+ Wireless (For Heart Rate Monitors)
DRIVE MODE	Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque over 1,000 Times per Second, Offers 180% Peak Multiplication Force of Rider Input)
TOP SPEED	28 mph (45 kph)
TOTAL WEIGHT	28.8 lbs (13.06 kg)
BATTERY WEIGHT	3.96 lbs (1.79 kg)
MOTOR WEIGHT	4.29 lbs (1.94 kg)
FRAME MATERIAL	Specialized FACT 11r Carbon Fiber
FRAME SIZES	16.33 in (41.47 cm), 17.61 in (44.72 cm), 18.79 in (47.72 cm), 19.78 in (50.24 cm), 20.76 in (52.73 cm), 21.94 in (55.72 cm)
GEOMETRY MEASUREMENTS	Medium 477.5mm Measurements: 18.75" Seat Tube Length, 21" Reach, 28.5" Stand Over, 32" Minimum Saddle Height, 18" Width, 67" Length