Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO test: The US manufacturer Specialized uses the “Turbo” rating to indicate bikes with e-support. And they also want to do justice to the slogan "It's you, only faster!" with all their bikes, but especially with sporty e-bike models. As one of the very first gravel bikes with e-support, the Specialized Turbo Creo has made a name for itself in the scene.
The Specialized Creo was introduced in 2019 as a hybrid platform and could be configured for either gravel use or the road. The core element of all Creo models is (still) a drive specially developed in Switzerland, which is intended to support the natural driving experience and is still powerful enough to master even heavier challenges without problems. Over the years, new models and equipment variants have been added to the Creo family. This also applies to our Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO test bike, which turns the proven platform into a sporty e-gravel bike with off-road features such as a dropper post, gravel tires and specific handlebars.
Specialized Creo with its own turbo drive
The recipe for success of the in-house Specialized drive is said to lie in the combination of Californian design and Swiss engineering. At first glance, a notable disadvantage is immediately apparent, at least from the point of view of the end user, because the battery cannot be removed. All maintenance must be carried out by a specialist dealer.
With up to 240 watts of support and 320 Wh of internal battery power, which can be increased by a further 160 Wh with a range extender, the in-house Turbo SL 1.1 motor delivers constant power and harmonious support that is primarily tailored to the cadence of sporty riders . However, if the engine is decoupled above 25 km/h, the system does not offer any resistance and can be driven relatively smoothly. We especially like the decoupling because you can't really feel a cut. So it happens that on flatter sections you can read 30 km/h on the speedometer without even noticing it. The Creo also has a lot to offer uphill and, at 13,4 kilos, provides a lot of power, so that you can conquer even the steepest climb in the best possible way.
The same motto applies on the descents and you don't have to be afraid of more turbulent sections or trails. On the contrary, the Specialized Creo also has a few features in its luggage that not only make the ride more comfortable but also more fun. The FutureShock 2.0 system, which acts like a kind of suspension fork and offers 20mm of travel at the front, ensures more control and comfort. However, to ensure that the energy is only absorbed on descents and does not dissipate while driving, the FutureShock system can also be made rigid while driving in order to benefit from the sporty properties of the carbon frame. The Creo Expert SL Evo also has a seat post that can be lowered at the push of a button, which means even more trail fun and better handling.
The high-quality e-gravel bike is rounded off by an equally attractive equipment with Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset, as well as Roval Terra carbon wheels and Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires, which all in all ensures a very weight-reduced and sporty basic setup without sacrificing the necessary robustness.
