Specialized Turbo Creo 2: Allrounder with New SL 1.2 Drive System

As soon as a Specialized ebike needs to weigh as little as possible, the manufacturer turns to its Super Light drive system. Its latest version, the Specialized SL 1.2, was released in May 2023 and was installed on an e-mountainbike, the Specialized Turbo Levo SL. Now, for the first time, the drive can prove its qualities in an e-gravel bike.

Specialized Turbo Creo 2 e-gravel bike featuring SL 1.2 drive system

The predecessor SL 1.1 already connected several types of ebike. It bridged the gap between mountain bikes, gravel bikes and city and trekking bikes. The SL 1.2 now follows in exactly these footsteps on the Specialized Turbo Creo 2.

What is inside counts

Its motor seems to have been made for this e-gravel bike. At 1.9 kilograms, it weighs just as much as before. However, its performance potential has increased significantly. At its peak, it supports you with 320 watts. This is 33 per cent more than the previous value. However, this has no effect on speed. As usual, the motor shuts off as soon as you ride faster than 25 kilometres per hour.

Compared to the SL 1.1, this will still feel more energetic. This is because, in addition to the power, the torque has also increased with the revision. The 50 Newton metres of the mid-motor are not only far above the previous 35 Newton metres, but also put Specialized on a par with competitors such as the HPR50 from TQ.

Although the weight and dimensions have remained the same compared to its predecessor, the SL 1.2 has gained significantly in power and torque.

Starting from scratch

If you believe the statements of Jan Talavesek, Senior Director at Specialized responsible for the Turbo models among the ebikes, every component, no matter how small, was replaced when switching from the SL 1.1 to the SL 1.2. As a result, these are two completely different motors. You should be able to hear that too. The one that makes less noise must be the new one. Measurements by Specialized have shown 40 per cent quieter operation.

However, the manufacturer places even more emphasis on the increased efficiency of the power unit. This refers to the ratio between the mass of the drive and the resulting range. According to Specialized, they have worked intensively on the motor management to ensure that this is optimal. Accordingly, the SL 1.2 runs most efficiently in a range between 4,000 and 5,000 revolutions per minute. An internal reduction gear ensures that the motor runs constantly within this range in normal riding situations.

A large motor cover protects both the paintwork and the carbon fibre of the frame from impacts.

You will gain the most from this setting if you are travelling at a cadence of around 90 revolutions per minute, regardless of the profile of the route, the respective riding speed and the riding mode. This recommendation corresponds to the sporty approach that Specialized has pursued in the development of ebikes from the very beginning. And it is perfectly suited to riding an e-gravel bike like the Turbo Creo 2.

App and control unit are state-of-the-art

While the motor has changed fundamentally, the associated support levels have remained the same. As usual, you can choose between Eco, Sport and Turbo. If the factory settings are not to your liking, you can adjust them to your riding style using the Specialized app. Perhaps not many of you usually use such an option. In this case, it is definitely a good idea. In Turbo mode, the manufacturer limits the support to 80 per cent ex works. If you want to make it 100 per cent, you can take the diversions via the app.

The Specialized MasterMind TCU is the new control centre for the ebike system. The name really does say it all. The control unit integrated into the top tube shows you far more than just general information such as the remaining range. If you want, you can use it to query performance data such as your own pedalling power in watts and your heart rate in real time. On this basis, the ebike system even recommends an optimal cadence. Over-the-air updates are also possible. And thanks to the small buttons hidden on the handlebars, you don’t need to reach up to the top tube to do things like change the support level.

The SL 1.2 can be switched on and off via the Mastermind TCU control unit integrated in the top tube.

Familiar picture with the batteries

New motor. New control unit. Old batteries. That may sound a bit harsh. But the energy storage units are exactly the same as on the SL 1.1. The battery permanently integrated in the down tube has 320 watt hours. Despite the identical capacity, the range should still be increased. That’s right, the more efficient motor conserves battery power. In Eco mode, Specialized promises a range of 75 kilometres on slightly hilly terrain or 1,900 metres in altitude.

Some of you may also be familiar with the associated range extender. It contains 160 watt hours. With this extra, the range increases to 112 kilometres or 2,850 metres in altitude under identical conditions.

Flatter, lower, shorter

With so many electronic changes, you could almost forget about the frame. Yet it is also completely new. In terms of character, it should have moved a little further away from the road and gained in off-road capability. This at least is indicated by a slacker steering angle, a lower bottom bracket and a shorter stem. At the same time, the vertical distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the horizontally extended upper edge of the head tube has increased, i.e. the stack. This ensures a more upright riding position compared to its predecessor. This means that you offer the wind a larger surface to attack, but take pressure off your hands, neck and shoulders. This increased riding comfort should pay off on longer tours in particular.

Due to its rise and flare, the handlebars are consistently designed for gravel use.

Relaxed on the road

Especially as two further measures are aimed in the same direction. The first is the lower Q-factor. The distance between the pedal arms has been reduced by twelve millimetres from 181 millimetres to 169 millimetres. From riding reports on the older Specialized Turbo Creo, it can be deduced that these changes are likely to meet with great approval. The current value is much closer to that of a bike without an electric drive. For people who want to switch from a regular gravel bike to an ebike or even switch back and forth between the two types, this makes the switch noticeably easier.

The enormous tyre clearance of the new frame provides additional relief. Specialized delivers the model with 47 millimetre wide tyres. This configuration leaves plenty of space between the fork blades and in the rear triangle. You can go up to a maximum of 54 millimetres. This not only guarantees you plenty of traction, but also additional damping when the ground gets rougher. By the way, if you really do have plans for longer tours in mind, the Turbo Creo 2 makes it easy to take luggage with you. In addition to the bikepacking-inspired large saddle, frame and handlebar bags, you also have the option of classic rear carriers on the rear wheel and lowriders on the fork. The bike features the necessary mounts. You can even install fixed mudguards.

With the choice of tyres, the Creo Turbo 2 can be specifically geared towards on-road or off-road riding.

Directly adjustable suspension

For some years now, Specialized has been generating even more riding comfort on certain road and gravel bikes with its Future Shock suspension system integrated into the head tube. Specialized has also made technical improvements here. The suspension travel is still limited to 20 millimetres. However, the damper unit has been further developed. With the Future Shock 3.3, you can now change the compression damping via a dial while riding. There is a ratchet that extends or shortens the suspension travel. However, an actual lockout is not achieved.

The Future Shock 3.3 suspension system fitted to the two top models in the range can be easily adjusted by turning a wheel on the stem.

The cartridge embedded in the frame works with three springs of different degrees of hardness and up to five preload washers. Depending on your preferred terrain, riding style and body weight, you can select a suitable spring and decide how many preload washers you want to ride with.

Model series with a considerable range

Which version of the Future Shock is fitted to the Turbo Creo 2 depends on which model we are talking about. The range extends from the high-end S-Works version for 13,000 euros to the Expert model for 8,500 euros and the entry-level Comp model for 6,000 euros. On the latter, for example, you will find Future Shock 3.2, which has a standard top cap instead of a dial. The price differences between the bikes are primarily due to the quality of the wheelsets, gears and brakes. The shifting systems are all electronic. However, the entire range is covered – from components from the NX Eagle groupset to Red eTap components. In terms of weight, this doesn’t have as much of an impact as you might think. There are just three packets of pasta between the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2 and its 13 kilograms and the Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Comp and its 14.5 kilograms. Only in terms of weight, of course 😉.

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2

Specialized Turbo Creo 2 at a glance

• Variants: S-Works Turbo Creo 2, Turbo Creo 2 Expert, Turbo Creo 2 Comp
• Frame: FACT 11r carbon
• Fork: Future Shock 3.3, Future Shock 3.2
• Motor: Specialized SL 1.2
• Battery: Specialized SL1-320
• Display: Specialized MasterMind TCU
• Drivetrain: Sram XX1 Eagle AXS, Sram Rival eTap AXS, Sram X1 Eagle AXS
• Brakes: Sram Red eTap AXS, Sram Rival eTap AXS, Sram Apex eTap AXS
• Maximum permitted total weight: 125 kg
• Colours: Forest Green Speckle Over Carbon Dark Moss Green Fade Gloss Black Pearl Logos, Metallic Obsidian Obsidian, Black Pearl Birch Black Pearl Speckle, Harvest Gold Harvest Gold Tint, Deep Lake Metallic Deep Lake
• Price: from 6,000 euros

Pictures: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.