With its sporty orientation, you’d assume that Specialized actually has something in its range for every type of ebike on which you’d like to take a sweat from time to time. Apparently, however, the manufacturer has identified a gap – and is absolutely on the mark. An SUV ebike has been missing from the line-up until now. Until now.
Turbo Tero X is the name of the newcomer for the 2023 season, and the name already reveals where the manufacturer is headed. The Turbo Tero has long been the name of Specialized’s hardtail line, which paves the way for mountain biking with an ebike. At the same time, the EQ models of the series, which are supplemented with complete everyday equipment, build the bridge to cycling on the road.
This is precisely the balancing act that the Tero X is attempting. Combining a sufficient degree of off-road capability with the potential for a commuter bike. And that in a full-suspension version.
Robust enough for daring manoeuvres
During such an attempt, the pendulum often swings a little more in one of the two directions. In the case of the Turbo Tero X, a greater preference for excursions off the beaten track is unmistakable. With 130 millimetres at the front and 120 millimetres at the rear, Specialized has opted for a rather potent suspension system. With such long suspension travel, more than a small stick can get in the way. Of course, the frame geometry is far from that of an all-mountain bike. But if you feel like it, you can switch to a slightly more aggressive mode at any time, both uphill and downhill. And in more relaxed terrain, the equipment guarantees plenty of riding comfort.
Specialized has integrated a single-pivot rear triangle into the aluminium frame. This is considered quite resistant per se. This is probably the reason why we see it on the Turbo Tero X. In contrast to Giant’s Stormguard E+, the construction does not decouple the load of the rear carrier from the damping. Instead, everything is concentrated on a single pivot point. With appropriately large bearings, however, this can be stabilised well, so that the risk of a breakdown should also be fairly low.
Single-pivot rear triangle with RockShox shock
Whether camping cooker or small kitchen studio
Specialized uses rear carriers that are primarily suitable for carrying panniers. The maximum load you can carry is 20 kilograms. This is a little less than the rear carrier of a Turbo Tero can take, but it is higher than the load capacity of the Stormguard E+ model, for example. If you want to take even more cargo with you on a trip, you can attach a bicycle trailer to the Turbo Tero X. This can even carry 60 kilograms.
E-drives at different levels
On such a fully loaded bike, the e-drive provides even more fun. Specialized’s portfolio includes several power units. Three of them are also used within the model range. Each of the three versions Tero X 6.0, Tero X 5.0 and Tero X 4.0 is based on a different motor. With a continuous output of 250 watts each, their torque differs noticeably with 90 Newton metres, 70 Newton metres and 50 Newton metres. Before making a purchase, you should therefore consider where and under what conditions you will mainly be riding your ebike.
Specialized 2.2 motor on the Turbo Tero X 6.0
As is typical for Specialized, the motor tuning for each of the three riding modes Eco, Sport and Turbo can be individually adjusted in the Mission Control app. The app also allows over-the-air updates, so you can always keep up to date with the latest software.
The MasterMind display allows you to change the settings of the ebike system while riding.
Since the three motors are supplemented by different batteries, there is no general forecast for the range of the Tero X. The batteries, which are completely integrated into the down tube, have capacities of 710 watt hours and 530 watt hours respectively. In the press release accompanying the new launch, the manufacturer states a value. However, the configuration to which the maximum 120 kilometres in Eco mode refers remains open.
Only for fans of the chain
The Tero X’s drive system, on the other hand, is easier to understand. Specialized offers the entire model range with a 12-speed mechanical derailleur from Sram. Only their level differs depending on the groupset.
In the end, of course, this also affects the price. It starts at 4,350 euros for the Turbo Tero X 4.0 and goes up to 6,200 euros for the Turbo Tero X 6.0. In addition to the highest-quality components, the Turbo Tero X also scores points for its lighting, for example, where the tail light also functions as a brake light and you can switch between high and low beam on the headlight.
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- Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0
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- Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0
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- Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0
Specialized Turbo Tero X at a glance
- Variants: Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0, Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0, Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0, Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0 EQ
- Motor: Specialized 2.2, Specialized 2.0, Specialized 2.0 E
- Battery: Specialized U2-710, Specialized U2-530
- Display: MasterMind TCD
- Suspension fork: RockShox Lyrik Select+, RockShox 35 Silver TK, RockShox Recon Silver RL
- Drivetrain: Sram X01 Eagle, Sram GX Eagle, Sram SX Eagle
- Brakes: Sram Code RSC, Sram Code R, Sram G2 RE
- Weight: from 26.4 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 136 kg
- Colours: Farben: Satin Black / Gloss Smoke, Gloss Morning Mist / Dark Navy, Gloss Red Onyx / Smoke, Gloss Oak Green Metallic / Oak Green, Satin Gunmetal / White Mountains, Satin Silver Dust / Smoke
- Prices: from 4,350 euros
Pictures: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
