E-gravel bike on test: Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2 - MTB transmission & bikepacking skills

At the heart of the Specialized is the in-house 1.2 SL drive, which our test riders praised above all for its responsiveness: In the Eco and Sport modes, the motor pushes homogeneously; only the Turbo mode can feel a little unnatural for e-bike newcomers.

Comfort and power - that's what the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2 can do

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The transition at the 25 km/h limit is smooth, the idle travel barely noticeable. The riding modes can be selected on the controller on the top tube or via small buttons in the handlebar arch. In addition to the powerful and relatively quiet mid-motor, the Specialized is characterised by a very comfortable ride. The riding position is extremely back-friendly because the suspension known from the Roubaix additionally raises the carbon handlebars. The Future Shock System takes the sting out of heavy impacts in particular and can be adapted to the terrain and rider weight.

Bikepacking features and one for everything

The radio-controlled telescopic seat post, MTB gear ratio, attachment points for pannier racks and mudguards as well as space for tyres up to 56 millimetres wide round off the character of a bikepacking model. In terms of riding dynamics, the 13-kilo bike is also reminiscent of non-motorised adventurers thanks to its long wheelbase.

The voluminous tyres and the 3D-printed saddle, all in-house developments, conceal the inflexibility of the dropper post. At the time of testing, the S-Works Turbo Creo 2 in last year's colour scheme was available with a discount of € 3,000. However, at € 10,000, the bike is still at a price level that makes it unattainable for many potential buyers. Specialized offers cheaper carbon versions from 6,000 euros, while a model with an aluminium frame is available for 4,600 euros.

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2: Technical data, equipment, motor & price

• Price: 13,000 euros
• Weight of complete wheel: 12.9 kilos
• Max. system weight: 125 kilos
• Frame sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 500/572/120 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 66/401 millimetres/1.46
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 671/556 millimetres/1.21
• Wheelbase/caster: 1,058/62 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Red/Eagle (1x12; 44, 10-50 t.)
• Brakes: Sram Red(180/160 mm)
• Tyres: Specialised Tracer Pro (47 mm)
• Impellers: Roval Terra CLX II
• Impeller weights: 1,447/1,890 grams (f./h.)

Engine

• Model: Specialised 1.2 SL (mid-motor)
• Top performance: 320 watts
• Maximum torque: 50 Nm
• Battery capacity: 320 Wh (+160 Wh) Range Extender
• Support levels: 3

Advantages and disadvantages of the Specialised S-WorksTurbo Creo 2

• Plus: Very comfortably tuned, homogeneous drive
• Minus: Very expensive