Specialized Tero X 4.0 on test: The perfect full suspension e-bike for everyday use?

With the Turbo Tero X, Specialized is the first manufacturer ever to present a fully that has been specially developed for use as an SUV. Compared to most other SUVs, which are often existing mountain bikes with mudguards and pannier rack, this brings the Tero X some independent advantages. The geometry strikes a balance between trekking and mountain bikes, and the rear triangle with only one joint should be particularly low-maintenance in continuous use. The frame also offers a particularly low step-through, space for good mudguards and tyres of a suitable width. Anyone travelling with a lot of luggage will be pleased with the high weight approval and trailer approval - both of which are a rarity for classic e-mountainbikes.

The facts about the Specialized Turbo Tero X

• Motor: Specialised 2.0 E, 50 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 530 Wh (removable)
• Reach altitude: 1223 (+31) vertical metres at 12.1 km/h
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 130 / 120 millimetres
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 4200 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 26.56 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 161.5 kg

Only 50 Newton metres: The e-drive of the Tero X 4.0

As an entry-level model, the Tero X 4.0 has to make do with 530 watt hours in the battery. As usual with Specialized, the motor hardware comes from Brose. However, the Specialized 2.0 E in the Tero X only offers 50 Newton metres instead of the 90 Newton metres that we are used to from Specialized's 2.0 drive. If you want more power, you have to switch to the two more expensive models of the Tero X with 70 and 90 Newton metres respectively.

The good news: despite only 50 Newton metres, the Specialized drive doesn't feel powerless at all. Particularly in everyday use, the power is completely sufficient to tackle ordinary climbs with luggage with ease. Only on really steep sections or in mountainous terrain with gradients of over 15 per cent does the lower torque become noticeable. The control unit, the central display and the app are very well designed and offer a wealth of information and setting options. For example, you can also lock the motor via the app. If the bike is then moved, an alarm sounds. This is designed to deter thieves.

The geometry

Thanks to the high stack and high cockpit, you sit upright on the Tero X and the steering angle is not quite as slack as on classic mountain bikes. As a result, the handling is not too sluggish overall. Thanks to the long wheelbase and surprisingly long reach, the Tero X does not lack composure. Trekking bikers should feel at home here straight away, but mountain bikers will have to get used to the high front end. The riding position is surprisingly stretched for a comfortable touring bike. The frame is rather long overall, with a super short seat tube. This creates space for a long dropper post, which is also fitted as standard.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 418 mm
• Wheelbase: 1268 mm
• Reach: 478 mm
• Stack: 652 mm
• Steering angle: 65.7°
• Seat angle: 75.7°
• Chainstay length: 460 mm

The features of the Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0

At 4200 euros, the Tero X 4.0 entry-level model we tested is quite affordable, but has to accept compromises in terms of motor and battery. In return, Specialized invests in a good lighting system, functional equipment and a long dropper post. Twelve-speed shifting with Sram's entry-level SX Eagle groupset and relatively powerful G2 RE brakes. The Rockshox suspension works sensitively, the Specialized Ground Control tyres in 2.3 inch width offer good grip and decent self-damping, roughly at the level of a Maxxis Rekon or Schwalbe Nobby Nic.

>> Incidentally, the two other Tero-X models, which we showed in more detail in the new bike presentation, are of higher quality <<

Somewhat unusual: Specialized opted for a rack solution without a platform for the Tero X. The luggage must therefore be stored in panniers. The carrier is supposed to be able to carry a maximum of 20 kilos, but the rear already starts to twist a little with a load of six kilos or more.

• Fork / Shock: Rockshox Recon Silver / Deluxe Select
• Gear system: Sram SX Eagle, 12-speed
• Brakes: Sram G2 RE, 200/180 mm
• Wheels: Roval Traverse 30 mm
• Tyres: Specialized Ground Control Grid T7, 29 x 2.3" /27.5 x 2.3"
• Special features: Specialised pannier rack (20 kg),
• Lezyne headlight (500 lm), Lezyne rear light

Practical test: How the Specialized Tero X 4.0 rides

When you take a seat on the Tero X, you immediately notice the unusual riding position compared to classic mountain bikes. The high front end with the slightly narrower handlebars puts pleasantly little pressure on the wrists, but the long reach means you don't sit too awkwardly. Even with only 50 Newton metres of torque, the motor is pleasantly powerful, only lacking a little juice on nasty steep sections and at low cadence.

Despite the simple rear suspension kinematics, the suspension shines with massive comfort, the handling balance on tours and in city traffic is pleasing. The Tero X also performs well off-road. Extreme inclines are no problem until the moderate motor power is no longer sufficient. Downhill, the Tero X masters even moderately difficult trails with ease. However, the high front end requires some familiarisation off-road. A real mountain bike feeling or even agile handling doesn't really materialise with the unusual riding position. Very successful: Despite being fully equipped with a pannier rack, kickstand and mudguards, the Tero X hardly rattles downhill. It has a high-quality feel.

EMTB review of the Specialised Tero X

Strengths

• Great comfort in everyday life and off-road
• Sensibly selected equipment
• Wide range of applications
• High weight release

Weaknesses

• Weaker motor, smaller battery
• little MTB feeling off-road
• Luggage carrier could be stiffer

The EMTB conclusion

With the Turbo Tero X* Specialized achieves a difficult balancing act: The e-bike is primarily convincing as a pleasant tourer, but also performs passably on trails. The motor power is a little weak for real mountain adventures. The equipment and workmanship are high quality.