New SUV e-bike presented: Specialised Turbo Tero X with equipment for everyday use and trail riding

An SUV e-bike is defined in a similar way to an SUV in the automotive sector - a sport utility vehicle (abbreviation for Sport Utility Vehicle). This includes equipment for everyday use as well as off-road. Ideally with full trail capability. We have summarised what is important for an SUV e-bike here.

The Californian e-bike pioneer Specialized with its development centre in Switzerland invited visitors to get to know, look at and touch the new bike before the official launch. The pre-launch took place as part of the outdoor trade fair f.r.ee. in Munich. The presentation took place in one of the trade fair conference rooms, as everything was still top secret. All that was known beforehand was that Specialized would be showing a new E-MTB, probably an SUV. The editorial team speculated about tyre widths, equipment and suspension travel.

The Specialised Turbo Tero X

And that's right: an SUV bike is revealed under the black cloth. Full suspension, all-terrain mountain bike tyres but everyday equipment should make the Tero X the ideal adventure partner. This means that Specialized is now also combining the e-trekking, e-MTB and e-city categories - the Californians have never had an all-rounder in this form in their range before.

The facts about the Specialized Turbo Tero X

• Category: SUV e-bike
• Everyday equipment: mudguards, pannier rack (up to 20 kg), trailer approval (up to 60 kg)
• Motor: Brose/Specialized - 90, 70 or 50 Nm depending on model
• Battery: 730 or 530 watt hours, removable
• Suspension travel: 130 / 120 mm
• Wheels: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet), 27.5 inch (size S)
• Weight: from 26.4 kg
• Three equipment variants from 4350 euros
• Four sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Max. permissible system weight: 135 kg

Motor and battery of the SUV e-bike

The Tero X is equipped with Brose motors which Specialized has equipped with its own displays and software. The top model comes with the latest Specialized 2.2 E-MTB drive, which is based on Broses Drive S Mag and offers 90 Newton metres. The two cheaper models have to make do with weaker motors with 70 and 50 Newton metres respectively. The motor is integrated into the aluminium frame of the bike and is powered by a removable battery with a capacity of 710 or 530 Wh, depending on the model. This should enable impressive ranges.

Off-road, the motor helps the Tero X to climb steep inclines; in everyday life, it makes commuting or transporting heavy loads easier. The Tero X is predestined for this thanks to trailer approval up to 60 kilograms.

MasterMind Display and Mission Control App

The MasterMind display is centrally located on the handlebars of the Turbo Tero X. It shows all relevant information about the ride. The display can also be used to fine-tune the support in 10 per cent increments. More information and configuration options are available in the Mission Control app from Specialized.

Mullet - actually the other way round

Apart from the smallest frame size, all models roll on mullet wheels: a 29" wheel at the front and a 27.5" wheel at the rear; the smallest sizes are fitted with 27.5" wheels at the front and rear. The larger front wheel ensures that the bike rolls easily over obstacles, while the smaller rear wheel makes the bike manoeuvrable and playful. The rims are fitted with 2.35-inch wide Ground Control tyres. A touring classic similar to Schwalbe's Nobby Nic with serious off-road performance.

Off-road capability of the Turbo Tero X: For gravel and light trails

To ensure that the bike also cuts a fine figure off-road, Specialized relies on a full-suspension design for the Tero X. 130 millimetres of travel are provided by the Rockshox forks at the front, while the bike offers 120 millimetres of travel at the rear. The rear triangle was designed with just one pivot. Compared to the multi-link suspension of classic e-MTBs, this reduces maintenance and service costs and should also ensure sensitive response behaviour and a high level of comfort when seated - not a bad choice for an everyday bike.

The suspension travel is sufficient for gravel roads and irons out potholes and bumps. The deliberately upright riding position on the Turbo Tero X is designed to prevent fatigue and convey a sense of security. The lowerable seat post helps to keep the bike under control on sportier off-road terrain. The lowering function is also practical for getting on and off the bike or when stopping at traffic lights. However, you shouldn't go too wild with the Tero X. The limited suspension travel, the weight and the upright and steep geometry are designed more for everyday use than for sporty trails.

Equipped for everyday use

As is typical for an SUV, the bike is extensively equipped with attachments for everyday use. These include lighting, the option to transport luggage, mudguards and a kickstand.

Light

Depending on the model, the headlight of the Specialized Turbo Tero X shines with up to 1000 lumens. At the rear, the top model has a speed-dependent rear light that increases the brightness from 11 to 22 lumens when braking. The cheaper models have to make do with a simpler rear light and 700 and 500 lumens respectively.

Luggage transport

Up to 20 kilos of luggage can be transported on the pannier rack. Globetrotters might grumble here, but for a fully that is at least something. A trailer with a total weight of up to 60 kilos (trailer plus payload) can also be mounted. If that's not enough, you have the option of attaching a front rack. Specialised offers the so-called Adventure Plate for this purpose. The frame triangle has space for a water bottle and an ABUS folding lock.

Mudguards

The mudguards on the Tero X keep dirt and moisture away from clothing and shoes. This is particularly advantageous on rainy days on everyday routes.

The three models of the Specialized Turbo Tero X

Specialised Turbo Tero X 6.0

• Motor and battery: 710 Wh / 90 Nm
• Spring travel: 130 millimetres at the front, 120 millimetres at the rear
• Suspension elements: Rockshox Lyrik Select+, Deluxe Select+
• Switching group: SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed
• Lighting: Headlamp: High beam 1000 lumens / low beam 600 lumens; Rear light: 11 lumens / 22 lumens when braking
• Weight: 26.4 kilos
• Price: 6200 Euro

Specialised Turbo Tero X 5.0

• Motor and battery: 710 Wh / 70 Nm
• Spring travel: 130 millimetres at the front, 120 millimetres at the rear
• Suspension elements: Rockshox 35 Silver, Deluxe Select
• Switching group: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
• Lighting: Headlight: 600 lumens; rear light: 11 lumens
• Weight: 27.2 kilos
• Price: 5200 Euro

Specialised Turbo Tero X 4.0

• Motor and battery: 530 Wh / 50 Nm
• Spring travel: 130 millimetres at the front, 120 millimetres at the rear
• Suspension elements: Rockshox Recon Silver, Deluxe Select
• Switching group: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
• Lighting: Headlight: 500 lumen Tail light: 11 lumen
• Weight: 26.7 kilos
• Price: 4350 Euro

EMTB conclusion on the Specialized Turbo Tero X

With the Turbo Tero X, e-bike pioneer Specialized is closing a gap in its product portfolio. The Tero X should be particularly convincing as a comfortable everyday bike. In addition to mudguards, lights and pannier rack, the moderate geometry and the maintenance-friendly single-joint rear triangle also fit the bill. Thanks to standard off-road tyres, you can also get lost on a trail with the Tero X, but real off-road specialists naturally cut a better figure here with more suspension travel and less weight. - Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor