With the Tero X, Specialized has long shown that the iconic US brand no longer has to be taken seriously only in the sporty segment. The Tero X has already won several test victories and anyone who gets on the bike from everyday to off-road will understand why. The Tero X is not an off-road extremo or a comfort bomber, but shines with its balance and its compromise of actually conflicting characteristics. It hits the nail on the head.
The Tero X is also attractively priced. A feature that is otherwise rarely associated with Specialized. Already within our E-SUV test group up to 6000 euros the Tero X is the cheapest bike. The entry-level model Tero X 4.0 (tested here) is significantly cheaper with slight reductions in motor and battery.
>> You can find an overview of the SUV bikes tested here: 6 SUV e-bikes up to 6000 euros in the test: from mountain pasture to everyday use
The Specialised Tero X at a glance
- Drive Specialised 2.0 (70 Nm), 710 Wh
- Circuit Sram NX/GX (12-speed)
- Translation of 38; 11 - 50 teeth
- Brakes Sram Code R (four-piston)
- Tyres Specialised Ground Control, 60 mm
- Lighting system f. / h. Lezyne E-Bike Super STVZO, 600 lumen, high beam / Lezyne Fender
- Luggage carrier Specialised, 20 kg
- Frame sizes S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapes Diamond
- Fork Rockshox 35 Silver, 130 mm
- Permissible total weight 163 kg
- Guarantee for life upon registration
- Special features High beam, wheel mix 29 inch front, 27.5 inch rear
Motor: Brose technology with Specialised tuning
In the Tero X, Specialized relies on the Turbo 2.0 motor, which is based on the hardware from Broses Drive S Mag (test here) based. The drive is basically very well proven and works quietly and efficiently. Only a subtle hum can be heard when riding. The Specialized app and operation are very successful.
Unfortunately, the Brose motor, which is a good motor in itself, struggled with reliability problems at times due to a broken drive belt. However, the problem is said to have been resolved in the meantime. In the Specialized Tero X 5.0, the motor offers a good 70 Nm of torque, even for mountain tours. The top model Tero X 6.0 would then come with the from E-MTB Turbo Levo known 90 Nm. The advantage of the lower torque: the battery, range and components are protected more than with more powerful drives.
The Specialized Tero X in practice: master of all classes
First test: Commuting and everyday life. Here, the Specialized scores points with its pleasantly sonorous Brose-based motor and a balanced riding position between sport and comfort. The mudguards leave a little less space for the tyres, but are pulled down low, and the high beam provides plenty of light. The fact that the pannier rack has no platform is the biggest drawback. On the other hand, the minimalist design can easily carry heavy panniers.
If you turn onto a trail after work, you will also be pleasantly surprised. The deliberately low-maintenance rear triangle with just one pivot works perfectly, while the high front end, the mountain bike tyres and the telescopic seat post with plenty of adjustment travel convey riding confidence en masse.
What's more, with the comfortable saddle and wing grips, you can set off on long journeys straight from the factory. Only the outdated Sram gears and the Code brakes didn't quite convince us. The display and controls are nicely designed. The fact that the motor only offers 70 Nm was only felt in practice in the most extreme situations. Even the model with 50 Nm in the more favourable Tero X 4.0 we found to be absolutely sufficient for everything except steep mountain tours.
Strengths
- Strong performance from everyday to off-road
- Attractive price
Weaknesses
- Just little things
MYBIKE conclusion
With its extremely balanced character and wide range of use, the Specialized Tero X is the test winner despite its relatively low price. The criticism is limited to details, the brakes and gears could do with an update. Nevertheless, it is still an impressively good all-rounder. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
