Test: E-road bike from Specialized - Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL

Photo: Kerstin Leicht

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Exclusive drive, exclusive equipment and exclusive price: With the S-Works Creo SL, Specialized is claiming to take the e-road bike concept to a new level. Our test clarifies whether it succeeds

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Price 12,499 euros >> e.g. available here

Weight 12.1 kilos

Is this the big one? It could well be. With the Creo, Specialized is presenting an E-road bike that has been developed from a single mould and is set to set new standards with its exclusive, lightweight drive. The Fact11 carbon frame and its fork are visually opulent: depending on the light, the colour changes from green to purple to deep black. The fork has 20 millimetres of suspension travel concealed in the steerer tube. This is familiar from the Roubaix series and works with finely tuned positive and negative springs and adjustable rebound. The cockpit is comfortable and designed for long distances, the handlebars are slightly raised and pleasantly cushioned thanks to their flex. The riding position is extremely upright by road bike standards.

The transmission is an interesting blend of road bike and mountain bike parts to provide a wide range of gears despite being limited to one chainring: The cassette offers 11-42 teeth, while a 46-tooth ring is fitted at the front. Gears are shifted electronically. The model-specific carbon wheels are fixed by solid twelve-millimetre thru-axles and are supported wider than usual according to the Boost standard (110/148 mm). The Creo can be steered with corresponding precision, even when pedalling out of the saddle and in fast corners, it does not exhibit any noticeable compliance or weaknesses. In terms of handling, the Creo strikes the right balance between agility and composure and feels equally fast and, above all, safe on straight stretches, fast bends and uphill sections. 28 millimetre wide tyres and the long carbon seat post provide a comfortable ride which, together with the linear e-drive, creates an outstanding, harmonious and smooth riding experience. The motor is an exclusive development in cooperation between Specialized and automotive supplier Mahle. It engages and disengages very smoothly at 25 km/h and works completely without jerking. With its 240 watts, it is cultivated and efficient; the riding experience remains very natural. With a Li-Ion battery permanently installed in the down tube, a mid-motor with magnesium housing and a simple two-button control on the top tube, the drive is one of the lightest systems available. The Creo offers concealed threads for mudguards and pannier rack; without mudguards, tyres up to 42 millimetres wide can be fitted, with mudguards 38 millimetres.

An additional battery with 160 Wh can increase the range by half again to 190 km (manufacturer's specification).

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