Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL Review
- Price: $14,500
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: S-Works Turbo 700×30
- Gear: 1×12 Electronic
What we like about it: The lightweight SL 1.1 motor assists up to 240 watts, making the ride exceptionally quiet and allowing riders to focus more on the road ahead.
What we don’t like about it: It’s expensive and may not be cost-effective for riders who use it solely for daily commuting.
Rating: (4.9/5)
I used to commute on a regular bicycle for a long time, but after changing my workplace, riding a regular bike became quite exhausting. So, I’ve been wanting to get an electric bike, and that’s when I came across the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL. I was looking forward to its performance.
In the following sections, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, stay tuned.
Riding Experience
Endurance Riding
In the early morning, I set off from the starting point with the assistance of the Specialized 240W 35Nm mid-drive motor. I felt incredibly at ease, needing to pedal less frequently while still enjoying excellent power. I could feel the wind rushing through my ears, and the sensation of high-speed riding was simply fantastic.
When I encountered uphill sections, I adjusted the SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur to the lowest gear ratio. This allowed me to gain more power while minimizing strain on the motor and battery. I could smoothly ascend hills without feeling as tired as I used to.
On downhill stretches, I held onto the S-Works Carbon Hover Drop 125mm handlebar to maintain control. Moreover, when going at high speeds, I could swiftly and agilely bring the bike to a stop with the SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic disc brakes in case of unexpected situations, ensuring my safety.
On city roads, where traffic conditions can be complex, I often had to make rapid maneuvers and navigate between vehicles. However, this bike demonstrated exceptional maneuverability. Gripping the S-Works Carbon Hover Drop 125mm handlebar, with my extensive riding experience, I could move through the streets with great agility.
Is that all?
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL features S-Works Turbo tires, and I could feel their fast, lightweight, and supple characteristics. The GRIPTON® compound offers extremely low rolling resistance and outstanding cornering ability, making it suitable for riding even in rainy weather. I could zoom down any street with confidence.
Furthermore, its battery life is outstanding, with a built-in battery providing a range of 130km, and I opted for the range extender. This allowed me to get an additional 65km of range, and when the battery ran out, I could fully charge it using the standard 4A charger in just 2.35 hours.
Specifications
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL is an outstanding endurance electric bike, featuring a FACT 11r carbon frame and Future Shock 2.0 w/ Smooth Boot fork. It also comes with the SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXS rear derailleur, offering precise gear shifting and a wide gear range.
In addition, it is equipped with SRAM Rival 1 hydraulic disc brakes, providing powerful braking performance for rider safety. It features the Specialized SL 1.1 240W 35Nm mid-drive motor and Specialized SL1-320 battery, delivering strong power and extended battery life.
Other Versions
After numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is a highly commendable endurance electric bike.
However, many riders have specific performance or component requirements, so we conducted further research on bikes of a similar type.
2023 Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5
The S-Works Turbo Creo SL has an aluminum frame and wheels, whereas the S-Works Turbo Creo SL features a carbon frame and wheels, making it lighter in weight. However, it may be more susceptible to impacts from the side.
Additionally, the S-Works Turbo Creo SL comes with a 1×12 Electronic drivetrain, while the Turbo Creo SL Comp E5 is equipped with a 1×11 drivetrain. The 1×12 Electronic drivetrain offers a wider gear range, more precise shifting, and easier maintenance. However, mechanical drivetrains can withstand harsher conditions.
So, if you’re looking for a superior bike, I would recommend the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL. If your budget is limited, the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp E5 would be a great choice.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The lightweight SL 1.1 motor assists up to 240 watts, making the ride quiet, and allowing riders to focus on the road.
- The comfortable, agile geometry is suitable for riders of all types and can accommodate differences in body shapes between men and women.
- The Future Shock 2.0 can be adjusted to control compression completely, transitioning to rigidity by turning the top knob, and controlling hydraulic damping for rebound internally.
- Through our Mission Control app, riders can customize the SL 1.1 motor according to their style, record riding data, monitor the battery, and assist with battery management.
What don’t we like about it?
- It is expensive and may not meet the needs of some riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It weighs 26.8 lbs.
- What is the battery range of this bike?
It can achieve a range of 130 km in ECO mode. With the range extender, it can add 65 km of battery range.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are just a general guide, and the right size may vary from person to person. The best way to find your size is to try it out in person.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | XL |
| 6’1″ – 6’5″ | XXL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | FACT 11r carbon, Open Road Geometry, front/rear thru-axles, fully integrated down tube battery, internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, Boost™ 12x148mmColor: Red Tint / Spectraflair/silver/black/chrome |
| Fork | Future Shock 2.0 w/ Smooth Boot, Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle, flat-mount disc |
| Stem | S-Works Future Stem w/ Integrated Computer mount |
| Handlebar | S-Works Carbon Hover Drop 125mm, Reach 75mm, w/Di2 hole |
| Saddle | Body Geometry S-Works Power, carbon fiber rails, carbon fiber base |
| Seatpost | Roval Terra Carbon Seat Post, 20mm Offset |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXS |
| Crank | Praxis Carbon/M30 Spindle Interface, SRAM X-SYNC, 46T |
| Shifters | SRAM Red eTap AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM XPLR, XG-1271, 12-speed, 10-44t |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival 1, hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Front: Roval Terra CLX, 30mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, Roval AFD hub, 24h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes, Rear: Roval Terra CLX, 30mm inner width carbon rim, 32mm depth, Roval AFD hub, 24h, DT Swiss Aerolite spokes |
| Tires | Front: S-Works Turbo 700×30 Rapid Air 2BR, Rear: S-Works Turbo 700×30 Rapid Air 2BR |
Electric Component
| Motor | Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor |
| Battery | Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh |
| Charger | Custom charger, 48V System w/ SL system charger plug |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | transmission system | Frame Material | Groupset |
| 2024 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR | Click View | Bontrager SE5 Team Issue | 1 x 12 | Carbon | ShimanoXTR,e*thirteen |
| Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL 0 | Click View | Maxxis Dissector 29X2.40″ | 1×12Electronic | Carbon | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, Praxis |
| Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX | Click View | Front: Maxxis Assegai 29 “x2.5”, Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5 “x2.4 | 1×12Electronic | Carbon | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, GX Eagle AXS |
| 2024 Trek Domane+ SLR 9 AXS | Click View | Bontrager GR1 Team Issue | 1×12Electronic | Carbon | SRAM RED XPLR eTap, RED eTap |
Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL vs. 2024 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR
Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR is equipped with a TQ 250W 50Nm mid-drive motor, whereas the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL uses the Specialized 240W 35Nm mid-drive. The 250W motor can provide more powerful assistance, and the 50Nm torque can handle heavier loads and offer stronger uphill support.
In addition, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL uses a 1×12 Electronic drivetrain, while the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR uses a 1×12 drivetrain. Electronic shifting is highly precise and requires minimal maintenance, only periodic charging. However, mechanical shifting can withstand more adverse conditions.
So, if you’re looking for a more powerful motor, I would recommend the Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XTR. If you prefer more precise shifting, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL would be your top choice.
Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL vs. Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL 0
The Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL 0 features a full electronic drivetrain suspension, while the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL has a hardtail suspension. The Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL 0 boasts 150mm of front travel and 140mm of rear travel, offering strong shock absorption.
Additionally, the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL 0 is equipped with a dropper, allowing you to lower the seat height when riding in a standing position to prevent your legs from hitting the seat. It also comes with a 400Wh battery. On the other hand, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL comes with a 320Wh battery, and the 400Wh battery provides extended battery life.
In summary, if you’re looking for superior shock absorption, the Giant Trance X Advanced E+ EL 0 is an excellent choice. If you prefer larger wheels, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL, with its 700c wheels, may be more suitable for you.
Learn More: Is Giant Trance X E+ 2 Pro 29er Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Trance X E+ 2 Pro 29er Review]
Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL vs. Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX
The Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX comes in two wheel sizes: 29″ and 27.5″. The 29″ wheels offer better terrain versatility, while the 27.5″ wheels are highly maneuverable. The Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX provides riders with more choices.
Furthermore, the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX features a superior Shimano 250W 85Nm mid-drive motor and a larger 630Wh battery capacity, providing stronger battery life. It’s also a full suspension bike with 170mm of front travel and 170mm of rear travel, offering excellent shock absorption, and it includes a dropper.
However, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL has a 1.6 stack/reach ratio, which is larger than the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX’s 1.33 stack/reach ratio, making for a more comfortable ride.
So, if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL can meet your needs well. If you want a superior motor and battery, I would recommend purchasing the Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 / Coil / AXS / RSV / Carbon CC / MX.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Worth Buying? [2022 Santa Cruz BULLIT X01 Review]
Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL vs. 2024 Trek Domane+ SLR 9 AXS
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL features 30c width tires, while the Trek Domane+ SLR 9 AXS has 40c tires. Wider tires can handle a broader range of road conditions. Additionally, it comes with the TQ 250W 50Nm mid-drive and a TQ 360Wh battery, offering slightly better motor and battery performance compared to the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL.
Furthermore, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL has a 1.6 stack/reach ratio, which is larger than the Trek Domane+ SLR 9 AXS’s 1.57 stack/reach ratio. A larger stack/reach ratio provides better reach and can make the rider’s cycling experience more comfortable.
In summary, if you want a more comfortable ride, I would recommend the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL. If you’re looking for wider tires and superior motor and battery performance, the Trek Domane+ SLR 9 AXS would be the better choice.
Summary
This is our review of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL. This is an excellent endurance electric bike that makes commuting more comfortable for riders. Overall, we’ve given it a high score of 4.9. If you’re interested in more bike information, please check out our other reviews.
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