Specialized Creo Turbo SL (2022)

I’m looking at one of these next week. Lifelong cyclist rapidly approcahing 60 with some recurring health issues that mean that after months of riding 3 and 4 times a week and having a good level of fitness, it vanishes within a fortnight or 3 weeks of inactivity and being unable to eat (pancreatitis) I figure a mix of an e-bike for longer steady non exhausting rides coupled with my existing bikes may be a good compromise…so, has anyone got one and can tellme how they get along with it before I take the plunge. Cheers

I have a 2020 carbon expert one, in medium, same geo etc, it’s a great bike, I used it a fair amount during and immediately post lockdown, though it’s still on original chain and cassette with minimal wear. Think it’s only been ridden 3 times in the last year as I’m on regular road and gravel bikes most of the time. Mine has Ultegra/XT di2 which is lovely in use.

I have considered selling it but second hand prices are poor.

There is a useful Facebook uk owners group. It does seem that this model gets more love than the 2024 new model, which is heavier and very much a gravel bike.

I have a range extender which I can use on both the Creo and my Levo SL. I rarely use it though, the Creo is good for around 60-70 mixed terrain miles for me, in middle setting without, and a bit over 190 with.

Thanks for that. The one I am looking at is a 2021 model, bought new last September and being sold having been ridden 132 miles. It is a bit of a bargain.

I’ve got an Expert Evo 2022 model which is absolutely awesome. SRAM AXS version. Easy to ride with the motor off and when in use it’s smooth and (relatively) quiet. I switched out the cassette for a 10-50 from the 11-50 that was fitted. I ride it around 50% of the time with the motor off and the rest in Eco mostly with  35% assist. I get up to 80 miles with 2000m climbing easily. I have the range extender but only used it about 3 times. Using the RE I did 112 miles and 3000m climbing a couple of weekends ago – batteries were 4% each at the end (so 8% left of 150%) and it was in reduced power mode so luckily there were no more climbs as I was knackered!
Below are the stats from the Velo 29 Daffodils Sportive.

The Specialized app is great and well thought out. Allows you all sorts of customisation. For example you can add a route and input how much battery you want left at the end and it will automatically adjust the assist level to achieve whatever you set.

I don’t like the look of the 2024 model as it’s heavier and more powerful with a reduced range – aimed at gravel riders.

I am however on my 2nd (well 3rd in reality as it’s been replaced twice) motor. 1st one the sprag clutch got a bit clunky so Specialized warrantied it and then the second one developed a feint but noticeable whine, even when off,  so again it was replaced with zero quibbling

Cheers for that. As the 2nd owner, it looks like I’ll get 50% off any ‘turbo’ repairs. I’ll live with that (and hope nothing goes wrong) but thankfully the nearest Specialized Service centre is pretty close by.

I have found the Spesh dealers to be really good, great aftercare.

I’ll expect a gallic shrug (I live in France) and anything above that will be a bonus.

I’m now halfway thru the 2nd charge on this Creo. In the least assistance setting the battery gave me 110m and 9300ft of ascending. I was a bit astounded to be honest. Mid setting is currently at c 48miles and 4200ft with 37% left. Impressed with the bike but reverting to a ‘normal’ bike in a week or so (until my next medical ‘episode’ and I need the leg up this bike gives)