What were the main goals when developing the Specialised SL 1.1 motor and battery system?

The new Specialized SL 1.1 motor represents the ideal performance e-road bike motor, based on a decade of research, development, and ride testing. It features the perfect combination of power, weight, size, range, and ride quality. In order to build a performance e-road bike, all of these features needed to come together to deliver a true performance road bike experience.

How much does the motor weigh?

At just 1.95kg, the SL 1.1 Motor is essentially half the weight of other crank-based motors. To help achieve this light overall weight, the motor casing is made of magnesium.

How much power does the new motor output?

Our SL1.1 motor amplifies rider power up to 240 watts and 35Nm of both peak and sustained power. We tuned our motor to deliver constant, strong support across a wide cadence range for a very natural feel while pedalling.

How many riding modes are there and how much assistance do they offer?

There are three assisted riding modes: ECO, SPORT, and TURBO. ECO matches your effort up to 30% of the motor’s power, SPORT matches your effort up to 60% of the motor’s power, and TURBO matches your effort to 100% of the motor’s power—or 240watts. All three assist modes can be tuned almost infinitely to personalize power levels via our Mission Control App. There is also an unassisted riding mode when no power from the motor is desired.

Do all the models have the same range? What is it?

Yes. All models use the same SL1.1 motor and 320Wh internal battery. Range varies with use, but you can expect up to 130 kilometres of range using ECO mode. With a range extender— included with the S-Works model and available aftermarket on other models—another 65km of range can be added.

Is it range extender included with every Turbo Creo SL?

The 160Wh Range Extender comes standard with the S-works. For other models, the range extender (adding another 65 kilometres of riding) will be available aftermarket and is the perfect tool to extend your Turbo Creo SL rides even farther.

How does the range extender attach to the Turbo Creo SL?

While the Range Extender fits in a normal water bottle cage, we recommend using the Specialized Z-Cage along with the included band for increased security—especially on rougher terrain.

What impacts the range and how can I get the most distance possible?

There are many variables that influence range. The rider’s weight, fitness, and position on the bike, as well as the bike build, bike weight, tyre choice, and tire pressure all impact range. Several environmental influences, such as road conditions, elevation, and weather, can impact range as well. The less motor support you require, the longer the battery will last. Riding in ECO mode will generally provide the longest battery life. Our Turbo Range Calculator helps riders predict the range they can expect given certain key metrics.

What makes the Turbo Creo SL so much lighter than the other bottom-bracket-based E-Road bikes?

The Turbo Creo SL’s Fact 11r carbon frame combines with the lightweight SL1.1 motor, a magnesium housing, a battery integrated into the frame, and thoughtful builds to create the lightest production e-road bike with a bottom bracket motor in the world.

What is the Turbo Creo SL’s Q-Factor?

The Turbo Creo SL’s Q-factor—the distance between crankarms—is 181mm.

How much tyre clearance does the Turbo Creo SL have?

The Turbo Creo SL has clearance for 42mm tyres with 700C rims. With fenders, there’s still clearance for 38mm tyres.

Can I use 650B wheels with the Turbo Creo SL?

Yes. The Turbo Creo SL is compatible with 650b wheels and up to a 47mm tyre. Keep in mind the Turbo Creo SL uses 12x110mm front hub spacing and 12x148mm rear spacing.

Is the Turbo Creo SL Expert Evo a different frame?

No, it’s the same Fact 11r frame and fork as the other Creo SL Carbon models, just with an adventure-ready build.

Can the Turbo Creo SL’s firmware be updated?

The Turbo Creo SL firmware can easily be updated at your local Turbo dealer through Turbo Studio, our retailer service platform. Once connected, the bike automatically checks for the latest software versions available and installs them if needed.

How much motor tuning ability does the Mission Control app have?

With the Mission Control App, you can tune the level of assist almost infinitely (both peak power and sustained assistance) for each of the three ride assist levels: ECO, SPORT, and TURBO. Our Mission Control App allows you to fully customize your Creo SL motor to your personal needs and riding preferences. Of course, we only allow the rider to tune the motor and its behaviour within the given speed limits in their respective country. We do not allow riders to tune the motor beyond the legally allowed speed setting.

How does Smart Control work?

Using the Smart Control feature of our Mission Control App enables you to enter how far, or how long, you want to ride, as well as how much battery you would like to have left at the end of your ride. Smart Control then takes care of all battery management to reach those targets. It does this with a smart algorithm that checks the bike’s status every 10 seconds.

Keep in mind, with Smart Control initiated on the app, assistance modes cannot be altered via the TCU on the bike’s top tube. Riding with no assistance means you’re not getting any motor support, but that the system is still on and recording/ sharing data to display on apps or ANT+ enabled devices.

How does the Turbo Control Unit on the bike’s top tube work?

The Turbo Control Unit has two buttons and a battery level display. The bottom button is used to turn the bike on, while the top button is used to select one of the three assistance levels—or to ride with no assistance. Quickly push the button to cycle through different modes—1/3 blue circle is ECO, 2/3 blue circle is SPORT, and the full blue circle is TURBO. Press and hold the button until all blue lights turn off to ride with no assistance.

Can the Turbo Creo SL use a 2x front crank?

No. The SL1 motor is only designed for a 1x set up. Simplicity is key for us. The motor and the wide 1x drivetrain provide plenty of range for all kinds of riders.

How many sides are available for the Turbo Creo SL?

The Turbo Creo SL comes in six sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, and XXL. These sizes are equivalent to 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 61cm frames.

What type of geometry does the Turbo Creo SL have?

All Turbo Creo SL’s have our Open Road geometry to provide nimble handling with stable steering and confidence at speed. This also gives the Turbo Creo SL much of its versatility, ably transitioning from a twisting road descent to a long gravel road.

How is the Turbo Creo SL charged?

Included with every Creo SL is a Specialized 48V charger that plugs into a port on the bike’s seat tube, just above the bottom bracket. The Range Extender is charged with the same charger. After plugging in your charger, it will take 5 seconds for the TCU to light-up and indicate charging. When all blue bars are illuminated, the bike is fully charged. A green LED on the charger indicates “standby,” while a steady red light indicates “charging.” S-Works bikes and Founder’s Edition bikes will ship with a “Y” cable that allows both to be charged simultaneously.

How long does it take to charge the Turbo Creo SL?

You can expect your Turbo Creo SL’s internal battery to charge from 3% to 100% in approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. A range extender will charge from 3% to 100% in approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Both the internal and Range Extender batteries will charge from 3% to 100% in approximately 3 hours 20 minutes with a “Y” cable.

Can the internal battery be removed for charging?

The Turbo Creo SL’s internal battery is fully integrated into the frame. It is intended to be charged in the frame. In order to get the battery out of the frame, you need to remove the motor first. It’s this kind of integration that allows the Creo SL to be so light. If you want to fly with your Creo SL, the internal battery needs to be removed. You can carry a Range Extender in your carry on and when you arrive at your location, you can ride the Creo SL with just the Range Extender.

What happens if the battery falls below 20%?

When the battery falls below 20% charge, the Turbo Creo SL will automatically enter ECO mode to preserve the remaining battery life. At this point, the riding modes cannot be changed until the battery has been recharged.

When a range extender is used, which battery is used first? The range extender or the internal?

When using a Range Extender, the default setting is for the Range Extender and Internal Battery to be drained simultaneously. By using Mission Control, however, the protocol can be changed to drain the Range Extender first.