2023 Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO Review

The Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO is an electric gravel bike designed for adventure. With its lightweight carbon fiber frame, powerful yet quiet motor, and long-lasting removable battery, this e-bike is ready to take you further into the wilderness than you ever imagined. 

At the heart of the Turbo Creo SL EVO is its FACT 11r carbon fiber frame. This is the same lightweight and stiff frame material used on Specialized's top-of-the-line S-Works models. The geometry is Specialized’s Open Road design, optimized for stability and control on loose gravel roads, with a longer wheelbase, slacker head tube angle, and lower bottom bracket compared to a traditional road bike. Integrated into the down tube is a removable 320Wh battery, providing a clean look without an external battery mounted to the frame. The carbon frame, combined with the lightweight SL 1.1 motor, makes the Creo SL one of the lightest electric bikes in its class at just 12.6kg or 27.7lbs.

Providing front suspension and damping is the Future Shock 2.0 cartridge, housed inside the head tube. This system soaks up bumps and vibration, increasing control and reducing rider fatigue over long distances. A blue dial on top of the stem lets you adjust the compression stiffness from fully open to completely locked out. The Future Stem and Smooth Boot create a seamless transition from the head tube to stem for a clean integrated look. 

Powering the Turbo Creo SL EVO up those steep gravel climbs is the SL 1.1 motor mounted in the rear hub. This motor provides a very natural and smooth power delivery with up to 240 watts of assistance, sensing your cadence and seamlessly amplifying your pedaling effort. The power kicks in silently without resistance or lurching when you switch between assisted and non-assisted riding. This allows you to focus on the ride rather than the motor.

The energy for the SL 1.1 motor comes from the integrated 320Wh battery concealed in the down tube. This lithium-ion battery provides up to a whopping 80 miles of range on a single charge. For even longer adventures, an optional bottle cage range extender can provide an additional 40 miles of range. The battery can be fully recharged in just 2.5 hours and can be removed for charging indoors or swapped out for a spare.

The Specialized MasterMind handlebar controller lets you tune the power delivery to suit your riding style and monitors remaining battery life. The e-bike system is fully integrated, with the motor powering a built-in ANT+ compatible power meter that transmits wattage data to bike computers. The handlebar controller provides access to 120 different display configurations so you can view the data most important to you.

Stopping power on the Turbo Creo SL EVO comes from Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes, with flat mount calipers for precise modulation. The drivetrain uses a combination of Shimano GRX mechanical shifters and derailleurs, with an 11-speed 11-42t cassette providing a wide gear range for everything from steep climbs to high-speed descents. The crankset is Praxis Forged with a 44T chainring suited for the motor assist. 

The wheelset consists of DT R470 rims laced to Boost 110/148 hubs, providing a stable and durable platform for big 38mm tires. 38mm Pathfinder Pro tires come fitted as stock, with a semi-slick center tread for low rolling resistance on pavement and aggressive shoulder knobs that bite into loose gravel and dirt. 

Specialized has designed the frame geometry to be comfortable, snappy, and stable for all riders rather than gender-specific. The Turbo Creo SL EVO provides a balanced ride whether bombing down gravel roads at high speeds or railing corners on wooded singletrack. 

With its stout carbon frame, lightweight motor, comfortable geometry, and huge battery range, the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO is ready for epic gravel road adventures. The power assist will let you ride farther and faster, while the confident handling inspires you to push your limits on rough backcountry roads.