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Specialized Turbo Tero 4.0 EQ Review

2022 Specialized Turbo Taro 4 0 Eq Electric Bike Review

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Praxis Crank Arms Battery Charge Port Lock Battery Release

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Downtube Integrated Battery Pack

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Handlebar Display Ergonomic Grips

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Tcd2 Mastermind Display

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Button Pad Dropper Post Lever

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Flick Bell Right Grip Sram Nx Trigger Shifters

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Rockshox Recon Suspension Fork 110mm Travel Boost Hub Spacing

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Lezyne Ebike Mini Stvzo Headlight

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Rear Fender And Rack With Integrated Light

2022 Specialized Turbo Taro 4 0 Eq Left Side

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq 11 Speed Drivetrain Sram Nx Derailleur

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq 40 Tooth Nw Chainring With Plastic Guard And Chain Protector

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Downtube Two Bottle Cage Mounts

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Hydraulic Disc Brakes 200mm Front Rotor Quad Piston Calipers

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Mid Drive Motor By Brose

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Sram 11 To 42 Tooth Cassette Nx Derailleur

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Sram Guide Hydraulic Brake Levers

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Tranzx Dropper Post Mik Rear Rack Adjustable Kickstand

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Ebike

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Long Drytech Flextender Front Fender

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Flextender Plastic Fender Endpiece

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Charger Registration Card Neoprene Case

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq 4 Amp Battery Charger With Magnetic Tip

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Battery Pack Charge Port

2022 Specialized Turbo Tero 4 0 Eq Battery 36 3v 19 6ah

2022 Specialized Turbo Taro 4 0 Eq High Step Black

2022 Specialized Turbo Taro 4 0 Eq High Step Orange

A feature-complete hardtail cross country electric mountain bike outfitted with outstanding fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights available in four frame sizes and three trim levels (3.0, 4.0, 5.0). Capable as a commuting platform and light off-road machine thanks to knobby 29er tires and high-end hydraulic brakes.
Excellent weight distribution and electronics integration. Lightweight, smooth, responsive Brose motor (custom made with Specialized) offers up 70nm of torque and is highly tunable with Mission Control smartphone app. Internally routed cables stay out of the way and look great.
Outstanding battery pack shape and mounting design, there's no need for a separate cover that adds weight and complexity, removal feels safe despite exiting downwards from the downtube. Magnetic charging interface is convenient and durable, fast charger is compact and capable. TCD2 MasterMind color display can be dimmed, beeps and haptics can be disabled, you can even customize readouts or remove screens.
Above-average suspension fork with 110mm travel, compression, lockout, preload, and rebound adjustability. High-visibility reflective sticker and integrated lights (which can be turned off) keep you safe. USB-C charging port on display helps maintain portable electronics. Dropper seat post makes the bike approachable and Body Geometry touch points feel great (to me). Pointy kickstand, less immediate power from standstill, front fender that clips curbs and bike racks, high price, limited availability, no equipped models in North America are the drawbacks.

Make:

Specialized

Model:

Turbo Taro 4.0 EQ

Price:

$5,800

Body Position:

Upright, Forward

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Commuting, Trail, Mountain

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

Lifetime Frame (if registered), 2 Years Battery & Other

Availability:

United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America

Model Year:

2022

Total Weight:

57.4 lbs (26.03 kg)

Battery Weight:

8.5 lbs (3.85 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.39 lbs (2.89 kg)

Frame Material:

Specialized E5 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

15.74 in (39.97 cm)17.71 in (44.98 cm)18.11 in (45.99 cm)19.68 in (49.98 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Large 460mm Measurements: 17.75" Seat Tube Length, 23.5" Top Tube Length, 17" Reach, 30.5" Stand Over, 34.5" Minimum Saddle Height, 30.25" Width, 47.5" Wheelbase, 78.5" Length

Frame Types:

Mid-Step, High-Step

Frame Colors:

Redwood with Black Accents, Black with Black Accents

Frame Fork Details:

Rockshox Recon Silver RL Solo Air Spring, 110mm Travel, Low Speed Compression Adjust, Rebound Adjust, Preload Adjust, Motion-Control, Black Finished 32mm Steel Stanchions, eMTB Specific with Fender Mounts, Boost 110mm Hub Spacing, 15mm MAXLE Thru-Axle with 6mm Hex Bolt

Frame Rear Details:

Boost 148mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Thru-Axle with 6mm Hex Bolt

Attachment Points:

Two Bottle Cage Mounts, Fender Mounts, Front Rack Mount, Rear Rack Mount, Light Mounts

Gearing Details:

11 Speed 1x11 SRAM NX Long Cage Derailleur, SRAM PG-1130 11-42 Tooth Cassette

Shifter Details:

SRAM NX Triggers on Right (3-Step Low, Single Click High)

Cranks:

Praxis, Custom Forged Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length, Plastic Sticker Scuff Guards, Praxis 40 Tooth Narrow-Wide Steel Chainring, 104 BCD Spider, Plastic Guard and Cover

Pedals:

Specialized Nylon Platform Pedals with Fixed Nubs

Headset:

Threadless, Cartridge Bearings, Tapered 1-1/ 8" to 1-1/ 2"

Stem:

Specialized Stealth Stem, Aluminum Alloy, 14° Angle, 60mm Length, 31.8mm Clamp, Integrated TCD Mount

Handlebar:

Specialized Trail, 6061 Aluminum Alloy, 8° Backsweep, 6° Upsweep, 27mm Rise, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, S 720mm, M-XL 750mm

Brake Details:

SRAM Guide T Hydraulic Disc with 200mm Front Rotor and 180mm Back Rotor, Quad-Piston Calipers, SRAM Guide T Two-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Specialized Trail Grip, Lock-On

Saddle:

Rivo Sport, Steel Rails, 155mm

Seat Post:

TranzX Dropper, S: 100mm, M-XL: 120mm Travel

Seat Post Length:

250 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

Stout XC 29, Double Wall, ETRTO 622x25, 25mm Inner Width, 32 Hole, Disc-Specific

Spokes:

DT Swiss Industry, Stainless Steel, 15 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Specialized Ground Control, 29" x 2.35" (60x622)

Wheel Sizes:

29 in (73.66cm)

Tire Details:

25 to 50 PSI, 1.5 to 3.5 BAR, 2Bliss Ready

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Tubular Aluminum Alloy Fenders (65mm Width, DRYTECH Flextender Front Portion for Maximum Coverage, Fender Support on Rear), Custom Aluminum Alloy Rear Rack (MIK HD Interface, Custom Bolt-On Aluminum Alloy Rear Rack (MIK HD Interface, Bungee Loops at Base, Pannier Rods with Slide Blocker, 27kg 59.5lb Max Weight, Spanninga Commuter Glow XE 12V Integrated Rear Light with Many LEDs), Lezyne EBIKE MINI STVZO E65 Integrated Headlight (210 Lumen, 12V), Rear-Mount Adjustable Length Kickstand (40mm Bolt Spacing Mount), Branded Flick Bell on Right, Custom Plastic Chainring Guard and Chain Cover, Dual Rubber Slap Guard (Top and Bottom of Chain Stay)

Other:

Locking Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack (Bottom Mount), 1.9lb 42 Volt 4 Amp Charger with Rosenberger Plug (Magnetic EnergyBus Standard), Optional 1.3lb Portable 2 Amp Travel Charger, IPX6 Water and Dust Protection Rating on Battery Pack, IPX6 Water and Dust Protection Rating on Motor, Battery Stops with 4% at Top and Bottom to Avoid Straining Cells, Internal Cable Routing, KMC e11T Chain with Missing Link

Motor Brand:

Specialized 2.0 (Custom Tuned in Partnership with Brose S Mag), 120+ RPM Max Support

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

70 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. SBC-B20, U2-710

Battery Voltage:

36.3 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

19.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

711.48 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours (7 Hours with Optional Travel Charger)

Estimated Min Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Estimated Max Range:

90 miles (145 km)

Display Type:

Turbo Connect Display 2 (TCD2) MasterMind, Rubberized Backlit Color LCD Console, Stem-Mounted, 2" Diagonal, Buttons: Power On/Off, USB-C Charge Port on Right Side (5 Volt 1 Amp)

Readouts:

Assist Level (OFF Gray, ECO Blue, TRAIL Green, TURBO Orange), Clock, Battery Charge Level Percentage, Current Speed, Distance, Ride Time, Consumption, Estimated Range, Range Trend, Altitude, Altitude Gain, Altitude Descent, Rider Power, Motor Power, Power Ratio, Infinite Tune, Calories, Odometer

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad Near Left Grip, Buttons: F1, +, -, F2, Walk Mode: Hold +, Lights: Hold -, Settings: Hold + and -, Mission Control App (Bluetooth, iOS and Android), ANT+ Wireless (For Heart Rate Monitors)

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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This review was provided for free, but Cit-E-Cycles supplied a temporary demo bike for me to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Specialized products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Specialized electric bike forums.

Observations:

The Turbo Tero series is relatively new from Specialized, and features a unique battery that mounts from below the downtube and locks with an AXA locking core and long key. The battery is more rectangular, and the downtube shape of this bike matches and looks nicer than the triangular designs on some other Turbo models. There’s a lever that pulls the battery in snug, and also pushes it out to be removed. To me, this lever can be a little tricky to work as it does not always push the battery out enough to fully release. I had to use my fingernails to get the pack to release from the bottom and then swing out. I like how short and light weight the pack is considering that it offers such high capacity (over 710 watt hours). When mounted, the pack doesn’t rattle, is highly water resistant with IPX6 rating, and uses the Rosenberger EnergyBus magnetic interface that is less likely to break or pull the bike over if the wire gets snagged.
The Tero comes in three trim levels with 3.0 offering a smaller battery pack and weaker 50nm motor, the 4.0 stepping up to higher capacity battery and nicer specs along with 70nm motor power, and the 5.0 offering the nicest drivetrain, brakes, suspension fork and highest power 90nm motor. Only the Turbo Tero 3.0 is offered in mid-step frame style, all others are traditional diamond high-step. The frame comes in four sizes, offers a short stem and low-rise handlebar for hybrid upright body position.
It’s important to register the bike with the Specialized Mission Control smartphone app to unlock the lifetime warranty on the frame and enhanced support as well as locking ability. The app can be used to unlock the bike or set a numeric pin that can unlock the bike using the TCD2 LCD display that’s mounted to the handlebar. Most shops should help you get this all setup when you purchase and pick up the bike, unless you’re getting a click to collect at a non-specialized shop.
The Tero does a lot right, in my opinion, and is one of the best ebikes for 2022 because of the thoughtful improvements to fenders, rear rack, the display panel, the overall look and feel, and variety of trim levels and sizes. I also admire the quality and depth of the Specialized Mission Control smartphone app. Availability might be limited in the size and color you want, as Specialized appears to sell out each year, and the price for this product is relatively high.

Pros:

The bike looks great and is above average in most ways… It’s one of the best ebikes I’ve tested. It rides solid and quiet, the grips and saddle feel very good to me, and I appreciate the attention to detail with internally routed cables, reflective stickers (including the large Specialized logo on the downtube), and the plastic chainring guard, chain protector, double sided slap guard on the chain stay, the scuff guard stickers on the crank arms, the double bottle cage bosses, the direct mount eyelets on the suspension lowers and seat stays, the fact that it comes in a wide range of colors (across the three trim levels).
Four frame sizes allow for better fit, the bike can accommodate a wider range of riders. While the 4.0 does not come in mid-step, the 3.0 does, and the dropper seat post makes mounting easier and adapts well for off-road use where you might stand up and use your bent legs to navigate technical sections, jumps, drops etc.
I wish the EQ (equipped) model was available in North America because the tubular alloy fenders with Drytech water routing and Flextender long piece really work well. The rear rack is one of the best I’ve ever seen with a bright integrated light that’s visible from side and rear angles, has MIK HD compatibility, bungee loops at the base, and pannier hangers with slide stops! The headlight is also great, and I’m excited to see the optional front rack that would mount at the head tube badge someday (not available at time of review). It’s very utilitarian, and an excellent choice for commuters. I like that they included a decent bell.
The display panel, button pad, and smartphone app are some of the best I’ve seen. While there is some room for further improvement, I love that it shows battery percentage, has a built-in alarm (although it doesn’t alert you, just makes noise if the bike is shaken and won’t power up without the pin), provides walk assist (hold the + button), allows you to turn off the lights (hold the F1 button), and further refine the three levels of assist with micro tune (10% steps for each of the assist levels by pressing F2). I do wish that you could dim the display and turn off the beeps and haptic buzz within the display settings vs. having to use the smartphone app. I love that you can customize screens on the display, plan trips to ensure you don’t run the battery dry, maintain a set heart rate, and so much more with the Mission Control smartphone app.
Built into the right side of the TCD2 MasterMind display panel is a USB-C charging port that offers 5 volts and a full amp of power output to maintain a smartphone or other portable electronic device! Way to go Specialized, this is very relevant given their fancy app with mapping and heart rate monitor compatibility etc. The app even connects with Strava and Kamoot so Being able to leverage that large 710 watt hour battery is exactly the right decision in my opinion!
The bike has a very high ingress protection rating of IPX6 which is meant to resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water and deter dust and mud. This makes perfect sense given the attention paid to fender design.
The aluminum alloy fenders on the EQ models are tubular vs. a flat piece of metal. This makes them stiff and provides strength for supporting the rear rack and the extra long Flextender in the front. This Flextender actually keeps water off of feet and shins while most competing products I’ve tested do not. The Drytech design of the main metal fender routes water out to the sides vs. forward (which can blow up into your face). It’s just excellent all around.
The rear rack is way above average as well. It has a high 27kg 59.5lb weight capacity, bungee loops on the sides, a standard gauge pannier rod on both sides (with plastic blockers so your bags won’t slide back and forth), and is MIK HD accessory compatible. The higher capacity makes it very capable for use with child seats like the Yepp! Nexxt Maxi that, and the Specialized website says the bike is also rated to pull a trailer.
Extra sturdy hubs and axles, both are Boost (wider for improved spoke bracing angle) and use thru-axles vs. narrower 9mm skewers. It’s truly trail capable vs. cheaper bikes that have knobby tires but aren’t as sturdy.
Note the tapered steer tube, upgraded 110mm suspension fork with low speed compression lockout, preload, and rebound. It has thicker 32mm stanchions that are painted black, and has mounting points for the headlight and fender vs. having to use plastic cuffs. Both front and rear axles require a 6mm hex wrench to remove.
Great design choice including a dropper seat post here. It makes the bike more approachable and is a feature that works just as well in the city as it does on the trails. The base diameter is 30.9mm if you wish to swap it for a suspension post to smooth out the ride off-road instead.
The motor is fairly compact with a more standard width (q-factor), so the cranks aren’t pushed out wide. I appreciate that it only weighs 6.39lbs because of the magnesium housing, and that it’s so smooth. Brose uses a Gates carbon belt drive inside vs. all plastic gears like many of the competitors. I think it’s neat that the aluminum alloy frame actually surrounds the motor and protects the base because it’s sleeker, doesn’t hang down as far, and is probably lighter than the extra shields used to protect competing mid-drives.
The motor controller measures rear wheel speed with a sensor and magnet that are well protected (mounted to the chain stay and magnet bolted to the left side of the rear wheel hub). The design is more durable than a spoke mounted magnet. So the controller measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque to deliver a very natural and dynamic ride feel. Combined with the settings in the Mission control app and Micro Tune right on the LCD panel, it can do exactly what you want and feel more connected to your pedaling.
If you prefer to pedal quickly or just happen to shift down to a low gear for a climb, the motor can keep up. It’s rated to 120+ RPM so you won’t have to lose speed and downshift again like some of the older motors.
The battery design is way above average, in my opinion. The pack is very compact for the high capacity it offers, and does not have sharp edges. Since the battery doesn’t require a shield or anything, just has a black metal bottom, it’s probably cheaper to buy replacements and easier to loan or rent a spare. I could imagine stowing one in a pannier or backpack for extended rides.
The battery charger is excellent too. It’s compact but offers faster 4 amp output for a full charge in roughly four hours. The magnetic interface is an industry standard that won’t get damaged as easily. The plug interface is the same whether charging the pack on or off the bike, so they didn’t waste materials or require a dongle adapter like some competing brands. I feel that they did everything right here.
There’s a nice little magnetic plastic cover that protects the battery charge port while riding the bike, and the release mechanism that interacts with the locking core seems to protect the battery port and locking core. This area of the bike seems tough and well thought out… even if it is low down on the left side vs. high up on the right as I’d prefer for easier interaction.
Excellent drivetrain with a wide range of gears, 11 to 42 tooth. The SRAM NX shifters and derailleur are easy to shift and I trust the brand. The 40 tooth chainring has a narrow-wide tooth pattern to reduce the possibility of drops, and a plastic guard further secures the chain. The bottom bracket spindle is hollow and probably stiffer and lighter than alternative designs.
Great brake setup with large Avid rotors (200mm front and 180mm rear). Both brakes use quad piston calipers for even power distribution and larger surface area. The two-finger brake levers offer adjustable reach for different sized hands, and the larger SRAM Guide reservoirs provide a more progressive stop vs. locking up.
Large 29″ wheels provide a lower attack angle, more air volume for improved comfort, and the wide 2.35″ design provides some stability and float. The tires are 2Bliss ready (so you can run without inner tubes) to reduce weight and support lower pressure for comfort and riding on soft terrain.
Specialized has a decent network of dealers in North America, but also sells internationally and has introduced “click to collect” where they will ship bikes to local shops for assembly and handoff. They are one of the “big three” largest cycling brands in the world and offer a lifetime warranty on the frame if you register, as well as two year comprehensive support.
Specialized seems committed to the ebike space as one of the first big players to introduce a bike way back in 2012. They continue to innovate and do things “their way” vs. using third party solutions. So much of this bike, the motor, the battery, the display, the fenders, the racks etc. is all custom and is BETTER THAN most of the competition. I really admire that about Specialized and feel that they move the industry forward.

Cons:

Weighing in at 57.6lbs with the EQ setup (equipped with metal fenders, rear rack, and lights) this is not a lightweight hardtail… but it’s not overly heavy either, when you consider the high capacity battery pack. I’m calling out the weight here because Specialized has SL (super light) models that weigh a lot less. At least the weight is positioned low and center, exactly where you’d want it for optimal balance and handling.
The front fender is extremely long due to the Flextender plastic/rubber piece that provides shoe and shin coverage. It works extremely well, but frequently collides with stairs, curbs, sticks, and other obstacles. I also noticed more pebbles and sticks getting flicked up into the fender and rattling around do to the length and how close the fender is. I see this as more of a trade-off than a con.
The locking core for the battery pack is positioned very low on the left side of the frame. It’s not directly in the path of the left crank arm, but very close. In short, you’ll have to bend down to plug the bike in or unlock the battery, and the key must remain in to re-mount the pack. I appreciate when the charge port and locking core are positioned high up on the right side of the frame, since that side is easier to access with the bike tipping towards the kickstand.
The kickstand looks beautiful, and has an adjustable length tip, but is very pointy. For a trail capable bike, this design has the drawback of sticking into soft terrain easily and allowing the bike to tip over more easily.
The headlight mount on the suspension fork arch can be bumped side to side fairly easily, and subjects the light itself to more bouncing and rattling (being unsprung). If it were mounted on the handlebar or stem, it would be easier for cars and other cyclists to see, would still point where you steer, might not collide with the optional front rack, and would benefitting from the suspension and not bounce around as much.
The TCD2 MasterMind LCD display is not fully removable, although you can use a 2.5mm hex driver to take it off, then remove a small Allen head screw, and then the display will twist and come off… but it’s still wired into the bike. This display takes up the space where you might otherwise mount a light or smartphone, but is required for the electronic lock, alarm, Bluetooth, Ant+ etc. so I see why it’s more permanent. It also does not auto-dim and you need the app to change the brightness vs. having that option in the settings menu which would be more convenient (along with adding beep and haptic vibration on/off there).
There’s no shift sensing built into the Brose motor controller and this can lead to increased chain and sprocket wear if you don’t back off a bit on your pedaling while shifting. I believe it’s the reason that Specialized opted for single-shift triggers from SRAM on their highest torque Tero 5.0 model vs. the multi-shift levers. I did notice some mashing when I wasn’t as intentional about easing off the pedals while shifting.
Very minor gripe here, the headlight does not have side cutouts so the beam is mostly visible from front angles while the rear light wraps around and the side reflectors provide an enhanced visual footprint. It would be nice if the tires had reflective stripes, especially since I thin Ground Control is a Specialized in-house brand and they custom make them.
This is another minor consideration, the handlebars are pretty wide (mountain bike style) and might not fit through doors as easily, or between cars. This is relevant since the EQ models are setup with fenders, lights, and a rack so I could see people using them in traffic and storing inside condos etc. Handlebars are fairly easy and cheap to replace if you decide on a more swept-back design or just not so long. Look for 31.8mm diameter to match the stock bar.

Useful Resources:

January 29, 2024 (11 months ago)

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Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Review

MSRP: $4,150
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great top of the line model for Specialized, starts at $4,150 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, front rack, a smooth mid-drive motor, 28mph top speed, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose S ALU mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, high…...

Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 Review

MSRP: $3,350
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great mid point for Specialized, starts at $3,350 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, a smooth mid-drive motor, 28mph top speed, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose T mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, 36v 14ah…...

Specialized Turbo Kenevo Expert Review

MSRP: $7,550
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A purpose built, strong and sturdy, full suspension, all mountain with some enduro, agile and balanced with it’s 50/50 weight distribution, smooth and powerful mid-drive electric mountain bike. This is an extremely sturdy and overbuilt setup, thanks to points of interest like this…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Review

MSRP: $3,550
MODEL YEAR: 2020

Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 Review

MSRP: $2,950
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great entry point for Specialized, starts at $2,949 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, a smooth mid-drive motor, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose CB mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, 36v 12.8ah…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Review

MSRP: $8,250
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A lighter, stiffer, even more powerful second generation Turbo Levo platform, custom side-arm rear suspension design improves cable routing, tubeless ready rims and tires, unique hidden SWAT multi-tool under stem cap. 29er wheel size with narrower 2.6" tires reduce friction and improve steering precision, new battery…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Fat Review

MSRP: $5,000
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A hardtail, fat tire electric bike with high-volume 4.6" tires, four frame size choices, and an extensive network of dealers in the United States. Sturdy thru-axles provide stiffness and strength, the RockShox Bluto air fork provides comfort with lots…...

Specialized Turbo Como 2.0 Low-Entry 650b Review

MSRP: $2,600
MODEL YEAR: 2018

A comfortable, stable, quiet, and efficient electric bike made in two frame sizes and colors, well-suited to neighborhood riding and cruising. Relatively lightweight at ~48 lbs, in part because it comes without lights or fenders, you…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 6.0 Review

MSRP: $4,800
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack. Available in four sizes including high-step and mid-step frame styles with gender-specific saddle and grips,…...

2017 Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 Review

MSRP: $4,600
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A high-speed urban electric bike with premium tubular fenders, minimalist rack with integrated light, 600 Lumen headlight, reflective stickers on fenders and rims. Available in four frame sizes but only one style (high-step), rigid alloy fork and thru-axles…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 Review

MSRP: $3,200
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A feature-complete urban electric bike with premium tubular-alloy fenders, integrated rack and lights, rims and tires as well as a suspension fork with 50 mm travel. Available in four frame sizes and two styles (high-step or mid-step), rigid thru-axles improve handling,…...

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $7,500
MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

One of the stealthiest electric mountain bikes around with integrated battery and motor technology from Brose, available to demo and buy from a wide network of shops. Responsive and zippy without producing a lot of noise, you don't get shift detection here…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $4,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

The lowest priced Turbo Levo eMountain bike model from Specialized, it's a hardtail with 10 gears, an air fork and the Brose drive system. You get a slightly smaller battery capacity here but the same beautiful integration into the…...

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Comp 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $5,500
MODEL YEAR: 2016

A full suspension electric mountain bike with 650b plus "six fatty" tires for improved traction, handling and comfort. Seamlessly integrated Brose motor and downtube battery pack, completely purpose built frame available in two…...

Specialized Turbo S Review

MSRP: $7,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016

An extremely fast, quiet and stiff electric bike with premium drivetrain and brake components and sleek integrated lights, available in four frame sizes for improved fit. Beautifully integrated battery pack, it matches the frame perfectly and even features a bottle cage…...

Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $9,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016

The highest level full suspension e-mountain bike from Specialized, purpose built frame incorporates battery and motor seamlessly. Premium suspension from RockShox Pike RCT3 and Fox Float with Autosag, 11 speed SRAM XX1…...

Specialized Turbo Review

MSRP: $3,800
MODEL YEAR: 2015

Completely purpose built with integrated lights, in-frame cabling and downtube mounted battery pack that blends in. Available in four frame sizes for improved fit, optional city kit with fenders and rear…...

Specialized Turbo X Review

MSRP: $4,000
MODEL YEAR: 2015, 2016

Stealth appearance with integrated battery pack and near-silent motor helps it blend in like a "normal bike". Excellent weight distribution, responsive hydraulic disc brakes, integrated LED lights, rack and fender mounts, nice…...

2014 Specialized Turbo S Review

MSRP: $6,000
MODEL YEAR: 2014, 2015

One of the fastest, quietest and sturdiest road-style electric bikes around, extremely refined. Solid 15mm thru-axles, tapered head tube and alloy frame for efficient power transfer and high…...

2013 Specialized Turbo Review

MSRP: $5,900
MODEL YEAR: 2013

One of the fastest and priciest electric bikes around, Top speed 45kph (27.96mph) at $5,900 USD. Clean aesthetic with internally routed cables, integrated lithium ion battery pack and built in LED…...

Chris Lawrence

3 years ago

Very nice bike! But, it does look and function a LOT like the Trek SuperCommuter from 5 years ago. So, with that comparison in mind it’s not quite so impressive. But still, a very nice bike as is the older SuperCommuter.

Carter

Great review, thanks. You mention Specialized supply constraints- what are you hearing about when these new 2022 models will actually become available? I’m particularly interested in the new Vado models, with the Garmin radar, internal hub, etc. Will I be able to get one this summer? IYHO, of course…

Court

Hi Carter! That’s a great question… the impression I got is that all models are sold out through Specialized but there could be lots of inventory available through shops. The Cit-E-Cycles shops in British Columbia Canada (where I live) appear to have a good selection. It could be difficult to find the color and size that you want without having to drive to another town or ask them to make a transfer. Again, this is just my quick take based on what I’ve seen in the past. I actually wanted to buy a Vado SL for my Mom a couple of years ago at the beginning of the season and struggled (ultimately giving up) because there wasn’t a local dealer who had one and none of the distant stores wanted to give up their inventory.

Albert

$6k?? Really? What about ebikes that normal people, you know, the rest of us can afford?? Are we trying to promote the switch from the combustion engine or like e-cars, do you need to be elitist & wealthy?

Hi Albert! I understand the sensitivity about such an expensive electric bike. This happens to be an upgraded model with nicer parts and the rack, fender, and light accessories. There’s a less expensive 3.0 model, but most Specialized products are on the expensive side because they use premium parts and custom designs. I try to cover a range of ebike products here at EBR including some “affordable” models, but even those can be $1,500+ which is significantly more than a lot of traditional bicycles. I like that there are so many choices in the space, because some people might buy an ebike for daily transport and actually replace their car. These people might be willing to spend more for durability, ride feel, or just the look and brand. Others might be okay with a cheaper ebike that has lower range, a less dynamic motor, and battery that is’t as long lived or easy to replace. There are many options! Here’s my list of more affordable electric bikes.

Doomin

Hi. Everyone is writing about the possibility of mounting a front rack.
What does this rack look like and where can you buy it?

Hi Doomin! I theorized that one would be available and then confirmed with a third party marketing agency that Specialized was communicating through to answer my questions that there would be one. Perhaps it just hasn’t been put up for sale yet? I wish I had more info, and would have provided examples and photos in my video review if there had been during my time of filming editing. The best I could do is pass the info along and project that “there should be one” according to the Specialized representative.