Specialized has introduced the all-new Creo 2, an e-gravel bike that definitely looks burlier than ever with its new 2.2in tyre clearance and dropper post as standard. But despite those gravel additions Specialized says the bike is still designed to be as capable on the road as before. We've got all the tech details of the updated bike here, and we've also already had a chance to take it out on a spin and you can head over here to find out whether the Creo 2 is actually a quiet off-road shredder now.
Specialized Creo 2 - updated SL1.2 motor system
Being an e-bike, at the heart of the Creo 2 is the updated SL1.2 motor system - and although this motor is technically new, it continues to use the parts that were found on the 1.1. It's also the same one that we've already seen on, for example, the Specialized Levo SL Gen II e-MTB earlier this year.
But in case you missed it that time, here are the key details. The SL1.2 motor weighs the exact same as its predecessor at 1.95kg, but claims increased efficiency, better power transmission and quieter operation.
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If you want numbers, Specialized says the updated system boasts 33 percent more power, 43 percent more torque, and is hailed as the "quietest motor on two wheels".
Delivering those claims is a motor that delivers a peak power of 320W (250W nominal) and 50Nm of torque, an increase from 280W on the 1.1. Specialized also believes that the torque sensor they've got in the SL1.2 is the most accurate on the market.
Most of the changes to the motor have been around its efficiency, and making it quieter. To do this, Specialized has added a honeycomb structure to the new two-piece motor housing to make it stiffer and they say this reduces motor noise by 40 percent. The increased efficiency means that even though the battery has not been changed to a larger one, you should in theory be getting more range out of it because more of the power is actually translated into propelling you forward.
The Creo 2's range is up to 120 miles, powered by a 320Wh battery (1.8kg weight) and there is a 160Wh SL Range Extender available. Both the battery and the extender remain the same as before and as always, the actual range is impacted by a variety of factors.
Specialized Creo 2 - Mastermind TCU display
The Creo 2 comes equipped with the latest Mastermind TCU display but in terms of the preset modes, there is not much new: you can still choose between the Eco, Sport and Turbo. However, those can be configured to your heart's desire in the new Specialized app - or you can choose to not use a preset mode at all but keep adjusting the assistance on the go with the Microtune function, where the rider can adjust the assistance of the motor on the go by 10 percent increments.
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For easy on-the-go adjusting, the Creo 2 features the little Road Remote 'blips' which were already presented with the 2022 Turbo Creo SL. These remotes are wired and can be placed anywhere on the handlebars, making flicking through the different screens on the TCU easy.
And speaking of the screen, the TCU display and the modes can be edited on the Specialized app (which essentially replaces the Turbo OS). In the app, riders can also monitor their power output, heart rate, and optimal pedalling cadence, and receive over-the-air updates.
The app also allows for the bike to be tuned for range (meaning you tell it how long your ride is, and it tailors the assistance accordingly), to lock the system to deter thieves, and to receive instant feedback on system health.
Specialized Creo 2 - frame and geometry
The Creo was introduced to Specialized's range in 2019 and has always been a bit of an in-betweener in terms of its discipline. It has always had gravel capability with its 42mm tyre clearance, while the geometry lent itself to some faster road riding as well. From the updates that the Creo 2 comes with, it's clear that the bike is now aiming to be ever more off-road and adventure-capable, yet it still aims to be a "fun, nimble performance bike" at the same time. Last year, the S-Works Turbo Creo SL Evo already introduced a dropper seatpost to the bike - and that is now standard for all Creo 2 models.
The Creo 2 comes with 2.2in (55mm) tyre clearance, or 47mm with mudguards on. In addition to mudguard mounts, Specialized has equipped the Creo with fork mounts, three bottle cage mounts and front and rear rack capability, so you can haul quite a lot of cargo (within the max limit of 125kg) around with you.
Specialized says a complete Creo 2 bike weighs under 13kg, complete with a dropper post and the third-generation Future Shock suspension system - both of which come as standard on the three models available. The weight is light, but Specialized is not quite alone in producing such a lightweight e-bike package if you look for example at the Scott Solace that has a claimed weight of 12.6kg. But no other performance e-bike is equipped with a suspension system, so Specialized does win there.
What else has changed, then? Specialized says it has made the Creo 2 "more confidence-inspiring". This means the bike now has a longer reach and front centre, a lower bottom bracket and a slackened head angle. All of these changes should result in more "stable, in-control handling".
This means that a size 54 Creo 2 now has a 595mm reach and 383mm stack. The head tube angle is 71 degrees across the size range (49 to 61) and the seat tube angle ranges from 73 degrees to 74. The bottom bracket drop is 80mm across sizes, as is the slacker-than-before 55mm fork rake.
Another thing to mention about the geometry is around the motor. The Creo 2's Q-factor (width of the crankset) is narrowed by 12mm which is partly due to Specialized partnering with SRAM. All of the Creos come with SRAM groupsets with SRAM DUB cranksets.
Specialized Creo 2 - Future Shock 3.0
The Creo 2 features the latest Future Shock 3.0, introduced first with the new Specialized Roubaix road bike. The updated system continues to offer 20mm of travel but with a little more claimed durability and tuning options for the top level.
The system now comes in three tiers; 3.3, 3.2 and 3.1. The two top tiers - the ones available on the Creo 2 models - offer more tunability in the form of pre-load springs and spacers, and the 3.3 allows for on–the–go adjustments with the dial knob, as well.
Specialized Creo 2 - spec and pricing
All of the Creo 2 models are built with the 11r carbon frames, a 27.2 round seatpost compatibility, 142x12 rear and 100x12 front through axles and SRAM DUB cranks. Brake mounting follows the traditional flat mount standard, with 160/180mm rotors instead of the more common 140/160mm rotors.
The new Creo 2 comes in three configurations, all equipped with dropper posts and the new Future Shock 3.0 headset damping system. The full spec is as follows:
Specialized Creo 2 Comp - £5,000
FACT 11r carbon frame
Future Shock 3.2
Specialized Adventure Gear Hover handlebars
12-speed SRAM Apex eTAP AXS groupset with SRAM Alloy DUB Crank Arms
SRAM NX Eagle cassette and chain
Trans-X Dropper 50mm travel
DT Swiss G540 wheels
Tracer Pro, 700x47c tyres
Weight: 14.47kg in size 56
Specialized Creo 2 Expert - £7,500
FACT 11r carbon frame
Future Shock 3.3
Specialized Adventure Gear Hover handlebars
12-speed SRAM Rival eTAP AXS groupset with SRAM Alloy DUB crank arms
SRAM GX Eagle cassette and chain
Trans-X Dropper 50mm travel
Roval Terra C wheels
Tracer Pro, 700x47c tyres
Weight: 13.96kg in size 56
Specialized S-Works Creo 2 - £12,000
FACT 11r carbon frame
Future Shock 3.3
Roval Terra carbon handlebars w/ S-Works Future stem
12-speed SRAM Red eTAP AXS groupset with SRAM Alloy DUB crank arms
SRAM XG cassette, SRAM XX1 Eagle rear derailleur
SRAM Reverb AXS XPLR Dropper
Roval Terra CLX II wheels
Tracer Pro, 700x47c tyres
Weight: 12.96kg in size 56
For more details, head over to: www.specialized.com
