The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert on Test – The Ultimate E-Gravel Bike Comparison 2025

5 miles or 5 hours? Suffering or smiling? The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert claims to offer it all – powerful performance, long range, low weight, massive tire clearance, and Future Shock 3.0. We’re in for a treat! But is it really a jack-of-all-trades, or is it simply master of none?

The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert was clearly designed for adventure. With massive tire clearance (29 × 2.2”), a dropper post, a suspension system in the stem, and an impressively low weight, its purpose is obvious. Out of the box, it skips everyday accessories entirely. For this test, however, Specialized added some extras to make for a better comparison: a rack, mudguards, lights, and a bottle cage with an integrated multitool. The only downside? The dropper post had to go to make room for a rear light on the saddle.

Anyone buying the Specialized Turbo Creo should budget for a similar upgrade on top of the € 8,500 base price to make it into a practical commuter or everyday bike. No doubt, that’s a hefty price tag – but you’re getting a lot for it. The high-end carbon frame is flawlessly crafted, the geometry is dialed in, and the refined, whisper-quiet SL motor is a big step up from its predecessor. At 15.78 kg (size 56), the Turbo Creo 2 Expert is also the lightest fully equipped gravel bike in the test. So, the big question remains: does it have the perfect balance of features to be the ultimate e-gravel bike, or is it a little compromised?

The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert in Review – Everyday Adventures

An adventurous e-gravel bike needs the right motor, and Specialized delivers with the SL 1.2. With just 50 Nm of torque, it’s not a powerhouse like the Bosch Performance Line SX in the Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF Daily or the Shimano EP8 in the ROSE Backroad Plus EQ, especially given that it’s paired with a 320 Wh battery. Instead, it subtly amplifies your own effort, perfectly matching the sporty character of the Creo. Speaking of balance: while the Specialized 1.2 SL is similar to the TQ and FAZUA light motors in the test – same support concept, similar power output, equally quiet – it feels even more natural. No lag, no overrun, no whining, no matter the assist mode or load. In our opinion, it’s the most refined motor system in the test. Bonus points for the intuitive charging plug, which practically guides itself into the well-placed port in the seat tube. And if you need more range, you can swap one of the bottle cages for the optional Range Extender, adding another 160 Wh.

The flush-mounted, customizable MasterMind TCU display in the top tube keeps all key ride info easily visible, and even allows for bike software updates on the go. Through the smart Specialized app, you can fine-tune the Creo’s settings or track your rides. A standout feature? The app’s theft protection. It doesn’t just disable the motor; it can also trigger an alarm if the bike is moved. It’s a handy feature that makes this adventure machine surprisingly city-proof! We’re not so keen on the motor control buttons, which are hidden under the bar tape, making them tricky to use, particularly when wearing gloves.

On and off the road, the Turbo Creo 2 delivers outstanding control and a sporty, efficient riding position that ensures stability. This combo boosts confidence, encouraging you to let rip and have fun. The tires also play a big role in this sense of security. The Specialized Tracer offers a great balance of grip on the trail and speed on pavement – well done! Side note: The stock dropper post with 50 mm travel would enhance that confidence even further.

Despite its impressive stability, the Creo 2’s handling remains sharp and precise. Quick line changes to avoid unexpected obstacles are no problem, which is not the case with some of the more planted bikes in this test like the ROSE Backroad Plus EQ, which feels like it’s stuck on rails in comparison. Its precise steering and low overall weight give the Turbo Creo 2 Expert a light, effortless ride that encourages long days in the saddle and spontaneous sprints. That said, it’s not as playful as the BMC URS AMP LT TWO or the Moustache Dimanche 29.4. What really stood out? The wide gear range of the electronic SRAM Rival eTap AXS (10–50T). You’ll be smiling, even on the steepest climbs. Or is that a grimace?

With speed and power already proven, all that’s missing is the everyday practicality to complete the package. The verdict: Even when loaded up, the Turbo Creo 2 Expert handles intuitively and precisely, likely thanks to the superbly crafted carbon frame. Despite not being designed as a commuter (remember, it comes with zero everyday accessories), it rides almost the same with a fully loaded rack as it does without – there’s no wobbling or tail-heaviness to worry about. In this category, only one bike outperforms it: the Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0. That said, the Tero X 5.0 is a full-fledged e-SUV, which we intentionally included as a contrast to the e-gravel bikes in the test.

When it comes to comfort, the Future Shock 3.0 suspension system in the stem delivers. With 20 mm of travel, it can be adjusted on the fly via a dial, allowing for quick tuning while riding. The system also comes with three different spring stiffness options to match rider weight. Throughout the test, the Future Shock 3.0 provided noticeably better damping than the elastomer-based systems on the Moustache Dimanche 29.4 and BMC URS AMP LT TWO. However, as expected, it can’t quite compete with air suspension forks like those on the Riese & Müller UBN Five commute. Bikes with both front and rear suspension generally offer a more balanced ride. In this test, that includes the winner – the Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF Daily – as well as the Moustache Dimanche 29.4, BMC URS AMP LT TWO, and Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0.

When it comes to usability and features, the Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert leaves us with mixed feelings. On one hand, its low weight is a big plus – especially if you need to haul it up four flights of stairs. It’s also compatible with both front and rear racks, with additional mounting points on the frame and fork allowing for plenty of customization. On the other hand, converting it into a full-time commuter feels like it takes away from its true purpose. Case in point: The generous tire clearance of up to 29 × 2.2” shrinks to a more average width once mudguards are installed. In fact, the stock 47 mm Tracer tires are already 2 mm too wide for the included guards. Plus, the battery isn’t removable, and there’s no option to add a kickstand.

Overall, the add-ons mounted on the Creo feel less refined compared to the bikes designed specifically for everyday use – no surprises there. The only real standout? The multitool integrated into the bottle cage. That said, these extras still give a good sense of the Creo’s potential as a commuter or everyday bike. That aside, the overall package is spot on: the refined motor system, well-designed suspension, low weight, flawless craftsmanship, and intuitive handling make the Creo a clear buy recommendation in our book.

Who is the Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert?

The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 is made for adventurers and touring riders who prioritize fun and off-road performance. The confidence-inspiring ride comes from a winning combo of dialed-in geometry, effective damping, and precise handling – a great setup for explorers. The efficient riding position and the motor’s natural assist keep the bike feeling sporty. Among the e-gravel bikes in the test, the Creo handled the widest range of terrain with ease. It truly shone off-road, while other models had a slight edge on pavement. For pure road use, the Ultima Mobility proved a strong alternative, and for everyday commuting, the Riese & Müller took the lead. But that’s exactly the point – the Creo refuses to be boxed into just one category.

With its versatile profile, the Turbo Creo 2 is a great choice for great adventures – no matter the terrain or distance. However, if you’re planning to use it as a commuter or everyday bike, be prepared to invest some time (and budget) in the right accessories.

Conclusion about the Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert

We’ll admit it – we pushed the Specialized Creo 2 out of its comfort zone. At its core, it’s a fun-loving adventure bike with natural motor support, precise handling, and plenty of capability for rides into the unknown. But even our simple commuter setup revealed its broader potential. The impressively low system weight coupled with the stable ride under load set the standards for our test field. With the right mudguards, lights, and cargo solutions, the Creo comes dangerously close to being the ultimate balance of comfort, capability and speed. Price aside, it absolutely earns our recommendation!

For more infos head to specialized.com

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The Test Field

You can find an overview of this comparison test here: The Best E-Gravel Bike of 2025 – The most exciting models in a comprehensive comparison test

All bikes in the test: BMC URS AMP LT TWO, Canyon Commuter:ONfly 7, Canyon Grizl:ON Daily, Moustache Dimanche 29.4 EQ, Riese & Müller UBN Five commute, ROSE BACKROAD Plus EQ, Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Expert, Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0, Ultima Mobility eGRAVEL YIN SPORT.

Words: Jonny Grapentin Photos: Jan Richter