E-bikes have taken the bike world by storm because they make any rider feel like a cycling superhero. Specialized was one of the first major bike manufacturers to catch on and it has been making e-bikes since 2009. With class-leading motors made in Switzerland and frames engineered with the might of Specialized R&D, its Turbo e-bikes are some of the best in the business. It has models to satisfy everyone from urban commuters to backcountry adventurers. So which Specialized e-bike is right for you? This guide will break down the basic differences between Specialized's 11 different models, so you can find the perfect e-bike for your needs.
Contents
Specialized e-bike terminology
Specialized road and gravel e-bikes
Specialized mountain e-bikes
Specialized commuter e-bikes
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Specialized e-bike terminology
Turbo - All Specialized e-bike models have “Turbo” in the model name. If it says “Turbo,” it has an electric motor.
Full Power - “Full Power” e-bikes are what Specialized calls its regular line-up of e-bikes that use its standard motor and battery configurations. These e-bikes use motors that are more powerful and provide the most pedal assistance and larger batteries with the most capacity and range. Full Power Turbo models are the ideal option for most riders.
Super Light (SL) - “Super Light” e-bikes have an “SL” in the model name (e.g., Turbo Creo SL). SL models shed a significant amount of weight compared to standard “Full Power” models by using lighter motors and smaller batteries that slim down the profile of the bike. They are less powerful and have less range. SL models are good for advanced riders, riders looking for minimal pedal assistance, riders who want to keep pace with faster riders on regular bikes, or riders who need to regularly lift their bike or carry it upstairs.
IGH - Como and Vado models are available with a standard derailleur or an internally geared hub. E-bikes with an internally geared hub will have “IGH” in the model name (e.g., Turbo Como 4.0 IGH). A standard derailleur drivetrain is what most cyclists are already familiar with. The chain, chainring, and cassette will require periodic maintenance, but it’s lighter, more efficient, and less expensive. In an IGH, the gears are contained inside the rear hub, where they are sheltered from the elements. It’s driven by a carbon belt drive that requires no maintenance. The shifting is also “stepless” which means you can fine-tune the gearing to perfectly suit the terrain. IGH is great for commuters who don’t want to worry about picking gears or maintaining their drivetrain. It weighs a bit more and costs about $500 more than a standard derailleur system.
To learn more about general e-bike terminology, check out: E-Bike Terminology Explained.
Specialized e-bike model hierarchy
Each Specialized Turbo e-bike model is available in different build levels ranging from entry-level to high-end. Entry-level builds will have more affordable components and fewer extra features. High-end builds have more refined components and more extra features. In general, higher-end builds will weigh less and have better resale than lower-end builds.
Road, gravel, and mountain e-bike hierarchy from low to high:
1. Base
2. Comp
3. Expert
4. Pro
5. S-Works
Specialized active e-bike hierarchy from low to high:
1. 3.0
2. 4.0
3. 5.0
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Specialized road and gravel e-bikes
Turbo Creo SL
Class: 3 (28 mph)
Range: ~80 Miles
Weight: ~26.8 lbs
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The Turbo Creo only comes in a Super Light version. Thanks to the compact motor and battery, it weighs significantly less than most e-bikes and has a sleek silhouette. The motor provides just enough boost to help road riders keep up with faster groups or conquer massive days in the saddle. 40 miles or additional range can be added with the optional SL Range-Extender Battery, which gives you an extra 50% of riding distance with an external battery that fits into the bottle cage.
The Creo frame also uses Future Shock, the same system found on the Roubaix endurance bike and Diverge gravel bike. It provides 20mm of travel under the handlebars to smooth out bumps and enhance rider comfort.
Turbo Creo SL EVO
Class: 3 (28 mph)
Range: ~80 Miles
Weight: ~29.3 lbs
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The Turbo Creo SL EVO is essentially the same platform as the road-going Turbo Creo SL, but it’s better suited for gravel riding thanks to bigger tire clearance (up to 700c x 42mm tires), a dropper seatpost, and flared drop handlebars that provide more comfort and control off-road.
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Specialized mountain e-bikes
Turbo Levo
Class: 1 (20 mph)
Travel: 160mm (f) /150mm (r)
Range: ~5 Hours
Weight: ~47 lbs
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The Turbo Levo is the benchmark for mountain e-bikes. The frame, suspension, and geometry are based on Specialized's venerable Stumpjumper platform, which has proven itself through the years to be the ultimate do-it-all trail bike. The Turbo Levo is the best all-rounder for riders who want to tackle a wide variety of trails.
For the latest generation (2022+), the Turbo Levo gets several updates. It has switched to Specialized’s newer S-Sizing system, has longer and slacker geometry, 10mm more fork travel (up from 150mm), and is now using a dedicated mullet set-up with a 27.5” rear wheel and 29” front wheel. It’s also available in carbon and alloy versions. Older models will have a 150mm fork and 29” wheels.
Turbo Levo SL
Class: 1 (20 mph)
Travel: 150mm (f) / 150mm (r)
Range: ~5 Hours
Weight: ~38.25 lbs
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The Turbo Levo SL is the Super Light version of the Turbo Levo and it is one of the lightest mountain e-bikes on the market. The compact motor has far less torque than the standard Turbo Levo motor, but it still provides enough assistance to help most riders tackle the hardest climbs. It is perfect for riders who want a more invisible e-bike experience or a lighter, more playful feeling bike that rides more like a standard trail bike.
Turbo Kenevo
Class: 1 (20 mph)
Travel: 180mm (f) / 180mm (r)
Range: ~5 Hours
Weight: ~52 lbs
The Turbo Kenevo is Specialized’s most capable mountain e-bike and for 2022 it's received geometry, suspension, and frame updates that make it even more downhill-focused (the pre-2022 model is pictured). With 180mm of travel, super-slack geometry, a tough alloy frame, and enduro-friendly components, it’s built to take a beating. To keep this big brawler nimble, the 2022+ models use a mullet set-up with a playful 27.5” rear wheel and a bump-eating 29” front wheel. It’s the ideal e-bike for riders looking to conquer the steepest and gnarliest trails possible without a shuttle or lift access.
Turbo Kenevo SL
Class: 1 (20 mph)
Travel: 170mm (f) / 170mm (r)
Range: ~5 Hours
Weight: ~41 lbs
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The Turbo Kenevo SL can be considered the Super Light version of the Turbo Kenovo, but it’s actually based on the current Specialized Enduro platform so it uses a lighter carbon frame with a different suspension layout. The compact motor has far less torque than the standard Turbo Kenevo motor, but it still provides enough assistance to help most riders tackle the hardest climbs. Compared to the Turbo Levo SL, the Turbo Kenevo SL is more downhill-focused, with more suspension travel, and longer and slacker geometry. It also uses Specialized's new S-Sizing system. It’s perfect for enduro riders tackling gnarly trails who want a more invisible e-bike experience or a lighter, more nimble bike.
Turbo Tero
Class: 1 (20 mph)
Travel: 110mm (f)
Range: ~6 Hours
Weight: ~50 lbs
The Turbo Tero is a versatile hardtail mountain e-bike that performs just as well on-road as it does off-road. It can be used as a fun and basic trail bike or a loaded-up commuter. Rack and fender mounts are integrated into the tough alloy frame, which is designed to haul up to 60 pounds of extra cargo with ease. It’s perfect for riders who need an e-bike for all terrains.
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Specialized commuter e-bikes
Globe Haul ST
Class: 3 (28 mph)
Range: ~60 Miles
Weight: ~55 lbs
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New for 2023 is the Globe Haul ST. The Specialized Globe Haul ST offers power, cargo capacity, and customization options. The Globe can accommodate riders of all sizes, from 4'5" to 6'4", thanks to its adjustable seatpost and quill stem. Featuring a standard rear rack, integrated lights, and multiple accessory mounts, the Globe provides you the versatility you need for any mission. With its powerful 700w rear motor and 772wh battery, the Globe Haul ST can take on the steepest hills, allowing you to transport up to 419 pounds. On a single charge, the Globe can provide up to 60 miles of range, enough for all-day rides or long trips.
Turbo Como
Class: 3 (28 mph)
Range: ~90 Miles
Weight: ~62 lbs
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The Turbo Como is Specialized’s ultimate commuter bike. It has the lowest step-through frame design which makes it easier to mount, dismount, and stand flat-footed while stopped. The upright riding position provides maximum comfort for daily riding. A 92-pound cargo capacity and ample frame mounts allow riders to attach the cargo and accessories they need for unlimited urban exploration.
Turbo Como SL
Class: 3 (28 mph)
Range: ~80 Miles
Weight: ~47.4 lbs
The Turbo Como SL is the Super Light version of the Turbo Como and it shaves over 10 pounds off the standard Como. The compact lightweight motor has less power for a less intrusive, more natural ride feel, but it’s still capable of hauling an extra 77 pounds of cargo. 40 miles or additional range can be added with the optional SL Range-Extender Battery, which gives you an extra 50% of riding distance with an external battery that fits into the bottle cage.
Turbo Vado
Class: 3 (28 mph)
Range: ~90 Miles
Weight: ~55 lbs
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The Turbo Vado is a sportier alternative to the Turbo Como. It’s a bit lighter and faster, with a slightly more aggressive riding position. While it is extremely adept at commuting or hauling cargo, the sportier position makes it a great option for longer distance road rides or workouts.
Turbo Vado SL
Class: 3 (28 mph)
Range: ~80 Miles
Weight: ~33 lbs
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The Turbo Vado SL is the Super Light version of the Turbo Vado and it shaves nearly 20 pounds off the standard Vado. The compact lightweight motor has less power for a less intrusive, more natural ride feel. Because it’s 40% lighter than the average commuter e-bike, it’s the ideal option for riders who need to regularly carry their bike inside or upstairs. It's designed to be a stripped-down commuter, but it’s also available in an “EQ” version, which stands for “equipped,” meaning it's equipped with add-ons like fenders, an integrated taillight, a rear rack, and a kickstand. 40 miles or additional range can be added with the optional SL Range-Extender Battery, which gives you an extra 50% of riding distance with an external battery that fits into the bottle cage.
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