My new 2016 Turbo base model

[Ron Bez]

I am still trying to get answers. I left a message with the Turbo specialist at Specialized to find out if 2015 and 2016 software are different, I never got a call back.........I ordered a 2016 Turbo which Specialized own web site says reaches 28 mph. I live in a small town and a local Specialized dealer got me the bike, the first one they sold. They don't have the Diagnostic tool yet, Specialized told them it won't be available to them until Nov./Dec. I don't really know what firmware my bike has, the cut off is so smooth it is hard to detect. I thought I felt it at 26, but I was easily hitting 28 today and I didn't feel it stop. Now that I have the bike I don't really care too much. I love the bike and want it either way. I think we can get to caught up in the numbers and forget to look at the big picture. For the 3k of the base model Turbo it is an amazing bike if you are looking for a road style fluid machine.

 

[David1]

Thanks Ron for the photo tips. Really like your shots. Need to learn to post mine. Your bag hook gives me some ideas. Mines rubbing my tire and flopping out to much, I think, which will throw you off balance. Thanks again.

 

[Logan Gogarty]

Thanks for looking into the firmware update for me. I realize it's only a few mph but my main purpose for my ebike will be to lower my commuting time. I can ride a regular bike but I want to maintain the highest average speed possible. When I rode the Dash and Raleigh it was easy to maintain 30 mph on flat surfaces and the the turbo it seemed hard to get it past 26 mph. That may have been the software on the bike though or low psi in the tires, or brakes not being adjusted right.

I contacted my shop and they said they will update the software this saturday they also had to wait to get the diagnostic tool from another shop. They didn't know what the update would do to the top speed or what the update was but said they would do it. When it comes to ebikes the guys seem pretty clueless at the shop.

If I got the turbo x I would prob get the city kit for it which should be available in early november. However I do like the fenders and rack that you added as well.

Does anyone know what the range is on the turbo x when staying in pedal assist 4? I'm still eyeing the 2016 dash which I love everything about besides the non integrated battery and the Pro Tour which is perfect but a little pricey for me. I found the dash for 2,600 at (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

 

[George S.]

Keeping in mind that I am a road cyclist.... My first experience with straight bars was converting a road bike to achieve a more upright riding position. It did get me more upright but I never got my hands and wrists comfortable. More recently with the electric bikes, it was a nasty bout of tennis elbow, something I have never had before, that got me questioning the handlebars. Ultimately, the physical therapist related the straight bars with twist throttle and shifters as the source of my flair-up. If you have any numbness or discomfort with your current bars, give a swept back bar with a good ergonomic grip a try. With my current setup I can ride all day with no discomfort.

I agree with you, starting with a basic ebike is a good way to go. Until you use it for a while and see how it fits into your likestyle, it can be foolish to make a big investment. I spent a full year with the X2 and really loved it and used almost daily, 3k miles. When I was young, cycling was my passion. I road many many thousands of miles. I started working in a Bike Shop in LA selling and repairing bike at 15, and when I graduated High School I opened a small Bike Shop of my own I tiny Los Osos, Ca. As my life progressed, priorities changed to making a living and raising a family, and the time for cycling disappeared. The ebike has allowed me to revisit the glory of being able to hop on the bike just go, with no thoughts of not being conditioned enough to enjoy the ride. I have gotten in allot better shape since I started riding my ebikes, especially the Turbo, which is quite capable of going very fast with a bit of work. It is because I ride all the time! I am glad I started with the basic bike and dailed into what I wanted in a bike, and then made the investment. I also found it very easy to sell the inexpensive Prodeco on Craigslist without loosing much money, I sold it the day I listed it.

The Topeak rack will stay put if you really crank it down. I leave the quick release open and turn the lever until it is very tight, making sure it isn't sticking out to catch on something. I put some old center pull cable hangers on one of the sets of rear fender bosses to secure the open panniers. I have no problem with them staying out of the drive train on the Turbo.View attachment 4597
Excuse the bad snap shot!

I changed riding position when I went to a bike I built, from the X3. The new bike did create some numbness. I put an extender on the bars, which helped quite a bit. There is not much discussion on this subject, and it usually revolves around using a suspension fork. It is partly a function of the rough roads around here. There is a recent product launch for a suspension stem (Sta-Fast?) and a review in the "Accessories". I think maybe the medical opinion has more merit, and the bars are not that expensive. The lack of choice, and the lack of people experimenting, is kind of annoying. New product development tends to be locked into narrow tracks, like speed and shifting tech for mid-drives. (To be honest, the main complaint here is lack of speed.) New models don't stress that they build on the rider experience, as more riders tote up more miles. There's no question that going faster changes (and generally increases) the stresses. I'm not sure how this aspect of ergonomics matches up with the basic 'fit' that can be done with a new bike. Ebikes may create a cluster of injuries, over time, maybe somewhat different from standard bikes.

I think it's one of the things about the super cheap Sondors bike, that many people just love riding it. More seasoned riders may see the flaws, but it still functions as an ebike. So getting people onto a cheap bike (if decent) gives people the 'experience' and they build from there. It just may be hard for people to sort out all the options, at the start.

Thanks for your thoughts. Where you ended up, and the reasons, are quite refreshing.

 

[Ron Bez]

Thanks for looking into the firmware update for me. I realize it's only a few mph but my main purpose for my ebike will be to lower my commuting time. I can ride a regular bike but I want to maintain the highest average speed possible. When I rode the Dash and Raleigh it was easy to maintain 30 mph on flat surfaces and the the turbo it seemed hard to get it past 26 mph. That may have been the software on the bike though or low psi in the tires, or brakes not being adjusted right.

I contacted my shop and they said they will update the software this saturday they also had to wait to get the diagnostic tool from another shop. They didn't know what the update would do to the top speed or what the update was but said they would do it. When it comes to ebikes the guys seem pretty clueless at the shop.

If I got the turbo x I would prob get the city kit for it which should be available in early november. However I do like the fenders and rack that you added as well.

Does anyone know what the range is on the turbo x when staying in pedal assist 4? I'm still eyeing the 2016 dash which I love everything about besides the non integrated battery and the Pro Tour which is perfect but a little pricey for me. I found the dash for 2,600 at (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

Logan, I understand your needing the solid 28 if it effects your commute time! Take a look at the "real life range" tab here http://propelbikes.com good info.
Please keep me posted on the firmware update. I will try to get through to Specialized again and get some definitive answers.

 

[Logan Gogarty]

I just went and test rode a brand new specialized turbo x and I bought it even though that wasn't the plan. I will pick it up on Saturday after we do the firmware update which hopefully I can be a part of and adjust my top speed. The bike feels a lot more like a bike and I was just needing to downshift and pedal a little more to reach higher top speeds.

There are quite a few turns on my route and I don't think I will even be able to keep the speed super high. Thanks for the link on range. I'm already having second thoughts about picking it up on Saturday it's so much money I want to make sure I make the right decision. With sales tax it came to 3,3327 which is close to the take home price on the Izip pro tour bike if I order online from Motostrano. My new problem is that I have to find a city kit somewhere for the bike now. I wish there was a place to get a used set. Specialized won't have them available till early November which is right when the snow will start to come.

 

[Ron Bez]

I just went and test rode a brand new specialized turbo x and I bought it even though that wasn't the plan. I will pick it up on Saturday after we do the firmware update which hopefully I can be a part of and adjust my top speed. The bike feels a lot more like a bike and I was just needing to downshift and pedal a little more to reach higher top speeds.

If you are used to riding a regular bike I think you will really love the Turbo X. If you are at all handy and have basic tools go with the SKS fenders like I did. There are any number of very nice racks available depending on how much you need to carry, and what kind of bags you like. I couldn't swallow the cost of the Specialized kit even though I really like the way it looks. The SKS fenders are very light and great quality. The hardest part about the install is having to remove the rear wheel (which is very easy on the Turbo) to get to the bottom bracket and chain stay cross member mounts. I used a Dermal to shape the bottom bracket end of the fender to fit really low and keep crud out of the drive train. I also drilled my own hole for the chain stay mounting. Otherwise piece of cake. I believe the fender set was under $55. The SKS P50 is the model you want for the Turbo. I would suggest a rack that you can mount as low to the rear fender as possible to keep the center of gravity low. That's why I went with the Topeak V type.
I can give you some other pointers as you get going. Congratulation Logan, set up correctly you will love the bike. The few changes I have made to mine have turned it into a joy for me to ride with little to no fatigue.

 

[Ron Bez]

I just went and test rode a brand new specialized turbo x and I bought it even though that wasn't the plan. I will pick it up on Saturday after we do the firmware update which hopefully I can be a part of and adjust my top speed. The bike feels a lot more like a bike and I was just needing to downshift and pedal a little more to reach higher top speeds.

There are quite a few turns on my route and I don't think I will even be able to keep the speed super high. Thanks for the link on range. I'm already having second thoughts about picking it up on Saturday it's so much money I want to make sure I make the right decision. With sales tax it came to 3,3327 which is close to the take home price on the Izip pro tour bike if I order online from Motostrano. My new problem is that I have to find a city kit somewhere for the bike now. I wish there was a place to get a used set. Specialized won't have them available till early November which is right when the snow will start to come.

If you are used to riding a regular bike I think you will really love the Turbo X. If you are at all handy and have basic tools go with the SKS fenders like I did. There are any number of very nice racks available depending on how much you need to carry, and what kind of bags you like. I couldn't swallow the cost of the Specialized kit even though I really like the way it looks. The SKS fenders are very light and great quality. The hardest part about the install is having to remove the rear wheel (which is very easy on the Turbo) to get to the bottom bracket and chain stay cross member mounts. I used a Dermal to shape the bottom bracket end of the fender to fit really low and keep crud out of the drive train. I also drilled my own hole for the chain stay mounting. Otherwise piece of cake. I believe the fender set was under $55. The SKS P50 is the model you want for the Turbo. I would suggest a rack that you can mount as low to the rear fender as possible to keep the center of gravity low. That's why I went with the Topeak V type.
I can give you some other pointers as you get going. Congratulation Logan, set up correctly you will love the bike. The few changes I have made to mine have turned it into a joy for me to ride with little to no fatigue.