New Model Release Dates?

[bikeroc]

Does anyone know when Specialized tends to release new models? I noticed they have clearance prices now and wondered if there will be new models out this summer.

Thanks

 

[Dazmanturbo]

I have been keeping an eye out for the new Creo. Typically speaking, Specialized does a 3 to 4 year life cycle and go my Creo in March 20 when they came out, so are due. Old Creo stock is on sale and not being replaced. We already now about the motor as in the Levo SL, which is the main part.

 

[PDoz]

Even the dealers don't reliably know release dates. They get told what's coming but are not allowed to tell customers until a date which constantly changes.

My lbs " didn't tell me" about the upgraded levo SL 2/3 times over a 12 month period, and even a couple of weeks before details went public, he " didn't tell" why he couldn't service my bike on a certain day ( but at least he let me know if the lsl upgrade wasn't worth me cancelling the service when he had ridden it)

I suspect mahle 1.1 powered specialized bikes are being discounted due to poor sales -lets face it, a potential customer STILL has uncertainty re the availability / suitability of the 1.2 motor as a future upgrade ( yes, it fits, but can you buy one)

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Even the dealers don't reliably know release dates. They get told what's coming but are not allowed to tell customers until a date which constantly changes.

My lbs " didn't tell me" about the upgraded levo SL 2/3 times over a 12 month period, and even a couple of weeks before details went public, he " didn't tell" why he couldn't service my bike on a certain day ( but at least he let me know if the lsl upgrade wasn't worth me cancelling the service when he had ridden it)

I suspect mahle 1.1 powered specialized bikes are being discounted due to poor sales -lets face it, a potential customer STILL has uncertainty re the availability / suitability of the 1.2 motor as a future upgrade ( yes, it fits, but can you buy one)

I was looking in the MTB forums and also seen it fits (SL 1.2). You hit nail on the head with can you buy one, which we can anticipate the answer will be no direct from Specialized. They have not even offered the Mastermind TCU as replacement option, so the motor will likely be the same. Will keep an eye out though......waiting for those extra needed torques......lol

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I still cannot understand what is wrong with SL 1.1 and the TCU 1.

I can understand the Levo SL 1.2 makes sense. MTBers need more oomph for sure. The battery range only lets them do a few more or less loops on the singletrack a day. For the rest of us? Any more power/torque means limiting the battery range.

Motor noise? Only important on a trail in quiet Wild Nature environment.
Mastermind TCU that killed BLEvo and thus deprived you vital insider information on your e-bike such as the true capacity of your batteries?

I did not buy an SL e-bike to have more power. I wanted to have a good workout and excellent battery range. Not excited with the new SL1.2 at all. It's just an "improvement" dictated by the marketing department of Spec.

Specialized could think of releasing a new SL Y cable for charging two Range Extenders at the same time. I would be happy to be able to buy such a cable regardless of the price!

 

[Dazmanturbo]

I still cannot understand what is wrong with SL 1.1 and the TCU 1.

I can understand the Levo SL 1.2 makes sense. MTBers need more oomph for sure. The battery range only lets them do a few more or less loops on the singletrack a day. For the rest of us? Any more power/torque means limiting the battery range.

Motor noise? Only important on a trail in quiet Wild Nature environment.
Mastermind TCU that killed BLEvo and thus deprived you vital insider information on your e-bike such as the true capacity of your batteries?

I did not buy an SL e-bike to have more power. I wanted to have a good workout and excellent battery range. Not excited with the new SL1.2 at all. It's just an "improvement" dictated by the marketing department of Spec.

Specialized could think of releasing a new SL Y cable for charging two Range Extenders at the same time. I would be happy to be able to buy such a cable regardless of the price!

The SL 1.1 and original TCU and damn good bit of kit and it is still what I have on my bike. More torque means easier climbing and the new motor has efficiency saving over the 1.1 so unless you are using turbo all the time (which I do not), it should be more efficient. The quieter nature will be a bonus to. It is more a nice to have rather than an essential

 

[Nubnub]

I still cannot understand what is wrong with SL 1.1 and the TCU 1.

Not everyone has a 2nd full power bike . And unless you never use sport or turbo settings on your SL you should understand there are times when more power is more better. If the SL is just a workout bike, why E-bike at all? Everyone's fitness level and ride profiles will differ, so in general if you must have an e-bike, more power is good.

Right now I am contemplating retiring my 3 year old 4.0 SL EQ (still runs fine btw) for a 5.0 SL if/when the 1.2 motor is available. Currently Specialized is discounting 5.0 SL's to around 3800$ and I'd expect a 1.2 motor equipped 5.0 to go for at least $5k. Initially I was somewhat skeptical that the additional 80W/15nM of the 1.2 would be worth it. I've played around with different peak power settings on both my SL and Tero. On the SL, the difference between 200 W and 300 W peak power electrical(with the same support setting) is substantial and I'd expect the boost from the 1.2 will be substantial as well. Likewise adjusting my Tero's peak power to compare 300 W vs 400 W peak power electrical is also significant enough that I would be willing to pay the additional >$1200 of old 5.0 on sale vs new 5.0 with 1.2 as an upgrade.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Not everyone has a 2nd full power bike . And unless you never use sport or turbo settings on your SL you should understand there are times when more power is more better. If the SL is just a workout bike, why E-bike at all? Everyone's fitness level and ride profiles will differ, so in general if you must have an e-bike, more power is good.

Right now I am contemplating retiring my 3 year old 4.0 SL EQ (still runs fine btw) for a 5.0 SL if/when the 1.2 motor is available. Currently Specialized is discounting 5.0 SL's to around 3800$ and I'd expect a 1.2 motor equipped 5.0 to go for at least $5k. Initially I was somewhat skeptical that the additional 80W/15nM of the 1.2 would be worth it. I've played around with different peak power settings on both my SL and Tero. On the SL, the difference between 200 W and 300 W peak power electrical(with the same support setting) is substantial and I'd expect the boost from the 1.2 will be substantial as well. Likewise adjusting my Tero's peak power to compare 300 W vs 400 W peak power electrical is also significant enough that I would be willing to pay the additional >$1200 of old 5.0 on sale vs new 5.0 with 1.2 as an upgrade.

Yes, you are right. A fitness rider would ride their Vado SL 1.2 unpowered on the flat, and the extra power/torque would help on climbs, where current SL 1.1 feels underpowered.

I admit I sometimes fancied something like 110% assistance on my SL 1.1.

 

[gpburdell]

If the SL is just a workout bike, why E-bike at all? Everyone's fitness level and ride profiles will differ, so in general if you must have an e-bike, more power is good.

Because having a bit of boost going up steep hills, especially after 30+ miles, takes away some of the suck.

You're correct that everyone's different though; for some folks the current SL 1.1 motor is plenty and others would like a bit more power. I considered whether to buy a discounted Creo or wait for the SL 1.2 models -- I played with the assist/power on my Vado and decided the SL 1.1 would be fine, which it has been and I have no regrets.

 

[Douglas Ruby]

Why more power? I am 72 years old and had a heart attack 20 years ago. I love my 1.1 version Vado SL 5.0 EQ and just finished a 3 day 171 mile group ride. However more power on climbs would be very useful. On these enduro rides, I carry TWO range extender batteries and change one out at around the 40-45 mile mark when averaging 13-15 mph. The longest day was 62 miles and the shortest 52 miles with between 1800 and 2900 ft of elevation. I found that by judicious use of "SPORT" mode and constant change to ECO or OFF on descents, and TURBO only on the steepest ascents, I was able to make my distance each day with minimal battery capacity left.

I would gladly give up some range, carry a 3rd extender battery in my rack bag if I could make my daily average speed 1-2 mph faster and get a bit more help on the hills.