specialized creo 2

[mschwett]

Compared to seat post that comes with Creo, does setback version move you further from handlebars? I really would like to get it, but unclear which version to select based on Creo 2 geometry

all the creo 2 droppers are zero offset.

if your bike fits well currently, you would want the regular (non setback) version.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

You were very right about the Roval Terra. It's OK, but doesn't do anything for really rough terrain. Have you compared the split carbon leaf to Redshift?

Not tried the Redshift. I had use the Ergon on my Roubaix before I got my first Creo, so I only had one choice in my book. On the Roubaix, it replaced the CGR (cobble gobbler), which all said was the best seat post, but the German's had other ideas. The Redshift may have good comfort, but the weight put me off. This seat post in still on my Roubaix, Creo 1 and Creo 2

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Compared to seat post that comes with Creo, does setback version move you further from handlebars? I really would like to get it, but unclear which version to select based on Creo 2 geometry

It depends on the seat position, but the layback is 25mm on the setback version. Not been an issue for me

 

[Twowheelxtc]

Don’t forget you can reverse the clamp on the setback version which makes it just 13mm. I’ve got mine now thanks to Dazmans recommendation of a well priced source for those in EU or Uk

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Don’t forget you can reverse the clamp on the setback version which makes it just 13mm. I’ve got mine now thanks to Dazmans recommendation of a well priced source for those in EU or Uk

Good advice. I hope you are finding it an excellent seat post like me. Can be a touch awkward to set up and find that sweet spot, but oh my days.......so nice when it's dialed in

 

[charleyt]

Wider tires are not only more comfortable but wider is smoother and therefore faster than a skinny tire. The tires on my Creo 2 are actually measuring out to a plump 48mm. This will be ideal for the 80+% gravel road routes I'll be riding in the Sonoran this winter. Obviously, Spesh sees the trend going towards gravel riding and wider tires (sorry, roadies!) for many reasons. Over-built e-bikes are harsh and stiff rides as compared to my custom steel frames. The absolute easiest way to add compliance to any bike is with wider tires set to lower pressures. Per a ride review report from someone who has actually ridden the bike:

While I like that the Creo 2 has room for massive 2.2″ tires, it should be noted that the frame and fork are incredibly stiff. The massive downtube and overall design to handle the power and weight means that the Creo 2 relies on high-volume rubber and the Future Shock to add comfort.

I wasn't comparing my Creo 2 to a Creo 1, but rather to an acoustic bike. E-bikes have to be overbuilt to support not only battery and added weight of an e-bike but also all the additional torque of combined rider and bike assist power. When you ride in Turbo mode combined with your own power input, it's like 3 riders putting power into that bike which is not normal. Everything has to be overbuilt so sustain that. Normal chains are not made for that kind of power so expect them to wear out twice as fast at least. Hopefully, there will be some new chains coming out specific to ebikes. Going with a skinny tire isn't going to make it faster. It may feel faster because of all the vibration and buzz in the hands, but that isn't indicative of speed.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

Tyre width is horses for courses, ie if you ride gravel, wide is good and if you ride road, skinny is good. I agree that the frame is very stiff and the standard dropper with zero compliance, making not great comfort. This is way in junction with the skinnier tyres, I swapped the seat post to Ergon CF3. The bike now rides great with a fine level of comfort. My skinny 28mm tyres are faster for the riding I do. I did 3 rides back to back to prove it, one on old Creo 1 with 28mm tyres, one on Creo 2 out the box with 47mm tyres and Creo 2 with 28mm on lightweight carbon rims. This dropped 2kg out the bike and the course was 3 mile odd with a 10% climb. The Creo 2 with 28mm tyres was much faster as the motor is a big improvement over the Creo 1

 

[Easy-Rider]

Tyre width is horses for courses, ie if you ride gravel, wide is good and if you ride road, skinny is good. I agree that the frame is very stiff and the standard dropper with zero compliance, making not great comfort. This is way in junction with the skinnier tyres, I swapped the seat post to Ergon CF3. The bike now rides great with a fine level of comfort. My skinny 28mm tyres are faster for the riding I do. I did 3 rides back to back to prove it, one on old Creo 1 with 28mm tyres, one on Creo 2 out the box with 47mm tyres and Creo 2 with 28mm on lightweight carbon rims. This dropped 2kg out the bike and the course was 3 mile odd with a 10% climb. The Creo 2 with 28mm tyres was much faster as the motor is a big improvement over the Creo 1

I know there has been some discussion about motor tonal levels, but do you notice a significant difference between the SLs1.1 and 1.2? My Creo 1 does whine a bit on the uphill climbs in the easier gears and eco mode.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

I know there has been some discussion about motor tonal levels, but do you notice a significant difference between the SLs1.1 and 1.2? My Creo 1 does whine a bit on the uphill climbs in the easier gears and eco mode.

The 1.2 is much quieter. Yes you can still hear it but gone is the mechanical whirr sounds like gears dragging. It is also much improved at speed cut off (mine cuts at 16.5mph here is Europe). The old 1.1 could hunt for limit and be on and off around that speed. The 1.2 does this much smoother

 

[Easy-Rider]

The 1.2 is much quieter. Yes you can still hear it but gone is the mechanical whirr sounds like gears dragging. It is also much improved at speed cut off (mine cuts at 16.5mph here is Europe). The old 1.1 could hunt for limit and be on and off around that speed. The 1.2 does this much smoother

Thanks!

 

[AvalancheRun]

I heard it’s going to be like Q3-4 next year before they see more Creo 2s in stock. Anyone hear differently? The website says ”coming soon“ on the comp models so that seems odd. Also wonder if a Sport Carbon model could be in the works.

 

[Easy-Rider]

I heard it’s going to be like Q3-4 next year before they see more Creo 2s in stock. Anyone hear differently? Also wonder if a Sport Carbon model could be in the works.

My LBS has one on order for early to mid Februar for the S Works Creo 2. Haven’t heard anything yet about a sport carbon model except the Expert Creo 2.

 

[gpburdell]

however, the downtube of either creo is gigantic to house the battery, and of course it connects to the chainstays, seat tube, and head tube, so you've got a very, very, very stiff frame. much more so than anyone would intentionally design a carbon fiber frame, and while i'm certain specialized thinned up the walls as much as is wise (given that the downtube has the battery in it and also has bottle bosses!) the ride is definitely very harsh compared to a super light carbon frame, or even an aero carbon frame.

Yes, though my point was more that the downtube didn't change between Creo v1 & v2, and people didn't really have issues with the Creo1 on conventional 28-32mm tires AFAIK.

While I didn't ride my E5 much with it's stock tires before putting 42mm tires on it (intended for gravel riding), it didn't seem to have any issues (as compared to my Domane SL5 with 32mm tires) that required going to 47mm or larger tires.

 

[mschwett]

Yes, though my point was more that the downtube didn't change between Creo v1 & v2, and people didn't really have issues with the Creo1 on conventional 28-32mm tires AFAIK.

While I didn't ride my E5 much with it's stock tires before putting 42mm tires on it (intended for gravel riding), it didn't seem to have any issues (as compared to my Domane SL5 with 32mm tires) that required going to 47mm or larger tires.

i think road bikes, especially carbon ones, have gotten much more compliant lately compared especially to bikes with aero tube shaping. maybe i just got spoiled, but road eBikes seem to have pretty harsh rides in general which i attribute to the big tubes. i like the ride of my creo a lot on 32mm tubeless, 40-50psi, but of course it has a future shock and most people on more traditional road bikes are running 28mm at 80psi … or worse!

i don’t really mind a stiff ride, i don’t ride off road much and i like avoiding potholes rather than riding over them! it started to come into play a little more on 4+ hour rides.

 

[Dazmanturbo]

i think road bikes, especially carbon ones, have gotten much more compliant lately compared especially to bikes with aero tube shaping. maybe i just got spoiled, but road eBikes seem to have pretty harsh rides in general which i attribute to the big tubes. i like the ride of my creo a lot on 32mm tubeless, 40-50psi, but of course it has a future shock and most people on more traditional road bikes are running 28mm at 80psi … or worse!

i don’t really mind a stiff ride, i don’t ride off road much and i like avoiding potholes rather than riding over them! it started to come into play a little more on 4+ hour rides.

The Creo 2 is stiffer than the 1 and with the dropper, it needs the 47mm tyres to make the comfort. Hence when dropping a tyre size, it is also worthwhile considering a seatpost change if the dropper is not essential. Fitting the Ergon CF3 to my Creo 2 transformed it. I now run 28mm at 60psi, but I come from the days of 18c and 120psi.........

 

[mschwett]

The Creo 2 is stiffer than the 1 and with the dropper, it needs the 47mm tyres to make the comfort. Hence when dropping a tyre size, it is also worthwhile considering a seatpost change if the dropper is not essential. Fitting the Ergon CF3 to my Creo 2 transformed it. I now run 28mm at 60psi, but I come from the days of 18c and 120psi.........

seems like another reason the creo 2 isnt really an endurance road bike. it’s a gravel bike in almost every way. great for those looking for an e gravel bike

 

[AvalancheRun]

New review from Ars Technica: Love at first ride: The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Comp gravel e-bike

Continuing on the hand comfort theme:

"While the Creo 2 Comp is a compliant ride, it's not always comfortable. Perhaps due to the top tube length (572 mm on a 56 cm frame) being longer than my other bikes, my hands would become numb quicker than on my other bikes. The minimalist Body Geometry Power Sport saddle was not a great solution for my more maximalist backside; I swapped it out with a spare Selle saddle and was much happier. But those are my only complaints about the ride. Whether exploring gravel farm roads in central Illinois or riding through a forest preserve in suburban Chicago, the Specialized always handled the terrain with aplomb."

 

[themongooseman]

Late last week I took delivery of an S-Works Creo 2 in size 56. I'm still getting it dialed in, with the help of our awesome local Specialized-owned dealer (Biker's Edge here in CT.) I'll do a full/proper review after a few more weeks of riding, but thought I'd drop a few initial impressions here -

First, for context, I currently own and regularly ride a Vado 5.0 IGH, temporarily owned a Vado 5 SL for a few weeks (before returning it), and have test-ridden many other e-bikes over the past few years. Otherwise my acoustic bike experience is decades old at this point ;-)

So - after just a few dozen miles on the s-works creo 2 over the last few days, first impressions: this is easily the most amazing bike I have ever personally ridden. Which, of course it should be, at over $15k with accessories! Straight from the store, I was a bit underwhelmed - the ride felt harsh, the derailleur was making strange noises under load, the tires felt soggy, the seat was uncomfortable, and my riding position/comfort was off. Here's what it took to get that all sorted:

• Swapped OEM seat for s-works power with mirror (my personal favorite saddle)
• Disassembled, re-greased, re-assembled, and re-calibrated the entire groupset
• Installed 3 supplied spacers to increase stack height by 15mm
• Replaced OEM dropper post with a roval terra carbon seatpost with 20mm setback
• Converted tires to tubeless
• Installed shimano pd-eh500 pedals

After these adjustments, I am very happy to report that I now feel like I'm getting my money's worth (which is really saying something, given the eye-watering price tag!) Of all the changes listed above, I think the seatpost replacement easily had the most impact. Specialized's decision to install a heavy, stiff/uncomfortable, nearly-useless (drop range) seatpost on this otherwise insanely nice carbon bike is just baffling to me. It's just laughably bad, a ridiculously overweight piece of hardware on an otherwise top-spec, superlight machine. I haven't weighed it yet, but I'd guess that replacing the seatpost easily shed a pound, maybe even two - and the roval carbon is SO much more comfortable, while still maintaining that "crisp-but-compliant" carbon feel that matches the bike perfectly.

Ok - so after these adjustments I was finally able to get a few "this feels right now" rides in today and I'm happy to report: this bike is so, so, so good. Like, it's almost hard to describe how good it is. It is an incredibly smooth, supple, and FAST ride. The closest I've ever come to feeling like a bike just disappears underneath me. Half of my rides today were power OFF and astonishingly (for me at least), I still felt like I was one with the wind - this bike wants to GO. I also really love the more relaxed geometry, personally. My back/neck won't let me ever become a super-aero speed demon anyway, so for me the gravel-inspired geometry (together with the electric assist!) is the perfect compromise between something even more upright (i.e. Vado SL) vs a pure acoustic road bike (i.e. Tarmac).

Regarding the 1.2 motor: Riding in eco (currently set to 35/35) feels like MORE than enough assist on this bike. By way of comparison, during my previous rides on an SL 1.1 motor (Vado SL 5.0) I felt like eco/35/35 was just barely enough to compensate for the weight of the bike, and I only started feeling the "benefit" of assistance (that "wind at my back" feeling) when I set power to sport (50/50) or above. With this new 1.2 motor, a setting of eco/35/35 feels equivalent to what sport/50/50+ felt like on the 1.1 motor (with the obvious caveat that the Vado SL 5.0 was probably ~5 pounds heavier than my current creo 2 setup.)

I have yet to do any range tests/calculations, but my guess is that @Stefan Mikes' assertions are correct: IF you dial the assist level on this bike to output similar wattage (equivalent to a lower assist level on this bike vs the SL 1.1 motor), then range will be the same - otherwise I'd assume that range will be reduced compared to the creo 1 at the same settings (although you'll go faster!) There's no magic here - watts are watts after all Still, I really like this setup - it means that I can get the same efficiency when I want to use an even lower assist, but then I also have even more power on demand if/when I decide I need it (to catch up to the group, tackle a hill, etc.) In default sport mode on this bike, I quickly reach 28mph on the flats. Turbo is insane, way overpowered for anything other than a super steep incline (and actually I just realized I still have my turbo set to 80/80... I haven't even tried 100/100 yet )

Oh, also, the motor is extremely quiet. It's basically imperceptible to my ears most of the time, with a very soft whir that I can only really hear when going up-hill, slow, with full assist. It is equivalent or maybe even quieter than the 2.2 motor on the Vado 5, and definitely a LOT quieter than the 1.1 motor at all speeds.

That's it for now. I'll report back after a few hundred more miles! Also of course please feel free to hit me up with any questions and I'll do my best to answer. Next big milestone for me is achieving my first century, which I'm planning with some family and friends at next year's Marin Century ride in CA. Hoping this bike can help me get it done!

Best,
Paul

Excellent review! I’ve got the Comp, and all I’ve had to change out was the stem. I’ll almost certainly swap out the wheelset at some point but, in contrast to your experience, I’ve found the dropper very useful on the rides I’ve done in the few weeks I’ve had the bike here in NZ. I’ve taken it through some very rough country, and on some of the rockier, steeper descents I found the dropper gave me just enough of a lower centre of gravity to make a difference. I absolutely love the bike. As for range, on Sunday I rode 110km with 1070m of climbing, and left home with 80% charge. I got home on 3% as I rode without assist on the downhills and anywhere else it didn’t feel necessary. Our longer frequent local road loop is 145km and I’d probably prefer to have the range extender on hand for that.

 

[themongooseman]

seems like another reason the creo 2 isnt really an endurance road bike. it’s a gravel bike in almost every way. great for those looking for an e gravel bike

It has excelled for me this last few weeks for exactly that.

 

[themongooseman]

Certainly not the S-Works, Paul!
I'm teasing a friend to get a Creo 2 Comp He is ready to spend 24 k of monetary units for a Diverge, why not 28 k for a Creo 2 Comp? He's not getting any younger!
I have shown your happy face to him

Both are awesome, but for the same price (and as a former S-Works Diverge owner) I’d definitely get the Creo 2.