I am a long-time commuter with 2013 Specialized Turbo. My one way trip is 10.3 mile, so 20.6 mile in total and ignoring any workday errands. I work long days, leaving and returning in the dark, and often returning against afternoon diurnally driven sea breezes. I am a mountain biker. I am not a road biker. if I am going to pedal, I am going to get some adrenaline and while also bringing the dog to enjoy the forest and the redwoods. I commute because I believe in it and I hate sitting in traffic.
I have always commuted by bike in graduate school but tended to live within a 5 mile radius, which is ideal distance without needing assist. When we bought our house, it was farther than I wanted for commuting, but couldn't afford to pay the higher housing prices to live closer. I am a believer in the "pedal" electric assist when it first came out, I was an early adapter. I learned quickly that the Turbo was workhorse, so I add more weight to the bike - wooden fenders, Thule rack, pannier bags, my lunch bag, extra rear light light, dedicated lock. Its easily 60lbs. Its a beast but it works.
I have been demoing with the notion of buying a Specialized Creo Evo. I like the concept. At first, I was on the fence - the cost versus the value recognition. Now I love bikes, love tinkering with new bikes, like gadgets, live far enough away to appreciate using electric assist, see the value in electric assist, value commuting, and have an income to pay for this bike. I feel that I represent a very small segment of the population and if I am on the fence I am curious who else will buy this.
The question was am I a biker or commuter? This a conundrum. The Turbo is convenient.
The Creo is an awesome commuter. It is way more natural to ride and therefore fun. My speeds/time are almost the same but the experience is different and more enjoyable onboard the Creo. The Turbo promotes a different type of pedaling and response and because of this - you kind of ride it with less engagement. You are more along for the ride. With the Creo you are more integrated into the ride. You actually work harder on the Creo but in a more natural manner that supports pedaling harder. The Turbo gets up to speed quicker and uphills faster, but the Creo support pedaling faster when up to speed.
As I said, I am a mountain biker. I am testing a large (typically ride a medium) because we are going to switch the bars to flat bars. With flat bars, this bike is going to be a blast.
I need to get fenders for it, lights, and debating a dedicated pannier rack or whether to go back to just using a backpack.
The Turbo was always cumbersome bringing up to my office and when running errands. Furthermore, when I bring truck for service, lifting the Turbo onto the tailgate, requires a few seconds preparation before lifting. The Creo - just throw it over the tailgate.
More to follow, but I am convert!
