Riding & Range Tips

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The free Specialized app enables you to control motor output, range, diagnose the system, record rides, and more. 

Riding & range tips 

Here are five key things to know when riding a Turbo bike:

1. Shifting: For smoother shifting and improved drivetrain longevity, remember to reduce your pedaling force as you shift. Avoid shifting under heavy loads, such as when accelerating or climbing. Only shift one gear at a time. 
2. Assist Mode Selection: You will have increased range by primarily using the modes Eco (1) and Sport/Trail (2). When you need maximum power and aren't as concerned with range, Turbo mode is a great option.
3. Maintain a Smooth Cadence: The motor is designed to best support you in a higher cadence spectrum (~75 rpm and above). Pedaling in a smooth cadence is beneficial for optimal range and motor support. 
4. Optimize Battery Performance: The Smart Control feature in the Specialized app allows you to set motor support based on ride length (time or distance) to ensure you have enough power for your ride. If you have a Turbo SL bike and are using a Range Extender, we recommend using the default parallel battery discharge scenario. This way, the motor will perform better throughout your ride and neither battery will fully depleted unless necessary. Discharging the Range Extender first only makes sense if you want to remove it at some point to have a lighter bike or if you want to make room for a water bottle.
5. State of Charge & Output: Between 20% and 15% remaining battery state of charge (SOC), the system starts reducing motor support to ensure uninterrupted support at lower charge/voltage levels. Between 5% and 3% remaining SOC, motor support shuts off but the system stays on. This is not only beneficial for battery health and lifetime, but also ensures wired lights can be powered for about two more hours.

Charging

• Regularly inspect the battery and charger for damage. Never charge a battery which you suspect is damaged or know is broken, and do not use it.
• Make sure the charging socket and plug are clean and dry before connecting and charging the battery.
• Only use the supplied charger cord*. Ensure the cord plug is fully inserted in the charger before plugging the charger into a power outlet.
• Only use the Specialized charger supplied with the bicycle or other chargers approved by Specialized. Inspect the charger before every use for possible damage to the charger itself, the cable or the charging plug. Never use a charger which you suspect is damaged or know is broken.
• Place the charger on a stable, level surface unaffected by heat. If the battery is charged outside of the frame, place the battery on the same surface as the charger.
• You should charge the battery in a dry, well ventilated area and make sure the battery and charger are uncovered during the charging process. Ensure that the battery and charger are not exposed to any flammable or dangerous substances.

Charging instructions

1. Turn off the bike if turned on.
2. Plug the charger plug into an outlet using the appropriate plug for the country’s standards.*
3. Locate the charging socket and connect the charging plug.  You should charge the battery in an area with a smoke detector.

4. The TCD/TCU on the bike will indicate when the bike is charging. The LED on the charger will also glow red when the battery is charging.

5. When charging is complete, the LED on the charger will turn green. Disconnect the charging plug from the battery socket and unplug the charger from the wall socket.

   
   

   

   If the red LED on the charger is flashing, there is a charging error--disconnect the charger and contact your Authorized Specialized Retailer

All Turbo SL bikes must be charged only with the supplied 48 V custom charger. There is also an optional Y-splitter charge cable that enables simultaneous charging of the internal battery and the range extender. It can charge one internal battery and one range extender at the same time--any other application is not recommended.

Charge Times For Full Charge

*NOTE: Due to a lower charging current, charging the Range Extender alone takes longer than charging the internal battery and as long as charging both Internal Battery + Ranger Extender through Y-cable. The reason for slower charge times is to maintain battery health, as higher currents would stress the cells and decrease health much quicker).