2020-2023 Turbo Creo SL

Frames and Component Compatibility

• All carbon models come with a FACT 11r carbon frame (S-Works, Expert Carbon, Expert Carbon EVO)
• The aluminum frame is made of E5 premium aluminum
• Alloy and carbon frames differ slightly with respect to
  
  • chainstay length
  • fender installation

  • accessory mounting (e.g., Comp E5 is compatible with a kickstand)

• All Creo SL models can effectively be set up as EVO or standard. The differences are in the seatpost, tires, and handlebars:

  • Non-EVO models are specified with 28c road tires and fixed seatposts
  • EVO models feature a dropper post and 38c gravel tires
  • EVO models use an Adventure Gear Hover handlebar with a 12° flared lower section to add control on gravel

Future Shock

All models of the Creo SL feature a Future Shock.  With 20mm of travel, the Future Shock was designed to help riders overcome obstacles on their ride, while providing compliance and giving the rider confidence on the bike. We designed the Future Shock to soak up all those small imperfections on the road.

The Creo SL S-Works, Expert, and Comp models all feature the Future Shock 2.0. While the Future Shock 2.0 has 9 clicks of adjustment on the knob, the first 2 clicks from the firm setting (moving counterclockwise) have a very small adjustment. The remaining 3-9 clicks are fully open. The firm setting is not a lock-out, but is tuned to provide a more stable platform for out-of-the saddle climbing and sprinting while still absorbing large bumps.

Future Shock 2.0-equipped models also feature the new Future Stem. The inner diameter of the Future Stem is smaller than a conventional steerer, but a standard stem can be used when installed with a special shim.

The Creo SL E5 Comp features the Future Shock 1.5.

Can I upgrade my Future Shock 1.5 to the 2.0?

Yes! See our Future Shock Retrofit Compatibility Technical Bulletin for instructions.

CAUTION: Top tube accessory bags that strap around the steerer tube below the stem are not compatible with a Future Shock damper, which is equipped on all models. Use of a strap around the boot of the Future Shock damper may damage the boot (S209900002), which will impair the waterproofness of the Future Shock.

Future Shock Service 

Future Shocks 1.5 & 2.0 are designed to maintain consistent performance for the length of ownership.  Should a rider experience an issue with a Future Shock, complete cartridges are available as service parts, S194200039 & S194200040.  

Future Shock 2.0/1.5 Manual

Chainring

All models use a 1x drivetrain using a 110 bcd spider. A 46T chainring is standard. 1x 42-50T chainrings are compatible.

Tires and Wheels

Creo SL features Road Boost axle standards and new Roval CLX50 Boost, C38 Boost and R470 Boost wheels to match. The axle spacing is 110x12mm front and 148x12mm rear.  As on the standard C38 and CLX50 wheels, DT Swiss star ratchet hub internals are utilized (350 and 240. respectively).  Spoke count: 24-hole front and rear for both wheelsets.  C38, CLX50 and R470 wheelsets are tubeless ready, with tubeless valve stems included in the small parts box.  All wheelsets use 160mm centerlock brake rotors. 

650b wheels are compatible, but will reduce the BB height.

• Max tire width 700c: 42mm (all frames)

• Max tire width 650B: 47mm (all frames)

MY17-20 Control SL wheels may also be adapted to 12x110 front using endcaps: S165900003 & S165900010.  Note that these wheels have a 6-bolt rotor pattern and will require new brake rotors and a Levo speed sensor magnet.

Racks & Fenders

Rear racks are compatible with the 30.6 mm seat clamp with rack mount (S184700001).

Fenders

Creo SL frames are compatible with Plug + Play fenders, with mounts at the lower fork legs and crown and on the chain stays. For best functionality, we recommend the Specialized Dry Tech 35c fenders.

Installing the rear fender 

The carbon frame does not have a chainstay or seatstay bridge, either of which is generally used to install fenders. There is a fender mount bracket in the small parts box (S182200001). 

1. Carbon frame: Install the bracket on the seat tube. For larger frames, install the bracket below the seat stays as shown below. For smaller frames, the bracket may need to be installed above the seat stays. 
   
   
   
   Alloy frame: No bracket needed. Attach the fender to the threaded insert on the seat stay bridge as shown below.
   
   
   
   
2. At the chainstay, place a spacer between the bottom bracket and the fender. For alloy frames, use the 5mm spacer. For carbon frames, use the 10mm spacer.
   
   
3. The rear fender stays are mounted by inserting the stays into the dropout holes. Secure them using set screws as shown below.
   
   

Gen 1 Turbo SL System

Motor

The Specialized SL 1.1 is an all-new custom motor that uses a magnesium case for low weight and corrosion resistance.  The assembled motor weighs 1.95kg.

The SL 1.1 motor is a 48v brushless, geared design and offers a maximum output of 240w.  An integrated power meter records the rider's input power and cadence.

Battery

All Creo SL models feature a 320Wh Li-ion main battery and are compatible with the 160Wh Range Extender. Batteries for the Creo SL are fully internal and not removable unless performed by an Authorized Specialized Retailer.

A Y-Splitter charger cable is available to allow both the main battery and the Range Extender to be charged simultaneously (98920-5660). The Y-Splitter may be used only to charge one internal and one Range Extender battery.

Range Extender Battery

Specialized Turbo SL bikes are compatible with the external Range Extender battery. This battery fits inside a bottle cage and adds 160 Wh (50% of range), which roughly translates into 1 hour of additional ride time in flat/hilly terrain. It is compact and only weighs 1 kg. 

Turbo Connect Unit (TCU)

The TCU allows you to power the bike on and off, view the battery charge level, and cycle through the support modes. It also provides limited diagnostics.

Additional TCU functions:

• Connects to ANT+ and BLE devices (BLE requires pairing code printed on side of TCU)
• System updates via micro USB port: The micro-USB port below the battery port is for Authorized Specialized Retailer and Specialized Service Center diagnostic use only. Please ensure the USB rubber seal is always correctly pressed in and firmly closed.
• Restores default settings: 
  1. With bike turned OFF, press and hold the S button
  2. While holding the S button down, press the power button
  3. Continue holding the S button down until the bike restarts
  4. Power the bike up as usual. Bike will be reset to defaults.
• Basic error notifications: The TCU has red LEDs embedded with the blue State of Charge LEDs. Different errors are displayed depending on which LED is lit:

Notes on Error Codes:

• All TCU error codes should be treated like a "Check Engine" light in a car. These alert the rider that something is not functioning properly, but are not intended to provide the rider with detailed fault information.
• In most cases a system restart is going to be the next step:
  • If the issue is resolved, the rider should be able to confidently continue riding.
  • If the issue returns, the same error code will be displayed and the rider should bring the bike to their retailer.

Other Error Codes:

• A depleted or missing coin cell battery in TCU will cause the bottom LED error code to be displayed for one minute after startup. The TCU uses one CR1620 battery.

Other TCU notes:

• TCU can be put in "Dark Mode" through the Mission Control app. This setting will allow the TCU LEDs to remain on for about 1 second after any button press on the remote or when the mode is changed with the S button on the TCU. After one second all LEDs turn off completely and the system appears to be powered off.
• 15 minute shutdown: If the bike receives no rider input for 15 minutes the system shuts down.

Connecting to Turbo Connect Unit

The motor support system provides a high degree of interface flexibility, through Bluetooth and/or ANT+ connectivity. Depending on the device and the connectivity option, a variety of features can be accessed.

• Bluetooth LE (BLE): The Mission Control App (iOS or Android) provides an enhanced ride experience by recording rides while syncing with Strava, eliminating “range anxiety” with the Smart Control function, GPS-based navigation, and system diagnostics. Android and iOS devices can sync to all Turbo bicycles via Bluetooth LE. Visit Google Play or the Apple App Store for the latest version of the free Mission Control App. All Mission Control functionality instructions can be found within the App itself.
• ANT+: The ANT+ Protocol offers a range of devices that sync with the Turbo bicycles, including the Specialized TC1 display, available separately.
• Pairing: To pair the Turbo Connect Unit with the Mission Control app, the pin code located on the removable frame decal on the top tube must be entered in the app. The pin code is also located on the bottom of the Turbo Connect Unit (the display must be removed from the frame to see it). 

Service & Maintenance

Replacement Parts

The majority of replacement parts must be ordered through and installed by an Authorized Specialized Retailer. We are constantly reviewing the parts that can be safely installed by riders, and making some available for purchase directly on Specialized.com. The below list of parts is a reference for what retailers can order from Specialized. It may not include every part, and some parts are reserved specifically for warranty cases. We recommend always consulting a retailer when replacement parts are needed. 

Replacement Spokes

Manuals

Creo SL User Manual

Future Shock 2.0/1.5 Manual

Range Extender Manual

2021 Rider/Bike Weight Limits

Torque Specs

Structural Weight Limits

*Please note that frames are rated to carry 275lbs (124.7kg) total of rider and gear weight. If your bike has carbon components (e.g., seatpost, saddle, or handlebar) please follow the component weight limit.