Specialized Next Generation Turbo Electric Bikes Are Essentially Computers On Wheels

Specialized is launching next-generation versions of two of its most popular e-bikes, the Turbo Vado and the Turbo Como, as well as an all-new model, the Turbo Tero. And while the bikes themselves look fantastic, the big story is the improved technology that works inside. This is because Specialized has improved these electric bikes to the point that they are essentially computers on wheels.

Specialized is making its e-bikes much smarter with a host of new features on the software side. This includes over-the-air software updates, which means customers can take advantage of new features as Specialized develops them over time. The company’s Mission Control app is designed to digitize the experience, providing a place where customers can receive software updates OTA rather than having to bring their bikes into the store for minor updates.

“As we learn and continue to develop from a software standpoint, the bike gets better over time,” said Ian Kenny, product manager for Specialized’s Turbo line. The edge. “It’s a pretty transformational change in the bike industry, a lot of it in line with what customers expect from electric vehicles and the cutting edge technology they’re used to having in their homes. “

Photo by Andrew J. Hawkins / The Verge

After connecting their bike to their phone via Bluetooth, customers can diagnose minor bugs or other software issues or adjust the bike’s power settings to increase or decrease the amount of assistance. If you want more workout while riding, you can decrease the amount of support or vice versa if you want to get to your destination in a dry place.

Specialized Turbo e-bikes all feature anti-theft technology, where customers can use the app to turn off the bike’s motor and activate a motion alarm system. Once locked, the engine cannot be activated by anyone other than the owner.

Perhaps one of the coolest new features is the inclusion of rear-facing Garmin radar to detect vehicles as they approach from behind as you ride. Garmin says its radar can detect objects up to 140 meters away, which should provide a comfortable buffer zone for anyone experiencing (justifiable) anxiety about driving near traffic. Cars appear as yellow dots moving vertically along the left side of the screen, so it only takes a quick glance to determine who is coming from behind. Drivers can also opt for a haptic alert when approaching vehicles if they wish to be more careful.

All three bikes are speed pedelecs, which means they are categorized as Class 3 electric bikes with a top speed of 28 mph. The Specialized 2.2 motor has a rated power of 250 W, a torque of 90 Nm and is custom-made by the company in collaboration with Brose, a German company that manufactures motors for electric bikes. And the 710Wh battery is fully integrated and non-removable, which depending on your preference is either a nice design touch or a drag when it comes to charging.

Each bike is designed for a different riding experience. The Vado is the “vehicle for everything” including commuting, training, shopping or just a pleasant ride. The Como is a more relaxed and upright style of riding, with its swept-back handlebars and low-pitched frame. And the Tero, as a fusion of a mountain bike and a utility bike, is designed for “off-road exploration”.

Much like the recently released Turbo Como SL (which stands for Super Light), the new generation Turbo bikes feature Gates carbon belt drives, which are very popular with e-bike manufacturers these days because they are cleaner. and easier to maintain than traditional metal chain drives. The 11-speed shifter is powered by a fully enclosed, electronically-powered, maintenance-free Enviolo automatic shifter. The advantage of the automatic shifter is that the bike is always supposed to feel like it is in the perfect gear.

The only downside is the price. Specialized makes fantastic e-bikes with top of the line components – and as such, they can be very expensive. This is certainly the case with the new Turbo bikes, which range from $ 3,250 to $ 5,500. Hopefully Congress includes this 15% tax credit for new e-bike purchases in the budget reconciliation bill, because every little bit counts.