Creo 2: Specialized’s Best Electric Road Bike
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 20, 2024 | Time to read 4 min
Get to know the Specialized Creo road e-Bike. Warning: it’s actually an electric gravel bike— but we like that.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
“Creo” means “I believe” in Spanish. And Specialized has put a lot of faith in its 2nd-generation Creo e-Bike, believing it’s the best option for road and gravel riders alike. The latest iteration skews farther into gravel territory with some swanky new features that are starting to make me buy into the hype too. Stick with me and find out what the Specialized Creo 2 road e-Bike is all about.
Note: The model name inspiration may come from the Latin verb meaning “create, make, or produce”. The modern Spanish definition comes from that same etymology anyway, so we’re in the clear. It’s all Greek— I mean Latin— to me.
Note: The model name inspiration may come from the Latin verb meaning “create, make, or produce”. The modern Spanish definition comes from that same etymology anyway, so we’re in the clear. It’s all Greek— I mean Latin— to me.
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Specialized’s Do-It-All Electric Road Bike
Specialized takes a similar approach to Trek in manufacturing just one road e-Bike model, albeit in various versions. This contrasts with the brands’ huge electric mountain bike ranges, but it makes sense given the wider diversity in MTB disciplines. The Specialized Creo is a multipurpose solution for roadies and gravel riders who want a natural feeling boost. If you want more help in your search, learn how to choose a road e-Bike.
What is the Specialized Creo 2?
The Creo 2 is the second generation of Specialized’s dedicated road electric bike, but this newest version boasts tons of new gravel-oriented features. The original Creo came with slick, relatively narrow tires designed for pavement while the Creo 2 swaps for massive rubber, upgraded components, and new geometry. Of course, you can always put smooth road tires on the Creo 2 to transform it back into a road machine, but why limit yourself? Gravel riding is the hip thing to do these days anyway.
Specialized 1.2 SL Custom motor
One of the most exciting updates to the Specialized Creo is the 1.2 SL Custom mid-drive motor. It’s borrowed from Specialized newest e-MTBs, solidifying the Creo’s profile as an e-Bike that’s both road-ready and an electric off road bike.
The drive unit has 33% more power and 43% more torque compared to the previous generation, peaking at 320W of power. It’s also a bit quieter and Specialized drives home the fact that this new motor is all about the weight-to-power ratio, especially important for efficiency-oriented models like road bikes. It hooks up to a 320Wh battery and there’s the option for a range extender, too.
The drive unit has 33% more power and 43% more torque compared to the previous generation, peaking at 320W of power. It’s also a bit quieter and Specialized drives home the fact that this new motor is all about the weight-to-power ratio, especially important for efficiency-oriented models like road bikes. It hooks up to a 320Wh battery and there’s the option for a range extender, too.
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Upgraded geometry and Future Shock
The Creo 2 is equipped to handle multi-surface roads and gravel routes thanks to more rugged geometry and Specialized’s unique Future Shock suspension system. This 2nd-gen model has a slacker headtube angle, lower bottom bracket, and a shorter stem to increase stability over the rough stuff and liven up the handling at the front.
If you don’t know what a Specialized Future Shock headset is, it’s a sight to behold. It’s a compact suspension system built into the headset, providing up to 20mm of travel to smooth bumps and reduce vibrations in the handlebars. These systems have been around, but they are just starting to come on stock on high-end models and I’m itching to get my hands on one. They keep on improving and the Creo 2 is tricked out with the latest Future Shock 3.2 technology.
If you don’t know what a Specialized Future Shock headset is, it’s a sight to behold. It’s a compact suspension system built into the headset, providing up to 20mm of travel to smooth bumps and reduce vibrations in the handlebars. These systems have been around, but they are just starting to come on stock on high-end models and I’m itching to get my hands on one. They keep on improving and the Creo 2 is tricked out with the latest Future Shock 3.2 technology.
Gravel tires and massive clearance
The Specialized Creo is designed for high-volume tires and comes outfitted with 47mm gravel tires. Even if you’re not sending gravel routes all the time, wider rubber feels great on the road— I’ve fallen in love with gravel tires on paved roads because of the additional confidence while descending. The huge tire clearance can fit tires up to 2.2” if you’re really trying to go big.
Browse Upway’s selection of Specialized e-Bikes:
Specialized Creo 2 build kits
There’s just one overarching model when it comes to Specialized e-Road bikes but there are several options to choose from, sometimes referred to as “build kits”. In order of fancy to most fancy, there are Comp, Expert, and S-Works versions available. The higher-spec setups come with fancier groupsets and wheels to further shave down weight and boost efficiency. The most premium model weighs just over 28.5 lb.!
If you’re wondering what is the best electric bike— for either road or gravel use— the Specialized Creo 2 removes the burden of choice. There are even tons of mounting points on the frame so you can travel beyond road and gravel paths to go bikepacking. In the end, I’d call it a gravel e-Bike and I’m pretty jealous of Specialized Creo owners already— lucky you.
If you’re wondering what is the best electric bike— for either road or gravel use— the Specialized Creo 2 removes the burden of choice. There are even tons of mounting points on the frame so you can travel beyond road and gravel paths to go bikepacking. In the end, I’d call it a gravel e-Bike and I’m pretty jealous of Specialized Creo owners already— lucky you.
Key Takeaways
- Gravel-Ready Design: The Creo 2 features wider tires, rugged geometry, and Future Shock 3.2 suspension for versatile road and gravel performance.
- Powerful Motor Upgrade: Its 1.2 SL Custom motor delivers 33% more power and 43% more torque while staying lightweight.
- Premium Build Options: Multiple builds, including the ultra-light S-Works model, cater to riders seeking top-tier performance.
