Specialized Creo 2 launched as more powerful, lightweight electric gravel bike
Specialized has just upped its game with the launch of the new Specialized Creo 2, a lightweight electric gravel bike that pushes the boundaries even in a super-svelte package.
The bike fits nicely with Specialized’s Turbo e-bike division’s mantra of “It’s you, only faster.”
At the heart of the Specialized Creo 2 is the SL1.2 mid-drive motor, specifically designed by the company’s engineers to deliver more power in a smaller and lighter package.
The small and compact motor can propel the e-bike up to speeds of 28 mph (45 km/h), where legally permitted.
For those living in areas that don’t permit class 3 or speed pedelec performance, the bike can be limited to Class 1 or Euro-style speeds of 15.5 mph (25 km/h). Riders can (and will) of course pedal the bike faster, but the motor assist cuts out at those modifiable pre-programmed limits in accordance with local regulations.
The bike also comes limited to 80% power out of the box, likely in an effort to help with efficiency, but can be unlocked to 100% power either using the onboard controls or via Specialized’s smartphone app.
The company describes the SL 1.2 drive system as “the most efficient e-bike system out there,” saying that it maximizes the range-to-weight ratio. It delivers 33% more power (320 watts) than its predecessor, while its 43% higher torque (50 Nm) makes quick work of steep hills. The company also notes that it is the “quietest e-bike system in the world.”
As many competing electric bike motors have become increasingly quieter over the years, that’s a bold claim that is sure to lead to a near whisper-quiet motor. On long rides, the joy of hearing nothing but the whistle of the wind and the crunch of your tires can not be overstated.
And long rides are just what the Creo 2 was designed for. The bike’s 320 Wh internal battery is rated for up to 80 miles (128 km) of range, indicating a super-efficient low-power Eco mode. For longer rides, an auxiliary 160 Wh range extender battery can be added, bringing the total range up to 120 miles (193 km).
Range varies greatly depending on speed and power level, so Specialized shared detailed data showing various range estimates under different operating conditions.
Ostensibly a gravel e-bike, Specialized designed the Creo 2 to blur the lines between categories by giving the bike a more progressive geometry.
Compared to its predecessor, Creo SL Gen 2 has a slacker head tube angle, a lower bottom bracket, a shorter stem, and is tuned specifically for high-volume tires that work well on both pavement and rough terrain.
Wide tire options are a key feature of the Creo 2, which comes with 47c Tracers but can support tires up to 2.2 inches for a wide range of gravel tire compatibility.
The Creo 2 features Specialized’s Future Shock 3 hardware that offers 20mm of hydraulically damped travel and claims to reduce impacts by 53%.
That Future Shock is designed to keep hands and bars steady for a smoother ride with more control. The Future Shock 3 system works with those high-volume tires to allow the Creo 2 to feel smoother and more compliant even with the added frame rigidity that comes with an electric bike.
As far as pricing goes, it fits with Specialized’s previous sticker shock. The Creo 2 Comp Carbon starts at US $6,500, with the Creo 2 Expert Carbon priced at US $9,000, and the S-Works Creo 2 rounding out the ultra-premium end at US $14,000.
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Tesla has opened orders for the Model Y Long Range RWD for $45,000 in the US. It’s the new entry-level Model Y following the design refresh earlier this year.
Since launching the updated Model Y earlier this year, Tesla has only offered the best-selling electric SUV in a single Long-Range AWD configuration.
First, it was as a fully-loaded $60,000 Launch Edition, and last month, it started deliveries of the regular Model Y AWD starting at $49,000.
As we recently noted, Tesla didn’t have much of an order backlog for the new Model Y in the US, and it has already started gathering new Model Y AWD in inventory just weeks after launching the vehicle.
Tesla even started offering subsidized financing rates on the new SUV this weekend.
Now, the automaker is starting to take orders for the new Model Y Long Range RWD
The new trim starts at $44,990 and enables 357 miles of range – an extra 30 miles over the AWD version.
However, due to its single motor powertrain, the lower-priced version is slightly slower with a 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds rather than 4.6 seconds.
The automaker says that deliveries of the new version will start in the US in the next 3 to 5 weeks. It launched the new Model Y RWD in Europe weeks ago.
Tesla also offers a Standard Range RWD in Europe and China for even cheaper, and deliveries have already started in China.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla appears to have waited to open orders for the Model Y RWD in the US to optimize demand for the Long Range AWD.
But now it needs a cheaper model to sustain demand at the current production rate.
In the coming weeks, it will start building a mix of RWD and AWD in Fremont and Austin to
Interestingly, Tesla currently only offers the subsidized 1.99% financing rate on the Model Y Long Range AWD. I would assume that Tesla plans to take advantage of the boost in demand that the cheaper model will create.
However, US buyers probably won’t have to wait more than a few weeks before Tesla starts to offer lower interest rates on all versions, like it already does in Europe and China.
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![Big Mack, hydrogen Honda, and a ride in the Tesla Semi at ACT Expo 2025 [part 6]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/act-2025.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
On today’s thrilling episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got some of the highlights of the 2025 ACT Expo, including the all-electric Windrose and Mack Pioneer Class 8s trucks, a hydrogen fuel sell [sic] from Honda, a fun charging surprise, and – after an eight year wait – we finally get a ride in the all-new (in 2017) Tesla Semi!
ACT Expo is North America’s premier clean truck and transport trade show – and for 2025 it was bigger than ever, with more exhibitors and more, more capable battery electric vehicles than ever. The downsides? NACFE have scored with their “messy middle” messaging, and the return of “clean diesel” talking points. We’ve got a brief rundown and links to all the details, below.
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