Julian Alaphilippe’s Specialized S-Works Creo for the first rest day at the Tour de France (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The Specialized Creo Founder’s Edition (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The Deceuninck-QuickStep Specialized Creo bikes for a rest day training ride (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Devenyns speaks to his team mechanics about the new bike (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The Specialized Creo also features the brand’s Future Shock 2.0 suspension system, also seen on the Specialized Roubaix (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Elia Viviani is talked through the bike with Specialized’s road product manager (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Deceuninck-QuickStep riders collect their Specialized Creo electric road bikes ahead of a training ride (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Two buttons feature on the head tube of the bike, on/off and then the assist level switch (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Alaphilippe takes a look at the new Specialized Creo (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Dries Devenyns rode the Specialized Creo SL Evo – a gravel-specific version of the new bike (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Enric Mas heads out for a training ride on the first rest day of the 2019 Tour de France (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Yves Lampaert heads out for training on the Specialized Creo (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Max Richeze rides the new Specialized Creo (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The Founder’s Edition bike is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace components (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Gold logos are overlaid onto a deep blue finish (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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All of the Specialized Creo models are a 1X drivetrain setup (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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A look at the rear end of Alaphilippe’s S-Works Creo (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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A yellow Tacx Ciro bottle cage was aalso used (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Alaphilippe’s bike was given yellow handlebar tape to celebrate his overall lead at the race (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Alaphilippe uses an S-Works Romin Evo saddle (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Julian Alaphilippe’s name decal sits on the chain stay of his bikee (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The new Specialized S-Works Creo Founder’s Edition (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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A look at the drivetrain on the S-Works Creo Founder’s Edition (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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All of the Creo models are setup in a 1X guise and use Shimano’s MTB-specific rear derailleurs to accommodate the larger cassettes (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Roval wheels are used on all of the Specialized Creo models (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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A look at the control unit on the top tube of the bike (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The proprietary motor was designed in California and developed in Switzerland (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The Founder’s Edition bike features an S-Works Power saddle with matching gold trim (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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The bike has clearances for up to 42mm tyrees (Image credit: Josh Evans)
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Michael Morkov heads out for training in his Denmark national champion’s jersey (Image credit: Josh Evans)
After 10 stages of racing and more than half of the total Tour de France race distance, the yellow jersey of Julian Alaphilippe and his Deceuninck-QuickStep teammates are enjoying a first rest day of this year’s race in Albi. Nearly all of the riders from the race will head out for a short training ride on rest days to keep their legs turning over, with Deceuninck-QuickStep opting to train on the newly released Specialized Creo electric road bike.
Four options are available for the Creo, all of which feature carbon frames, Shimano groupsets, Roval wheels and Specialized’s proprietary SL1.1 integrated electric motor. The motor offers up to 240 watts of assistance while pedalling and is limited to 25kph in Europe and 28mph in the US. The battery is also integrated into the down tube, and the bike has a claimed weight of around 12kg.
Each of the Deceuninck-QuickStep riders were given one of the three Creo models to train on, while the range-topping and limited Founder’s Edition was on display at the team’s hotel. Bora-Hansgrohe – who are also sponsored by Specialized – were also given the bikes to train on at a different hotel.
As the riders set off for their ride, Specialized staff were on hand to explain the two-button controls to change the power assist levels, with the majority of riders simply asking for ‘Turbo’, the highest level of assist. Eco, Sport and Turbo are the three levels of assist, which match rider input at 30 percent (Eco), 60 percent (Sport) or up to 240 watts (Turbo).
The Specialized Creo has a claimed range of 130 kilometres, while an additional booster pack can be held in a bottle cage for an additional 65 kilometres of range. When the electric motor is not engaged it offers no resistance to normal pedalling.
The Specialized Creo Founder’s Edition is limited to just 250 units worldwide and is priced at an eye-watering US $16,500.
Handlebar tape: Specialized Roubaix S-Wrap Stem: Specialized S-Works Future Stem with integrated computer mount Saddle: Specialized S-Works Power Seat post: Specialized S-Works FACT carbon
Click through the gallery above for a closer look at the new Specialized Creo and Deceuninck-QuickStep heading out for a training ride on the first rest day of the 2019 Tour de France.
