Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 E-MTB Review

The Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 is an exceptionally capable and versatile e-bike. This Specialized E-MTB impressed us both on and off the trail. Equipped with three pedal assist modes and 110mm of front suspension, and 29″ tires this bike will allow you to conquer most kinds of terrain.

Though the Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 is heavier than your average hardtail, it is every bit as maneuverable and playful.

Pedal Assist

The Turbo Tero 5.0 has three pedal assist modes: Eco, Trail, and Boost. Each has a different power output and battery consumption. Naturally the Eco is the most efficient but least powerful, and the boost is the most draining but with the most power.

The best way to describe the pedal assist on the Specialized Tero E-Bike is responsive and natural. The pedal assist feels like when you’re having a killer day biking and you are firing on all cylinders at full strength every pedal stroke.

On the uphills you still have to work, but each downstroke has full power behind it. The Eco, Trail, and Boost modes will put down more power with each pedal stroke, and that translates to distance per pedal stroke. The power in the pedal assist is directed toward the front chain ring, which gives the rider a more calculated feel about the amount of assistance coming from the mid drive motor.

Pros of Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 E-Bike:

• Versatile: Handles well on and off-road (commuter and trails).
• Powerful and responsive pedal assist: Three modes (Eco, Trail, Boost) with natural-feeling power delivery.
• Long range: Battery can be optimized for distance with Mission Control App.
• Comfortable ride: 110mm front suspension, 29″ tires.
• Smooth shifting: SRAM GX drivetrain with 11-42T cassette for wide gear range.
• Durable build: Beefy aluminum frame, internal cable routing, and hydraulic disc brakes.
• Fun to ride: Enhances uphill climbs and allows for exploration of off-road trails.

Cons of Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 E-Bike:

• Heavy: At 50 lbs, it is a heavier e-bike.
• Large frame: Due to integrated downtube battery.
• Expensive: Priced at $3,499.99.
• Limited display: Mastermind TCD display requires app connection for full functionality.

Mission Control Center on the Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0

To further fine tune your riding, the Specialied Turbo Tero 3.0 Electric Bike is equipped with the Mastermind TCD. This is a visible display which you can toggle with a switch on the headset. It is able to connect with the Mission Control app so you can track your progress and performance.

The system itself is intuitive to operate, with the display changing color to indicate which pedal assist mode you are in. Furthermore, through the Mission Control app, you are able to set your electric motor settings to optimize your rides.

Gear Range

Additionally, the gear range on the Specialized Turbo Tero E-Bike makes for an enjoyable to ride without the pedal assist. Although is only offers 11 speeds, the 11-42T your lowest gear is 1:1 gear ratio.

Shifting through the gears is smooth going up and down the cassette with the SRAM GX. That gives the rider plenty of opportunity to ride the bike as though it were not an e-bike.

Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 Frame

The specialized Tero 5.0 has a beefy aluminum frame. The geometry is similar to that of other mid-grade Specialized hardtails, but the frame itself is so much bigger. Specifically, the down tube to the headtube is almost twice the thickness of normal aluminum frame. This is due to the battery compartment being located in that section of the bike.

Internal cable routing gives the frame a clean look, and it protects them from the elements. There are hardpoints on the bike which allow for rack mounts if you desire to use it as more of a commuting and transportation bike.

Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 On Trail Performance

The Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 E-Bike  is enjoyable for every kind of rider. Whether you’re new to biking or a veteran on the trail, you’ll find something to enjoy in this bike. As someone who mountain bikes daily, I found it to be impressive on the uphill. I realized that the pedal assist made the uphill travel feel like a flow trail.

Skill was still needed to mount some trail features and corners, but I felt less winded. The toggle between the modes was seamless. Shifting was extremely smooth, even on the uphill as there isn’t the torque on the chain that your normally get when climbing.

The suspension felt great and responsive and with the 29″ tires this bike can conquer trails with speed. The 180mm disc brakes are perfect for this bike. With the Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 weight of 50 lbs. combined with the top speed I was going downhill, the bike stopped on a dime every time.

Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 E-MTB Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Versatile: Handles well on and off-road.
• Powerful and responsive pedal assist: Three modes.
• Long range: Battery can be optimized.

Cons:

• Heavy: At 50 lbs.
• Large frame: Due to integrated downtube battery.
• Expensive: Priced at $3,499.99.
• Limited display: Mastermind TCD display requires app connection.

Overall Impression

Overall, I am exceptionally stoked about a Specialized E-Bike like this. It provides everything that I need from a bike. The bike combines all the performance of a pedal assist commuter bikes with the geometry and fun of a Specialized hardtail.  Without a doubt, I can recommend that the Specialized Turbo Tero 5.0 ($5,000) is worth every dollar put into it.

Related E-MTB’s

1. Magnum Peak T5 E-MTB
2. Lankeleisi MG740 E-MTB
3. Hiboy P6 E-MTB