Turbo: Frequently Asked Questions
Our Turbo bikes are on the precipice of cutting-edge technology, so we understand that you have questions. Luckily, we also have answers. Read below to see some of our more frequently asked questions.
Turbo: Frequently Asked Questions
Our Turbo bikes are on the precipice of cutting-edge technology, so we understand that you have questions. Luckily, we also have answers. Read below to see some of our more frequently asked questions.
General
What's the maximum rider weight for my Turbo?
Please refer to this document on specialized.com: 2018 Rider/Bike Weight Limits and Terrain Conditions. It can be found on every bike page as a downloadable PDF in the section "Manual Downloads."
How far will my Turbo take me?
Use our Turbo Range Calculator to tell you how far your Turbo's battery will get you.
What should I consider when using my Turbo in the winter?
Always store your bike and battery at room temperature before riding, or at least in an ambient temperatures above 0° C (35° F). If the battery cells are too cold, performance issues can occur (system goes into protection mode in worst case scenarios with no motor support). Riding in low temperatures is not a problem since the battery creates heat during discharge. Refer to the temperature ranges for charging, discharging, and storing as displayed on the underside of the battery.
Can I mount a trailer to my Turbo Levo/Kenevo or Vado/Como bike?
Yes, this is possible with the correct axle (e.g. from The Robert Axle Project). Make sure the axle fits the spacing and the thread pitch (Turbos always 1.0). All 2016 to 2018 Turbo bikes require a 148x12mm axle with the Syntace X-12 thread standard (pitch 1.0). Also stick to the Specialized addendum titled 'Riding with Kids.' Be aware that, in some countries, pulling a trailer with or without kids may be affected by legislation, especially in conjunction with S-Pedelecs (e.g. Vado 5.0/6.0).
Turbo Kenevo & Levo
What are the stock spring rates for all the Kenevo sizes?
The TTX22M shock in 2018 Kenevo models comes with the following springs. Note that these are safe average rates for the expected rider weight and size:
- S: 72N/mm - 411lbs/in for rider weight 130lbs (59kg)
- M: 80N/mm - 457lbs/in for rider weight 150lbs (68kg)
- L: 88N/mm - 502lbs/in for rider weight 180lbs (82kg)
- XL: 96N/mm - 548lbs/in for rider weight 210lbs (95kg)
What tire widths can I run on my Turbo Kenevo?
The Kenevo is designed to only run 650b/27.5" tires from 2.6" to 2.8" wide. Be aware that the bottom bracket becomes lower with narrower tires.
Can I modify my Kenevo with a double-crown fork?
The Kenevo frame is approved for the use of double-crown suspension forks with 180mm of travel. In order to preserve the geometry and overall ride characteristics, any alternative fork should feature an identical, or very similar, axle-to-crown measurement compared with the original fork. A greater fork length would further slacken the head tube angle and therefore compromise the steering and ride characteristics.
What's the maximum fork travel for Levo FSR models?
The maximum fork travel is 150mm since the frame geometry is designed around a 140mm suspension setup.
Can I retrofit my model year 2016/17 Turbo Levo with the handlebar Trail Remote specified on model year 2018 models?
No, this is not possible, as the wired remote is not an aftermarket item. Also, Levo frames prior to model year 2018 are not prepared to route the cable inside the frame. Frame modifications void the warranty. For Levos prior to model year 2018, we recommend the ANT+ handlebar remote to change modes from the cockpit.
Can I change batteries between the Levo and Kenevo?
Yes, all Levo batteries are cross-compatible. Make sure you run the latest firmware.
What display options do I have for my Turbo Levo/Kenevo bikes?
There are multiple display options since all Levo/Kenevo batteries feature ANT+/Bluetooth® functionality. This is a quick overview:
- Mission Control App.
- Garmin Connect IQ on selected Garmin models.
- ANT+ devices, like a bike computer or wearables, show the state of charge by using the "Fake Channel" in the Mission Control App.
- Wireless ANT+ handlebar remote to switch modes (especially for Levo model year 2016 and 2017 models).
- Other ANT+ third-party devices like O Synce Coachsmart for instance.
Can I run 29-inch wheels on my Turbo Levo 6Fattie bike?
Yes, this is possible. The maximum tire width for 29" wheels is 2.6". Make sure your 29" wheelset features the right spacing (front 110mm, rear 148mm—also called "Boost") and is equipped with the needed speed sensor magnet. Rotor size and cassette must match, too, if you want to swap wheels. Should you want to adapt your Specialized 135mm/142mm/142+ wheelset, you can use our Boost Conversion Kit to upgrade it to the Boost standard.
Turbo Vado and Como
Can I mount a handlebar-mounted basket or bag on my bike without covering the front light?
Please make sure the following modifications are performed by your authorized Specialized Retailer.
In order to mount a conventional stem and/or a front basket on a Turbo Vado/Como, the standard Bloks Twistlock mount can be used. This handlebar mount works with 31.8 mm handlebar diameters.
The original Twistlock cradle, and the Twistlock itself, have to be removed when using the Bloks handlebar display holder.
The stock front light must be mounted in the original position at the stem face plate. Since the stock front light utilizes an aspherical lense design, mounting the front light upside down (turned 180°) results in a false light beam pattern that would badly illuminate the ground and tend to blind oncoming traffic.
Should you look for an alternative front light, we recommend the Herrmans H-BlackPro E-BIKE 6-12V in conjunction with this Stainless Steel bracket for suspension forks.
As basket or bag holder, we recommend the KlickFix E-Bike version.
Can I increase range by using the 604Wh aftermarket battery in any Turbo Vado/Como?
Yes, all Vado batteries are cross-compatible. Make sure you run the latest firmware.
Is there anything to consider when buying a 45kph (28mph) model?
If you chose a 45kph (28mph) model, please make sure you check and respect your local law and regulations since some countries require special requirements for 45kph (28mph) bikes.
Motor
What's the warranty on the motor?
All model year 2016 to 2018 custom Brose motors are covered by a two-year / 15,000-kilometer warranty. Any technical issues during these periods are covered by warranty unless the issue was caused by inadequate use, tuning, or any other influence beyond intended use and maintenance. All warranty claims are handled via your Authorized Specialized Retailer.
Battery
How should I store my Turbo battery when I'm not using it for a long period of time?
Please refer to the battery manual and the symbols on the battery itself. Store the battery pack in a dry place, ideally at a temperature around 15° C (59° F). Recharge to around 60% every three months.
What's the warranty on the battery?
Refer to the Turbo bike manual. The warranty terms are two years or 300 charge cycles/75% remaining capacity. This means that Specialized warranties batteries that have less capacity than 7 % after 300 charge cycles. A charge cycle is a full charge, e.g. 504 charged watt hours make one charge cycle. Part cycles are calculated by the BMS system till one cycle can be added.
Do I need to completely drain the battery before recharging?
No, you don't need to drain the battery completely before recharging, because our lithium ion batteries do not have a memory effect. The battery can be recharged at any time, so you always have full capacity available when you want it.
Mission Control App
How do I get the Mission Control App and what are the first steps?
To download the app, go to the App Store (Apple devices) or the Google Play Store (Android). Search for "Specialized Mission Control App" and install the application. After that, turn on Bluetooth® on your phone, switch on your Turbo bike (without a Turbo bike, you can only use the demo mode), open the app and register. A connection with the bike needs to be established. With that done, you are set up for using the app. Please refer to this manual for detailed app instructions.
What mobile operating systems are the Mission Control App compatible with?
The Mission Control App is only compatible with iOS and Android phones.
After adjusting my motor setup with the app, do I need to ride with my phone to keep my setup?
No, the setting is saved in the bike. You do not need to have your phone with you or be connected to the bike.
I've lost my password and can't sign in—what should I do?
Please trigger a password reset through the app. You will get an email which will guide you through the reset process.
I downloaded a map. Do I need to buy again if I want to reload the map?
No, the App Store will detect that you downloaded the map already and won't charge you.
Why does the altitude sometimes differ between Mission Control and other recording devices or programs (Garmin, Strava, etc.)?
The app relies on the GPS module in the phone and on the GPS signal accuracy. Phone sensors are not very accurate, so we use the raw values received from phones. Additionally, most smart phones do not have a barometric altimeter for better results. Usually, dedicated GPS devices feature a barometric altimeter for higher accuracy. We will implement correction algorithms in a future version.
Transportation
What do I need to consider when transporting my Turbo on a car bike rack?
Generally speaking, you should only use bike racks that are approved for e-bikes and transport the bike according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Further, we recommend transporting the e-bike battery inside the car. Especially in wet conditions, avoid high speeds to minimize the risk of water ingress in the bearings and seals. Be aware that any damages caused by the carrier system are not covered by warranty.
Can I take my Turbo with me on an airplane?
Usually, airlines do not transport lithium-ion batteries with a capacity greater than 100Wh. Therefore, you should enquire with your airline before planning your trip. Most likely, you will have to arrange a battery at your destination or ship the battery separately by land (following the regulations for hazardous goods Class 9).
Maintenance & Care
What should I consider when cleaning my Turbo?
The most important rule is not to wash your Turbo with a high-pressure washer. This could easily damage seals, bearings, electronic units, and other sensitive parts. Instead, use a low-pressure garden hose, wet cloth, or sponge for removing heavy dirt. Before cleaning your bike, switch the system off. We recommend leaving the battery inside the frame to protect the connectors. Make sure connectors are clean and dry before reconnecting and/or powering on the system. Apart from that, you should maintain your Turbo as any other bike. Be aware that some parts wear faster due to the added motor power, the greater bike weight, and higher speeds (especially drivetrain parts, brake pads, and tires).