Readers’ Rigs: John’s Specialized Creo SL Expert

Not before time; we have an e-bike Readers’ Rig. John in South Carolina has sent us photos of his Specialized Creo SL Expert… It has the look, it has the power and for a big bike it’s not that heavy. Is this the future for many of us that want to stay active, what do you think?

Name: John Siddens
Location: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
Bike: 2019 61 cm Specialized Creo SL Expert
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra
Wheels: Roval C 38 Carbon
Pedals: Shimano Ultegra PD-R8000
Saddle: Sella SMP Plus
Other: K Edge Garmin Mount / Quad Lock Cell Phone Mount
Motor: Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor
UI/Remote: Specialized TCU, 10-LED State of charge, 3-LED Ride Mode display, ANT+/Bluetooth®
Battery: Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh
Charger: Custom charger, 48V System w/SL system charger plug
Weight: 11.9 kg / 26.2 lbs.

When did you buy it?
January, 2019.

What made you choose this bike?
As I am a large (6’6″ 257 lb) 63 year old avid cyclist, I cannot climb like I used to, so I drop from my usual B groups. Now the CREO helps me stay with the group on climbs. I usually do not use power otherwise, as I can still match power on the flats and rollers and on downhills… No worries! As I move on in life, I will most likely increase the use of power. But there is no free ride on the bike, as it is almost 12 kg (26.5 lbs), so you still have to work to stay with the group!

Have you done any modifications/additions to it?
Just the saddle, cleats, and computer mounts.

How many miles/kilometers do you do a year?
1000 miles (1500 km) more or less.

What do you love about this bike?
Looks like a normal road bike, rides like a dream even without power.

Favorite riding area?
Upstate South Carolina, western North Carolina, and ANYWHERE in Belgium or Italy.

Favorite riding experience on your bike?
I’ve only ridden it for a few months, so primarily now just keeping up with my B groups!

Future upgrades?
New bar tape, maybe. Not much you need to add to this bike!

Last words?
My reason for purchasing this bike is simple. As I am getting a bit older, and I cannot ride and train as I did 20 years ago, my ability to keep up with younger, smaller cyclists is diminishing. I am still strong enough to stay with the (B) group on flats and rollers. Downhill, needless to say, I can stay with most anyone. BUT… once the grade passes 3 – 4%, gravity takes over. If you remember E=mc2? Well, I am the ‘m’. So uphill, I get dropped like a hot potato. Having the Creo allows me a bit of help to stay with the group, so they do not have to wait for me at the top. Don’t get me wrong: I still have to work. This is an e-assist bike. No free ride. Stop pedaling, and you stop moving. So the work is there, but just enough power to help me up the hill with my HR staying around 130 – 140 bpm, which keeps me from burning out my legs. And I hope it lets me ride with my buddies into my 70’s.

So there you have it: My current ride, Romulus, is a great bike for folks just like me… I LOVE it! I still ride my regular road bike, but I do ride my Creo a lot.

Thanks to John for sharing his ride with us. Got a bike that you’re proud of? Well, how about sharing it with fellow PEZ fans and getting it featured in Readers’ Rigs so we can all stare at it! Send us a Readers’ Rigs submission direct to [email protected] and your bike could be featured in all its glory here on the pages of PEZ.