Test / E-Bike: With the Specialized Tero X 5.0, the Californians are presenting their first full-suspension SUV e-bike. As the name suggests, it inherits many properties from the well-known hardtail Tero - but in addition to its completely new frame it also has other interesting properties. We were able to test the new Specialized SUV e-bike extensively before it was launched.
The Specialized Tero saw the light of day not quite two years ago. As a versatile e-hardtail with sporty DNA, it quickly found a fairly large fan base - which is not least the case Confirmed the result of our readers' poll. When the Tero was presented, the EQ variant with mudguards and luggage rack was the real highlight in the range, also because it came closest to the SUV e-bike concept, which has become so popular in the meantime. This spring, the Californians are actually launching a “real” SUV e-bike with the Tero X: It inherits many of the technical features of the successful Tero, but instead comes with a completely newly developed, full-suspension aluminum frame.
Simple rear triangle for lower weight and more durable operation
The area of use of the Tero X lies somewhere between everyday life, touring and light off-road excursions: Accordingly, Specialized equips the frame with 130 mm of travel at the front and 120 at the rear. That's more than enough to ensure a lot of comfort on forest roads and even allows short trips into real terrain. The construction of the rear end is exciting - it is a real single-pivot. Why did California choose it? We can only speculate, but for a bike like the Tero X, we think this move is pretty clever. Because even if single-jointed bikes usually can't quite keep up with a modern four-bar linkage or VPP in terms of response, they also have tangible advantages: Since only a single joint has to be installed, there are fewer bearings in the rear triangle - that not only means less weight, but also a low-maintenance operation. In addition, the construction of the frame is much simpler, which should have a positive effect on the price.
Here is the test of the Tero Hardtail
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The Tero X inherits its drive from the regular Tero: the Specialized Full Power is installed here - a Brose Drive S Mag motor with in-house Specialized software. Depending on the equipment variant, Specialized installs the Full Power 2.2, 2.0 or 2.0 E software here. While you can enjoy the full 2.2 Nm torque of the Brose motor with the Full Power 90, you have to do without some power with the other two variants (70 Nm or 50 Nm). We don't find a broken leg, especially in view of the area of application; In addition, the drive should also be a little more economical with the battery. This is in the down tube and holds 6.0 Wh on the Tero X 5.0 and 710, and 4.0 Wh on the Tero X 530. A real highlight is its integration: To remove the compact energy storage, the lock must be released with a key. A quick pull on the integrated lever releases the battery and it swings down out of the down tube. Super: The battery is attached to the top of the down tube and cannot simply fall out.
The control takes over the mastermind TCD on the stem in connection with a very compact control unit. The latter guides you intuitively through the various functions, takes up hardly any space and acknowledges button presses with a short vibration, very nice. The color display is pleasantly large and bright enough to be easy to read even in the sun. What is displayed can be configured almost entirely via the Mission Control app on the smartphone. Specialized riders will find numerous other features for the drive here, for example support levels can be individualised. Of course, comprehensive navigation and tracking functions are also on board. If desired, the journey made can also be easily transferred to Strava or Komoot. In the so-called Smart Control mode, the app automatically controls the parameters of the drive depending on user-defined factors such as: length of the ride, altitude, desired heart rate and what percentage of charge capacity the battery should still have after the ride. To protect against thieves, an alarm function can also be activated here.
Solid equipment with powerful brakes
To start with, the new Specialized Tero X is available in three configurations from 4.350 euros.
| Tero X 6.0 | Tero X 5.0 | Tero X 4.0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | Full Power 2.2 (90 Nm) | Full Power 2.0 (70 Nm) | Full Power 2.0 E (50Nm) |
| Battery | 710 Wh | 710 Wh | 530 Wh |
| Circuit | Sram X01 Eagle | Sram GX Eagle | Sram SX Eagle |
| fork / damper | RS Lyric Select+ / Deluxe Select+ | RS 35 Silver TK / Deluxe Select | RS Recon Silver TK / Deluxe Select |
| Price | EUR 6.200 | EUR 5.200 | EUR 4.350 |
In the test we had the Tero X 5.0 for 5.200 euros. In addition to the mentioned drive, you get a solid equipment package for this, which, however, has to do without precious parts. The RockShox chassis made of 35 Silver TK at the front and Deluxe Select R damper scores with its very simple adjustability. In terms of performance, the components offer more than enough reserves for a sporty touring bike - only the fairly heavy fork puts some pressure on the weight of the Tero X. We have nothing to complain about the 12-speed gear system with GX Eagle components from Sram - including the single-click -Shifter suits the concept of the Specialized Tero X extremely well. We are positively surprised by the brakes: With the Sram Code R and 200 or 180mm discs, the brakes are pretty stable and strong – nice!
Long mudguards and numerous mounting options
The add-on parts are also positive, especially the mudguards, which we already know from the original Tero. We appreciate the extension of the mudguard, especially at the front, because it keeps your feet really dry. If you want to do without it (in favor of the optics), you can simply unscrew this extension. The luggage rack is visually inconspicuous, but expands the bike with attachment options for panniers and can be loaded with up to 20 kg.
The Specialized Tero X 5.0 in practical testing
The successful overall concept of the Specialized Tero X is also directly noticeable in practice. Sit on it, feel good - this is what a modern SUV e-bike should feel like! The seating position is quite sporty, which is also due to the surprisingly long main frame. But don't worry: Even those who like to sit a little more upright should find a suitable position on the Tero X. The comfort is already very high, a corresponding setup for suspension fork and damper is quickly found even for less technically savvy bikers.
The chassis easily absorbs bumps, even if the stones are bigger or the potholes are a little deeper. Short trips to easier trails shouldn't be a problem, even if the Tero X isn't made for this and its strengths lie in other areas. This includes, for example, the great drive, which fits the bike like a glove: Quiet, natural and more than sufficiently powerful. The torque deficit compared to the "larger" Specialized 2.2 Full Power drive is only noticeable in the rarest of cases. In terms of operation, display and connectivity, the Californians continue to offer the best that you can currently get. The bright display is neither too small nor too big and is always easy to read. In terms of configurability, no other display from the competition offers such great flexibility - and operation via the very compact control unit is intuitive.
All components and attachments work the way you want them to. Shifting with the Sram Eagle works perfectly, the powerful Code R brakes reliably bring the bike and rider to a stop. The Specialized Tero X deserves special praise in terms of mudguards. The fact that you have the option of extending the front wheel almost all the way to the ground is great; Even if the mudguard rattles a bit with the extension fitted, it deserves top marks when it comes to its actual task: It reliably keeps your feet dry.
