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.
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Shop NowSince 1974, we've had one goal: Innovate and inspire to improve riders' lives.
Innovate or Die. Three words behind every design decision we make.
Bikes are part of a greater culture with tremendous stories. This is where you'll find them.
We recognize that the decisions we make have social and environmental impacts and that we are responsible for minimizing them.
Helping riders make data-driven decisions to improve the ride.
The Specialized Foundation uses cycling as a tool for children to achieve academic, health, and social success.
Since 1974, we've had one goal: Innovate and inspire to improve riders' lives.
Innovate or Die. Three words behind every design decision we make.
Bikes are part of a greater culture with tremendous stories. This is where you'll find them.
We recognize that the decisions we make have social and environmental impacts and that we are responsible for minimizing them.
Helping riders make data-driven decisions to improve the ride.
The Specialized Foundation uses cycling as a tool for children to achieve academic, health, and social success.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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:
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
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:
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.
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.
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).
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).