Review: Specter 1 Long Range speed pedelec

1. Design (9/10)

The design of the Specter 1 is unique. That’s the first thing you can say when you look at the Specter. What a special speed pedelec. A very modern and sporty design that hides aerodynamic features in its sleek design lines. There are no visible cables; the bike is finished.

Aerodynamic carbon frame

One of Specter’s selling points is that the design reduces air resistance and thus improves battery autonomy. Made of carbon, this speed pedelec is light. Very light if you take the standard (non Long Range) version – 19.6 kg. Due to the additional motor and battery, the Long Range version is about the same weight as the latest Stromer ST5. Compared to others, such as Ellio or Aska, this Specter is much lighter and the bike can also be lifted relatively easily.

The Specter 1 Long Range looks very rugged with the large 29-inch wheels on the relatively small carbon frame. The frame is available in two different frame sizes. Good, because the saddle and handlebars are limited in adjustability.

The frame design is smaller than that of competitors. The top tube also leans upward, making it slightly easier to step on. However, you usually swing your leg over the saddle.

Lower Center of Gravity

When designing, they focus on ride dynamics, speed, and comfort, but of course also on clear looks and technology. Looking at the bike, this stands out, although most people have questions about riding comfort. Hence, we’re doing this review of the Specter 1 Long Range.

Also notable in the design is the retention of a low center of gravity. This is important for speed pedelecs that go through corners at high speeds… A problem that other brands have due to mounting the heavy battery high in the frame. You notice this with the Ellio Max but also with a Stromer ST7 with an extended battery. On the Specter 1 Long Range, all the weight is kept low, allowing it to smoothly zip through corners.

The main motor is located in the middle, in the bottom bracket, just below the extra battery. A second motor is located in the front wheel. Similar to Ellio, this is a rear wheel motor that functions as a front wheel motor.

The main battery integrated into the frame can be removed and charged. The extra battery located in the middle of the frame cannot be removed and can only be charged via the charging cable, through the charging port.

Specter 1 Cockpit and Handlebar

Specter is also the first speed pedelec brand to talk about a cockpit. Other brands or older speed pedelecs only use a simple display. Often difficult to read and very small. On the Specter 1, this is the size of a tablet. On one hand, incredibly useful, on the other hand, it does provide a bit of distraction. But still, it offers benefits you didn’t immediately think of.

Suspension is not present on the Specter 1 Speed Pedelec, not in the front fork, not on the saddle, and not on the handlebar. Soon there will be an optional saddle suspension available for the Specter 1, specially developed for the Specter 1, but it is not intended to be standard. The Specter 1 is an excellent Speed Pedelec designed to be used on flat roads. If you stick to this, there is no problem with comfort. The tires absorb the small bumps sufficiently, of course, tire pressure is also important here. If there are a lot of potholes on the road, you will feel them.

Due to the sporty riding position, quite a bit of weight comes on the front fork. You have very few options to adjust the handlebar. You can raise the handlebar using (max 3) spacers. Tilting is not possible.

The handlebar is also not very wide (66 cm), but that’s not necessary for this type of design. It just takes some getting used to if you come from a bike with a wider handlebar.

This narrow handlebar makes the bike slightly less maneuverable and less easy to turn at slow speeds. But of course, the intention is to go fast with this bike and lean slightly in the corners, making the narrow handlebar okay. Our main conclusion here is that you don’t take the Specter off-road.

The cockpit of the Specter 1 is operated via the touchscreen display. To operate the bike, you have 6 additional buttons, 3 on each side, 1 large and 2 small. These are easy to operate, even while cycling. They are at an appropriate distance.

However, these buttons should be slightly more responsive. With gloves on, you can’t really feel whether the button is pressed or not. There is little tactile feedback. This was particularly difficult when manually shifting gears. With gloves on, I couldn’t feel the buttons well enough.

Personally, we also find this less appealing than the rest of the Specter 1. The beautiful lines of the frame are not reflected in the cockpit. Also, the front light (which is sufficiently powerful) could use a facelift.

Mudguards and a luggage rack are probably not something the designers would have preferred, but in Belgian weather, and especially if you want to use this daily, it seems like something that is absolutely necessary.

2. Performance; acceleration and speed (9.5/10)

Top Speed (10/10): 45 km/h – very easy to achieve in ‘Fly’ mode

Acceleration (10/10): Reaching 45 km/h in: 6 sec, very fast acceleration due to the dual motor and lightweight aerodynamic frame

Maintaining Top Speed (9/10): Easy to maintain

Performance Uphill (9.5/10): Easy uphill due to extra torque power and mid-motor drive

In addition to design and looks, performance is also an aspect where the Specter 1 Long Range aims to outperform its competitors. Again, this is a Premium Speed pedelec, so the best is expected. Reaching and maintaining the top speed of 45 km per hour is no problem for this lightweight speed pedelec.

Manual Shifting with an Automatiq

Acceleration is also more than pleasant, the bike accelerates very quickly and shifts smoothly. You can also do this manually if you want to retain the old feeling of cycling, where you have a bit more control.

Automatically, the Enviolo Automatiq is used. Excellent for electric bikes, but (in my personal opinion) with a cadence that is too high for speed pedelecs. That’s why adding manual options is good, so you can bypass this drawback.

If the automatic cadence of the speed pedelec doesn’t suit your riding style, you can also adjust it when the bike is stationary. This cannot be done while riding, but once your Specter 1 Long Range is set up for your use, everything is fine. Specter also uses a handy app where you can manage these settings.

Dual Motor, Mid and Front Wheel

To deliver these top performances, the Specter 1 Speed Pedelec uses a powerful speed pedelec mid-motor coupled with a complementary front wheel motor. The ZF Sachs RS mid-motor together with the front wheel motor provides 1200W or 136Nm of power and torque.

Rear wheel motors are popular for their direct speed. The choice of a mid-motor seems to be the right one here. In strong headwinds, you want to maintain your speed, and uphill you also want to have speed. Rear wheel motors struggle with overheating here, while mid-motors do so less.

Due to the manufacturer’s correct calculation, you still have sufficient torque at top speed, and the choice of a mid-motor paired with the front wheel motor ensures that the Specter 1 Long Range can also climb uphill extremely well.

Comparing it to other powerful Speed Pedelec motors, this is not the most powerful, but this shows that maximum power is not everything, and that nominal power is a good measure. Additionally, the design and placement of the motor also contribute to performance.

Longer Distances Too

They also get more out of their battery. By efficiently handling power within the aerodynamic design, this slightly less powerful battery offers just as much or even more autonomy. This makes the Specter 1 Long Range also very suitable for longer distances.

They can also demonstrate this through the connectivity of the Speed Pedelecs, as there is a lot of data available here. Specter 1 also tries to stay in touch with their customers to monitor this as closely as possible so that they can make the next Speed Pedelec even better.

The Specter 1 Speed pedelecs have different support levels:

• a range-mode where you can certainly reach 100km. You have to pedal well and won’t go much faster than 35 km/h.
• The Chill-mode where you can reach 45 km/h if you participate well. A pleasant setting for cruising at higher speeds.
• The Fly-mode where you can (if you want) constantly ride at 45 km/h. Very responsive with a focus on performance, not battery.

Autonomy and Battery

The Specter 1 comes standard with 750 Wh in the frame (removable). This standard version also has only one motor, making the Specter 1 weigh 19.8 kg. With the second motor and battery (450 Wh), this becomes 26.7 kg. Still very light, thanks to the carbon frame.

Autonomy has everything to do with the wattage needed to reach your desired speed. Slow speed means more autonomy, while higher speed consumes more power, and wind and mountains make this even more challenging. Specter 1 does everything possible to make their speed pedelec as efficient as possible. They prefer to talk about nominal values vs. absolute values, especially when it comes to wattage/power.

As a result, the Specter 1 is also suitable for long distances, more than most Stromers or an Ellio Max. The Ellio Original seems unbeatable here with its dual battery option, but it is also extremely heavy.

They still face competition from the most expensive Stromer ST7 and the newest Opium speed pedelecs. Also premium speed pedelecs with good riding comfort and performance. You choose a Specter for the extra pulling power needed on your route or for the better center of gravity of the bike.

Is the Specter 1 Long Range the fastest speed pedelec?

Well, almost, as long as we consider safety and legislation. In perfect conditions without wind or elevation, a Stromer or Opium can still compete. Especially in headwinds or uphill, the Specter 1 Long Range stands out.

Of course, all these speed pedelecs are limited to the 45 km per hour maximum speed. If someone overtakes you, it’s always possible; some people remove limiters. Speed comparisons are made (strangely enough) only up to 45 km/h.

On the display, you might see (for example, with a tailwind) 48 km/h, but according to GPS, it’s just under 46 km/h. At that point, you feel the limiter and reduced electric assistance. As we said, there is still enough torque to go faster, but that extra torque is used for uphill and in strong winds.

Best speed pedelec uphill

Comparing it to other Premium Speed Pedelecs, you’ll notice that you start as quickly as the rear-wheel competitors, Stromer or Opium. But you can catch up with them fairly quickly. If there’s even a slight incline, you easily win this competition with the Specter 1 Long Range.

The strength-to-weight ratio of the carbon frame makes the bike lighter. It also provides the stiffness needed for efficient power transfer during pedaling. This is particularly beneficial for speed pedelecs when climbing hills, as less energy is lost in the frame flex.

In addition to that, you have the (according to Specter) 15% increase in aerodynamic efficiency, which helps to reduce air resistance and further improve performance when climbing hills and speed on inclines. You also gain speed through corners, or (think downhill) maintain your speed more than other Speed Pedelecs, thanks to the lower center of gravity.

The Specter 1 is equipped with a dual motor setup in the long-range version, with a power of 1200W and a torque of 136 Nm. This powerful setup, and the choice of mid and front (pulling you uphill) instead of rear-wheel motor (pushing you uphill), make these performances possible on steep slopes, while preserving speed and not requiring you to do everything.

Regarding the question of Specter 1 vs. Stromer (or Opium), we definitely say Specter 1 for now, but specifically in the Long Range version. We haven’t been able to compare it to the newest ST7 or ST5 Smart Shift yet.

3. Unique Features and Technology (8.5/10)

We’ve already mentioned it in the introduction and the design, but the Specter 1 came to life because the designer didn’t find what he was looking for in the current 2022 speed bike market.

The aerodynamic design and the focus on improving the battery through it is a unique achievement. The use of two motors is also innovative; we don’t see this happening often yet. A third point of innovation is the integration of a cockpit with a 6-inch display.

Specter 1 Cockpit, Software, and Display

You get a lot of information here. Whether all of it is necessary, we’re not sure yet, but it’s mainly useful to have. You have data and information available when you need it.

With speed pedelecs, we mainly think of commuting for individual users. A GPS seems to be a minimum requirement nowadays. You can find this on small bike computers, but no speed pedelec has all of this built-in, except the Specter 1.

You also have a lot more information about your riding behavior, battery usage, distance, route, and so on. Everything you would expect, but hasn’t been done yet on Speed pedelecs.

4G Connection

The Specter 1 is the most connected speed pedelec of the moment. They utilize a 4G SIM card that you get to use for free during the first year of your purchase. Afterwards, it becomes a monthly subscription. This provides you with some options within the cockpit of your Specter speed pedelec.

Speed and Wattage

To avoid distracting yourself too much while riding, you can use the basic screen with only your speed. Here you can also see which gear you are in, your speed, and the total wattage the bike produces.

Built-in GPS

If you need a GPS, you can divide this screen into 3 smartphone screens. The first with GPS, the second with your real-time bike data, and the third with an overview of your route.

Wind Speed, Direction, and Rain

If you don’t need this overview, you can also opt for weather information, wind rain, and wind speed or direction. If your route is long and safe where you don’t need to pay too much attention to other traffic, like cycling highways, you can also use your Spotify account to listen to music through the Specter.

The Specter 1 speed pedelec is connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. And here you can also pair earphones to use while riding. However, avoid using earphones that go into your ears; instead, use bone conduction compact earphones.

Auto-Radar (Garmin)

Another innovation from Specter, although it’s not actually their invention, is the auto-radar from Garmin. You place this under the saddle, and the radar, through the cockpit, shows you if there are cars behind you and how close they are.

We discovered this at Velofolies and saw it again during our test. In the meantime, we also know that the new Stromer ST5 SmartShift has a Stromer Sound, where you also get audiovisual feedback when there’s traffic behind you.

Specter develops all this software themselves, creating a unique offering in the speed pedelec market. For now, all of this might seem necessary, but once you’ve used the GPS and received that data, you miss it during your non-Specter rides.

For some people, this isn’t necessary, and we understand that too. Cycling is sometimes about getting away from screens and data.

Use of 2 Motors

Or 2-wheel drive, also known as all-wheel drive for speed pedelecs. A term we’ve only used so far for Ellio and their original or max speed pedelec. However, they are different.

Ellio manufactures everything themselves. They use a motor centrally placed, but it drives the rear wheel. This provides a slightly more direct transition. Specter, on the other hand, utilizes an existing mid-drive motor – Sachs RS. This is centrally located on the bottom bracket and functions as a mid-drive motor. This offers advantages when climbing hills.

Although both use two motors, they are still very different. The Ellio excels in speed and can easily maintain it with features like Cruise control. Because the Specter 1 is also built for speed (and is lightweight), it accelerates faster and will reach and maintain top speed more easily (without cruise control).

The mid-drive motor with bottom bracket drive ensures that the Specter also performs well (better than others) in hilly areas. In rural areas, this may not matter much, but here in the Pajottenland, there are many hills where you want to be able to maintain your speed.

Think beyond Belgium as well. Countries like Germany, Switzerland, France, and Austria require speed pedelecs that can handle these mountainous rides easily. Here, Specter wins against the competition because other mid-drive speed pedelecs come to a standstill without the complementary traction-providing front-wheel motor.

Choice for Carbon and Aerodynamics

You wouldn’t think so, but a bike can surprisingly catch a lot of wind. The carbon frame, also a very striking choice that we don’t currently see in the Speed Pedelec market.

Carbon offers advantages, but also disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is the production cost compared to other metals. Specter 1 prioritizes usage (not price) and aims to offer as many benefits as possible. Carbon can be designed so that the rigidity differs at certain points. In addition to weight, it offers many other advantages.

This choice allows them to make their design extremely unique. And they do this with performance and comfort in mind. The Specter 1 not only had to be beautiful but also had to perform well, be aerodynamic, and offer advantages to the user and battery autonomy.

Specter App

With the cockpit and connectivity, there’s also, of course, a Specter app to connect to your bike. Here, you can see everything you can find on the display, but remotely. You can also see where your bike was last parked. And you can make additional settings such as looking up routes and sending them to the bike or changing the desired cadence when the Enviolo is in automatic mode. In addition to the Spotify integration, you can also give your Specter 1 a custom name.

4. Riding Comfort & Safety (8/10)

Riding Comfort on Flat Roads (9/10): Speed feels natural and safe, even when taking corners.

Riding Comfort on Uneven Roads (-/10):

Riding Comfort on Long Distances (-/10):

Riding in Wet Conditions -> Safety (-/10):

To fully test and review the riding comfort, we did not have enough time with the bike. You need to test various surfaces, routes, and especially different types of roads. The Specter 1 Long Range is perfect for someone looking for a very fast, top-quality speed pedelec… as long as the infrastructure on the route is perfect.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and you also have to consider uneven surfaces, potholes, uphill, downhill, dirty road surfaces, and occasionally even unpaved paths. We can say right away that the Specter 1 is not for off-road. This is also evident from the design and tire choice.

The riding comfort on a flat road is perfectly fine. The tires absorb small shocks well, and the design choices also play a role in providing extra comfort.

No Suspension

The optional saddle suspension seems like a no-brainer for people who have a less than optimal route. But we also do not recommend it for those who do not need it. Unnecessary suspension sometimes brings less comfort. And somewhere you also have to understand that comfort was certainly a factor during the design of this bike. They are indeed working on it every day, but you have to use the Specter 1 Long Range on the right surface.

The absence of suspension in the handlebar or the front fork is something you feel when you hit a solid bump. You especially feel this during acceleration when weight is placed on the front fork. At higher cruising speeds, you feel this less. Still, it’s advisable to reduce some weight from the saddle when you see this coming.

Safe Braking

People often want to know how fast something can go, but we always think about stopping too. A safe stop is important. Not only being able to brake on time, but also maintaining balance and preventing skidding is crucial. In a speed pedelec, the front brake is on the right side, opposite to a regular bike. It’s also intended that you use your front brake more than your rear brake.

The Specter 1 does not have ABS, so there is still a possibility of wheel lock, but we did not experience this. We came to a strong stop a few times to try this out and were particularly impressed by the short braking distance. These are TRP C2.3 disc brakes. The brake levers also complement the design of the Specter 1, but they are mainly practical and easy to grip.

Visibility and Lighting

Let’s talk about lighting. Because at high speeds, you want to illuminate the road. And with the Specter, you want to be able to quickly spot potholes and bumps. At the rear, beautifully designed via the arm that carries the mudguard, there’s a BrightStart taillight with a brake function. At the front, there’s a Litemove AE-200 headlight with a 600-lumen high-beam function. Additionally, there’s a ‘daytime running light’ integrated into the front of the frame.

5. Price Comparison (8/10)

Comparing prices within this segment always gives pause for thought. A Specter 1 without an additional motor and battery will set you back €8,990. The upgrade seems worth it to us, even though it costs €1,700, because it includes the second motor and battery.

The two-wheel drive is indeed a selling point for this Specter 1. It ensures that the competition is in the rearview mirror (which was missing on the test bike) rather than right beside the Specter 1. However, if you have a short commute and just want some speed on an innovative speed pedelec, then the standard Specter might suffice.

But let’s talk about prices. At €10,700, the Specter 1 is perfectly in line with a Stromer ST7 or the Opium speed pedelecs with all the options.

For this budget, depending on your route, you choose a Specter if you know there’s a lot of wind on your route or if there are hills along your journey. Maintaining top speed and covering kilometers seems to be a key point here.

The pleasant driving experience is also notable with the Specter 1; it’s akin to driving a race car. Speed, freedom, and enjoyment. If you absolutely need suspension on your route, then competitors offer some options that the Specter doesn’t have. Specter’s saddle suspension is currently not available.

Top Segment: Opium, Specter, Stromer, Riese & Muller, Ellio, Aska

Mid-range: Klever, Gazelle, Giant, Koga, Qwic

Cheap speed pedelecs: Eco Bike

Final Conclusion: The Specter 1 Long Range

Innovating the speed pedelec market, that seemed to be the approach when designing the Specter 1. Doing something that others aren’t doing yet. Creating a truly fast commuter bike.

We have extensively studied the speed pedelec:

• Thoroughly researched with a short test ride (1-5 km)
• Subjected to road testing
  • 5-50 kilometer test ride
  • 50-100 kilometer day test
  • +100 kilometer week test

It’s a delightful bike; it’s beautiful, offers many advantages, and unique features. But anyone doing something new always encounters the same issues. Minor teething problems that still need to be worked out. An option for those who need suspension seems like a first step (which they are already working on). Additionally, the cockpit and its accompanying light could use a small design facelift.

Apart from that, there’s little to fault. Of course, yes, the price is more than a used car, but you’re also buying a premium Speed Pedelec for a reason. If you have the option to lease this monthly through your work or pay for it through a favorable loan, then this investment seems worthwhile.

However, it’s important to realize that for the price of 1 Specter Long Range, you could buy 2 average Speed Pedelecs. So, it’s definitely a luxury product that won’t suit everyone.

We are particularly fans of the performance and the drive to innovate of the Belgian speed pedelec brand. They incorporate a lot of user feedback into adjustments for future versions and are committed to making the best Speed Pedelecs.

This is evident because the Specter 1 can capture a portion of the Swiss and German market share. Markets where Stromer mainly dominates. The fact that this Specter 1, after two years in existence, can compete with the Stromer ST7, and even surpass it in strong winds or powerful uphill climbs, speaks volumes.