Specialized Reviews

by Bring Back Presets

First you take away what for me was one of the best features of Mission Control, being able to create and save multiple presets. Then you make it so we can’t even use the old app, and keep saying “we’re working hard to bring these features to the new app” but clearly you’re not working very hard, because it’s been months and yet we still haven’t seen this implemented. A feature that was already there before, yet you can’t figure out how to put it back. Pathetic. I never use the new app because of this and won’t until you restore this feature that plenty of people have complained about it and you continue with empty promises.

by Cpcowart

There is one feature I use Specialized for: locking the bike.

Attempting to lock the bike with this new app results in an error telling me I need to update the bike's firmware. The error doesn't link to a way to do this. I explored the entire app, and it does not appear to have this capability.

I went into the old app after googling for instructions. It wouldn't connect. I had to kill the new app before the old app could successfully connect.

Once connected, I fumbled into the diagnostics screen on the old app. It told me firmware updates are available, but I have to go to a Dealer to have them applied.

I just had my bike in for a full e-bike tune-up at your dealer. Why didn't I get it back with the latest firmware installed? Why can't I apply these updates myself?

Your dealers are not nearly as helpful as you think they are, and they constantly sour the experience of owning a this app bike. Learn how to engage directly with and trust your customers. You'll make the experience better for everyone.

As for Specialized, I'm stuck. I literally cannot complete my only task using your new app. It is completely and utterly useless to me.

by Zen_Sense

The new app is draining my iPhone battery at an alarming rate! During a 44 mile ride today my phone went from 100% charge to completely dead in a little over two hours! I’m wondering if this is just bad battery management by the software or the fact that the GPS screen is showing 100% of the time? No other apps were running. Screen on 100% of time. Like other reviewers have stated, I would like the ability to remove that GPS screen and have more/bigger stats. Also as others have requested, I really want those assist mode personal presets back! I used those all the time as my rides vary considerably in elevation and effort.

Update: On the last few rides the phone battery not only died after 2 hours, but the software map shows the full ride but only part of the distance. Which messes up my Strava training stats. Why not bring back Mission Control until someone gets their act together? My guess is they outsourced this or changed vendors and they started over without a clue as to how riders are using the product. Continuing to remove stars until there is some action.

by 69pumpe

Specialized might be idiot proof and does have an interesting ride analysis area.
But, I am missing all the features that I liked about the Mission Control app so much. E. g. all the detailed tuning functions which disappeared. Or, what’s even more important: what happened to the detailed bike data? Where can I find battery and motor serial numbers and firmware/software version as well as an update functionality?
Please keep updating the Mission Control app until all of its information data and functionalities are incorporated. Also, I would love to see a dark mode!
Thank you

by Odd135

The old Mission Control app supported my Turbo S, but support was arbitrarily removed with this one, and the old app was removed from the Apple App Store despite it being common practice to leave up old Bluetooth apps for exactly this reason. All I want to do is fix the speedometer to report correctly, it seems to think I’m going way slower than I actually am after a secondhand battery replacement that I had to check was a real this app part. this app dealerships refuse to service my bike because they claim it’s too old, which is hilarious because any Mazda dealership will still take in my scrappy little hatchback made in the same year. What kind of terrible company can’t make a bicycle that lasts longer than a budget car? Avoid this company, go with name brands using Bosch motors that might actually have parts availability and support after you buy them

Edit: The developer responded asking me to talk to their support. As I stated in my review, I have talked with them already and they don’t provide support for the Turbo S anymore.

by JimG1956

I have a 2022 Creo Expert. I am using the newest version of the this app app (previously Mission Control) on a current iPhone with the current iOS. Different from the previous MC version, this version has a map that takes up half the screen and cannot be hidden. On any rides greater than 3.5 hours, the iPhone battery is almost completely depleted. With the previous version without the map, I could ride all day with only half the battery usage.

by Relector

the map with rout No appears when finish

by Birthday Bidet

Some rides uploaded and today , nothing will upload even after repeated tries.

Update: the “spinning” icon spun while waiting for my ride to download. Finally I gave up and closed the attempt. Then I received a “how are you enjoying the this app app?” So I wrote the review. Today I received a letter from Apple asking a question, but the only way I could respond is to update my review. Looking now at Specialized , it appears that the ride still did not download but instead downloaded the ride from the day before again.

by Mad!!!!!!!!!!

I was able to sync all my old rides and profile. I was not able to sync my settings for my personal presets. From my conversation with this app, that option isn’t available yet even tho it’s listed in the FAQ. Since I have the original Creo upgrading and using the new app isn’t on top of my list. The Old Mission Control app still works and all I have to do is select the skip screen and I’m back in the old app. When the current app is updated so I can import, create and save my personal presets, I’ll convert.

by Phil X007

I have a 2023 Turbo Vado 5.0. The Mission Control app offered control over all bike settings. This new app has deleted the Garmin radar settings and alerts can’t be turned on/off. Charge Limit can’t be turned on or off. The power settings are set on a graph and there are three buttons for Battery Friendly, Universal, and Race. You can supposedly customize levels yourself by moving sliders on the graph, but every time you disconnect Specialized the levels reset back to one of Specialized ’s presets. Customizing screens are easier than before, locking the bike is much easier, and Specialized connects to Apple Health, but until you can control all settings and power levels, I’m not deleting Mission Control.

by JimmyTheNose

The new “ride” display with the split map/stats (speed, distance, battery, etc.) is a fail for me. The font is half the size of the font in the same screen in the Mission Control app, and it’s black on white instead of white on black. Hard to read in sunlight on my handlebar phone mount. This “stats” info is far more important to me than the map. (I know where I’m riding!). So … PLEASE, this app, give me an option to hide the map, and/or make the “stats” full screen, large font, white on black. (Map and Stats were separate views in Mission Control and this was much better.) Until you fix this I’m sticking with Mission Control. Having a readable distance/speed/time
Indicator is far more important to me than literally everything else in this new app.

by Thegeardoctor

I misspoke, and meant Mission Control, not Ground Control (the 1980s mtb tires I once ran). That said, no, data did not carry over once logged in via the same email. Bike was not carried over, though it did recognize the Turbo Levo SL I have. Past ride data was not carried over. I tried the steps you suggested regarding Record>video game icon.

Again, it pairs with the bike, and I can control settings. But I do not find that data was carry over. But maybe I'm missing something. But you know what? I didn't want to switch, and when it happened I didn't get some step-by-step. So, it feels like the issues are on the developer end.

An app for my bike feel intrusive enough. I may be in the minority, and a Luddite, but an accountic experience (i.e., no brand having its nose in my ride) with the e-assist perk was my goal. I wasn't seeking all this UX hassle, let alone the invasive access to my ride data.

by Den L

THE LOCK BUTTON NEEDS TO BE ON THE HOME START PAGE. The bike system lock button is missing? No, It’s buried in menus. It the only feature I use daily in Specialized and NEEDS to be right there on the top page. Please put the lock button back on the start/home page, like how the old app had it. By the way I want the old app back because of this bad lock UX. Im a mobile app developer and as for the auto lock/unlocking mode, I don’t trust SW to guess if I want it unlocked or if I happen to be near the bike. In my opinion the automatic unlock feature as currently implemented is unsafe. To be more secure, it needs an haptic from the phone, such as a local notification that opens Specialized right to the unlock button. That notification should be sent if bike power button pushed or optional if phone is very close to the bike.

by PNW-Biking

I have a Turbo Como 4 650b with a TCD-w. The new app fixed a problem that I’ve had since 2/23, where the Battery Level didn’t update unless I performed some voodoo with the Smart Control. The Battery Level now updates perfectly. However, there are other problems, some of which may be fixed as the developers refine Specialized . Display Settings: I tap on this selection and the screen is blank. My only screen options seem to be the default screen with a half-screen map or a full-screen map. Presets: As mentioned in other reviews, Mission Control presets did not migrate to the new app. There are three default presets, and no obvious way to manually add presets. Smart Control: I don’t see this option. My rating will improve when these problems are resolved. Note: the TCD-w bikes never had the capability to lock via Specialized or to limit charging level. There IS a setting in the new app for keeping the display on

by B_Me_Up

I have two Comos of which one supports the Bluetooth connection to Specialized . That one is a 2021 Como 5.0.
Compared to the Mission Control app this replaced. The prior app had a very useful map that clearly showed where bike-able routes were. This included little urban paths between houses even. That was a GREAT feature for me. Less important but another un-improvement is the old map had pretty accurate “footprints” of buildings and houses which I liked looking at. I haven’t found a way to zoom the map in or out while keeping current location on screen; that is: when I zoom I want it to stay at the level AND maintain my location in the middle.
Improvements include great statistics right on the map display. The new app also connects quickly and (so far) reliably. Easier to use interface when starting, pausing, or ending the ride recording.

by DylanBriedis

So far Specialized is a pretty good replacement to Mission Control but one thing I hate about this new app is that it now uses Apple Maps instead of the custom maps the old app was using. The new maps does not show any of the trails unless I have satellite view on and even with it on I can still barely make out the trails on there. Also it no longer supports viewing the map offline if I'm in an area with no cell service. Not a huge deal breaker since the rest of Specialized does what I want but it would be nice if you guys can port the old maps into this new app so I can easily see the trails that I'm on

by BrokenBacon

What company forces you to a new app, but takes away features? Rides no longer have an auto start option, basically ensuring I forget to start them since I am already trained by this app to use that feature that was in the old version. They could do so much more with allowing bike tuning adjustments to done in settings while not connected to the bike. Offline Changes should be transferred upon connection to the bike so they can be done in the comfort of your home. Seems like a low effort app for an otherwise premium product. Pretty stable overall which is a plus.

by Four Years

The feature that lets you record your ride on your phone is great. While this shows the total ride/trip mileage on Specialized after completion, there needs to be a way to see the current trip/ride mileage on the display screen on the bike. Lots of options for that screen including total mileage; just can’t find the option for current trip/ride mileage. Is there a way to see this information on the bike display screen?
There is no option for a trip meter when creating custom displays for the bike screen using Specialized . This is a much needed feature.

by RVBldr

After two rides Specialized will not calculate correct mileage. It will map out the complete route, but fails on calculating mileage as well as displaying the power/ other data in graph. I.e, total route was 24.5 miles, but app only shows 6.5 miles. Total rout was drawn correctly. The Spec Contact-US page is fairly useless for submitting inputs as I would expect at least an e-mail form to attach info.

by Tterrierr

A few issues: 1. Map is too large making it difficult to read ride data. How about options to hide the map and increase text font size. 2. With units set to imperial, data shows imperial in Specialized but data on bike shows metric. 3. Option to change the clock from 24 hour display to 12 hours. Is this related to #2? 4. A toggle to turn on/off light. 5. Alarm volume is laughably low, almost inaudible. Reminds me of the extremely low volume of the tones you hear when taking a hearing test. I just wonder if a thief would even hear it. Certainly no one nearby would. Why bother?

In response to your questions, yes the light is reference to item #4.
I ride a Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ

by Arcadoyal

Appreciate the technical upgrades but Mission Control had better visuals. I dont wear glasses when riding so am now unable to read my stats because the font is too small because map takes up whole screen. I don’t want or need a map. Please return the option to just have stats that are larger and readable like with MC. Is better with glare for white on black like MC, too. I have now switched to just using Apple Fitness stats and run Specialized in background.

by KM In Omaha

Not as good as the Mission Control app. The 80% limit for battery charging does not work. The stats and the map are on the same screen which makes the stats harder to read while riding. The stats are much easier to read on the Mission Control app. The map is really poor and not very useful compared to the map on the Mission Control app which is pretty good and useful on a ride.

by Ender74

Hi guys- great work on the new app so far, but really missing auto start activation and Smart Control mode. This wouldn’t be so bad, but these features don’t seem to work in the old app any more. Smart Control mode (to adjust power according to heart rate) is such useful feature - fingers crossed it shows up soon and then this will easily be five stars.

by New Specialize Owner

I can still see my heat rate on the computer display, but not in Specialized . Also, I appreciated the ability to limit my charge level to 80% every 10 rides. What happened to the sync with Komoot? Will these features be available in the next release?

by T19_Stark

Smart Controls disparus
Possibilité de mettre à jour le firmware du tcu / moteur / batterie disparu
Information sur la circonférence de la roue disparue
Pour moi, ce sera un retour à l’application Mission Control et désinstallation de celle-ci 😔

by Raydezi

Used it for the first time… although it recorded the whole trip on the map and analyzed the trip perfectly, the mileage was incorrect… the whole trip was 37 miles but only showed 10 miles as total mileage… will try it again, but if it does it again I will have to go back to the old Mission Control.

by Firmwares

The old Mission Control app shows firmware versions and any updates available. I can’t see this info in the new version. Either I’m not looking at the write place, or this functionality is missing. Just updated my firmwares but only because I looked in Mission Control

by Timberanger

I have a turbo Como 4.0. The Auto Unlock feature works one time. After you turn off the display the auto lock feature works. When you turn on the display a second time the Auto Unlock is turned off in Specialized and you have to unlock manually. You have to turn on the auto lock feature in Specialized for it to work next time. A little annoying. Maybe a bug.

by AR Grinder

A few discoveries.

On a positive note, the comfort is wonderful, and enhanced by change to my Brooks B-13.

Power is very smooth and takes 10-15 years off the effort I had been exerting. 90% ECO when using e, with small bits of Sport and Turbo just for grins. It’s also a great training bike when ridden without assistance.

On the ‘jury is still out’.

I’m getting about 1 mile per 1.6 % of battery, which equates to 62 miles per charge. Seems like a major difference compared to the claimed 80 miles. This is on basically flat terrain, with only one 1/4 mile 10% grade at the end. Avg speed is 15-16 mph range.

Also noted a mileage difference between this app app and Ride With GPS app. 1 mile per 25 miles (4%). Pretty significant aberration requiring explanation or technical adjustment.

Last - I am a heavy perspirer, to the point where I have had to change front derailleurs due to corrosion. I say that because the drip point of my sweat is directly over the this app tube-inserted screen. Unless 100% sealed, this portends to be a recurring issue.

All this to say after 1 week of riding my first e-bike, I am having a great time and looking forward to things only getting better.

Leo Hauser

by Underwhirled

Although I’ve only put in a handful of rides on my new bike, I do have experience with the Mission Control app. It was solid, but this is a definite upgrade.

One request - dark mode toggle please (unless I can’t find it). I use a Quad Lock in the cockpit, and this is a bit too much solid white on those morning rides.

by Smithgrowl

I like that Specialized has been continually improved but there are still two glaring problems that drive me insane. First, no way to change the user’s email address. I no longer have access to the email recorded in my account and there is no way to change it via Specialized or web site. Second, the date bike was purchased reverted to the year 1900. C’mon guys. Fix this stuff.

by Ggdwitch

Was very happy to see you added dark mode (unlike Strava!) - thank you. One more request- please add a way to completely remove or collapse the map. I do not need to see a map when I’m riding around my house (which is what I do 90% of the time) and it’s just taking up real estate that could be used for larger or more metrics.

Again, glad to see so many good changes coming so quickly- keep it up!

by Tiggersnipe

It’s a good app to the replacement application. I don’t know if others are experiencing this but I find after pausing during my ride which Specialized detects nicely, I’ll resume my ride and will see the ride has been stopped I questioned whether the stop button was being tapped accidentally however, I see it doing it when I know it hasn’t. I would suggest the developers to add a “Are you sure message” when the stop button is tapped.

by App Tool

Hey guys I love the new app. However I think I may have switched to early. The old app allows for more customization and provides more data options at this time. Like what happen to the jump data in the new app and when setting the display I do not get as many options as the current app. So do you have an idea when we can expect jump data to return to Specialized ?

by TropicalManx

I have a Vado 5.0, which I absolutely love. I was happy to hear about the new auto lock/unlock feature. However, I have not had any success with it. Consistently when I re-open Specialized it is set to autolock off. Also, I have encountered a few times when I triggered the alarm and Specialized will not let me unlock the bike unless I kill it and restart it.

by Ralph Macchio’s Sandwich

Love the functionality provided in this new version of Specialized .

The only thing missing, or at least I can’t find it, is more detail in the map view.

In Mission Control, there were more detailed trail maps. For example you could see when a turn was coming up on many trails and where that would lead you.

It looks like the map on the new app is not quite as detailed.

My suggestion would be to port the same map function over the the new app (if possible).

by SL Wayne

Used Mission Control from the beginning and loved it. I love the new clean look and feel of the new app. One thing missing that I really really miss is the ability to save multiple power settings for different situations. I hate having to change all my settings when going from flat to super climbs. Hopefully this will be added soon.

by JLEVOSL

Some great features, but still lacking a few that would really add to it utility:

No ability to save custom tunes!!!! This one is a no-brainer. Tough to understand why this feature is still lacking.

Cannot download firmware updates directly to the bike on the Turbo Levo SL2. Why?

Cannot adjust wheel circumference in Specialized when you change tire size. Need to go to dealer. Please fix that!

No ability to change font sizes on the screen. Would be nice.

Again, great app but the more you use it the more you miss certain features.

by Hallycat

I am trying to find out what Shuttle does. On The this app webpage there’s a blank space under shuttle. Ease, motor power, responsiveness, startup assist mode, and presets all have entries underneath them.

Also, I bought this bike, barely used with the person who I bought it from registered it. He’s a friend so warranties can go under his name without a problem, but I would like to use the lock feature, and I can’t without changing the registration to me, I think there should be a workaround for this without giving up the lifetime warranties.

by JustinRH8

I have several points of feedback/feature requests if the dev team is willing to hear them.

1. Apple Watch HR/app integration… please!!! There are far more daily Apple Watch wearers than any other type of HR monitor.
2. Target heart rate mode (with Apple Watch support) and target power mode (bring it back)
3. Ability to add more screens with the pedal cadence meter - it’s the best screen layout but you only get one or two
4. Set bike screen brightness from phone’s ambient sensor (since the bike seems to lack its own)
5. Option to auto-reset trip odometer when a new ride is recorded in Specialized
6. Option to auto-reset trip odometer after a selectable amount of idle time
7. Ability to jump back to Smart assist mode after using another assist mode / tune without resetting the parameters
8. Ability to add more custom tunes rather than just modifying the default three

by 100% Not Sam

I was hoping this app would take some notes from other apps and user interfaces and Specialized release really hit the mark. I love the ride tracking ability on my levo. The data points are fun to share with my friends. I am trying to beat my buddy Bill in a contest for who can ride furthest on our bikes and the this app app can’t help me keep track of the miles.

by Vitaly

It’s wonderful that you can now add your analog bikes as well even though it wasn’t advertised in the release notes. Ideally, would have been cool if Specialized had fetched all the registered ones (managing 9 is not easy :). Unfortunately, I can’t add my S-Works SJ HT 2010, Specialized doesn’t accept S/N starting with WUD. Hope this will be addressed as well. Great app anyway. Yet, lots of possibilities to unleash. Looking forward! Update: also tried filling in the S/N into the empty text field with different text capitalization with no luck.

by Lam2048

Specialized is great. Easily connects to my bike, records rides seamlessly, gives me information about my bike and ride I cannot get anywhere else. I’m impressed by the design and interface.

by Tcartee

Where can I change the settings on Specialized so that my range extender battery is used FIRST and then my bike battery kicks in??

Update to five stars: With added Smart Control, app is exactly what was needed. TY for the update. Is there no longer a Smart Control with new app?? Cmon guys. It’s been long enough. Get Smart Control up and running. It’s a good app now but would be great with that updat.

by Apple3.14159

Just a recent addition to the this app e-bike family, and was a little confused when both a this app app and the mission control app were both available. This one has much more data analytics and an updated aesthetic.

by AK RAGING

Are you adding Kamoot???as I purchased Kamoot right after I bought my Tero 5.0 a month ago as it was more me than the more social aspects of Strava. I really like the new app though as it has a lot of new and easy to use features.

by M Danville

I ride a 5.0 Vado, the old Mission Control app was solid, I had grown accustomed to some items like I ride data sync not working regularly on things like Battery life. However now it has been outstanding. The new screen layout was so informative and IT STAYED in Sync. It was way more than I had hoped, it brought the Mission Control App to a functional dependable tool.

Mike MacDonald

by JohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohn

Love Specialized ! Very easy to use and navigate in the short amount of time I’ve had with it. Looking forward to playing with it more.

by Brian Douglas Hayes

I’ve been riding my this app Turbo Vado and putting up with the old Mission Control app for two years. I’ve sent helpful, constructive, and ultimately snarky feedback after seeing version after version of no new features.

But here it is! And wow, they nailed almost everything on my wish list: Apple Health integration! More intuitive Turbo tuning! Auto Lock when powered off! Updated maps with Apple’s native base map! (Sadly, still no turn-by-turn navigation yet, but you can’t win ‘em all)

Congrats and a big thanks to Specialized team at this app. Thank you for listening to your riders and making Specialized experience just as good as the bike itself.

by Iowa Girl9

Really like the updates to the map and data from my rides! Can’t wait to get my first this app bike!

by SugarMcD

Missing ability to allow screen to stay on during ride. Mission Control has this in the options. Else it would be 5 stars.
Received response showing where the screen can be configured to remain on. Now 5 stars. Thanks this app.

by Klavittk

I’ve used Mission Control for a few seasons. Specialized makes it easier to tune all my e-bikes

by Jefepoitwa

App is great and clean with new Apple Map. But I don’t see any info on if Specialized can set a 80% charge like the last Mission Control app to conserve the life of the battery.

by Nickname52626365

This is a metric ton better than the old Mission Control app. Mostly because it doesn’t nag you constantly about location permissions.

by Special20

Specialized works great with my this app turbo Vado 3.0 IGH. I’ve had no problems with Specialized and it gives me great information. To unlock my bike, either I have to open Specialized , or I have to tap in my password, on the bicycle itself. I wish Specialized would work somehow with Apple Watch, so I could unlock my bike using my watch. That would be a great improvement!

by Vasile78646

App is cool, not sure why Smart Control is missing and I need to use the Mission Control app instead for that feature… Record Ride is awesome. Would be cool to see other display options for bigger text/parameters while riding with the phone mounted to the bars.

by Ohhhhho

With the old app I was unable to record most rides because it demanded so much attention.
This one you make sure it’s connected to the bike and push start that’s all there is to it.

by Tg1234577

Epic app as always but where have Jump stats gone?? I will keep updating and hoping it comes back!
I really like the heart rate and power analysis! Great training tool but man those jump stats do bring the fun to the training rides :)

by GPBike

I think this is a tremendous app that adds real value to the bicycle and the rides. I would mirror many of the other positive comments I have seen.

I do think one addition would be tremendously valuable. I would love to be able to export Ride information to Excel in order to track progress. I understand that some of the other bicycling apps might be helpful in this way, but the ability to directly send data would be extremely beneficial.