Specialized Turbo Como SL Review - $4k to $4.8k

[@PhiLeo7973]

Always a uniformly superb review Court. Cheryl did a fine job articulating all the features of this Specialized Ebike.

[@schmitty8225]

This is a great commuter bike. Low maintenance with belt drive and internal geared hub. Fenders with racks and panniers. Happy to see a real commuter bike finally being made.

[@YoMumzinnit]

But you can get a commuter car for the same dough! There's one born every minute

[@tektako]

@@YoMumzinnit except no you can’t unless you’re happy to drive a shit box

[@dtz1000]

Mid drive ebikes like this are not good commuters because if the chain breaks then you are not going anywhere. You're better off with a cheaper hub motor ebike for commuting as they will still get you home if the chain breaks.

[@schmitty8225]

​@@dtz1000there is no chain on this bike.

[@dtz1000]

​@@schmitty8225 He mentioned the 4.0 which has a chain. Most mid drives have a chain. The same applies to a belt drive though. If the belt breaks, or some malicious person cuts it, then you wont be able to get home on a mid drive ebike.

[@dtz1000]

I wish he would be more honest about why she was standing up. She was standing up because it only has 35Nm of torque. It's not enough.

[@PQV-8898]

The new Como SL is a very attractive bike. Very clean design. I have an Vado SL and I just love the minimalist motor. Just enough for my needs and I like to do a lot of the work myself. Thanks for a superb review again, Court.

[@jimbo4203]

Ya i love my vado sl too , that yellow como sl look's good also

[@arevee9429]

Wow, I've watched this channel off and on for quite a few years, but have not 'tuned in' for quiet a while. The quality has improved! I'm impressed.

[@mollygarner9562]

I have a Como 5.0 (non SL) and I’m relieved to say I prefer it over this new SL model. This bike, with the 8 gear internal hub, belt drive, handlebar, basket, and step-through frame appears like it would be most appealing to casual riders. I use my bike for commuting and grocery getting - it can carry more for sure, I get more use with my 12 gears, and I’ve set it up to be more aggressive (but still comfortable). One of the best things about Specialized is the mission control app, which allows you to set your own assistance levels. Really allows for a good workout/strength building - - or not! Thanks for your review, Court! I’m relieved I won’t be obsessing over another N+1.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

That’s awesome Molly! I’m glad you’re happy with the standard Como and I agree with everything you said for your type of riding. That’s a great bike, and it should perform well for many years. Thanks again :)

[@schmitty8225]

You listed things that make it perfect for a commuter bike lol. Internal hub, belt drive, swept handle bars, basket, and step through are exactly what is needed for a commuter bike. Look at where bike commuting is popular and you will see nearly every bike look like this. Most have a full chain guard but because this is belt drive a chain guard isnt really necessary. Commuting bikes mean you should dress for the destination not the ride. Its great to see a big company like Specialized make a real commuter bike not some weird hybrid or rigid mountain bike.

[@Alttabbins]

That yellow color is great too. I didn't like the trend of muted colors over the last year or so in bikes and cars, but its really grown on me.

[@scottrushton453]

And what, exactly, is wrong with people with money? I am looking to replace my truck, which I just sold, with an ebike. So I have plenty of cash for the right bike, but no Scrooge McDuck either! :). This bike ticks a lot of boxes for me, not the least of which being that Specialized is sold by the local bike shop in my remote area. This was a fantastic review, and has really helped me in my decision process. Thanks, ElectricBikeReview!

[@TheJournier]

Lots to love about this bike, but the non-removable battery is a deal breaker for me. I prefer bikes that are easy to maintain and keep on the road or trail. I’m sure a Specialized dealer could replace the battery but tech gets old and obsolete fast. That’s my concern with such a high tech bike. Still, I love the frame geometry and many of its features. Looks like it would be a very enjoyable bike to ride. Great review as usual!

[@braxtonperry1981]

Very Thourou Review No pun intended! Professional in every Aspect 🗽Please Keep up the great reviews plus Cheryl was nice icing on the cake Thanks from East Tennessee The Bike Week HOBO 😎

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Rock on! Thanks for the encouragement. It takes extra work to piece these multi-person reviews together, but I gained a lot of of good perspectives from Cheryl and had fun riding together. Glad you enjoyed it ;) I really appreciate your positivity.

[@MumfordJim]

This seem like a very nice ebike to ride. It looks great. Nice review. I really like the IGH, belt drive, somewhat lighter bike. Thank you for pointing out several problems with it. Especially the battery issues (non removable/proprietary). I remove my battery and charge off the bike, keeping the battery at room temperature while charging. The kick stand problem. The proprietary stem and handlebar. Not being able to remove the battery adds to the weight when lifting the bike. These are issues that you should consider. Especially when paying that much for your EBike. I just road a Dutch step thru Nexus 8 speed IGH with a Bosch mid drive for a week in Europe. It was wonderful. Climbed a steep mountain 10% plus switchback grade no problem. Not super fast, but easy to ride and control. Love that the IGH can change gears at a stop (more like a stick shift). Also when you shift gears you stop peddling for an instant. Similar to letting of the gas pushing in the clutch and then shifting gears in a car. According to the display range I could do 130 Kilometers in ECO (level 1). Never came close to running out of juice. Even the day I climbed the mountain. Continue to point out these little issues that people should be aware of and thinking of. Thanks

[@readyplayer2]

Semi permanent and difficult to replace battery is a deal killer. These bikes will be heading to the landfill in a few years in many parts of the country after being left fully discharged in garages over the winter, and that’s sad. I bought an electric bike (Yamaha drivetrain) with a less attractive but easily removable battery because I knew I wanted to be able to easily bring the battery with me for storage and charging.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, I like the utility and modularity of the standard Yamaha batteries and the older Bosch PowerPacks :) tried my best to paint a picture here and help inform people on proper care. Thanks for your comment on this important topic.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

Drop the motor out, drop the battery out, fit new battery, refit motor, head out. Not too arduous for someone with basic bicycle maintenance skills. Not as convenient as the lift-off batteries you describe but no reason to scrap the bike for a dud battery.

[@deblynne9440]

I just bought this bike and specialized told me that the battery was replaceable.

[@jaystarr6571]

Cheryl seems super nice and she gave some really good feedback on the bike. Good stuff!

[@MiCoopRS]

I AM SO EXCITED.... today I put down a deposit on a COMO SL 5.0 IGH Belt Drive..... just could not get yellow? what up with not getting that to choose from... so I got a Silver White Metallic.... Court your many e-Bike reviews got me to the fork in the road that it was this bike in a POOL of many.... 7,150.00 with TAX here in Alberta where I live... only 5%

[@MiCoopRS]

update to my message.... in Edmonton, I saved 2100 $$ so getting the thing with TAX.... 5,034.34.... I can go for that.... woo woo.....

[@ronspencer6668]

At 23:50.. re: the kickstand location. As someone who has installed hundreds of kickstands from 2 decades of owning a shop (with Specialized amongst others), the major reason for a central stand is mass. The further back it is(ie, axle mount), the more likely the bike is to pivot about the stand and fall down and that is especially true with the battery and motor weight so far forward. Thats all it is. Cheers and great vid on a well-done product.

[@runhome2251]

I think you have found the right Co host for your channel. You finally have a couples flare that will sell well, even for non cyclist. Grow that channel and keep sending out those great vids.

[@woodsculptor675]

I prefer the Luna folder with a 750w mid drive and 52v battery, all for $1,800!!! I know, I know, there's no comparison!!! Great review, Cort!!!

[@Hoggdoc1946]

Thank you, these main stream bike comoanies getting into e-bikes have their prices way off.

[@Surf422]

Specialized finally woke up and addressed their outdated city bike. Sold out immediatly. Now if they could make a full suspension one like the Riese and Muller Superdelite ...

[@SwiftySanders]

I'd love a turbo creo sl with a rolloff belt drive.

[@shawnvegavelez121]

The range extender battery and cable need to be sold as a pair. Only sell them separately if one needs to be replaced. Love the design and usefulness.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I agree, that separation felt like an additional cost to me when I first heard about it. I guess it’s like Apple not including a charging block with the phones... but I can see how most people would already have one of those vs a proprietary cable. As an aside, it seems that Specialized may currently be sold out of the range extender batteries right now. I didn’t see them on the site today?

[@JimCrossan]

Great review friend, I enjoyed that one. 😀

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks so much Jim! It’s always fun to review with a friend, and Cheryl has a lot of great insights :)

[@kennethstout9237]

Thanks for the review. Excellent review.

[@dajolley10]

My wife and I have owned Como 2.0, 4.0 and now 5.0 models and this new SL models does not appeal to us. My Como 5 in XL size only weighs 51 lbs and my wife's Como 4.0 weighs 49 lbs. I don't feel the 2-3 lb weight reduction in the SL model is worth the trade off in lower battery capacity and range. The integrated battery is the real deal breaker for us. We store our bikes in our garage and remove the batteries for storage and charging. Temperatures in our garage can reach 100 degrees in the summer and low 20's during the winter. This SL model would require storing the bikes indoors to protect the batteries. Read the Specialized ebike forums and you'll see that most Como owners want a higher capacity battery and range not less.

[@jetgold]

Nice for sure with belt, but do they take payments 😆. Woo that price will be hard to explain to wife. 😆

[@osvaldofalcao7643]

So in cold Finland not carrying your battery inside is an issue =(

[@ttinkers1062]

I'm a senior and was wondering if you have ever thought of reviewing the Bintelli Trio 500W Electric Tricycle Bike? It's got a turn assist so I am trying to figure out if this bike would be better for seniors rather than a non turn assist bike. BTW, I have a 2 wheel ebike but I've tipped it over a few times and I'm looking for something more stable. I've been following your channel since you got started.

[@erikkison]

Expensive ebike with issues. I think I’ll settle for a cheaper bike with issues. I’ll still have issues and save.

[@tofu86oc55]

no one seems to be able to do math. 250W is like two average bikers at 125W each. so if you are an average biker you will pedal at 375watts with full assist. this is different from a throttle only bike where 250W is 250W.

[@andrewpaterson6505]

Hi, looks like you are in NZ, I like this bike, how does it handle the hills, my 60 nm Merida gives a bit of a workout up hill's so may buy one of these, cheers

[@surensabah4482]

plz post in 4K u cn simply shot on iPhone 12 - great video quality bro

[@johngilman760]

I purchased a new 2019 Turbo Como 2.0 for 2600. Its a great ebike and I do not see how this bike is in any way better than the original model. Its grossly overpriced and they don't even bother to upgrade the pedals from the model I have. If you normally leave your bike in a garage, now you will have to schlep it into the house to charge and keep battery out of a hot summer garage.. Hugh disadvantage!

[@tektako]

SOME ppl have power points in their garage.

[@MumfordJim]

@@tektako This does not get the battery out of the garage and into a more controlled environment. Most people do not have air/heat in the garage. My garage gets very cold in the winter well below freezing (live in cold country). Others live in hot climates.

[@daem3n]

Great vid.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Not the same class of machine but frankly, for $4500-ish, I'd rather consider the Royal Enfield Meteor 350cc "throwback Cruiser".... IMO, e-bikes over $2500 simply do not offer a value proposition..... if you can afford this then great...but the average "consumer" can't touch this and while e-bikes numbers have grown, that COVID-induced bump will fade if prices continue to rise.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

That's a pretty nice looking motorcycle!

[@joeows6537]

For around 4 grand, a 27 kilowatt e-bike bomber can be built. It can smoke most anything out of the gate!

[@questionmark6971]

I tried the Vado SL 4.0 and the power just isn't there. The Como, due to the weight, would be even worse. I have two 2017 Turbo's and, though they weigh 49 pounds, the power gets me up almost any hill I encounter. I'd like a newer crank based motor model but Specialized needs to come up with more power/torque.

[@deblynne9440]

You should test ride it, you might be surprised how great this bike is

[@dennismeeks5972]

Any feedback on the Alizeti 300c

[@DougSmileyVirgo]

So, she's adorable.

[@CycleCalm]

I'm sure they've done some market research and such but to me this feels like a bike with a very niche appeal? Could be wrong, but I figure most people who are looking for a cruiser are also going to want a more relaxed riding experience with a more poweful motor, and folks who want a more sporty bike would opt for something without the front basket and swept handlebars.

[@schmitty8225]

Its a commuter bike. How can you say it needs a more powerful motor when it can get to 28 MPH? I don't think any name brand bike company offers an ebike with a throttle. If I'm wrong correct me. That's about the only thing that could make it more relaxed. This bike is meant to get you somewhere. If someone is looking for a sporty bike, they should get a rigid emtb or urban bike.

[@CycleCalm]

@@schmitty8225 I don't really see this ideal a commuter, more as a leisurely bike and runabout? Perhaps I need to clarify, by 'sporty' I mean a more fitness oriented bike, where the rider contributes a fairly high amount of effort compared to a typical ebike. Note this SL model offers '2x you' power compared to '4x you' on the non-SL version. I have a bike with the bosch active line plus that offers 50nm of torque, and do find myself wanting a little on big hills, especially when I'm loaded with locks and shopping, and this SL only has 35nm (really surprising for a speed pedelec, perhaps they don't expect you to be hitting those speeds often though, given the smaller brake rotors!) I'm not dissing the bike itself, it's clearly well made, but just wondering who this is aimed at exactly.

[@schmitty8225]

@@CycleCalm leisurely is what commuting is about. You're commuting not racing. The 35nm is fine. Their mtb has the same amount and it is fine for 500+ feet of climbing at one time. I only wanted more juice after 3000 ft of climbing. 28 mph is quick if you're loaded down with groceries but I doubt this gets to that speed at it's max load rating. What mfr doesn't fudge their speed rating for specific scenarios. It's max load is 75 lb so that's a pretty good amount of weight. If you're doing that regularly, you should be using a cargo bike. 160 mm rotors are fine. TRP makes excellent brakes and they will disepate heat quickly. Hydraulic disks aren't meant for stopping on a dime, it's meant to reduce brake fade on long descents. It's pretty hilarious to see commuter bikes with brakes that were on high end mtbs just a couple years ago.

[@CycleCalm]

@@schmitty8225 Seems we just have different philosophies then. Most of my commute is certainly not what I would call leisurely, as it's through the city with heavy traffic that I want to get through as quickly and safely as possible.

[@schmitty8225]

@@CycleCalm you are correct. What you seem to be doing is trying to survive not commuting unfortunately. Commuting is separate cycle paths with occasional intersections with cars but with separate lights.

[@rhysstatham7407]

I think it’s overprice for what it is.

[@schmitty8225]

K, what other bike can you get a gates belt, 8 speed internal geared, internal cable routed, 28 mph class 3, with integrated lights, basket, and fenders, hydraulic breaks, and an app? Yeah its expensive, but you get a solid bike for that price especially when it could replace a car.

[@Ytuqueesperabas]

"Personas mayores", yo aquí con enfermedad en las articulaciones desde chico (22 años actualmente) y me gusta la bici, pero me lastima. Una bicicleta de asistencia eléctrica sería perfecta para mi, aunque entiendo el punto que da el joven.

[@gosman949]

These eBikes are getting out of site with these prices. If people would stop buying them, the price will go down.

[@tektako]

Well duhh, that’s true of any product

[@gosman949]

@@tektako of course! That is why I'm urging all people to stop buying cars, barbecue, and RVs during this time!

[@paulreza5354]

Orbea gain review ?

[@kryostazis4415]

Looks like you can put a trike conversion kit on it

[@Free__Speech]

Torque sensor are worse than cadence when going up hill. If u want less effort on hills. Higher motor watts & cadence sensor is the way to go

[@drekex6767]

Review the RIze Bike Liberty !!

[@scundoorsup5342]

WOW NOISY MOTOR .. the TREK VERVe 3 electric is much quieter and better engineered. Bosch motor is the best

[@StuffOffYouStuff]

Nicking the moustache style. Not quite as iconic though. Still nice design

[@johnknapp6328]

This doesn't pertain to this video. Did you test review the Espin Nero. I'm tossed between it and Rad Rover step thru. Any incite would be appreciated. There are some aspects of Nero I like, like sealed controller, frame design, and hydraulic brakes. The turn off is customer service, not very responsive. One turn off was on answer to one question, individual had broken fork upon arrival, They claimed it was being taken care of because he purchased package protection, they havnt answered my question what would take place if that wasn't purchased. This is normally handled by filing claim with carrier. Any Nero owners all input would be appreciated, most correspondence by e mail next day if lucky response and it seems like robotic response. I would like your opinion on this. I really like your review on the rad e bikes.

[@Ronaldotortaleteesucos]

E uma pena que não tem no Brasil!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Sim! Eu gostaria que essa tecnologia maravilhosa estivesse disponível em todos os lugares ... mas pelo menos você tem as praias, belas cachoeiras e floresta tropical lá: D

[@HenriqueVefagoSC]

Só essa que não tem no Brasil, a maioria das Specialized Turbo estão a venda no Brasil. Só que são caras, uma Turbo caso custa 30 mil reais

[@954brent954]

Specialized is for people with money!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, it's definitely a pricy brand. I saved for a long long time to buy my Stumpjumper, but I've had it for over five years now and still love it... still holding up well too. It costs money to get these custom frames, motors, multiple sizes and colors etc. and not everyone is as bike focused as me or whoever would buy this. I appreciate that it exists, it's beautiful :)

[@mikek8387]

This guy reviews the most expensive e bikes

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hey Mike! I try to cover a variety, here are some of the more affordable models I've covered recently: electricbikereview.com/category/affordable/

[@yj8471]

Expensive over priced like all Specialized bikes and 240w 35nm is little more than candle power ..

[@ElectricBikeReview]

The price is high, bit Specialized does sell a standard Como series for people who want more power and higher battery capacity. I actually prefer the SL model and feel that the power is enough. I much prefer how it looks and appreciate the reduced weight for mounting to my car rack and stuff.

[@joeows6537]

Specialized always offers too little power and guarantees some range anxiety. I do not understand why then, they are so overpriced for what you get. Any E-Bike with a Bafang Ultra gives you 160+ newton Meters of torque and you can program the Ultra to get as much as 1600 Watts or better on a 48-52 volt system. Buying a Specialized is like paying a few hundred thousand for a Lamborghini and having it delivered to you with a 4 cylinder engine! Take care Cort!

[@davidblack3396]

RUBBISH,,, GAZELLE ALL THE WAY 👍

[@Slowrolling92]

I love the look of this bike but I wish my local bike shop had one to test out. It’s nice to know it can handle hills but I would just use it as a cruiser around my city

[@oirvine]

I test rode one today. It isn't a great bike. The brakes suck. The power isn't really there. Level 1 is like my normal non-ebike. Level 2 is good for the flats. 3 is needed for hills but you are still standing up for the hills around me.

[@lasseeriksen8731]

mountainbike person ? Try mountainbiker

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks ;)

[@daviduribe3111]

@@ElectricBikeReview Nah, I've heard a rabid mountain biker refer to himself as a mountain bike person.

[@janschroder1559]

I could very well be her tree.

[@surensabah4482]

2 finger girl lol

[@gabrielguerro8449]

Cheryl you are one beautiful woman

[@Hoggdoc1946]

What a joke, $4000 for this thing you would have to be brain dead to pay that much. Or just have more money than sense.

[@angelicaberrocal4254]

wait to 2042 this kind of bikes will cost 100 usd

[@tofu86oc55]

inflation?

[@kryostazis4415]

Not guy looking

[@woodystefeneylee7290]

RAD POWER BIKE IS THE BEST.

[@kryostazis4415]

Front baskets look uncool

[@karenelliott879]

They give you less for more money! What a rip off!

[@kryostazis4415]

Muy expensive

[@Slowrolling92]

What kind of rack do you use with your car I need to get one for my como sl 4.0