Specialized Turbo Como SL

88/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
2.5 Hours
Maximum Range
62 Miles
Top Speed
28 mph
Watts
240 W
Torque
35 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
46.8 V 6.7 Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
45.0, 47.2 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Specialized Turbo Como SL. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

16 reasons to buy

  • Reviewers compliment the Como SL’s “upright and comfy” ride position, along with its handlebar/stem combo and grips.
  • The 45-47 lb Como SL is light enough to pedal without motor assistance.
  • The included basket handles up to 33 lb and is praised for its stability. A rear rack, with a 44 lb payload, is also included.
  • Reviewers note the Como SL’s “striking” design, combining internally-routed cabling with bold colorways, including ‘Brassy Yellow’ & ‘Raspberry’.
  • Front and rear integrated lights are included, as are full fenders, front and rear.
  • Testers squeezed 62 mi of range out of the Como SL’s battery.
  • A belt drive and internal hub make the SL 5.0’s drivetrain low maintenance.
  • Experts love the belt drive's “smooth”, clean action.
  • Reviewers are impressed by the secure action of TRP hydraulic disc brakes.
  • The Turbo Como SL is available in three sizes, fitting riders from 5’0” to 6’3”.
  • Reviewers compliment the SL 5.0’s gear-shifting. One deems it to be “seamless”.
  • The Como SL’s 3-amp charger takes only 2.5 hrs to charge.
  • Reviewers say 2.3” wide Nimbus tires are comfortable and handle well.
  • The Body Geometry saddle placed tester posteriors in a wonderland of comfort.
  • Specialized’s Mission Control App allows owners to customize assistance levels.
  • With its belt-drive, secure battery casing and fenders, experts say the 5.0 is well-suited to wet-weather.

6 reasons not to buy

  • Reviewers say the Como SL is large, and to some, “unwieldy”.
  • The Como’s battery is not designed for remote charging.
  • Testers have described the Como’s gearing as “vague” & “sticky”.
  • The Como combines quality with costliness.
  • One expert loathed this e-bike’s “over-simplified” display.
  • The Como SL delivers 15 Nm less torque than standard Como models.

Bottom line

The Specialized Turbo Como SL is a slimmed-down version of the original Como that retains all the original accessories. At around 45 to 47 lb, Super Light (SL) is accurate, for an American e-bike. To get there, the SL has a smaller battery and a svelte motor that expresses 35 Nm of torque. It’s a Class 3 machine with a top speed of 28 mph. Range is lauded. Its physical size contributes to stability but isn’t the best for weaving nimbly through traffic. Reviewers feel that the upright ride position is relaxed and comfortable. Model variations offer buyers two different Shimano internal hub gearing options: a 5-speed Nexus on the 4.0. and an 8-speed belt-driven Alfine for the 5.0. As per Specialized standards, this engineered refinement comes at a cost.

Expert Reviews

77/100 based on 7 rated expert reviews
80

Specialized Turbo Como SL Review

This is a very decent everyday cruising type of e-bike. Central to the appeal is its carrying capacity. If you’re not bothered by its bulk, its a breeze to ride.

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80
Tom's Guide

Specialized Turbo Como SL 4.0 E-Bike Review:
A Super Smooth, Carefree Cruiser

With its excellent handling, great design, and whisper-quiet drive, the Specialized Turbo Como SL 4.0 is one of the best electric bikes for commuting or going on errands. No shocks.

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80

Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 Review:
Eye-Catching E-Bike Is Practically Perfect

This run-around has an awful lot going for it and is practically perfect; a bold design, decent range, and super smooth ride. It’s also incredibly practical… Some will definitely find the price tag hugely off-putting.

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70

Specialized Como SL E-Bike Review: Mellow Yellow

The price may deter those looking for something inexpensive. But for anyone who’s interested in an e-bike from a trusted company with decades of experience in the building, selling, and maintenance of bikes, both traditional and electric — the Como SL should be the perfect fit.

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70
Pocket-lint

Specialized Como Turbo SL 5.0 E-Bike Review: More Than a City Bike?

Between the fairly middling assist levels and the size of the bike, we felt more like we were cycling a Lime bike than a super-premium design piece at times.

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Review: Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0

It’s light enough that it didn’t rattle the teeth out of my head when I went over gravel and dirt. On hills, it’s hard to get the shifting just right.

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93
Pedelecs & E-Bikes

Specialized Turbo Como SL 4.0 –
A Stylish Companion for the City and the Countryside [German]

Specialized has a practical model for the city, which is particularly suitable for use by the young and hip generation. This e-bike can be ridden agilely and is a lot of fun, in the city, and also for trips to a lake not too far away.

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Electric Bike Review

Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 Review

One of the sportiest cruisers I’ve ever reviewed. Excellent weight distribution. Decent hydraulic disc brakes. Super clean and quiet Gates carbon belt drive. Impressive range. Primary battery is not easily removable.

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Specialized Turbo Como SL Review:
Why a High-Dollar Comfort Electric Bike Can Be Worth It

I think the price is worth it for what you get. When I really pushed it, I could max the bike out at 28 mph. The upright seating position and high bars make this likely the most comfortable electric bike in Specialized’s lineup.

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New Electric Bike! Turbo Como SL!

Having these gears switch so seamlessly, is incredible.

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e-Bike Japan

Test Ride On Specialized’s City E-bike「Turbo Como SL 5.0」[Japanese]

It feels like riding on carpet, and it feels very good. There are a surprising number of bumps and rough roads in urban areas, so you can ride without stress, even in such places.

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Bicycles Quilicot

Presentation and Test of the Specialized Como SL 2021 [French]

There are a lot of innovations and accessories on this bike that are designed for an urban environment.

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Cycle Volta

Specialized Turbo Como SL 4.0 Review

On flat stretches, this e-bike flies. This bike is fun to ride and easy to carry inside, but there is a trade-off for its light weight: range and torque.

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The Specialized Como SL 5.0 Is Like the iPhone of Commuter E-Bikes

The Como SL 5.0 has a belt drive instead of a chain. I adore it. A modest range and a battery that’s not user-replaceable can lead to range anxiety.

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User Ratings

98/100 based on 8 ratings
  • 5 star
    88%
  • 4 star
    13%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Bike Comparison

Specialized Turbo Como SL in comparison to averages
Specialized Turbo Como SL
88

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