The Specialized Turbo Como is an affordable and comfortable eBike cruiser for casual riding, road or light trail recreation, or even daily commuting. The Turbo Como comes in two frame styles, the regular (high step) or low-entry (step-thru) frame. Both frames have sizing options as well. The Como lineup begins with 2.0 model which is a Class 1, 20mph pedal assist; the 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 models are all class 3 Speed Pedelecs with a 28mph max assisted speed and upgraded components as you move up the line. Today we are reviewing the 2.0 low-entry 650b Turbo Como.
Bike Category: Class 1: Pedal assist to 20mph
Who It’s For: Riders looking for a fun, comfortable eBike for zipping around town
Bike Specs
- FRAME Turbo Como aluminum frame, integrated lockable down tube
battery, internal cable routing, fender/rack mounts, smooth welds - UI/REMOTE 2.2″ LCD display, USB plug, stem mount w/handlebar remote
- BATTERY Specialized U1-460, On/Off button, state of charge display, 460Wh
- CHARGER 42V2A Charger w/ Rosenberger plug, AC power cord
- MOTOR Specialized 1.2, Custom Rx Street-tuned motor, 250W Nominal
- CHAIN Shimano E6070, 9-speed
- SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Alivio, 9-speed
- CASSETTE Shimano Acera, 9-speed, 11-36t
- CHAINRINGS 40T, BCD: 104, single Xsync style 10-/11-speed
- DERAILLEUR Shimano Alivio, 9-speed
- RIMS 650b disc, double-wall alloy, pinned, 32h
- TIRES Nimbus Sport Reflect, 650b x 2.3″, 60 TPI (front and rear)
- SADDLE Body Geometry, 6-degree rise, elastomer base, steel rails,
SWAT™ compatible mounts, 245mm - STEM Specialized Flowset, alloy, 20-degree w/ display mount, 31,8mm
- HANDLEBARS 30-degree backsweep, 26mm rise, 680mm width, 31.8mm
- GRIPS Body Geometry Contour
- BRAKES Tektro HD-T285, hydraulic disc, 180mm front; 160mm rear
- PEDALS Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors
- KICKSTAND Specialized kickstand, 40mm mount
- BELL Simple bell
Pros
- The Como is comfortable and exquisitely rideable. The low-entry is especially easy to step on and off.
- The lengthened handlebars, wide saddle and flat pedals keep you upright for comfortable riding position
- Integrated frame incorporates both battery and wiring so the lines are clean and uncluttered
- Battery is lockable and removable for safety and convenience
- Ergo grips provide an easy reach to shifters and assist controls
- Mid-mounted display has multiple modes and is removable so you can take it with you when you leave your bike
- Specialized Mission Control app has additional customizable options. Data will sync with Strava, Garmin, etc.
Cons
- 9-speed drivetrain is not as extensive as some
- Fenders and lights are not standard
- Kickstand does not have a flat foot, it’s pointed and not ideal for dirt or soft ground
Features
- Turbo Como aluminum frame
The aluminum frame is both comfortable and comparatively lightweight for a commuter bike, weighing in at just under 48lbs. The geometry favors an upright riding position with wide saddle and swept back handlebars.
- Specialized U1-460Wh Battery
Fully integrated into the downtube, the lithium-ion battery is both powerful and inconspicuous with 460Watt hours and 25-60 miles of range.
- 42V2A Charger w/ Rosenberger plug, AC power cord
3.5 hours of charge time; battery is removable for convenient charging. Port is on the side of the battery and the plug works with any standard outlet.
- Specialized 1.2, Custom Rx Street-tuned motor, 250W Nominal
This sporty mid-drive motor gives you 530Watts of peak power and 90Nm of torque. It’s relatively quiet and provides smooth assist for urban roads and neighborhoods.
- 2.2″ LCD Display, USB plug, stem mount w/handlebar remote
This display is simple and easy to read with an included USB plug for charging a phone while riding! It is also removable, so you can take it with you when you lock up your bike.
- Shimano Acera Cassette, 9-speed, 11-36t
Shimano Alivio shifters and rear derailleur keep the drivetrain clean and functional. There isn’t shift detection, but the functionality is smooth.
- Nimbus Sport Reflect Tires, 650b x 2.3″, 60 TPI (front and rear)
The 650b Nimbus tires have street-tread and reflective stripes on the sidewall for visibility. Schrader valves can be refilled at any air station.
- 30-degree Backswept Handlebars, 26mm rise, 680mm width, 31.8mm
Sweptback handlebars with 20 degree stem post facilitate an upright position. Leather-wrapped ergonomic grips are both stylish and comfortable
- Tektro HD-T285 Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180mm front; 160mm rear
The Tektro brakes counterbalance the Como’s power with good stoppage when needed.
- Specialized Commuter Pedals w/ grip tape & reflectors
Flat pedals with reflectors work with any shoe (or sandal). They aren’t super grippy, but offer a wide surface for any size foot or shoe.
In-Depth Review
Frame
The Turbo Como frame stays the same throughout the 2.0 to 5.0 lineup, so regardless of which option you choose, it is streamlined, clean and uncluttered. For each model there is a low-entry and high-step frame. The low-entry model is a little easier to get on and has water bottle mounts on the top of the top tube for easy reach. However, the standard high-step frame is a popular option and provides just a touch more stability. The Como is patterned like a reclined beach cruiser with swept back handlebars and rear-placed seat. You sit up over the pedals with a comfortable 25-35 degree leg angle which keeps your spine elongated and torso upright. This is a comfortable bike to ride.
The Como frame is a city cruiser style, with no suspension in front or rear. Bumpers under the saddle add a little rider comfort, but the bike isn’t designed for going up and down curbs or along rough road. Since it is built for street riding, the tight suspension makes it easier to handle on narrow streets, alleys, or in parking garages.
Motor & Battery
The Specialized Turbo Como is a Class 1 bike with up to 20mph pedal assist.
The motor is a Brose customized for Specialized, Rx Street-tuned motor with 90Nm of torque and 250W nominal to 530W of max power. As with other Brose motors, this mid-drive is both powerful and quiet which is ideal for around town riding — you can maneuver through traffic and pedestrians without projecting heavy motor noise.
As with other Specialized bikes, the battery is housed along the downtube with a side-entry placement. This allows the top tube to also be dropped low which enhances the step-thru design and keeps the frame tight so there’s no flex like we sometimes see on other low-entry bikes. The high-step frame maintains a nice stability throughout and the centered placement of both battery and motor makes it stable and balanced while riding.
The 460Wh battery isn’t as powered as the 3.0 or 5.0 Como models, but it does save weight and it provided plenty of range throughout our test ride. The Como isn’t really a commuter, it’s more of a cruiser, so if you opt to ride it longer distances or commute to work, keeping the battery charged is a good way to maximize range. You can charge on or off the bike for convenience.
Display/Assist Modes
The LCD display is one of our favorites for a bike in this price range. It has readouts for speed, distance, battery, assist and even a timer. While it’s not overly large, it is easy to see and has a backlit option. There is a USB charging port in the base of the display so you can charge your phone as you ride — assuming you have a handlebar mount or other place to rest your phone. There is no front rack or basket on the bike, so any add-ons would be after market.
An assist shifter on the handlebar moves you through power modes; it has easy-reach so you don’t have to lift your hand off the grip.
As with other Specialized bikes, the Mission Control app for cell phones allows you more options to customize motor power, battery life and upload data to Strava, Garmin, etc.
Handling
The Turbo Como has quick response time so it gets to speed smoothly. Depending on which level of power you choose, the Como motor will propel you right along!
- On Streets– The Como is designed for street riding, so this is where you get the best performance. The street-grade tires and customized Brose motor zip you smoothly along sidewalks or streets. It feels nimble and sprightly at times, like it’s as excited to get there as you are. There is a little lag uphill — not a ton, but it does have to work a bit harder. If you add fenders and/or cargo, it may require more rider power to pedal up inclines.
- Turn Radius– The turn radius is tight, with the forward angled front fork giving you a little more maneuverability than you may expect. As with all eBikes, don’t pedal in a turn if you have assist set high — the bike will lurch forward in the turn.
- Low Speed Handling– The Como is stable at low speeds and doesn’t feel overly rear-heavy when walking. Sometimes eBikes can feel heavy or awkward moving through narrow doorways or alleys due to the increased weight. However, the Como is center weighted and feels manageable — both walking and at low speeds.
Gears/DriveTrain
This is a 9-speed drivetrain with a 11-36t cassette and 40T chainring. Rear derailleur and double chain guard keep the chain taut and in line. There’s no shift detection, so riders should shift appropriately to minimize tension on the chain. Cranks are a standard 170mm with flat pedals. The mid-drive motor keeps the weight low and centered, and wide thru-axles: 32h in the front and 28h in the back, help maintain stability and balance.
Brakes
We were impressed with the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Sometimes braking can lag on an eBike because traditional brakes can’t compensate for the added motor speed. The 4 piston brakes create even pressure on the rotors and we found braking to be responsive but not jerky. Handlebar grip brakes are well placed for an easy hold.
Suspension
There is no suspension on the Como. You may be able to add a seat suspension post if desired, but this may change the height of the saddle. Since this is a beach-style cruiser, it’s not really designed to go off road or along trails. A little suspension is nice sometimes on an eBike since you achieve higher speeds which can accentuate road bumps. While the Como isn’t a rough ride, it is a hard frame so navigate accordingly.
Pedals
Flat nylon pedals with side reflectors and surface grip are pretty standard. They’re comfortable and will accommodate any shoe. Most bike shops will provide any pedal you want if you desire an upgrade.
Grips and Saddle
Specialized Body Geometry grips and saddle match (brown on the low-entry; black on standard frame). Grips are ergonomic and the saddle is wide and comfortable with stylish stitching along the rim.
Wheels and Tires
Tires are Nimbus Sport Reflect 650b x 2.3″ wide with Schrader valves. The slightly wider tire gives you nice stability while the 27.5” height lifts the frame for more traction. Light street-grade tread on the tire is perfect for urban riding. Reflective sidewall stripes are a nice addition as well.
Accessories/Upgrades
There are bosses on the top tube and down tube for a water bottle or bike pump mount. There are bosses on the seat stay for rear cargo attachments. Lights must be added after-market. There is a bell on the handlebar but no head tube bosses for a basket or rack.
Recommendation/Final Verdict
The Specialized Turbo Como 2.0 650b eBike is a solid, well-built city cruiser with excellent handling and navigability for around town. It’s zippy and has a tight turn-radius for narrow alleys and streets. We love the stylish colors and frame sizes. Currently, the Como 2.0 low-entry model is only available in lava-pink. The 2.0 standard high-step frame comes in 3 colors: platinum/black, storm gray/blue, and a nice teal/green cross-fade color. Our only complaint would be to make more colors available in the low-step model. Using traditionally “female” colors reinforces the idea that this is a feminine frame — however, many users may enjoy the low-step model since it is easier to get on and off. Riders with mobility issues or other concerns may prefer a low-step model, but would prefer a color other than pink. Other than that, the Como is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great around-town ebike. Specialized is a leader in quality bike design and manufacturing and their ebike line is no different. You can rely on Specialized to provide excellent options with lots of different models like the Como. Look at the 5.0 or 4.0 for enhanced features and upgraded components. The 3.0 is a fantastic all-around ebike and the 2.0 provides quality specs on an affordable ebike that is perfect for new users who value quality and durability.
Leave a Reply