Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 eBike Review

In-Depth Review

Frame

The Turbo Como frame stays the same throughout the 3.0 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 forward leg angle which keeps your spine elongated and torso upright.

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 3 bike with up to 28mph pedal assist.

The motor is a Brose T specifically customized for Specialized. The motor offers 72Nm of torque with 250W nominal to 530W of max power. The “T” stands for “Trekking” and this motor has been finely tuned for quiet and efficient performance. As with other Brose motors, this mid-drive street-tuned set-up is ideal for around town riding — you can maneuver through traffic and pedestrians without projecting heavy motor noise. Also, the assist is smooth so there’s no jerkiness on startup or lag when at speed. We love the consistent feel of motor power and the torque-responsive assist. Motor power will support a cadence up to 120rpm, so you don’t max out the support at higher speeds.

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 battery features an on/off switch on the top along with a convenient charging port on the side. We love how Specialized has integrated a magnetized port cover so it won’t get lost off the bike.

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. There are extra bosses on both the underside of the top tube and surface of the downtube for water bottle cage, extra pump or kit, etc.

The 500Wh 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 TCD 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. You have three levels of assist on the Como, and you can reduce it to “0” to turn off assist completely. The 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. The display is not removable, but it does pivot for visibility. Various screens display: distance, speed, average speed, timer, cadence, heart rate, power level, calories, 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. It is well powered for both flat riding and uphill inclines. The hearty Brose motor and battery pack provide plenty of support.
• 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 can lurch forward in the turn. The 27.5 tires provide the perfect level of control, you can easily navigate sidewalks and curbs and the bike easily handles tight turns or dodging pedestrians.
• 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 10-speed drivetrain with a 11-42t cassette and 48T chainring. Rear derailleur and double chain guard keep the chain taut and in line. Cranks are 170mm with flat nylon pedals and a grip tape surface. The mid-drive motor keeps the weight low and centered, and wide thru-axles; 12mm in the rear and 15mm in the front provide extra wheel support.

Brakes

We were impressed with the Shimano 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 and interfere with the rear tail light. 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. Bumpers underneath the saddle add just a bit of cushioning. Grips are ergonomic and locking; 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 4.0 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 design and efficient engineering on the Como. A few more color options besides the charcoal on the 4.0 high-step would be nice. The Como features several bright colors in the low-step frame. This ebike is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great around-town cruiser. It is comfortable, well spec’d and features Specialized stylish design and branding throughout. Specialized is a leader in quality bike design and manufacturing and their ebike line is no different. Look at the 5.0 for a few enhanced features and upgraded components. If you are considering a city cruiser, look no further than the Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 — it’s one of our favorites.