Home > Bike Types > eBike

Updated: Specialized Como SL powers up low maintenance urban ebike joy machine

specialized como sl ultimate commuter ebike
4 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Specialized have put the technology from their proprietary Super Light motor onto a commuter ebike for the first time, unveiling the Specialized Como SL. A 240W motor amplifies your power up to 2x on an aluminium frame that can carry up to 35kg of groceries. It has everything a modern commuter ebike ought to, and it is low maintenance with an internal gear hub and a Gates Carbon Belt Drive. Definitely worth a second look. 

Update: We were originally sent incorrect pricing information. Please see the now correct pricing at the foot of the article.

Specialized Como SL

specialized como sl commuter ebike yellow internal gear hub gates belt drive

The Como SL is Specialized’s latest and greatest commuter ebike offering, set to be a serious competitor of the recently launched Cannondale Adventure Neo. As the name suggests, this is their Super Light version of the Turbo Como, weighing in at a claimed 22kg.

specialized como sl super light 240w motor

The Como SL gets a 240W motor paired with a 320Wh battery integrated into the downtube. That equals an output of 2x You, with a claimed range of up to 93 miles with the optional range extender. That compares to the 4x You output of the Turbo Como with a claimed range of up to 80 miles. 

specialized como sl super light motor efficient 2x you

How on earth does the Como SL with its smaller motor and battery give a longer range than the Turbo SL? It’s all to do with that Super Light motor technology we see on the Specialized Turbo Levo SL eMTB. Of course, the power output in any given setting is half the power output of the Turbo Como, but the motor is also a lot more efficient. You can read more about how that works here.

 

The Como SL motor is one of the cool features that sets this ebike apart from its competitors. But, it’s certainly not the only one. Let’s take a look at what else makes this a serious contender for the title of Ultimate Commuter Ebike. 

Low Maintenance EBike

specialized como sl 5.0 shimano alfine internal gear hub
The Shimano Alfine internal gear hub with Gates Carbon Belt Drive on the Specialized Como SL 5.0

The Specialized Como SL is a low maintenance commuter ebike. That’s thanks to the internal gear hub that houses the gears, sealed away inside the hub of the rear wheel. These contraptions are well known for their longevity, outlasting traditional derailleur mechanisms by many thousands of miles. It also means your gears are protected from other, less careful, bike owners at the busy train station bike rack.

specialized como sl gates belt drive commuter ebike

There are two models of the Como SL. The entry-level Como SL 4.0 gets the internal gear hub running a regular chain and chainring. Meanwhile the more expensive Como SL 5.0 is upgraded with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive, which doesn’t require the regular upkeep of cleaning and lubrication required by a regular chain drivetrain.

specialized como sl integrated cable routing

In addition to that, you’ll notice a lack of cables on show. That’s because their routing is completely integrated throughout the bike, from the handlebar down to the brake calipers and gearing. Another reason this bike can be considered low maintenance. That said, we don’t know whether that internal cable routing is guided. For your mechanic’s sake, we very much hope it is.

Ultimate Commuter EBike?

specialized como sl  ultimate commuter ebike
The Specialized Como SL provides assistance up to 28 MPH

Specialized have put a lot of thought into the Como SL design, giving it some neat rider-friendly features that will encourage regular use of the ebike. For example, like most modern commuters, it gets integrated front and rear lights. What’s cool is that, when the battery life gets down to 5%, the system shuts down power to the motor to preserve it for continued running of the lights. So, you can still see and be seen by other road users for the final stint of your journey.

specialized como sl commuter ebike carries 35kg luggage basket pannier racks

The Specialized Como SL is built to carry up to 35kg of luggage; 15kg in the (included) front porteur rack with (removable) basket at the front, and 20kg on pannier racks at the rear. For when you’re not actually riding it, the frame tubes form a very handy handle at the top tube-seat tube interface to help you lug it up steps.

specialized como sl drytech fenders

A very comprehensive sent of Drytech fenders will help keep the rider dry as they ride through unavoidable puddles. Those cover some pretty high-volume 650b x 2.3” Nimbus Sport tires with a thin reflective strip running the whole way around the sidewall. 

specialized como sl bottle bosses

A set of bosses on the top-side of the downtube can accommodate a water bottle cage, or a folding lock. There is also a second set of bosses on the underside of the seat stays that can hold a wheel lock for extra security. 

Pricing & Availability

specialized como sl ebike

Pricing for the Specialized Como SL starts at $4000 for the entry-level 4.0 model. The high-end 5.0 model with the Gates Carbon Belt Drive will set you back a little more, priced at $4,800. Importantly, both models get integrated lights, fenders, racks, front basket and the option of running a range extender battery.

For full details on sizing and spec, head to the Specialized website.

Specialized.com

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Clyde
Clyde
2 years ago

I sure am praying it is sleeved cable routing, but knowing specialized; it probably is not. So close! Well thought out side from that

Tp
Tp
2 years ago

Specialized site says $4000 and $4800 respectively, not $3300 and $3700

blahnblahblah
blahnblahblah
2 years ago

hey look where you’re going!

Dirt McGirt
Dirt McGirt
2 years ago

Remember, kids, if the marketing materials leave out very important metrics like torque output, it’s more than likely that bike has very poor performance in that regard.

I’ve ridden this system and it’s quite sad. Not a bike for hilly zones like here in the good ol PNW.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.