Como SL 5.0

[flyfish68]

What are your thoughts about the 2022 Specialized Como SL 5.0?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What are your thoughts about the 2022 Specialized Como SL 5.0?

I could see Como SL 5.0 in person at a Specialized Brand Store. I could also see a female customer demo riding it in the front of the store (she bought the e-bike afterwards).

Let me be honest with you. I did not particularly like that specific Specialized product; and don't get me wrong: I'm a Specialized e-bikes fan.

Things I didn't like about Como SL 5.0:

• Heavy weight. I asked the bike size M be weighed, and the approximate weight was 47.5 lbs. The heaviest of Specialized Super Lightweight e-bikes, weighing almost as much as the Full Power e-bikes from the brand
• The looks. I don't like the looks of Como SL 5.0 (a personal thing)
• Weird design of the handlebars. These are specific to Como SL and reportedly cannot be swapped for another brand/model
• Strange design of the front basket and of its holder. The position of the basket remains fixed (it is in the long axis of the bike), and the basket does not turn when the handlebars are turned. The first thing the female customer did was banging the door frame with the basket as she was expecting the basket turn with the turn of handlebars
• No remote on the handlebars. You can only control the bike from the TCU controller, which is on the top tube.

I cannot assess other features, such as the riding experience with the Alfine IGH and the carbon fibre belt. However, I could notice the product seemed to be popular amongst female city dwellers. They seem to be liking Como SL!

I assume you are a male but are looking for a Low Step or Step-Thru e-bike. If you are after a lightweight e-bike, perhaps the Vado SL Step-Thru could be a better idea? Or, a full power Como if you need something more powerful?

 

[flyfish68]

Thanks, I’m considering either the Como 4.0 (not the SL) or the Gazelle Ultimate 380 HMB

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Thanks, I’m considering either the Como 4.0 (not the SL) or the Gazelle Ultimate 380 HMB

Is the Gazelle a High-Step e-bike?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Sorry! I was looking at a wrong Gazelle!

The things that are far better for Como 4.0 IGH:

• Bigger battery (710 Wh vs 500 Wh).
• The best e-bike infrastructure (electronics) in the market. (The Intuvia on the Gazelle does not allow tuning the assistance, and has no connectivity whatsoever. Como is equipped with the latest MasterMind system with full connectivity with external devices, and possibility to tune the motor assistance, even "as you ride").

 

[WoodyinJapan]

I want to upgrade from my Panasonic Vivi DX to an e-bike that fits me better (5'10"/178cm, 214 lbs/97kg) with fatter tires and/or suspension and hyd disc brakes. But I want to keep the simple drivetrain, step-through frame, and local service. My choices in Japan are limited. Specialized does have their Como SL 5.0 Large-frame available and it's attractive, but it has a high step-over height (60cm) and no suspension (its 27.5x 2.3" tires would be a lot more comfortable ride than my 26x 1 3/8"). My question is: are those built-in 320Wh batteries a deal breaker? What would it cost to replace them years from now (or currently)? Their Como 3.0 IGH (which is not available in Japan) looks superior in every way: removable 530Wh battery (what does it cost?) and true step-through frame with front suspension and a better rear rack. Is there ANYTHING better about the Como SL than the new step-through Como? THANKS

 

[Stefan Mikes]

My question is: are those built-in 320Wh batteries a deal breaker?

It is a good battery. Don't be worried about it, especially as you can but one or more Range Extenders (¥57,200 each) to mostly use them (it can be set in the Mission Control app), which will spare your main battery excessive use.

Is there ANYTHING better about the Como SL than the new step-through Como?

No. Como SL is a city e-bike pretty heavy as for the "Super Lightweight" moniker. You would be probably happier with a Como 3.0 IGH were you able to buy it in Japan. Not that Como SL is a bad e-bike, no! However, it is the IGH of the Como SL that makes it heavier that other SL e-bikes are.

A new Como 3.0 (full power) battery is US$900 in the U.S. I do not know the price of the main SL battery.

 

[WoodyinJapan]

Thanks! That is helpful information. The 'standard' Japanese city e-bikes are great values. The Vivi sells for under $1,000 and has a 404Wh battery. Panasonic, Yamaha & Bridgestone dominate the market in Japan. Their prices, along with the Japanese limitations, must be a challenge to imports.