Specialized Como 4.0 v. Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ

[jamievol]

Odd predicament. I was all set to order my first bike - a Specialized Como 4.0 from a local dealer. I have a bunch of AMEX points and I intended to purchase the bike with the card and cover the expense with points. This is on me, but just prior to making the purchase, I discovered that this is the most expensive (dumbest) way to redeem the points: $1 = 167 points. Compare this with using the points on REI: $1 = 100 points. The problem is that REI does not sell Specialized and their ebike selection is limited. The closest bike I can find that seems to be comparable is the Electra Vale Go! 9D EQ. They do have a couple of Cannondale models that a friend said to avoid. Anybody have advice?

 

[Katysax]

The specialized como is hands down a much better bike. I have a como and it is a quality solidly built bike. I used to have an Electra townie it was a terrible frame, bucket of rattle-y bolts. Also the como geometry is much better - more versatile.

 

[RandallS]

The specialized como is hands down a much better bike. I have a como and it is a quality solidly built bike. I used to have an Electra townie it was a terrible frame, bucket of rattle-y bolts. Also the como geometry is much better - more versatile.

How do you find the riding comfort differences between your Como and your Townie (rattles aside)?

I am replacing my 9 year old Townie (with Bionx hub) and am likely going Vado 5 but Como may be in the cards due to stock levels at LBSs. My biggest issue with the Como is I don't like the front rack. I know it can be removed, but it's baked into the price. I would be adding a rear rack like the Vado as it's' my preferred setup.

 

[jamievol]

The specialized como is hands down a much better bike. I have a como and it is a quality solidly built bike. I used to have an Electra townie it was a terrible frame, bucket of rattle-y bolts. Also the como geometry is much better - more versatile.

Kinda what I expected. Thanks.

 

[Katysax]

Townie is crank forward flat foot design. More upright even than Como. Not as efficient; harder on the knees and seat. Como is more like a lot of comfort bikes. A little more weight on the arms. A little less pressure on the seat (but I did add a Thudbuster seatpost). I think the Como is a lot more comfortable for anything more than very short rides. The Como is much more stable. Big advantage of the Townie is being flat foot but you pay in lost efficiency. Townie frame feels heavy and dead. como feels solid but responsive. I have the 4.0. Added a rear rack. Put on better pedals the ones it comes with are garbage.

 

[jamievol]

Townie is crank forward flat foot design. More upright even than Como. Not as efficient; harder on the knees and seat. Como is more like a lot of comfort bikes. A little more weight on the arms. A little less pressure on the seat (but I did add a Thudbuster seatpost). I think the Como is a lot more comfortable for anything more than very short rides. The Como is much more stable. Big advantage of the Townie is being flat foot but you pay in lost efficiency. Townie frame feels heavy and dead. como feels solid but responsive. I have the 4.0. Added a rear rack. Put on better pedals the ones it comes with are garbage.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Seems as though Como is the way to go.

 

[Marcela]

Which one is going to be worth more used, might make up for the difference.

 

[jamievol]

Which one is going to be worth more used, might make up for the difference.

That had never occurred to me. Thanks.