Specialized Turbo Como 3.0

[Electrarider]

Your post is so motivating to me, you are doing great with your bike!

Glad I'm motivating someone besides myself, Just amazed at the overall technology of e-bikes in general. I always wanted a cruiser style bike but in my area it would be a waste, this bike has a cruiser style look but the motor makes it cover ground that I never would've considered before. I actually rode it to work one day, never planned on using this as a commuter but I thought I would try it and it only took about 10 minutes longer. But mostly, I'm loving being on the Bike trail in the evenings along the river and have never been able to enjoy it as much as I have in the last 2 weeks with my new Como 3.0. So far I haven't come across any e-bike haters (some of my Dino bike friends haven't talked to me as much) on the trail, but I bought this for me to have fun with, trying to replace my racing days with something that will keep me occupied . I've been looking for something that was going to be easy and enjoyable and finally found it! So Glad I did! For now I'm going to keep riding and smiling while doing it! (Really bummed out that I haven't riden since Sunday been out of town for the job, but I'm going to be home tonight!)

 

[Electrarider]

It's been A little while since I posted, but I'm closing in on the first month of ownership of my Como 3.0 and I'm glad to report that I have had no issues with my bike, besides that one night when the display didn't work. I have missed quite a few nights of riding because of working out of town but as of yesterday I have 248 miles on the odometer. My Friday night ride was Interesting had a guy yell at me "CHEATER!" I said nothing back and I kept riding. Stopped at a bench about 1 1/2 miles down the trail to take a break and drink a little water and this same guy pulls up to me throws his bike to the ground and comes up to me Yelling Profanities get that bike off the trail your nothing but a F***king Cheater and other choice words, then takes a swing at me! I'm still sitting down on the park bench, he yelled a little more and swung again. He was winded from trying to catch me, I guess, so his coordination was off. So I told him to stop but he came at me again, this time I jumped up before he got to me and I pushed him backwards and he fell down, he seemed a little stunned but this was in the grass he was OK but madder than hell now. I was actually in a park and knew the Sheriff Patrol was in the parking lot, I hopped on my bike and rode quickly over to him, the e-bike hater started to chase me but fell again. I told the sheriff what just happened and they seemed to know the guy and says he starts a bunch of crap along the trail. He asked me why he picked on me and I told him about the e-bike and how "traditional" cyclist don't like these bikes. The sheriff looked at my bike and said that bike looks cool and told me not to worry because he saw the tail end of what happened and noticed that I was sitting down when approached by that guy. The guy finally gets to us tells him to kick me off the trail, the sheriff told him if he doesn't turn around and leave that he would take him to jail for attacking me. I was trying not to laugh at this point but it was hard he was in his skin tight bike suit and he tried to say something else, but the Sheriff pulled out his handcuffs and the guy walks back to his bike and tried kicking the ground and slipped and fell again, then started cussing and yelling that it was my fault. WOW! never expected anything like this to happen! But glad to report all is good with the Como 3.0 trying not to let it collect dust! Thinking about getting some platform pedals with the spikes in them don't want clipless pedals for this bike.

 

[Electrarider]

Quick Question for all of you Como 3.0 Riders, what tire pressure are you guys running at? My bike came with 27psi and I just recently increased the pressure to 35psi to try it. Doesn't seem to be any harsher of a ride and really haven't noticed that it rolls any better with the Higher psi, really don't want to try any higher psi think it will get to be too harsh of a ride. I haven't changed out the seat post yet, don't want to lose the tailight and I'm not a big fan of running the wire externally.

 

[Volts]

Quick Question for all of you Como 3.0 Riders, what tire pressure are you guys running at? My bike came with 27psi and I just recently increased the pressure to 35psi to try it. Doesn't seem to be any harsher of a ride and really haven't noticed that it rolls any better with the Higher psi, really don't want to try any higher psi think it will get to be too harsh of a ride. I haven't changed out the seat post yet, don't want to lose the tailight and I'm not a big fan of running the wire externally.

I've enjoyed your posts!

For tire pressure, I've put in 25, I've put in 50. I notice the rolling resistance and degree of cushion for the first couple of minutes and then promptly forget about it. So I just put around 40 psi and just ignore the whole issue. I'm 250 pounds. I'm not much help, I know.

Good story about the crazy guy you encountered while riding. When you're riding a $3200 toy among the masses, there seems that there will be a variety of reactions.

My woman partner's Low Entry Como 3 came in a month after ordering. Very happy. I put the Bodyfloat seatpost on her's also. Drilling a hole in the spring assembly to accommodate the wire is fairly straightforward.

We wanted the riding position on our bikes to be even more upright but if I were to put a different stem on to raise the handlebars, I would lose the custom braketery for my display and light. I found this suspension stem, that does work just fine as front suspension, but the real reason I got them was for the added height as it goes below the stem. It is ugly as you can see. Called 'Gripfast' on ebay for 85 bucks. Seems like a product from a couple years ago that didn't take off, someone bought the inventory and what's on ebay is probably the last of them.

 

[Electrarider]

I've enjoyed your posts!

For tire pressure, I've put in 25, I've put in 50. I notice the rolling resistance and degree of cushion for the first couple of minutes and then promptly forget about it. So I just put around 40 psi and just ignore the whole issue. I'm 250 pounds. I'm not much help, I know.

Good story about the crazy guy you encountered while riding. When you're riding a $3200 toy among the masses, there seems that there will be a variety of reactions.

My woman partner's Low Entry Como 3 came in a month after ordering. Very happy. I put the Bodyfloat seatpost on her's also. Drilling a hole in the spring assembly to accommodate the wire is fairly straightforward.

We wanted the riding position on our bikes to be even more upright but if I were to put a different stem on to raise the handlebars, I would lose the custom braketery for my display and light. I found this suspension stem, that does work just fine as front suspension, but the real reason I got them was for the added height as it goes below the stem. It is ugly as you can see. Called 'Gripfast' on ebay for 85 bucks. Seems like a product from a couple years ago that didn't take off, someone bought the inventory and what's on ebay is probably the last of them.


View attachment 23514View attachment 23516

I think I'm going to follow your lead on the Seat Posts. Its really cool seeing the two Como 3.0 bikes. My wife is also considering getting an E-bike but she wants the Como 2.0 because she likes the Blue Color it comes in (she is way more into the vanity of it) I do like the custom brackets on the handlebars but that Gripfast doesn't look too bad. I too am very overweight I was 264 when I started riding and I'm down to 255 now, haven't changed the diet just been riding and it seems to be working for me, hopefully the weight loss it will continue. I may bump up the tire pressure to 40 to give it a try, and your posts are helpful!

 

[Electrarider]

Well I'm stuck in a hotel tonight so no Bike ride, I'm bummed out about that! But since I'm not riding thought I would give you guys an update, Saturday Night I hit and passed the 300 Mile Mark on the Odometer, so It took me a Month and 4 days to do it. It was a hot day on Saturday I decided to wait until late in the day to go for my ride, once again I hit the American River Bike Trail. Man it was Fun! A lot less people on the trail so all the wild life was moving about with the cooler temperatures kicking in and heading to the river to get water. I saw 2 Rattle Snakes, 6 deer, a whole bunch of wild turkeys and one coyote! Oh and a WHOLE bunch of bugs! (Still way better than sitting in a Gym) I rode 28 miles and during the ride it started getting dark, it sure is nice to hit a switch and you have a nice headlight, to light up the way. I guess it is just the little things that make me happy any more, but man this bike is so much fun, I never would've guessed I was going to put this many miles on a bike so quickly! This evenings ride was a whole side of the trail I've never experienced before because I always ride it during the day time hours, I do need to wear some clear glasses for the bugs though! As it got darker I did exceed the 18mph that I normally stick to on the trail and it was fun to go a little faster, really enjoyed that part. The Como 3.0 is still going strong. (My wife thought I already gave up on the bike because of the heat, proved her wrong again) Picture attached showing it on the trail not collecting dust in the garage!

 

[Electrarider]

I forgot to mention this in my earlier post but I am noticing that the rear tire is wearing faster than the front tire, currently I'm running at 35psi. You guys with the higher mileage are you noticing that with your tires? Just curious I think this is going to be my first bike where I actually wear the tires out before I change them from weather checking/old age. Thinking about lowering the front pressure back to 30psi and keeping the rear at 35psi. (i don't want to "tech out" on tires just curious,all of my riding is on a paved trail)

 

[chriskmee]

Higher wear from the rear is normal for almost every bicycle. The rear has to handle all the torque from the pedals and also take most of the weight as well. I would expect wear on an ebike to be worse because of the extra torque. I think Its even worse for a cruiser style bike like the como since a higher percentage of your weight is on the seat (over the rear wheel) compared to sportier style bikes.

You could try rotating your tires to get more life out of them, or just replace the rear only as it wears out. I don't think you are going to be able to drastically increase the life of your rear tire unfortunately.

 

[Electrarider]

Higher wear from the rear is normal for almost every bicycle. The rear has to handle all the torque from the pedals and also take most of the weight as well. I would expect wear on an ebike to be worse because of the extra torque. I think Its even worse for a cruiser style bike like the como since a higher percentage of your weight is on the seat (over the rear wheel) compared to sportier style bikes.

You could try rotating your tires to get more life out of them, or just replace the rear only as it wears out. I don't think you are going to be able to drastically increase the life of your rear tire unfortunately.

With me on the seat there is definitely a lot of weight on the rear tire. It looks like its going to be 2 rear tires to one front at the rate I'm going right now. Thanks for the response!

 

[Electrarider]

Well it's about a close to the end of July as it gets! And it looks like (the promised by end of July) Mission Control App has turned into Mission Impossible! At least for me! Oh Well, I got 430 miles on my Como 3.0 now and the bike is functioning flawlessly! Saturday I did put my bike on my Stand and cleaned and lubed the chain, checked tires pressures and wiped the bike down (Damn it looks good!). It was working fine, just felt I should do something since I pretty much just charge and ride, it only just made me feel better! Love this bike with or without the Mission Impossible Control App!

 

[PaD]

Well it's about a close to the end of July as it gets! And it looks like (the promised by end of July) Mission Control App has turned into Mission Impossible!

Oh come on, there is still a full day till the very end of July
I’m a Vado owner and I doubt we’ll ever get the app. ( but I don’t mind being wrong about that )

 

[Volts]

Well it's about a close to the end of July as it gets! And it looks like (the promised by end of July) Mission Control App has turned into Mission Impossible! At least for me! Oh Well, I got 430 miles on my Como 3.0 now and the bike is functioning flawlessly! Saturday I did put my bike on my Stand and cleaned and lubed the chain, checked tires pressures and wiped the bike down (Damn it looks good!). It was working fine, just felt I should do something since I pretty much just charge and ride, it only just made me feel better! Love this bike with or without the Mission Impossible Control App!

Ha, sounds great!

I'm happy with the performance of mine too, at 590 miles it's quiet and the power coming on and off seems invisible.

You're right, bike is fine stock. but I keep buying and adding this and that and having lots of fun. (seems inexpensive compared to having a car mod habit )

Today, Vancouver, Washington.

 

[Electrarider]

QUOTE="Volts, post: 154123, member: 18654"]Ha, sounds great!

I'm happy with the performance of mine too, at 590 miles it's quiet and the power coming on and off seems invisible.

You're right, bike is fine stock. but I keep buying and adding this and that and having lots of fun. (seems inexpensive compared to having a car mod habit )

Today, Vancouver, Washington.View attachment 24088[/QUOTE]
Yeah I have a real bad Hot Rod and Race Car habit, I did sell the race car still have the Hot Rod (It's actually a truck, My high School Truck won truck of the year with it there's a few mods under the hood) but yes the e-bike is a drop in the bucket compared to what I'm used too, and actually better for me physically!

 

[CodyDog]

W e just ordered a Como 3.0 for m wife on Saturday at the LBS. Should arrive this Friday! I love the looks of the bike. The test ride was amazing.

 

[Electrarider]

Hey Volts, I've noticed in your pictures you have a rear view mirror mounted on your bike. I never have had one before and never thought I would want one but now that I ride way more than I used to it looks like it might be good to have one. I primarily want it for when I'm riding in traffic, my question for you is, does it have good visibility when riding in traffic?

 

[Dave E]

Hey Volts, I've noticed in your pictures you have a rear view mirror mounted on your bike. I never have had one before and never thought I would want one but now that I ride way more than I used to it looks like it might be good to have one. I primarily want it for when I'm riding in traffic, my question for you is, does it have good visibility when riding in traffic?

I bought these mirrors from Amazon recently. I installed the right mirror upside down on my left side so I can look down under the bars to see behind me (instead of looking at a reflection of my arm on the top). This gives me a good view of traffic behind me. It's great when I'm riding with friends and I need to see if they're behind me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076V6F6LR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[chriskmee]

Hey Volts, I've noticed in your pictures you have a rear view mirror mounted on your bike. I never have had one before and never thought I would want one but now that I ride way more than I used to it looks like it might be good to have one. I primarily want it for when I'm riding in traffic, my question for you is, does it have good visibility when riding in traffic?

I have the same mirror on my supercommuter 8, its this one: https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-Mountain-Bicycle-Mirror/dp/B0009R96YK


Its has pretty good visibility, it will let you see a car behind and to the left/right of you, but its not so good that you can easily tell the make/model of the car. I have mine set up so that I can see lanes to my left and also see behind me if I move my head a little. I would highly recommend the mirror, just like many on Amazon have.

 

[Electrarider]

Hi Dave & Chriskmee, thanks for the input! That's why I love this site! I will be looking for a mirror very soon seems like a very valuable little device to add to the bike. Like I said in my earlier post never really saw the value of one before, but I also never rode this much. Thanks so much!

 

[Volts]

Like chriskmee above, I have the simple, cheap and effective Mirrycle. The time before when I purchased a bike, 30 years ago, the bike shop in San Diego recommended it. It's still on that bike. When I got this Specialized I asked this bike shop what mirror they liked, he showed me from their large selection, the same Mirrycle. I actually asked for one like Dave E (above) has and it looks to work well too.

The Mirrycle, by mounting the mirror to the end of the bar tube, it marginally maximizes what you need to see.

That's what I like about bike shops, they know what's good as opposed to me sifting through the big world wide web to find what might work.

When we picked up my partner Jan's new bike, they mounted the mirror before we left. For safety.

As an aside, yesterday at an intersection, I came up on a jersey'd road bike guy. He skeptically surveyed my cruiser with the giveaway green power glow and said, "you've got a mirror, that's good." Ha!

I don't think any of these mirrors give a big picture of what's behind you, but they are better than nothing. Getting knocked out of the game, getting injured, is so much what I don't want to happen, so a mirror gives us another check in the plus column.

Oh and PS Electarider, your Ford is so clean and tasteful. Great pictures, thanks!

 

[sbprobasco]

I have the same mirror as chriskmee and I love it. Easy to put on and great visibility. Can’t go wrong for the price.