Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Delivered as Class 1, not Class 3

[gadgetnut]

Hello, all. I'm new to eBikes and this forum and I've been reading lots of threads trying to catch up. I'm looking for some feedback. I test drove a Specialized Como 3.0 last week from my LBS. It was a Class 3. I ordered a Como 5.0 (currently the top of this model line) which comes with fenders, basket, headlamp, etc. But today the bike shop is surprised to tell me the Como 5.0 came in with a Class 1 rating. Apparently the manufacturer did this purposefully to make it more compliant with current and upcoming legislation and enforcement.

I live in a small city in Washington state and I hope to ride recreational paths in Canada, as well. During all my test drives last week, I didn't need or particularly want to go faster than 20MPH anyway.

I realize the speed limits could probably be changed in software. I haven't done this before but for my projected use, which is casual recreational cycling, I think Class 1 rating is probably a good thing. Thoughts?

 

[DDBB]

I think you'll find 20mph great and not want more but if you do, there are lots of aftermarket products available to give you class 3 performance. Some are free. you can move the speed sensor from the chain stay to the pedal crank and trick the sensor into thinking it's only going half as fast. With wind resistance, many ebikes stuggle above 20mph anyway and a lot of effort is required to maintain above that speed.

 

[gadgetnut]

Thanks for the feedback, DDBB. I telephoned a bike shop in Victoria, BC, that I'm friendly with and they related that the path I especially enjoy is limited to electric assist not faster than 32 kilometers per hour (just under 20MPH) so it seems this is exactly what they're aiming for. I appreciate that there are ways to increase the speed if need be and I am inclined to move forward with the Como 5.0 rated as Class 1. Thanks again.

 

[DDBB]

The other option is to buy a little black box that fits over the speed sensor on the chain stay. (badassbikes) It has a small battery in it and again makes the sensor think the bike is only going half as fast as it is.. It also makes the speedometer and odometer run at half speed.. Then there are plug and play devices that can be installed inside the motor housing, completely hidden. These allow the speedometer and odometer to show the correct speed and mileage. Some minor surgery is required but connectors are all plug and play.. I think all these devices run in the one hundred dollar range.. The plug and play versions can be turned on or off via bluetooth or the control pad on your handlebars.. The black box that goes over the speed sensor type can be removed by just pulling off an o-ring and removing the box so you have options if you find the 20mph ceiling limits your riding but I doubt that you will. Of course there is also the legal question

 

[Gator]

I find 20 MPH is perfectly fine. The only time I go faster is on the downside of a big hill. Enjoy =D

 

[gadgetnut]

Thanks again, DD, for these details. I’ll keep them in mind. Hello, Gator. Guess what, I believe I agree with you. I put 18 miles on my new eBike in 2 days. I’m just getting started back to exercise after having been sidelined with injuries for many months, so at 15 MPH I’m just enjoying being outside, watching the road and taking in the sights and sounds. I can’t believe how quiet, comfortable, and fun this bike is. I’m overjoyed. Right away, I need to get some warmer clothes for my rides and, since we don’t have a garage, find a more suitable place inside the house to store this 6’ long bike! Happy trails!

 

[Bruce Arnold]

My wife's Pedego tops out at around 24 mph, which she rarely uses. Most of her riding is in the teens. My CrossCurrent S will easily do 28 mph or a little more, but unless there's a reason, I rarely go over 20. Partly because I'm hardly ever in a big hurry. Partly because aerodynamic resistance sucks the juice out of the battery as the speed gets higher.

I'm glad we both have the capability to go higher if we wish, but practically speaking, a 20 mph bike wouldn't change much for either of us.

This is a purely personal thing. I don't hold with the "why would anyone want to go faster than 20" argument. For some EBR members with long commutes, you bet they want to go faster. I would too.

 

[steve mercier]

Thanks again, DD, for these details. I’ll keep them in mind. Hello, Gator. Guess what, I believe I agree with you. I put 18 miles on my new eBike in 2 days. I’m just getting started back to exercise after having been sidelined with injuries for many months, so at 15 MPH I’m just enjoying being outside, watching the road and taking in the sights and sounds. I can’t believe how quiet, comfortable, and fun this bike is. I’m overjoyed. Right away, I need to get some warmer clothes for my rides and, since we don’t have a garage, find a more suitable place inside the house to store this 6’ long bike! Happy trails!

HI Chris and welcome to you and your great new bike ! You might check Chainreaction cycles online for sale prices on clothes etc. I use the fastest shipping method with duty pre-calculated and it gets here in 2 days by DHL from Ireland.