Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Review
- Price: $5250
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Pathfinder Sport Reflect 650Bx2.3
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: The Garmin radar can detect cars up to 140 meters away, providing cyclists with visual, auditory, and tactile alerts.
What we don’t like about it: Inability to replace the handlebar, which might not meet the preferences of some riders.
Rating: (4.8/5)
My daily commute is quite lengthy. Opting for public transit results in crowded conditions every day. On the other hand, cycling to work leaves me fatigued upon arrival. To make my commute more manageable, I purchased the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0, and I had high hopes for its performance.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Como 5.0. Additionally, we’ll compare it to a few other top bike models in the latter part of this article. If you’re interested in learning more about bike reviews, consider following our content.
Riding Experience
Commute Cycling
Setting out in the morning breeze, I engage the Specialized 250W 90Nm mid-drive motor at maximum power, propelling me forward at a swift pace as the wind rustles by. Gripping the Specialized Como handlebar, I navigate the road with agility. For uphill segments, I adjust the SRAM GX 1×11 drivetrain to its lowest gear ratio, allowing the Specialized 250W 90Nm mid-drive motor and Specialized U2-710 battery to provide gentle assistance. This adjustment grants me enhanced power, ensuring a smooth ascent.
During downhill stretches, the front wheel absorbs the normal vibrations from the road. Thanks to the ERGON GP10 grips, my grasp on the Specialized Como handlebar remains firm, allowing me to maintain speed without any slippage. When encountering potential hazards, the SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc brake ensures prompt and effective braking, averting any unexpected incidents.
Navigating through bends, I rely on the Body Geometry Comfort Gel saddle, shifting my body’s center of gravity to expertly maneuver each curve. The 2.3” Pathfinder Sport Reflect tires offer remarkable flexibility. As I approach my workplace, the road becomes congested with vehicles. My focus remains fixed on the road ahead, and I execute turns with precision. I effortlessly weave through the crowd, a testament to the confidence bestowed upon me by the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0.
Is That All?
When cycling through poorly lit areas at night, the Lezyne Ebike Power E115 headlight illuminates my path forward. Additionally, the Spanninga Commuter Glow XE taillight ensures that vehicles behind me have a clear view. The Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors pedals keep my feet securely in place. Equipped with an integrated Garmin radar, it can detect cars up to 140 meters away, providing me with information about approaching vehicles’ relative distance and speed, enhancing my sense of safety.
Notably, the bike features an anti-theft lock, alleviating concerns about theft whether parked at work or outside my home. The removable battery offers convenience, allowing me to charge it at home when depleted.
Of significance, the MasterMind display screen provides clear, real-time information about my ride, enhancing my control over the bike. The bike can be equipped with DRYTECH mudguards, LED front and rear lights, and a rear rack with a capacity of 27 kilograms. The rear rack is compatible with child bike seats and can tow a trailer, making it incredibly versatile.
Specifications
The Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 is an exceptional electric commuter bike. It features an E5 Aluminum frame and RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, with 80mm front travel for a comfortable suspension effect. Additionally, it comes in four colors, offering riders plenty of choices. The SRAM GX 1×11 Rear Derailleur provides smooth shifting operations and a wide gear range.
Moreover, this bike is equipped with SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc brakes, delivering excellent braking performance. It includes Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors pedals and ERGON GP10 grips, providing convenience for riders and eliminating the need for additional time to search for suitable pedals and grips.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, our understanding of this bike has deepened. It’s an outstanding bike.
However, many riders have their requirements for its performance or components, so we conducted further research on bikes of similar types.
2023 Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 650B
The Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 is equipped with a Specialized 250W 90Nm mid-drive motor. On the other hand, the Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 650B features a Specialized 250W 50Nm mid-drive motor. The 90Nm torque generates greater power, enabling better uphill performance and the ability to carry more. The Turbo Como 3.0 650B has a Specialized 460Wh battery, while the Como 5.0 features a stronger Specialized 710Wh battery.
Additionally, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 has a 1×11 drivetrain. Compared to the Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 650B’s 1×9 drivetrain, the 1×11 drivetrain offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting. However, the Turbo Como 3.0 650B has a 1.93 stack/reach ratio, which is greater than the Turbo Como 5.0 (1.44). As known, a larger stack/reach ratio provides greater riding comfort for cyclists.
So, if you’re seeking a more comfortable ride, I’d recommend the Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 650B. If you desire a superior gear system, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 would be your ideal choice.
What do we like about it?
- The Garmin radar can detect cars up to 140 meters away, providing cyclists with visual, auditory, and tactile alerts.
- Integrated, removable, and lockable battery for rider convenience.
- Equipped with DRYTECH mudguards, LED front and rear lights, and a rear rack with a capacity of 27 kilograms, compatible with child bike seats and towing trailers, offering great convenience.
- Capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, it’s quite fast.
What don’t we like about it?
- The inability to replace the handlebar on this bike might not meet the preferences of some riders.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
This bike is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Is the bike safe enough?
It includes an anti-theft lock and requires entering a pre-set password to deactivate the motor, ensuring security.
- Does this bike have any riding assistance?
It features a Garmin radar that can detect cars up to 140 meters away, providing awareness of traffic behind the rider.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines; the best way to find the right size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | LG |
Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Specs
Build
| Frame | E5 Aluminum, bottom bracket motor mount, fully integrated & lockable downtube battery, internal cable routing, lock and front rack mount Colors: Cast Black / Silver Reflective; Sand / Black Reflective; Red Tint / Silver Reflective; Limestone / Black Reflective |
| Fork | Rockshox Recon Silver RL, 80mm travel, Motion-Control, fender-mounts |
| Handlebar | Specialized Como handlebar/stem combo |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Comfort Gel, 200mm w/ SWAT™ Mount |
| Seatpost | Spring suspension, alloy, 40mm travel, 30.9mm, 2-bolt clamp, 34.9mm sleeve |
| Pedals | Specialized Commuter w/ grip tape & reflectors |
| Grips | ERGON GP10 |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX, long cage, 11-speed |
| Crank | Custom alloy forged crankarms, Praxis, 48T, 104BCD |
| Shifters | SRAM S700, single-click lever |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1130, 11-speed, 11-42t |
| Chain | KMC e11T, 11-speed w/ Missing Link™ |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 RS, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm |
Wheels
| Rims | 650b disc, double-wall alloy, pinned, 32h |
| Spokes | DT Swiss Industry |
| Front Hub | Specialized alloy front hub disc, sealed cardridge bearings, 6-bolt, 15x110mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Pathfinder Sport Reflect, 650Bx2.3, Rear: Pathfinder Sport Reflect, 650Bx2.3 |
Electric Component
| Motor | Specialized 2.2, 90Nm torque, custom tuned motor, 250W nominal |
| Battery | Specialized U2-710, alloy casing, state of charge display, 710Wh |
| Charger | Custom charger, 42V4A w/ Rosenberger plug, 100-240V |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Motor | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Bianchi e-Omnia T-Type Step-Through Deore | Click View | WTB Slick 2.2 29″ 54/54 27tpi | BOSCH PERFORMANCE LINE CX 250W 85NM | Aluminum | Shimano Deore, FSA |
| Riese & Müller Charger3 Mixte GT touring | Click View | Schwalbe Super Moto-X 62-584 Reflex; Schwalbe Johnny Watts 60-584* | Performance Line CX (Gen4) | Aluminum | Shimano SLX,FSA |
| Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB Low-Step | Click View | Scalato Mondano | Bosch Performance Line (75Nm) | Aluminum | Gates CDX belt |
| BMC 257 AMP AL ONE USA | Click View | Pirelli Angel GT – 37mm | Bosch Performance Line CX motor | Aluminum | Shimano Alfine,Gates CDX |
Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 vs. Bianchi e-Omnia T-Type Step-Through Deore
The Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 features a Specialized 2.2 90Nm torque custom-tuned motor with a nominal power of 250W. On the other hand, the Bianchi e-Omnia T-Type Step-Through Deore is equipped with a BOSCH PERFORMANCE LINE CX 250W motor with 85Nm torque. Compared to 85Nm, the 90Nm torque can handle a lot more weight.
Furthermore, the Bianchi e-Omnia T-Type Step-Through Deore has 120mm of front travel, whereas the Como 5.0 only has 80mm of front travel. Indeed, 120mm of front travel provides stronger suspension effects. If you’re looking for superior suspension performance, I would recommend the Bianchi e-Omnia T-Type Step-Through Deore. However, if you’re seeking higher torque, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 would be the better choice for you.
Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 vs. Riese & Müller Charger3 Mixte GT touring
The Riese & Müller Charger3 Mixte GT Touring is equipped with 100mm of front travel, offering slightly stronger suspension effects compared to the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0, which has 80mm of front travel. Additionally, the stack/reach ratio of the Riese & Müller Charger3 Mixte GT Touring is 1.595, which is larger than the 1.44 stack/reach ratio of the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0. A larger stack/reach ratio provides better reach and stretch, making the rider’s cycling experience more comfortable.
Furthermore, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 has a 710Wh battery, while the Riese & Müller Charger3 Mixte GT Touring has a 500Wh battery. Undoubtedly, the 710Wh battery offers longer battery life.
So, if you’re seeking superior battery capacity, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 is a great choice. If you’re looking for enhanced suspension performance, the Riese & Müller Charger3 Mixte GT Touring would be a suitable option for you.
Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 vs. Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB Low-Step
The Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB Low-Step is equipped with 700c wheels, providing strong terrain adaptability. On the other hand, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 features 650b wheels, offering high flexibility. Additionally, the Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB Low-Step is equipped with a Bosch 250W 75Nm mid-drive motor, while the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 boasts a Specialized 250W 90Nm mid-drive motor. The 90Nm torque of the latter allows for carrying more items and provides stronger power for uphill rides.
Moreover, the Turbo Como 5.0 has 80mm of front travel. Compared to the Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB Low-Step with 40mm of front travel, the 80mm front travel of the Turbo Como 5.0 offers a more effective suspension.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking enhanced suspension performance, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 is a great fit for your needs. If you prioritize wheels with stronger terrain adaptability, I would recommend considering the Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB Low-Step.
Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 vs. BMC 257 AMP AL ONE USA
The Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 boasts a larger 90Nm torque and a 710Wh battery, capable of carrying a substantial amount of items. Its battery life is strong, and it features a traditional 1×11 drivetrain. On the other hand, the BMC 257 AMP AL ONE USA utilizes a Belt Drive, offering a quiet and excellent transmission that reduces wheel diameter. However, it has lower efficiency in transmitting deceleration.
Furthermore, the BMC 257 AMP AL ONE USA is equipped with terrain-adaptable 700c wheels. In contrast, the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 features highly flexible 650b wheels. Nevertheless, the 625Wh battery capacity and 85Nm torque of the BMC 257 AMP AL ONE USA fall short compared to the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking superior battery capacity, I would recommend the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0. If you’re interested in a Belt Drive system, the BMC 257 AMP AL ONE USA might be a better choice.
Summary
The above is our review of the Specialized Turbo Como 5.0. This exceptional commuter e-bike can greatly improve the commuting experience for riders. Considering everything, we rate it 4.8 out of 5. If you’re looking for more bicycle-related information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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