Almost even more interesting than the also brand new Vado SL Step-Through is the second news on today from Specialized: with the Como SL Specialized launches a city bike on the market, which is equipped with a lightweight mid-motor as well as a hub gear with belt drive. A largely maintenance-free, clean and quiet combination, which also looks very good — but unfortunately is available far too rarely! All the more pleasing that Specialized uses these components in the new Como SL and puts together a chic as well as practical bike.

Lightweight E-Drive

As with all Specialized bikes with the suffix “SL”, the new Como SL also uses the quite compact and lightweight SL 1.1 mid-motor. This motor is only available from Specialized and has been developed in cooperation with Mahle. With a peak power of 240 watts and a torque of about 35 Nm, the motor offers less power than comparable mid-motors, but this is quite sufficient for urban use. In return, you get a relatively lightweight bike that skilfully hides the electric drive visually. The battery, which is fixed installed in the down tube and has a capacity of 320 Wh, also contributes to this. The range can also be extended via an optional range extender — an additional battery in the form of a bottle — which offers another 160 Wh of capacity. The drive system is controlled via a compact button on the top tube, which displays the battery status and the selected speed level. To change the speed levels, there is also a button on the handlebar grip. Although the drive can also be controlled without its own display, the top models of the Como SL series are equipped with an additional display. Optionally, you can also fall back on Specialized’s own app, which offers additional functions.

Useful details

The Como SL’s focus is certainly on simple and practical use. This is primarily due to the frame with its low entrance, which allows easy mounting and dismounting. Noteworthy here is the additional cross brace, with which the bike can be lifted more easily. With a weight of about 22 kg, the Como SL is not really lightweight, which is due to the equipment with wide tires and the large-volume front basket. The high upward protruding handlebar (a similar design is already known from Moustache’s Lundi 27) should also provide a very upright and comfortable seating position. The sturdy basket at the front of the Como SL is a striking feature, which should prove extremely practical in everyday use. Those who need to transport more can also use the two pannier holders on the rear mudguards.

Two model ranges

The Como SL 5.0 represents the top model of the range. Shimano’s Alfine hub gears with 8 speeds are used here, combined with the Gates Carbon Drive belt drive. As already mentioned at the beginning, a separate display is installed here, which is positioned centrally on the handlebars. The hydraulic disc brakes are from Tektro type TKD123, the tires in the format 650Bx2.3 are pleasantly wide and should provide sufficient driving comfort. The equipment is completed by a lighting system and a kickstand.

The Como SL 4.0 is cheaper, but you also have to accept compromises in the drive: A 5-speed hub from Shimano’s Nexus series is used as the gearshift, and there is no belt drive — instead, you have to make do with a conventional bicycle chain. You will also not find an additional display here.

All bikes in the new Como SL model range are available in three frame sizes each. Prices start at 3,499 euros for the Como SL 4.0, which is available in the colors Cast Umber, Dove Grey and Raspberry. At 500 Euros, the surcharge for the Como SL 5.0 is quite reasonable. The colors Brassy Yellow, Brushed Silver and Smoke are then available for 3,999 Euros.