Electric bikes can be bulky compared to their exclusively human-powered counterparts, and it can be a pain when navigating the city. However, specialization could make them more viable. It is launch the Como SL, an ultra light version of the Como that promises to make urban travel easier. It’s about 8.8 lbs lighter than the regular model and about 40% lighter than a “typical” e-bike, Specialized claims. We wouldn’t call its starting weight of 47 lbs modest, but it should be more maneuverable on city streets.
It should also be more powerful. The SL1.1 system would double your cycling effort. And while the standard 62 miles of range doesn’t compare as well to the regular Como’s 80 miles, you can increase it to 93 miles with a range extender. The Como SL is also said to be a relatively low-maintenance e-bike with an optional belt drive, internal gear hub, and integrated cables. In theory, the biggest challenge will be waiting the two hours and 35 minutes it takes to charge from 3% to full.
Two rear saddlebag points and a detachable front basket help you carry up to 77 lbs of cargo – this might work well for hauling some loads of groceries.
You can order the Como SL now. The base 4.0 model starts at $ 4,000 with a KMC chain, custom alloy chainrings, a Shimano cassette, and a five-speed shifter. Pull out for the 5.0 version at $ 4,800 and you’ll get a Gates Carbon Drive belt, matching Gates chainrings and cassette parts, and an eight-speed gearshift. Neither model is cheap, but it might be worth it (at least for the 5.0) if you regularly travel around town and can’t support the weight of other e-bikes.
