Important news from US ebike manufacturer Specialized. The fork on the Specialized Turbo Como SL urban ebike has been found to be prone to failure. Due to the potential risk of falling, riding these models should be stopped immediately. Here is an overview of all the details known so far about the warning.
Yesterday, Specialized published a safety notice for the Turbo Como SL on its international websites. The manufacturer strongly advises leaving the ebike unused until further notice. According to information from the industry magazine Velobiz, specialist retailers received a corresponding message a few days ago. Now the general public has also been informed. Mark Schroeder, Senior Director of Quality & Test Engineering, is named as the sender at the end of the notice.
1. What is the defect in the Specialized Turbo Como SL?
2. Which ebikes are affected by the safety notice?
3. What is Specialized doing now?
4. What should you do?
1. What is the defect in the Specialized Turbo Como SL?
According to Specialized, a fatigue crack may occur in the fork steerer tube. Depending on the stresses to which the ebike is exposed, this crack may grow and ultimately lead to fork failure. The result would be a broken fork. While riding, this would inevitably cause a fall.
2. Which ebikes are affected by the safety notice?
In its announcement, Specialized refers to all models of the Specialized Turbo Como SL sold since 2021. Specifically, there are two different versions – the Specialized Turbo Como SL 4.0 and the Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0. The manufacturer does not specify how many of the ebikes mentioned have been sold worldwide and could now be affected by a potential recall.
3. What is Specialized doing now?
Well, as is usual in such situations, the manufacturer naturally assures you that it is doing everything it can to clarify the situation and give you the green light to continue riding the Turbo Como SL as soon as possible. In fact, however, this is not currently in its hands.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (US-CPSC) has taken over the investigation of the conspicuous fork. The independent federal consumer protection agency, based in Bethesda, Maryland, is responsible for investigating cases such as this and thus protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death. Only after the investigation is complete will the US-CPSC issue a recommendation for action to Specialized. As things stand, Specialized expects that it will take several weeks before such a decision is made.
4. What should you do?
Specialized mentions two things that are important for you at this moment.
1. Stop using your Specialized Turbo Como SL immediately
As mentioned, play it safe, follow the manufacturer’s advice and leave this ebike where it is for now. Ideally, you should even inform those who have purchased your model if you no longer own the ebike.
2. Check the Specialized website regularly
Specialized has announced that it will post any new developments in this case on the following website:
https://www.specialized.com/safety-recall-notices
So just check the site from time to time to stay up to date. In addition, specialist retailers are also expected to pass on information to affected customers. So if you have a good relationship with a relevant shop in your area, it can’t hurt.
Pictures: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.