Specialized Recalls E-Bikes That Want To Rip Your Pants Off

I'm all for having my pants ripped off but this is not good.

Photo by: Specialized

By: Robbie Bacon

Apr 9, 2025 at 7:57am ET

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Usually, when someone tells you they had their pants ripped off it's not a bad thing, and if they managed to get a ride in, well, that's even better. However, if the brand Specialized features anywhere in that series of events, you can guarantee they didn't have a good time.

Specialized is voluntarily recalling chain guards on Turbo Como IGH, Turbo Como SL IGH, and Turbo Vado IGH e-bikes sold between 2021 and 2024. The products affected are the chain guards on Turbo Como IGH, Turbo Como SL IGH, and Turbo Vado IGH e-bikes. “IGH” stands for “Internal Gear Hub” which includes all Enviolo-equipped bikes with belt drives and Shimano gear hub-equipped bikes with both belt and chain drives.

Anyone who has a Specialized bike with a rear derailleur, which means it's not equipped with a gear hub, doesn't need to worry as your bike isn't affected.

The reason for the recall is that loose clothing may get entrapped in the drivetrain, and this poses a fall hazard—Definitely not the way you want to get your pants ripped off.

The following is a list of the affected bike models: COMO SL 4.0, COMO SL 5.0, COMO 3.0 IGH, COMO 4.0 IGH, COMO 5.0 IGH, VADO 3.0 IGH, VADO 3.0 IGH Step Through, VADO 4.0 IGH, VADO 4.0 IGH Step Through, VADO 5.0 IGH, VADO 5.0 IGH Step Through, VADO S IGH, VADO S IGH Step Through.

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If you confirm that your bike is affected by this recall or you're not sure, you should stop riding and make a service appointment with an authorized Specialized retailer. The retailer will inspect your bike and fit an updated chain guard free of charge.

The updated chain guard may vary in type depending on the region the retailer is located, but the process is relatively simple and shouldn't take much time.