Specialized Vado 5 problems

[Islandrifter]

I have recently bought a Specialized Vado 5 at the end of the 2108 year in NZ (the new 6 doesn't have all the features I wanted here) and added the front shock. I have been noticing problems with power dropping out, generally after riding for 20 to 30 mins. This is when I'm cruising at 30 to 35 km/hr in sport mode on a flat surface. (My commute ride) My cadence is about 60. I'm in the biggest gear and have pressure applied to the pedals in a very constant manner. Suddenly it will just feel like I have lost power. Sometimes it comes back on and sometime I flick it into the turbo mode. Really off putting. Also at slower speeds in a middle gear it feels like it is surging on and off. It's in the shop for the second time, after they told me it was fine the first time just the sensor reacting to differences in pressure on my pedal stroke. I've had the tech take it for a long ride and they still say it is performing fine? He has told me I need to have spin at a higher cadence 80 or so to avoid this problem, but I got this model to commute without getting too sweaty and to save my problem hips and knees. Am I just riding it wrong or does this sound like an issue I need to dig my toes in over

 

[Volts]

I'm not a mechanic, but we have 2 Specialized Comos, same drivetrain as you. Our bikes perform smoothly at all cadence. We bought theses because they felt so silky smooth regarding the power delivery and also it was a giant business, Specialized, who would stand behind this new technology. So there you go, you're not crazy, something is definitely wrong with your bike and yes it's a shame your dealer is lacking and needs prodding.

 

[smitty]

Something is definitely not right...I have a Vado 6, ridden close to 700 miles and have never experienced the problem you mention. Check to see if your dealer has installed the latest operating system (download). You might want to check the battery position. If it is loose at all, that could be causing an intermittent electrical problem. I had some difficulty removing and reinstalling the battery when the bike was new; no problem removing the battery but could not get it to seat and catch properly when reinstalling it. It seems better now after the mileage, but I basically kept the battery on the bike all season after the dealer got it to seat properly, charging the battery right on the bike. You might want check the torque on the rear wheel and crank also. The torque specificity on e-bikes is pretty important and I use a torque wrench whenever I am dealing with wheels, cranks, and the like. I also keep an 18" velcro hook and strap around the battery and frame when transporting the bike just in case the battery latch fails to secure the battery attar speed/bumps. The same strap can also be used to tuck a pant cuff in on the drive side. Best of luck solving the problem, the bike is fun to ride when it is running correctly...

 

[Islandrifter]

Something is definitely not right...I have a Vado 6, ridden close to 700 miles and have never experienced the problem you mention. Check to see if your dealer has installed the latest operating system (download). You might want to check the battery position. If it is loose at all, that could be causing an intermittent electrical problem. I had some difficulty removing and reinstalling the battery when the bike was new; no problem removing the battery but could not get it to seat and catch properly when reinstalling it. It seems better now after the mileage, but I basically kept the battery on the bike all season after the dealer got it to seat properly, charging the battery right on the bike. You might want check the torque on the rear wheel and crank also. The torque specificity on e-bikes is pretty important and I use a torque wrench whenever I am dealing with wheels, cranks, and the like. I also keep an 18" velcro hook and strap around the battery and frame when transporting the bike just in case the battery latch fails to secure the battery attar speed/bumps. The same strap can also be used to tuck a pant cuff in on the drive side. Best of luck solving the problem, the bike is fun to ride when it is running correctly...

Thanks Smitty, I just spoken to a dealer at another shop he also said that these bikes have to be ridden at a higher cadence, that after 20 to 30 mins I'm probably not pedaling quite as hard and it is sensing this and reacting. Unfortunately the shop i bought it at is 2 hours away but will go get it tomorrow and try riding slightly higher cadence and see what happens Fingers crossed

 

[Islandrifter]

I'm pleased to say that after picking it up and riding at a slightly higher cadence 70 or so and being more active with the gears, (changing down in gears more) the bike is performing great and not cutting out as before.

 

[Volts]

I'm pleased to say that after picking it up and riding at a slightly higher cadence 70 or so and being more active with the gears, (changing down in gears more) the bike is performing great and not cutting out as before.

Jan, my riding partner rarely shifts, so her cadence is slow and fast. The power never cuts out. The assist always is invisible. The resistance to the leg on a push of the pedals does not ever surge. This is the pleasure we paid a premium for.