A continuing Saga with a defective SRAM fork, a new Como 5.0, and zero progress

[GuruUno]

SRAM says they still have no available parts to make a replacement fork for my wife's new Como 5.0 (for those who want to get up to speed without digging through these forums, the new Como has a defective fork, one of several that have been discovered, the fork was removed from the bike almost 2 months ago and has been ar SRAM since June 8th, I gave the LBS MY Como 5.0 as a "donor" to use that fork while we wait for the replacement).
SRAM says yes, it might take a few more months.
Yes, Specialized has a statement in their owner manual:
"3rd party" components (e.g. SRAM or Shimano) are warrantied directly by that manufacturer. Separate warranty information for these parts should have been included with your bike when you purchased it. Contact your nearest Authorized Specialized Retailer for assistance.
So even though my wife can ride her Como, mine is laid up now for 2 months, with many, many more on the horizon.
I additionally have my own new Vado 5.0, but IF I DID NOT have an alternate bike to use, how is it that this can even be happening?
The reality is, since the beginning of this mess, I could have purchased a brand new Como and given them back the defective bike.
So, why then can't Specialized just make it good?
Crazy.
Even if at the end of the saga, say in 2,3,4 or 6,7, or 8 months, THEN the entire issue of the bike sitting for a period of time, an extension of warranties, loss of use, etc., etc.
And I'm the nice guy who offered to have my Como as a donor bike for a replacement fork, if I didn't, my wife would have had zero bikes. We were actually faced with that at the beginning of this mess and she said, just buy another Como and when they fix the one that needs fixing, we'll sell it. That's when I offered mine to use so no additional expense or issues would occur after the fact.
A real mess.
Just so that those who like me love the bikes, the company is something to be desired when it comes to solving seemingly simple problems.
Of course, comments and opinions are welcome but more importantly, how would YOU resolve the issue?

 

[Tim C]

Is the fork an off the shelf part from SRAM or custom built? Between SRAM and your retailer they should come to the party somehow and usually its the retailer who should try to look after the relationship. All manufacturers and suppliers worldwide are struggling to meet customer orders at the moment and a few months sounds pretty standard. I presume its the Como 5 SL? The Como 5 has a Rockshox.

 

[tomjasz]

@Stefan Mikes

help a brother?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Stefan Mikes

help a brother?

You mean "help Guru"?
If I were a high officer in SRAM/Rock Shox, I would have definitely helped Guru.

 

[tomjasz]

You mean "help Guru"?
If I were a high officer in SRAM/Rock Shox, I would have definitely helped Guru.

I thought being as you are a force in supporting the big “S” you might have some insight.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I thought being as you are a force in supporting the big “S” you might have some insight.

Guru is a very specific person... I do not want to elaborate on this.

 

[GuruUno]

It is a Como 5.0, NON-SL, with a Rock Shox fork.
There is no help from anyone.

 

[GuruUno]

Well.....now that China is giving Taiwan shix about stuff, I guess I'll never ever see a resolution to this defective fork issue.
Woe is me.
(I know the fork ain't food, but maybe you get the point)

https://ajot.com/news/china-slaps-export-ban-on-100-taiwan-brands-before-pelosi-visit

 

[Stefan Mikes]

And I thought SRAM was an American company.

 

[GuruUno]

And I thought SRAM was an American company.

SRAM has products made in Taiwan
"Their components are manufactured primarily in-house, in factories located in Portugal, Taiwan, China, and the U.S., and distributed and sold as Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment and aftermarket components in markets globally."

SRAM Corporation - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[WIVado]

I'm a little confused...

You have a thread stating this was resolved 6-23-22. Now it is back to NOT resolved?

 

[GuruUno]

I'm a little confused...

You have a thread stating this was resolved 6-23-22. Now it is back to NOT resolved?

I apologize for any confusion. This defective fork issue has never been resolved. Please refer to the thread so I can review it. The issue you may be referencing is about a different item, I'd think.

 

[WIVado]

New Como 5.0 Rock Shock fork not working-Resolved 6-23-22

Just sharing, not complaining.......yet. On. a recent ride with my wife we both took our new 2022 Como 5.0 out for a few hours. However, I did notice her suspension fork was not working, with zero capability to get any rebound regardless of lever positions, air pressure, etc. Took the bike back...

electricbikereview.com

At any rate, please know I sympathize with your frustrating situation.

I am not a suspension expert by any means, but have swapped out forks on various bikes, changed spring rates, so on and so forth, so found your situation of interest.

Shock specific parts are very difficult to find now---no news to you, of course.

Your Como 5 (according to Specialized) has a Recon Silver RL with 80mm travel, and 110mm thru-axle Boost spacing.

Short-travel (less than 120mm) forks with Boost spacing are extremely difficult to source in the aftermarket arena, as well.

Given the time already invested, and the unlikeliness of the needed parts being available anytime in the near future, what I would probably do is pony up the dollars to completely replace the fork. This of course means more money invested in the bike, replacing a part on your dime, that an owner would hope to get repaired under warranty...

That may not be what you really want to do, and I totally understand that.

I just share all this because I recently upgraded the cheap junk spring fork on my Vado 4.0 to a RockShox Reba RL.

You could always sell your Recon fork when (if) it is fixed, but again, it's specs are very specific to ebike use, which would limits its appeal in the used market.

 

[GuruUno]

Good info, thanks. I changed the title so it no longer says resolved. The issue that was resolved was being notified that Specialized said they had no responsibility and the item is covered by SRAM under an independent warranty. The beef was that Specialize did zero to assist and upon learning of who has the responsibility resolved the Specialized complaint. Additionally I got my ass chewed out by Stefan informing me that I should announce when an issue is resolved. Hence the indication of saying it was resolved.
in any event, I’m stuck with a lemon that seems to have no resolve.

 

[WIVado]

Yes well the main thing is to keep Stefan happy.

Keep us posted, please. Don't know if I was much help. Hang in there!

 

[mschwett]

@GuruUno i assume the fork on the como is nonstandard in some way at the head tube? interestingly the specialized web site (US version) no longer has ANY como 5.0 listed. normally when they don't have enough parts they just leave 'em on there out of stock.

if it was my bike, unless the head tube was REALLY strange, i'd just find whatever fork fits to be able to continue riding it, and then sell the fork once it was fixed.

of course, i probably would have been really nice and understanding at the LBS for the last few years, not sent a bunch of irritating emails to specialized and anyone else who would listen, and i'm 100% sure the shop would have made it work for me. you truly do catch more flies with honey than vinegar. i'm not excusing specialized having zero spares for this part, or SRAM/RockShox for having zero spares, but there are multiple ways to solve problems, and given that the como doesn't have a future shock, i'm guessing there's a way with simple off-the-shelf parts to make the thing safely ridable.

 

[GuruUno]

@GuruUno i assume the fork on the como is nonstandard in some way at the head tube? interestingly the specialized web site (US version) no longer has ANY como 5.0 listed. normally when they don't have enough parts they just leave 'em on there out of stock.

if it was my bike, unless the head tube was REALLY strange, i'd just find whatever fork fits to be able to continue riding it, and then sell the fork once it was fixed.

of course, i probably would have been really nice and understanding at the LBS for the last few years, not sent a bunch of irritating emails to specialized and anyone else who would listen, and i'm 100% sure the shop would have made it work for me. you truly do catch more flies with honey than vinegar. i'm not excusing specialized having zero spares for this part, or SRAM/RockShox for having zero spares, but there are multiple ways to solve problems, and given that the como doesn't have a future shock, i'm guessing there's a way with simple off-the-shelf parts to make the thing safely ridable.

As per "the specialized website (US version) no longer has ANY Como 5.0 listed", Stefan indicated in a previous thread on 7/29 that "Specialized Warsaw is full of new Comos".
My initial notification in that thread was the first sign that something odd was happening.

(As a side note; if you go to the Specialized site to view available inventory, all of the Como's are gone, no longer showing availability/stock.
(they only show older models, none of the "new" Como styles)
Wondering if this is cause for concern or just supply chain issues.)

 

[WIVado]

There is nothing 'nonstandard' regarding the stem on the fork or the head tube on the Como. Only the headset spacers have a weird shape to them.

 

[mschwett]

There is nothing 'nonstandard' regarding the stem on the fork or the head tube on the Como. Only the headset spacers have a weird shape to them.

if this is true … @GuruUno just be nice to your LBS and have them stick a fork on there. problem solved until SRAM gets you a warranty replacement.

 

[GuruUno]

if this is true … @GuruUno just be nice to your LBS and have them stick a fork on there. problem solved until SRAM gets you a warranty replacement.

True, but it is something that has to be "authorized" by Specialized, as it is not an item that is covered by them, so they say. It rests with SRAM to resolve, I am told.