Bosch Display water intrusion.

[DouglasB]

My wife and I piurchased a pair of Canondale Contro-E bikes four years ago and for the most part they have been great. The only thing that has irritated me is that we rode them home in the rain the day we purchased them. Ever since then the Bosch control unit on my bike has had a slight moisture fog on the inside of the screen that comes and goes. After three years, the fog still reappears on warm days. I would have assumed the control unit would have been designed to be water resistant? We don't set out to ride in the rain but in Western Washingon you never know when you are going to get caught in some. We carry plastic bags to covor the control units for when it does. I don't have any problems with it other than the fog but I'm wondering is if my unit is defective or if Bosh had enough sense to make their control units at least somewhat water proof? I can't imagine they didn't? I would never ride my bike through a stream or deep puddle but do I also have to avoid riding it in the rain? It doesn't make sense. I suppose I should place the unit in an airtight bag with some DriZair (mosisture absorbing chemical)? Thanks for any comments.

 

[fooferdoggie]

My wife and I piurchased a pair of Canondale Contro-E bikes four years ago and for the most part they have been great. The only thing that has irritated me is that we rode them home in the rain the day we purchased them. Ever since then the Bosch control unit on my bike has had a slight moisture fog on the inside of the screen that comes and goes. After three years, the fog still reappears on warm days. I would have assumed the control unit would have been designed to be water resistant? We don't set out to ride in the rain but in Western Washingon you never know when you are going to get caught in some. We carry plastic bags to covor the control units for when it does. I don't have any problems with it other than the fog but I'm wondering is if my unit is defective or if Bosh had enough sense to make their control units at least somewhat water proof? I can't imagine they didn't? I would never ride my bike through a stream or deep puddle but do I also have to avoid riding it in the rain? It doesn't make sense. I suppose I should place the unit in an airtight bag with some DriZair (mosisture absorbing chemical)? Thanks for any comments.

maybe there is a crack. you did not say what one you have prion intuvia? nyon? I ride in the rain all of the time with no issues. but sometimes moisture can get in. this is in the rain and 33 degrees.

 

[retiredNH]

What does Bosch say? I presume the LBS where you bought the bikes has access to retailer Bosch tech support?

 

[DouglasB]

I don't see a model number but it is of of a Canondale Contro-E with a Bosch system. I don't see any cracks or damage to the controller and it has never been dropped. The water intrusion was from my first ride home on the bike. We typically don't ride in the rain but in western Washington, sometimes you don't get a choice. I noticed the fogged screen the next day. It goes away from time to time but with warm weather it has begun to reappear more often.

 

[fooferdoggie]

both bikes or just one? mine never did it and I live in portland and ride in the rain all the time. but since its been going 4 years I would not worry too much about it.

 

[DouglasB]

The only thing is that I'm affraid to ride it in the rain. My bike is the only one with the problem. We've never let them get rained on because of it. It's good to know they are supposed to have some water resistance. Not much I can do about it now but carry a plastic bag to cover it when I'm riding on cloudy days. It's always worked, just annoying to have the screen fog up.

 

[fooferdoggie]

The only thing is that I'm affraid to ride it in the rain. My bike is the only one with the problem. We've never let them get rained on because of it. It's good to know they are supposed to have some water resistance. Not much I can do about it now but carry a plastic bag to cover it when I'm riding on cloudy days. It's always worked, just annoying to have the screen fog up.

ya it may have gotten in there before you bought it. Bosch may have replaced it back in the day. buy a used one they are cheap new is about 120 https://www.ebay.com/itm/265815816794?epid=26005480904&hash=item3de3db7a5a:g:oSQAAOSwbjxi7ay6

 

[DouglasB]

Sounds like even if the worst happens and it fails because of moisture intrusion, I'm not out much if I can buy a new one for $120. Guess I wo'nt worry about it any more. Final question: Because of the fogged up display I have always assumed that the Bosch motor should never be exposed to rain as well? Judging from your photo, aparently this isn't the case? Is it safe to get it wet? I'm not talking submersion, just rain and occasional puddle splashes?

 

[TrevorB]

You can dismantle them by undoing screws on back. I'd just loosen them off a little to crack seal so it can breath and dry out in warm place for couple days, then tighten the screws up.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Sounds like even if the worst happens and it fails because of moisture intrusion, I'm not out much if I can buy a new one for $120. Guess I wo'nt worry about it any more. Final question: Because of the fogged up display I have always assumed that the Bosch motor should never be exposed to rain as well? Judging from your photo, aparently this isn't the case? Is it safe to get it wet? I'm not talking submersion, just rain and occasional puddle splashes?

Yes though I have to admit I rusted that one out. but that was because I had two years of commuting in the rain sometimes several rides in the rain a day and my garage is not heated so the bike would stay wet for days on end too. so I put it to the extreme Bosch replaced it out of warranty.

 

[tomjasz]

ACF50

 

[DouglasB]

Tom, did you add the red, front, chain guard on the crank? My Cannondale came with a plastic one which I had to replace in the first month. The chain rode up over it and ruined it. I have a red, anodized aluminum one like yours now that I ordered from England. It's never given me a problem.

 

[fooferdoggie]

ACF50

yep that would do it. sealed a cheap garage door opener with it. I used it under the facet without the case worked great.