Como Turbo 3.0 wheel cracks after 4 yrs, 6500 kilometers

[CrimsonKing]

Hello all , my name is Rob , new to the forum due to a heartbreaking discovery of several cracks in my rear wheel . My ride was purchased in 2021, and has accumulated 6500 kilometers. I absolutely love this bike for numerous reasons, but the damage observed is very disturbing, and extremely costly to repair. This bike has never been abused, does not jump curbs, is not over pressured, and has carried my 225 lb carcass across many magnificent trails in Canada and the US. In my images you will see cracks from the spokes, almost pulling up through the rear wheel rim. A back country trail, or on a city street , this unattended damage could of really left me in a vulnerable position. The shop where it was purchased basically had no explanation, except to suggest that l was at fault and the repair , ( a new rear wheel from Specalized, up to $750 plus labor). My image will show several pieces,( 12) of green painters tape, all marking numerous cracks, from normal wear and tear. l am 67 yrs old, have a full knee replacement, a fused ankle, and l feel let down from Specalized. The bike is still in the shop, being repaired, and am now searching other brands such as Gazelle for a belt driven comfortable ride with greater durability. My Como 3.0 is a magnificent bike , but being in Canada, it's only seasonal, and l was not expecting this for the price l paid.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@CrimsonKing your 225 lb weight plus the weight of Como and any cargo you might have carried certainly exceeded the 300 lb weight limit.

I have been in a similar situation with my heavy Vado. The 28 spoke wheels are not strong enough. Add to it the enormous torque from the motor and you are at it: the wheel damage.

I would not pay Specialized $750 for the new wheel. I bought a DT Swiss H522 32-spoke, 25 mm width rim, a DT Swiss 350 rear hub and asked my non-Specialized LBS to build a wheel for me. It all cost $440.

Of course, your wheel details will be different but all I say is order a strong compatible wheel build at the LBS you trust.

 

[CrimsonKing]

@CrimsonKing your 225 lb weight plus the weight of Como and any cargo you might have carried certainly exceeded the 300 lb weight limit.

I have been in a similar situation with my heavy Vado. The 28 spoke wheels are not strong enough. Add to it the enormous torque from the motor and you are at it: the wheel damage.

I would not pay Specialized $750 for the new wheel. I bought a DT Swiss H522 32-spoke, 25 mm width rim, a DT Swiss 350 rear hub and asked my non-Specialized LBS to build a wheel for me. It all cost $440.

Of course, your wheel details will be different but all I say is order a strong compatible wheel build at the LBS you trust.

Thanks Stefan for your feedback. l will definetly consider all options to get back on my way . Ride safely sir.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@CrimsonKing: If it comforts you...

That was the shape of my original rear wheel after the bike mechanic removed the tyre and the wheel literally died... No issues with the new rim rated for 150 kg, ASME Class 4, 32 strong spokes and an industry-standard rear-hub.

P.S. I was talking US$. Good wheels unfortunately do not want to be inexpensive!

 

[Chazmo]

Hello all , my name is Rob , new to the forum due to a heartbreaking discovery of several cracks in my rear wheel . My ride was purchased in 2021, and has accumulated 6500 kilometers. I absolutely love this bike for numerous reasons, but the damage observed is very disturbing, and extremely costly to repair. This bike has never been abused, does not jump curbs, is not over pressured, and has carried my 225 lb carcass across many magnificent trails in Canada and the US. In my images you will see cracks from the spokes, almost pulling up through the rear wheel rim. A back country trail, or on a city street , this unattended damage could of really left me in a vulnerable position. The shop where it was purchased basically had no explanation, except to suggest that l was at fault and the repair , ( a new rear wheel from Specalized, up to $750 plus labor). My image will show several pieces,( 12) of green painters tape, all marking numerous cracks, from normal wear and tear. l am 67 yrs old, have a full knee replacement, a fused ankle, and l feel let down from Specalized. The bike is still in the shop, being repaired, and am now searching other brands such as Gazelle for a belt driven comfortable ride with greater durability. My Como 3.0 is a magnificent bike , but being in Canada, it's only seasonal, and l was not expecting this for the price l paid.

That’s a shame, CrimsonKing. I’d be ticked off too, but Specialized tries to keep things as light as they can and still build some durability into their products. As someone who bought a very different, less expensive bike with a lot of bleeding-edge tech and no real consideration for weight… Specialized is certainly not alone in suffering stress-related problems. Having said that, your LBS should’ve been more accommodating, since that’s what you pay for.

Good luck. And, yes, I’d take Stefan’s advice and go aftermarket with this. Hopefully you won’t end up with a potato chip like Stefan’s wheel!