Don’t buy a specialised Levo

[GypsyTreker]

So someone had a really disappointing experience with their purchase ( That was very clear) and wanted others in the eBike forum to be aware. Hopefully, I made very few errors composing this. The info I would consider reassuring would being informed the issue was known at the factory level. It is unknown if the OP rode in a swamp or if English was their second or third language. My point, this site might actually grow in participants and posts if grammer and tech police simply chilled.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

English is my third language.

 

[GypsyTreker]

There you go....two up on me, not something I'm proud of btw. I should invest time into learning at least one other language.

Personally I use forums to do essential research whenever I am ready to try something new. Others I belong to are a wealth of polite and informative answers to what I'm sure are some dumb question. This is the first ever forum where a grammer and punctuation tangent took over the OP's original post.

I was just looking (drooling) over the Levo Founders edition. I owned, in what seems like a past lifetime, a Specialized Stump Jumper, so nostalgia was present . Thanks to the OP's post I will investigate the Levo with far more intensity then I might have. That to me is the real value of owners forums. I would like to ask more info of the OP but it appears that this was their first and last post, can't say I blame them.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@GypsyTreker, the point is, the OP's message sounded quite hysterical, which was even worsened by poor English. Some people happen to be snake-bitten. Very few e-bike buyers are totally happy with their new purchase because of some issues that initially look larger than life. Some new owners may be met by bad luck. Yet to put the title "Don't buy..." followed by the name of one of the most respected e-bike models sounds quite irresponsibly. I'm not surprised with the Forum users' reaction.

There is a Forum member who has spent big $$$ on a top model of an e-bike from a respected manufacturer; and a component of that specific e-bike was malfunctioning. The user has been continually describing the problem, even was on a verge of selling his bicycle. Luckily, the issue was resolved to the user's satisfaction. I can say I had some issue with my Turbo Vado after the purchase. The issue has been resolved, too. The last thing I would have written on this Forum were "Don't buy Turbo Vado!" I may have initially complained, true. It was never hysterical though. Presently, I'm more than happy with my Vado.

Anyone is entitled to express their experiences here even if he/she is so unlucky to be unable to communicate clearly on this English language Forum. Reactions may be different.

Regarding languages, Russian was my second language, English third. Because of professional needs, my English improved, becoming the second language. I can still speak some Russian, read it well, my writing is almost non-existent now. Still, I was able to speak to a Russian customer last morning in his mother tongue, which made him happy. The Russian love to be respected

 

[Jimbo08]

I believe the cracking frame issue was motor mount bolts coming from original assembly under torqued. And this production issue was found and corrected. As soon as they were aware of it Specialized took corrective action and from what I have read in these forums and witnessed in person, Specialized has come good for it with a new bike for the customer. It is a bit of a temporary setback for the customer, for sure.

As someone previously mentioned electrical gremlins can be a real annoying thing. I bought literally one of the first Chrysler mini vans to come out in the eighties. Had electrical issue with the tailgate that in hind sight produced some hilarious stories. But at the time was not so funny. The dealer did their best and took great care of my next 7 vans I bought from them. Electrical issues on Levos/Comos/Vados seem pretty rare, and sounds like the dealer is certainly trying to help. I love my Levo, and will I am certain love my new Vado. All my ebikes (Shimano, Bosch and BionX) have been a joy, through thick and thin. But having ridden a few I think my 1st choice would be the Specialized.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What exactly Vado model are you buying, @Jimbo08?

 

[Jimbo08]

@GypsyTreker, the point is, the OP's message sounded quite hysterical, which was even worsened by poor English. Some people happen to be snake-bitten. Very few e-bike buyers are totally happy with their new purchase because of some issues that initially look larger than life. Some new owners may be met by bad luck. Yet to put the title "Don't buy..." followed by the name of one of the most respected e-bike models sounds quite irresponsibly. I'm not surprised with the Forum users' reaction.

There is a Forum member who has spent big $$$ on a top model of an e-bike from a respected manufacturer; and a component of that specific e-bike was malfunctioning. The user has been continually describing the problem, even was on a verge of selling his bicycle. Luckily, the issue was resolved to the user's satisfaction. I can say I had some issue with my Turbo Vado after the purchase. The issue has been resolved, too. The last thing I would have written on this Forum were "Don't buy Turbo Vado!" I may have initially complained, true. It was never hysterical though. Presently, I'm more than happy with my Vado.

Anyone is entitled to express their experiences here even if he/she is so unlucky to be unable to communicate clearly on this English language Forum. Reactions may be different.

Regarding languages, Russian was my second language, English third. Because of professional needs, my English improved, becoming the second language. I can still speak some Russian, read it well, my writing is almost non-existent now. Still, I was able to speak to a Russian customer last morning in his mother tongue, which made him happy. The Russian love to be respected

One of my few regrets in life, not studying a second language. Although I did start piano lessons at 40, and now at 58 continue with them. Kind of a second language.

Your right Stefan, the hysterical titles are a bit disturbing at times.

I have purchased a 2020 Vado 5.0.

 

[GypsyTreker]

Hysterical, perhaps, on the first go around. Second and third, not so much... and the header got the attention the OP wanted.

Anyway,it will make me more cautious about buying a Specialized.

Once it was determined by the dealer the bike had Gremlins ( that is not abnormal for any product) they should have swapped it out ( Specialized not the dealer) and gave the customer some peace of mind.

For those who have multiple eBikes I can appreciate your calmness in seeing the "big picture" when a technical problem rears its little head but ...for folks who want to have fun, not issues , unresolved wiring problems do not expand a market.

I figure my wife and I are approaching the 350 mile mark on our Ecotric's ( yeah I know, newb's and cheap ones at that). At $1500 for both bikes I expected a few Gremlins ( so far absolutely none) and if they appear it will piss me off but by no means make me hysterical. If I had purchased the Levo ( the Comp) at $6500 and had the problems the OP had out of the gate, without a quick resolution, I would be done with eBikes as an activity. Not because of the product but because the people involved at the industry level were not able to keep up their end of the bargain , selling me fun.

So my suggestion, to you ambassadors of all things eBike, when someone hysterically finds a forum where they might dump some real frustration, have some empathy. As to hysterics, go back and read some of what you post to each other about tech issues, but don't stop, please, they are amusing but unhelpful, since you argue over different answers.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Forum users are very helpful towards OPs who can describe their issues calmly in understandable language.

The policy of Specialized is to replace the defective e-bike based on the warranty if the bike cannot be repaired. Hysterical posts lower the level of trust for respected brands. What if I told you the "Infinity" of e-bikes (price of order of 7000 EUR) had weak paint, the "indestructible" Gates carbon belt snapped? Facts. As I said before, there are no faultless e-bikes disregarding the price. Specific issues do not change the fact the Turbo Levo is among he most respected e-MTBs in the world. Threads as this one create unfounded mistrust for good brands and models.

and fifth time back to Frebourne new motor new wiring loom new all wiring harness

We have not even heard if the fifth visit in Freebourne resolved the problem.

My advice is: Enjoy your e-bike. Solve the issues if and when they come. Enjoy the life.

 

[Rick53]

Hasn't anyone taken into consideration the OP has just 1 POST: He/She Joined the Forum and in the Same day makes 1 Negative Post . Yet hasn't bothered since this 1 Post to comment any further ::: ???? Sounds more like a Sick Person rather then a Sick Bike Purchase. JMO

 

[Alaskan]

The world needs fewer chicken littles, sounding alarms on thin evidence. Joining a forum to put up an useless vengeful, poorly written rant deserves no credence and less attention. This was an act of retribution not information.

It is on point to write a post describing a problem and asking for suggestions in how to deal with it. That did not happen here.

For a post to be useful it needs to be:

• described clearly - punctuation exists to create clarity
• be fair - warning off one brand or model due to one bad experience is hardly fair
• invite and participate in a dialog to solve problems and find solutions

Posts like this one with alarmist headers are an invitation to emotional, knee jerk responses. Responses that chime in citing other issues that in fact have been properly dealt with by the manufacturer, turn a thread into nothing but a gripe fest.

Flame wars serve no one and detract from an on line community's ability to be helpful and useful to its members.

 

[FlatSix911]

I would normally agree, however, there appears to be a long documented history of issues with this model from other long term EBR members.

We should encourage a open and transparent discussion of the good, bad and ugly to benefit all members of this forum including new members.

 

[Explorer-1]

The thing is, summer is short in some places, a pile of money, and the bike sitting in the shop, getting stranded or getting hurt due to a failure is going to put people on edge. You have to roll with it. Post your own experience if you have one. Even the big names make lemons, and when your dream bike is in the shop more than on the trail and you can't afford a backup well...

 

[Rick53]

The thing is, summer is short in some places, a pile of money, and the bike sitting in the shop, getting stranded or getting hurt due to a failure is going to put people on edge. You have to roll with it. Post your own experience if you have one. Even the big names make lemons, and when your dream bike is in the shop more than on the trail and you can't afford a backup well...

Maybe Companies Show supply a Replacement while your bike is in for warranty Work: Or at least a Small Insurance Policy you could but for this purpose

 

[opimax]

i Am a very frequent leisure rider , hope to be doing 400-500 miles per week shortly after this cold clears up ,weather in Ga can support this.

when my bike is down give me a loaner that is acceptable and I will tolerate a repair. one shop in Va let us use a specialized when i owned 3 Stromers , newest 1 got 6000 in their pocket , the others came from else where, all in their shop not working I. They even lent me 2 batteries instead of 1. With three battterries on a Stromer I can get to 100 miles in top power.with 2 batterries in the specialized at top power somewhere near 40-50 same ride. . This was not acceptable, better then nothing but it was weeks before they even got 1 of the Stromers back (and of course the repair lasted 1ride)

if I was lent a Stromer it would have been fine due to the battery situation. The newest Stromer from them really should have been replacEd at the time due to too many repairs but different story. Wished I was a lawyer sometimes...

 

[reoutput]

I joined the ebike family a while back with the purchase of a 2015 Specialized Turbo X. I had a situation much like the OP, I forged on because I loved to ride that damn bike. Eventually Specialized said “You know what, you’ve had enough problems with the bike, we are gonna send a new one for you”. I was dumbfounded that they would even go that far. TBH the ride time versus down time was about the same so they knew my pain. I am not saying they will do this for every case, they have since revamped warranty claims (more difficult), but in my case they realized everything had been done and I was still having issues.

The replacement bike they sent was a 2016 Turbo X. I had one problem with the bike, the battery. They sent a new battery out and 6K miles later it still runs great. I think the problem may have been me removing the battery to charge instead of leaving it in the bike. I’m really just guessing because on the 2016 model I have never taken the battery out except to replace it...maybe?

Every thread like this I click to see what people are saying, and I’m glad people are saying good things and backing Specialized. I work at a bike shop but do not work for Specialized. For what it’s worth, Specialized warranties their frames for LIFE, as long you are the first owner. Second owners get a shortened warranty time frame, I forget what it is. So if you’re worried about a cracked Vado frame being the only thing holding you back from owning these fine bikes, I would say Specialized has you covered.

TLDR: If you’re worried about getting a lemon, don’t buy one. If you want an awesome ebike, don’t let the turkeys get you down.

 

[Browneye]

I was in a specialized shop today looking at levo comp and SL. Another customer was there, has a levo and a kenevo, and mentioned that he did have trouble with one of his motors, but they simply replaced the whole bike. Wow!

The SL is really something. I like the regular alloy comp better, but that SL motor is TINY. It is so well integrated with the bike you would have to know it's electric - you really can't tell.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The SL is really something. I like the regular alloy comp better, but that SL motor is TINY. It is so well integrated with the bike you would have to know it's electric - you really can't tell.

Perhaps that model might help you exploring the parks with the e-bike ban?

 

[Oberst]

Put my deposit on new Turbo Levo Comp. Will be riding this weekend!!!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Oberst I'm so happy with your happiness! I'd like to have that model (could be the 2019) but I simply cannot afford it. I admire the way the bike has been designed!
Moreover, the owner of Turbo Levo has far more options to tune the bike than the owner of the Vado.