Experience Thread: A noobie getting into a specialized vado 5.0 IGH

David C said:
Did I miss an earlier post where he told us what bike he bought?
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Possibly, someone mentioned that OP has told us 600 times of course. I'm really looking for info on the Vado 5.0 IGH and can't find that either. That aside the posts have been great in helping me choose what not to buy ;)
 
Phiiip said:
the posts have been great in helping me choose what not to buy
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This here is part of the point. I can’t tell you how much stuff I have learned about many of these products that are not shared. Even dc rainmaker’s reviews, which are extremely thorough, don’t cover some stuff.

I would be cautious about the IGH models. If for no other reason than the specialized LBS network is in “early adoption” mode for this bike. This means that even problems that may ultimately have “simple” solutions can still take weeks to resolve due to 1) lack of knowledge 2) lack of on-hand parts.

A problem free version of this bike is the future of biking. It’s brilliant. Until then: meh.
 
dynamic said:
This here is part of the point. I can’t tell you how much stuff I have learned about many of these products that are not shared. Even dc rainmaker’s reviews, which are extremely thorough, don’t cover some stuff.

I would be cautious about the IGH models. If for no other reason than the specialized LBS network is in “early adoption” mode for this bike. This means that even problems that may ultimately have “simple” solutions can still take weeks to resolve due to 1) lack of knowledge 2) lack of on-hand parts.

A problem free version of this bike is the future of biking. It’s brilliant. Until then: meh.
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I am 100% in agreement with 'dynamic'. Spot on. Having had 2 Vado 5.0 IGH's and returned them both within 30 days, and having had nightmare experiences, I too agree it's way too early to put these IGH models in service. Regardless of the parts being around for a while, in use by other manufacturers, and so forth, it just for some reason doesn't work well with the Specialized version. Again, my opinion, and in concurrence with the OP.
Finally, I did an unbelievable 35-mile ride on Thanksgiving day and my 2022 Vado 5.0 (derailleur) was perfect. If you wish, I'll share the stats.
The point I want to make is that the LBS which has 7 stores in the NY/NJ area has had several of their employees share their personal opinions and experience with the IGH model.
All negative. But they can't publicly say anything, they'd lose their job or be surely severely reprimanded.
So, being a firm believer in the Specialized line overall sans the IGH model, I'm excited to give it another shot when they work out the kinks.
Maybe the Dyson man can get me a beta test gig. :)https://www.relive.cc/view/vE6JXNzmyxv (Smart Control set to 50 miles, 32% battery remaining after all those hills!)
 
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dynamic said:
This here is part of the point. I can’t tell you how much stuff I have learned about many of these products that are not shared. Even dc rainmaker’s reviews, which are extremely thorough, don’t cover some stuff.

I would be cautious about the IGH models. If for no other reason than the specialized LBS network is in “early adoption” mode for this bike. This means that even problems that may ultimately have “simple” solutions can still take weeks to resolve due to 1) lack of knowledge 2) lack of on-hand parts.

A problem free version of this bike is the future of biking. It’s brilliant. Until then: meh.
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Don't get me wrong, I have learnt an awful lot from this forum. I have the Vado 5 and love it, what might be the perfect bike for me doesn't necessarily mean it is for everyone else. There is a new firmware for motor & display available via mission control, but I haven't installed it yet as I have Peartune 4 that I need to disconnect before doing the update. Through my limited experience of "if it aint broke don't fix it" I'm happy the way it is. Whether this would have fixed your issues I don't know. As you mention it's in "early adoption" but at least Specialized are attempting to fix stuff as users report things through their real riding experiences.
 

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Phiiip said:
Don't get me wrong, I have learnt an awful lot from this forum. I have the Vado 5 and love it, what might be the perfect bike for me doesn't necessarily mean it is for everyone else. There is a new firmware for motor & display available via mission control, but I haven't installed it yet as I have Peartune 4 that I need to disconnect before doing the update. Through my limited experience of "if it aint broke don't fix it" I'm happy the way it is. Whether this would have fixed your issues I don't know. As you mention it's in "early adoption" but at least Specialized are attempting to fix stuff as users report things through their real riding experiences.
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Absolutely this bike works great for some people. The problem is we have no reliable information on when it might not work well. Those of us that have repetitive problems currently never get a cause explanation. Without that, specialized nor anyone else can correct the problem via either reactive or proactive methods.

I suspect it is a combination of software bugs and durability around heavier riders in more hostile environments. As @Stefan Mikes has pointed out, we don’t see a lot of IGH/Belt in mountain bikes. And it may be that current IGH implementation can’t take the stress of harder environments. So people like me that push their motor and bike design to the max end up with problems.

However, I agree with @GuruUno , the private feedback I have gotten about this bike from dealers essentially amounts to avoid like the plague. My bike shop said upfront that they don’t and never intend to carry this model in stock.

I think this bike is likely a fantastic city commuter in mild environments where smooth casual riding is the priority, not hard and fast.

If I see evidence that they work this out, I will likely be back.
 
If the bike you've just bought Dynamic does not meet your expectations, you will certainly not tell us what it was? :)
 
Stefan Mikes said:
If the bike you've just bought Dynamic does not meet your expectations, you will certainly not tell us what it was? :)
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The bike needs a handlebar brake clamp before it is safe to ride which will take a week to get here. I will share what it is regardless of how I feel about it. ;) but, I want to get a few good rides in before I have commentary one way or another.

I am also trying to solve fit based on my fit sheet. I likely need to pick new handlebars to fully resolve that on this bike. So I am trying to find them while I wait.
 
dynamic said:
Absolutely this bike works great for some people. The problem is we have no reliable information on when it might not work well. Those of us that have repetitive problems currently never get a cause explanation. Without that, specialized nor anyone else can correct the problem via either reactive or proactive methods.

I suspect it is a combination of software bugs and durability around heavier riders in more hostile environments. As @Stefan Mikes has pointed out, we don’t see a lot of IGH/Belt in mountain bikes. And it may be that current IGH implementation can’t take the stress of harder environments. So people like me that push their motor and bike design to the max end up with problems.

However, I agree with @GuruUno , the private feedback I have gotten about this bike from dealers essentially amounts to avoid like the plague. My bike shop said upfront that they don’t and never intend to carry this model in stock.

I think this bike is likely a fantastic city commuter in mild environments where smooth casual riding is the priority, not hard and fast.

If I see evidence that they work this out, I will likely be back.
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"My bike shop said upfront that they don’t and never intend to carry this model in stock"
Almost identical words from several LBS shops here also.....
 
dynamic said:
I suspect it is a combination of software bugs and durability around heavier riders in more hostile environments. As @Stefan Mikes has pointed out, we don’t see a lot of IGH/Belt in mountain bikes. And it may be that current IGH implementation can’t take the stress of harder environments. So people like me that push their motor and bike design to the max end up with problems.

I think this bike is likely a fantastic city commuter in mild environments where smooth casual riding is the priority, not hard and fast.
Click to expand...
I agree, it's advertised for daily commute, definitely not a mountain bike.
 
Phiiip said:
I agree, it's advertised for daily commute, definitely not a mountain bike.
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And I didn’t use it as a mountain bike. (Well once). But it still didn’t seem to be able to handle it. Which means it can’t handle rough roads either.
 
Phiiip said:
I had to buy a Bowflex Max Total M40....for my wife so that I could have the Vado 5! Wasn't able to look at the Peloton as nothing local.
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Our plan was to buy two bikes and ride together. But since I haven't found a functional bike yet and she was never going to ride in the winter, we backed off that. The peloton is hopefully the conduit to being ready for spring biking together. I plan to use it when my bike is "down" (or weather sucks) as it has been more than 50% of the time since june. We think my wife will become attached to peloton classes and coaches. That kind of thing motivates her. I would much rather be outside on a real bike.

No more excuses. There will be biking in this house. ;P
 
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