Specialized Model Year versus Mfg Date

[Ebiker53]

I purchased two Como 2.0 ebikes last August. Recently I discovered the sticker on the underside of the frame that says my bike was manufactured in December 2017 and my wife's bike says it was manufactured in June 2018. Both bikes were sold as 2019 models. Is this "normal" I am not aware of any other products with an advertised model year that far removed from when it was manufactured. One concern I have is that the batteries were already over 18 months old when we got the bikes and may not last as long as they might otherwise. Thank you.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Unluckily, it seems to be a common practice of Specialized. I was put on the same route by a Specialized dealer. My Vado 5.0 was advertised as a 2019 model and only when I read the Certificate of Conformity coming with the bike and the sticker, it turned out it was a 2017 model. True, I got a substantial discount, I wouldn't afford Vado 5.0 otherwise.

I have mixed feelings. 2017 was the premiere year for the Vado and Specialized really took care to put top components into their then flagship model. As I can see, the Vado 5.0 is being downgraded year by year. On the other hand, I hate the BLOKS display that Specialized are unable to upgrade to TCD-W.

And the battery. Status reports shown to me during the diagnostics at Specialized dealer read the battery is healthy. Yet, I see the e-bike has very poor range. I cannot determine if this is caused by old battery or by cold weather we are experiencing now and countering strong headwinds on my trips. Will know in the Spring. Also, I intend to buy a spare battery in the Spring in hope the new battery would perform better.

 

[Rick53]

I purchased two Como 2.0 ebikes last August. Recently I discovered the sticker on the underside of the frame that says my bike was manufactured in December 2017 and my wife's bike says it was manufactured in June 2018. Both bikes were sold as 2019 models. Is this "normal" I am not aware of any other products with an advertised model year that far removed from when it was manufactured. One concern I have is that the batteries were already over 18 months old when we got the bikes and may not last as long as they might otherwise. Thank you.

That is likely common : Does it have the 2019 components ? The frame hasn't changed : That's what I would look at : THey mass produce frames :

 

[Ebiker53]

That is likely common : Does it have the 2019 components ? The frame hasn't changed : That's what I would look at : THey mass produce frames :

Not sure what you mean by 2019 components? They both have BLOKS displays. We were mislead by the LBS (Bikesource, Dublin, OH) when we purchased the bikes. We were told repeatedly by different sales staff that we would be able to use the Mission Control App and that was obviously not the case. They still have a mix of BLOKS and TCD-W equipped models for sale all tagged 2019. I inquired about getting the display changed out and was told it would cost over $300 per bike. Unfortunately the techs at the store are not well versed in eBike technology.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I asked the Specialized dealer if -- taking into account the TCD-W for "speed" Vado 5 is already available - they could change my BLOKS to TCD-W for money. No answer yet.