Specialized Turbo Vado/Como/Tero/Tero X User Club

[GuruUno]

That’s something you should report to Specialized via an email, and perhaps a post on their social media! They should be changing your service location immediately. I think Canada might have a reasonable Consumer Affairs bureau too.

Report? OK, a very, very brief summary of a recent telephone conversation I had with "Rider Care" of Specialized.
"Each and every dealer of our product is an independent dealer who carries our products. Although they are authorized Specialized Dealers, we have no control over their business practices. If there were to be numerous complaints lodged against the same dealer, we would need to review those dealer's business practices and adjust our authorization of that specific dealer to carry our brand".

Those are almost verbatim the very same words used by a previous experience with a "Big 3" auto manufacturer with issues specific to a dealership's poor performance and abuse of my car. That in the end, I was told, "You'll need to go to an alternate dealership if the one you used is problematic".

I went to 4, no resolve, Lemon Law enacted, monies refunded, end of the story.

Same with ANY bike dealer (LBS), as a matter of fact, any business. The proprietor may be the most efficient, diligent, professional, and capable person you ever met, but how can those desired traits be cloned and mirrored to the employees he/she hires to continue the reputation built? Next to impossible in this day and age, very, very rare.

We might all be able to share similar experiences and trade war stories, good and bad, but the reality is consumers need to be as proactive as possible to protect their rights, otherwise, we potentially get screwed and in a losing proposition. Sure, lots of you (and me) have phenomenal stories about the most positive of experiences and we all are happy about those good ones, but it sure seems like nobody gives two flying fx**$)@ about customer service anymore.....or I'm becoming a cranky old fart.

 

[GaleL]

Report? OK, a very, very brief summary of a recent telephone conversation I had with "Rider Care" of Specialized.
"Each and every dealer of our product is an independent dealer who carries our products. Although they are authorized Specialized Dealers, we have no control over their business practices. If there were to be numerous complaints lodged against the same dealer, we would need to review those dealer's business practices and adjust our authorization of that specific dealer to carry our brand".

Those are almost verbatim the very same words used by a previous experience with a "Big 3" auto manufacturer with issues specific to a dealership's poor performance and abuse of my car. That in the end, I was told, "You'll need to go to an alternate dealership if the one you used is problematic".

I went to 4, no resolve, Lemon Law enacted, monies refunded, end of the story.

Same with ANY bike dealer (LBS), as a matter of fact, any business. The proprietor may be the most efficient, diligent, professional, and capable person you ever met, but how can those desired traits be cloned and mirrored to the employees he/she hires to continue the reputation built? Next to impossible in this day and age, very, very rare.

We might all be able to share similar experiences and trade war stories, good and bad, but the reality is consumers need to be as proactive as possible to protect their rights, otherwise, we potentially get screwed and in a losing proposition. Sure, lots of you (and me) have phenomenal stories about the most positive of experiences and we all are happy about those good ones, but it sure seems like nobody gives two flying fx**$)@ about customer service anymore.....or I'm becoming a cranky old fart.

Thank you! Yes, we do get screwed. I realized that I was vulnerable due to severe sleep deprivation when I entered the store to pick up my bike. I had been nervous about it for two weeks. That day. That manager's bad attitude. It was nothing to look forward to. He didn't disappoint. I feel sorry for the owner because, as you put it, he may be the most conscientious, diligent, and professional person anywhere whose dealership's upward success and reputation has been undermined by one or two unprofessional employees.

I'm glad you got your money refunded on your car after what must have been a lot of your time lost by attempting to get customer satisfaction and nothing but hassles and stress. And that's after they screwed up. Sheesh!

I will contact my credit card company if this isn't resolved by the proprietor on Tuesday, their next day open.

Customer service has gotten worse. Striving for personal and professional excellence seems to be an interest of older generations. Bored, blasé, discourteous 30- and 40-somethings abound in customer-service-oriented positions and, unfortunately, they dislike their jobs and serving the public. You can't get a "Hello, how are you?" or even a smile out of them. They're so wrapped up in themselves. This kind of attitude has become pervasive, like a plague. Bad vibes everywhere. It's too common. Don't get me started on human error. The public has no choice but to accept it, so the perpetrators get away with it. Nobody knows what good customer service is anymore.

Thank you again for the commiseration. This kind of thing is a terrible experience to go through alone.

 

[ActionJackson]

Well for anyone who's struggling to find the right axle for a Thule baby carriage for the Turbo Vado 3.0 2020 it is "20110733". I learned that on my third attempt, but now closed my first project on the bike.

And one surprise; it's made by the Robert Axle Project but sold as a Thule original part.

Hey great to post info like this! - deserves it’s own thread to make it easy for others perhaps. I’ll start posting mine as well for example “Project: Turbo Vado SL Roof Rack / Carrier”. I’ve spent considerable time eliminating parts options. Actually the “Boost” axles on the Specialized bikes bit me also , leading me to Robert Axle Project as well for 12mm X 110mm. The only hiccup is I couldn’t verify the pitch bc I don’t have the bike yet.

I guess you need a longer rear axle to attach the hitch ?

 

[Brendon@OEB]

Hey great to post info like this! - deserves it’s own thread to make it easy for others perhaps. I’ll start posting mine as well for example “Project: Turbo Vado SL Roof Rack / Carrier”. I’ve spent considerable time eliminating parts options. Actually the “Boost” axles on the Specialized bikes bit me also , leading me to Robert Axle Project as well for 12mm X 110mm. The only hiccup is I couldn’t verify the pitch bc I don’t have the bike yet.

I guess you need a longer rear axle to attach the hitch ?

No, you need the threaded bit on the non drive side of the bike so you can attach the hitch to the bike, like this:

 

[ActionJackson]

No, you need the threaded bit on the non drive side of the bike so you can attach the hitch to the bike, like this:

Interesting they attach in that manner. It’s illegal here to carry kids in those here in Japan, but we do have huge cargo trailers. The attachment point is dead center over the top of the rear wheel though, I think they have a tighter turning radius. These baby trailers would be good for touring in certain areas though.

 

[Brendon@OEB]

Interesting they attach in that manner. It’s illegal here to carry kids in those here in Japan, but we do have huge cargo trailers. The attachment point is dead center over the top of the rear wheel though, I think they have a tighter turning radius. These baby trailers would be good for touring in certain areas though.

That's like the Burley Travoy, I think that's what you're describing?

 

[ActionJackson]

That's like the Burley Travoy, I think that's what you're describing?

Myself I would use a baby carrier, but our delivery services use these..

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@GaleL: Let me only talk about the derailleur "clunk". Please try this technique: While riding, stop pedalling momentarily, shift, restart pedalling lightly. There should be no clunk whatsoever. Only if it is when you have not pedalled - something is wrong. Bear in mind the motor acts with enormous torque on the drive-train, and it is the "loading". Suspending pedalling for a brief moment before shifting should make things work quiet. (Despite of my riding experience, there are situations when I cannot avoid derailleur clunking, and I know I did it wrongly again). Good luck!

@robbin: all such things can only be serviced by a Specialized dealer. The TRP Zurich brake shifters on Vado 6.0 are equipped with braking sensors, so depressing the brake lever sends a signal to the STOP indicator. Many things could have happened there, and only trained technician can detect the failure. (That's why I buy bikes from authorized brand LBS; you are free to ask for service at any Specialized LBS but you're going to pay for it).

 

[robbin]

Hey great to post info like this! - deserves it’s own thread to make it easy for others perhaps. I’ll start posting mine as well for example “Project: Turbo Vado SL Roof Rack / Carrier”. I’ve spent considerable time eliminating parts options. Actually the “Boost” axles on the Specialized bikes bit me also , leading me to Robert Axle Project as well for 12mm X 110mm. The only hiccup is I couldn’t verify the pitch bc I don’t have the bike yet.

I guess you need a longer rear axle to attach the hitch ?

The pitch on the thule

Hey great to post info like this! - deserves it’s own thread to make it easy for others perhaps. I’ll start posting mine as well for example “Project: Turbo Vado SL Roof Rack / Carrier”. I’ve spent considerable time eliminating parts options. Actually the “Boost” axles on the Specialized bikes bit me also , leading me to Robert Axle Project as well for 12mm X 110mm. The only hiccup is I couldn’t verify the pitch bc I don’t have the bike yet.

I guess you need a longer rear axle to attach the hitch ?

As mentioned above the Thule axle incorporates a nut and bolt for me to fasten the trailer hitch to. In my case the pitch was 1.0 and the total length 199 mm.

 

[robbin]

I've asked the locksmith to order the lock, let's see in 2 weeks when it arrives. I'm based in Stockholm, which is slowly turning into quite a great bicycle city.

Well that went... Half decent! He didn't manage to find the right cylinder but he helped with open and remove the lock.

Here's the cylinder I'm looking for, it seems.to be pretty common on US stores but I haven't yet found a european reseller that offers just the cylinder, not the whole reciever.

 

[robbin]

Well that went... Half decent! He didn't manage to find the right cylinder but he helped with open and remove the lock.

Here's the cylinder I'm looking for, it seems.to be pretty common on US stores but I haven't yet found a european reseller that offers just the cylinder, not the whole reciever.

Are these possible to use unlocked, or do they lock automatically when inserting the battery?

 

[Nwr2339]

Hi All - I own a Como 4.0 2020 Model. Love it, no big issues and at the point where I'm starting to think about upgrading to the shock seat post. Went to the LBS and noticed the 2021 Comos have the nice new fenders and tail light mounted on the rear fender. Asked the LBS and they said they can't order those yet. Has anyone been able to order those?

Another thought is I would just upgrade to a Como 5...but the Como 5 doesn't seem to have the nice new fenders. Specialized website is trash and offers nothing but older info from what I can tell. Anyone have a good link to somewhere that offers up the latest info on the new models?

I've also considered upgrading to a Vado 5.0 and "Como"izing it. Only issue I have there is the rear rack...I have a Topeak MTX Trunk bag with fold out Panniers. Looks like thats a no-go without some custom modifications. Correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Are these possible to use unlocked, or do they lock automatically when inserting the battery?

They do lock. No point to have a battery popped off the frame during the ride.

 

[Sea2Ski]

Greetings from Washington state USA. I am a new member. I so appreciate all the valuable information from from all of you. I feel like I know my bike inside and out. I have particularly enjoyed Stephan Mikes knowledge of the Specialized ebike models. I ordered a Vado 4.0 and my wife ordered a Como 3.0 in November 2020. Took delivery of the bikes in May 2021. It was a wait but worth it. Don't despair to you who are waiting for ordered bikes, my LBS tells me production is improving. My wife loves her Como. I have Comoized the Vado. At 71 my aggressive biking posture days have passed.

 

[kahn]

Greetings from Washington state USA. I am a new member. I so appreciate all the valuable information from from all of you. I feel like I know my bike inside and out. I have particularly enjoyed Stephan Mikes knowledge of the Specialized ebike models. I ordered a Vado 4.0 and my wife ordered a Como 3.0 in November 2020. Took delivery of the bikes in May 2021. It was a wait but worth it. Don't despair to you who are waiting for ordered bikes, my LBS tells me production is improving. My wife loves her Como. I have Comoized the Vado. At 71 my aggressive biking posture days have passed.

Welcome, from a Seattleite. I went with the road Aluminum Creo. I wanted the lighter weight and still like the additional hand positions but don't use the drops all that often.

 

[Mike Moore]

Greetings from Washington state USA. I am a new member. I so appreciate all the valuable information from from all of you. I feel like I know my bike inside and out. I have particularly enjoyed Stephan Mikes knowledge of the Specialized ebike models. I ordered a Vado 4.0 and my wife ordered a Como 3.0 in November 2020. Took delivery of the bikes in May 2021. It was a wait but worth it. Don't despair to you who are waiting for ordered bikes, my LBS tells me production is improving. My wife loves her Como. I have Comoized the Vado. At 71 my aggressive biking posture days have passed.

Welcome. What was your approach to Comoizing the Vado?

 

[Brendon@OEB]

Hi All - I own a Como 4.0 2020 Model. Love it, no big issues and at the point where I'm starting to think about upgrading to the shock seat post. Went to the LBS and noticed the 2021 Comos have the nice new fenders and tail light mounted on the rear fender. Asked the LBS and they said they can't order those yet. Has anyone been able to order those?

Another thought is I would just upgrade to a Como 5...but the Como 5 doesn't seem to have the nice new fenders. Specialized website is trash and offers nothing but older info from what I can tell. Anyone have a good link to somewhere that offers up the latest info on the new models?

I've also considered upgrading to a Vado 5.0 and "Como"izing it. Only issue I have there is the rear rack...I have a Topeak MTX Trunk bag with fold out Panniers. Looks like thats a no-go without some custom modifications. Correct me if i'm wrong.

You are wrong, all you need to use Topeak MTX bags/baskets with non MTX racks is the Omni Quicktrax Adapter shown below, also out of stock at the moment.

Take it easy with the Specialized site, things are crazy right now, little patience goes a long way. 2021 Fenders will likely be available this fall, right now through the month of July is when 2022 stuff is planned, hence the site not being updated and fenders unavailable.

You can change out a number of parts on the Vado, IE handlebars, even swapping wheels to the Como 27.5 wheels (that's what I run my studded tires on), it's all lego pieces at that point.

 

[Nwr2339]

You are wrong, all you need to use Topeak MTX bags/baskets with non MTX racks is the Omni Quicktrax Adapter shown below, also out of stock at the moment.

Take it easy with the Specialized site, things are crazy right now, little patience goes a long way. 2021 Fenders will likely be available this fall, right now through the month of July is when 2022 stuff is planned, hence the site not being updated and fenders unavailable.

You can change out a number of parts on the Vado, IE handlebars, even swapping wheels to the Como 27.5 wheels (that's what I run my studded tires on), it's all lego pieces at that point.

View attachment 91434

Thank you for the info. Good stuff!

One thing I'd like to point out is the website. I have no issue with ordering. When I say the site is trash...perhaps that's too harsh... I mean it's generally not very well updated and maintained. It looks nice and seems to function fine but has old Vado photos, Vado images on Como info sites and vice versa. I have plenty of patients for waiting for stock and manufacturing, I have little to none for major companies not updating their websites appropriately. It's the bare minimum to keep a consumer base well informed with the appropriate information about their products.

 

[Nwr2339]

You can change out a number of parts on the Vado, IE handlebars, even swapping wheels to the Como 27.5 wheels (that's what I run my studded tires on), it's all lego pieces at that point.

Interesting, hadn't seen that about the wheels. Anything special there to accomplish this or just plug and play? I love the wider tires. Although if I stick with Como I had though about swapping to something with a bit more grip.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Brendon@TBSM: The Racktime rack of Vado SL is obviously narrower than the one found on the "full" Vado. What would you recommend for reusing existing RackTime accessories?