Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH - The Nightmare Continues

[mschwett]

The economics of the conversion largely depends on how long a Specialized repair lasts. If I had to replace the motor every 1000-miles, then I suggest conversion is the way to go.

yeah, that would be pretty ridiculous. i also imagine the repair would come with another 6 months of warranty, so they’d be on the hook for the next one if it really died in 1,000 miles.

more likely it’ll be a PITA while they figure out what’s really wrong, and then like most other specialized products it’ll work just fine with regular maintenance.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Basically only the crank axle assembly remains.

Funny to think the crank axle is even not connected directly to the chainring in a mid-drive motor.

Which reminds me of a friend of mine in Canada who once torn off a perfect NFC unit from his brand new Samsung S3 because he thought NFC was used by the Government to spy on him.

 

[Onimaru]

Funny to think the crank axle is even not connected directly to the chainring in a mid-drive motor.

Which reminds me of a friend of mine in Canada who once torn off a perfect NFC unit from his brand new Samsung S3 because he thought NFC was used by the Government to spy on him.

Funny enough, that’s also where the older Brose motors failed (the SPRAG Clutch bearings for the mid drive).

 

[JJ Lad]

Funny to think the crank axle is even not connected directly to the chainring in a mid-drive motor.

Which reminds me of a friend of mine in Canada who once torn off a perfect NFC unit from his brand new Samsung S3 because he thought NFC was used by the Government to spy on him.

I wasn't sure what you were describing regarding the chainring connection on mid-drive motors? But then I did some digging and discovered that you're right. The right side chainring is bolted to the crank arm and is indeed a possible source for creaking. I need a special tool to remove it. Many have used an adhesive to better bond the chainring to the crank arm and that seems to remedy the creaking.

If my new motor doesn't resolve my 'creak', I'll have a look at the chainring connection.

 

[JJ Lad]

Funny enough, that’s also where the older Brose motors failed (the SPRAG Clutch bearings for the mid drive).

Interesting. I was unaware that Brose had a history of Sprag bearing failures. I imagine the stress on the bearing is compounded by the 90Nm of torque these motors put out.

Which suggests that unless they start using beefier bearings, this will be a recurring problem.

 

[Onimaru]

Interesting. I was unaware that Brose had a history of Sprag bearing failures. I imagine the stress on the bearing is compounded by the 90Nm of torque these motors put out.

Which suggests that unless they start using beefier bearings, this will be a recurring problem.

That was from the prior motor generation. Supposedly it’s fixed in these ones. And the Levo was supposedly worse because pedal strikes put strain in the direction on the bearing it wasn’t designed to handle well.

 

[TrevorB]

Creaks aren't necessarily caused by motor but strain on frame and drivetrain from motor forces. Check mounting bolts of motor and any other in frame you can think of.

 

[JJ Lad]

Creaks aren't necessarily caused by motor but strain on frame and drivetrain from motor forces. Check mounting bolts of motor and any other in frame you can think of.

That was one of the first things I did.... no luck.

 

[bobf]

Sorry about the creak. And your LBS.

Just to be sure all stones have been turned: I assume you also checked chain ring bolts and chain ring clamp bolt? Other discussions have reported creaks from these being loose. I have no ideas, though, why 10 minutes of riding would matter.

 

[JJ Lad]

Sorry about the creak. And your LBS.

Just to be sure all stones have been turned: I assume you also checked chain ring bolts and chain ring clamp bolt? Other discussions have reported creaks from these being loose. I have no ideas, though, why 10 minutes of riding would matter.

I did...all bolts tightened to correct torque.

The 10-minute ride is what's needed to warm the motor and bearing train. Although that only may be coincidental.

 

[JJ Lad]

More bad news.... Just got an update from my local Specialized dealer. They replaced the motor with a spare they had in stock.

Now the bike is completely bricked! They're now seeking help from SPL head office.

Thank goodness I have a spare bike available.

 

[dynamic]

More bad news.... Just got an update from my local Specialized dealer. They replaced the motor with a spare they had in stock.

Now the bike is completely bricked! They're now seeking help from SPL head office.

Thank goodness I have a spare bike available.

Now I am confused. Do I like this post or not like this post? . Going with like.

 

[mschwett]

More bad news.... Just got an update from my local Specialized dealer. They replaced the motor with a spare they had in stock.

Now the bike is completely bricked! They're now seeking help from SPL head office.

Thank goodness I have a spare bike available.

that really sucks.

i bet the motors they pair with the IGH bikes have slightly different firmware, maybe related to shifting under load, communications for the auto shifting, etc.

 

[JJ Lad]

that really sucks.

i bet the motors they pair with the IGH bikes have slightly different firmware, maybe related to shifting under load, communications for the auto shifting, etc.

Likely. I suspect it's a Rev 2.1 Brose where the TV 5.0 IGH requires the Rev 2.2.

Sad that this shop seems completely clueless.

 

[GuruUno]

HA! I just looked at the title of this post and thought I'd just add that anyone who considers getting an IGH should really consider doing their homework.
Specialized "fired" me because of my postings, issues, fights, verbal disagreements, credit card disputes, and more (all documented in these forums).
Bottom line, without creating havoc...if you (as I do) really love the bike, but want service well beyond what is offered by Specialized, I implore that you really consider building a firm relationship with the local bike shop. As it is they who are the conduit to getting it done.
If they don't or can't, then you fight, sue, dispute, and move on.
I still believe they are one of the best e-bikes around (but not the IGH...), so as the old saying goes, buyer beware and do your homework.

 

[JJ Lad]

HA! I just looked at the title of this post and thought I'd just add that anyone who considers getting an IGH should really consider doing their homework.
Specialized "fired" me because of my postings, issues, fights, verbal disagreements, credit card disputes, and more (all documented in these forums).
Bottom line, without creating havoc...if you (as I do) really love the bike, but want service well beyond what is offered by Specialized, I implore that you really consider building a firm relationship with the local bike shop. As it is they who are the conduit to getting it done.
If they don't or can't, then you fight, sue, dispute, and move on.
I still believe they are one of the best e-bikes around (but not the IGH...), so as the old saying goes, buyer beware and do your homework.

Good to know, but the Enviolo IGH has been trouble free so far.

What grief should I anticipate with it as the miles accumulate?

 

[GuruUno]

Good to know, but the Enviolo IGH has been trouble free so far.

What grief should I anticipate with it as the miles accumulate?

As I as well as others have stated in these forums....search the discussions, and get up to speed. If you bought one, take it back. Fight for your right.

 

[GuruUno]

Interesting that today Specialized reduced the price on the IGH models by $501....(others are also on sale)....must be a sign that they are clearing them out. We shall see.

 

[mschwett]

Interesting that today Specialized reduced the price on the IGH models by $501....(others are also on sale)....must be a sign that they are clearing them out. We shall see.

i wouldn't say it's a sign of anything much, they have a lot of bikes on sale, and have had a lot of bikes on sale in the past. 4.0 step through non-igh is $750 off. every creo is on sale, with the aluminum ones $1,500 off!

maybe they've got a new version coming, maybe not. i've seen those same creos go on sale, and then stop being on sale, and then go back on sale...

 

[gpburdell]

Interesting that today Specialized reduced the price on the IGH models by $501....(others are also on sale)....must be a sign that they are clearing them out. We shall see.

Or they're preparing to release the 2023 models? I suspect just color changes, but who knows.