Vado 3.0 in for .... ?

[Avg_Joe]

After 17 months and roughly 2500 miles, my Vado is at the dealer for further diagnosis and repair. Most recently, I replaced the chainring, cassette, and chain due to wear. I have been experiencing a creaking/groaning sound which has been getting "worse" (read: almost constant now) and I literally cannot ride it. The novice mechanic at my LBS told me he fixed it via some adjustments: I went outside, started pedaling, and the noise was immediate. So now the senior mechanic has it: his initial thought is the rear hub, but to me it sounds like it's coming from the motor area/where the chainstays are welded to the seat tube.

I am well aware of some issues with motor mounts, and I hope that's not it. I've taken excellent care of the bike, so I am very anxious to learn what the issue is. Will update when I hear more.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It would be good if these people inspected the motor mounts. What you describe might be what I went through: the motor inner belt getting worn and/or the motor mount broken off the frame. For me, it is not highly probable given low mileage of your Vado but things do happen.

If you haven't done so, please register your Vado on specialized.com. In case of a warranty claim, you would need a warranty card and the proof of purchase. It is better if your Vado fails within 24 months post purchase (no issues with a warranty claim). However, a bike that is also registered with Specialized.com gets a lifetime frame warranty.

 

[Avg_Joe]

The motor mount thing has been on my mind, I hope that's not the case here. And I did register it with Specialized the day I bought it, so all good there!

 

[Avg_Joe]

Rear wheel non-drive side bearing was destroyed, new bearing solved the problem. Phew!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Good to know!