Levo Gen 2 Cold Weather Failures?

[Canmore TLCC 29]

I have had my RockShox Deluxe Select + fail a second time during a cold weather ride. The temp was -15C (5F) when I headed out on a ride around Canmore trails. I noticed what feels like a flat tire, and then I would have pedal strikes, and I could drag my heals on the snow. Bummer, the rear shock locked again below the sag lines. The last time I had this I took it to the shop. They took it apart and replaced the lubricant. I probably could have done that myself. When I took it in today after the failure the decided to sent the shock back to Specialized for warranty work. Fortunately I will not be able to ride for a while so sending it back may be OK. Unless of course it takes many weeks to get it back. In that case, I think I will be looking for another shock with one that can handle the low temperature. I am thinking the problems is with the change in temp affecting the air volume.

Has anyone else had the issue?

If there is a cold weather riding thread somewhere in the Specialized Turbo Levo forum, please let me know and I will post there.

Anyway, it has been a blast riding on the trails this winter. I enjoy riding on snow to rocks or mud.

Such Joy!

 

[Zimmerframe]

Your video shows as "inavailable/private" ..

Sounds like you need anti-freeze

 

[Canmore TLCC 29]

Your video shows as "inavailable/private" ..

Sounds like you need anti-freeze

I think it is viewable now. I found a thread concerning the shock, and the topic was change in pressure. Is a pressure drop of 20 to 30 psi enough to cause the shock to bottom out and become damaged? Temperature changes can drop the pressure from 220 psi to 190 psi. I have ridden in winter temperatures well below -20C, (-4F). Is the issue the lubricant, or the change in pressure? The last time I rode, the temp started at -15 C and was -6 C when I noticed the shock was flat.

 

[DreamensioN]

I just want to say that as an Australian, I can't even mentally comprehend going outdoors to ride a bike in -15C, or the decision process to get to that stage. "Oh it's only -15C, nice day for a ride."

 

[head]

I think that it is more a shock issue than a Levo issue. I've experienced something similar on my previous bike when I rode it in freezing temperatures. It had the auto-sag feature and I had to pump it to 300 psi and then auto-sag it when that happend. Otherwise it was just locked in the middle (or below middle) of its travel even if I increased the shock pressure above what I normally rode. I would presume that seals (or something else) in the shock don't work so well in freezing temperatures.

 

[Canmore TLCC 29]

I just want to say that as an Australian, I can't even mentally comprehend going outdoors to ride a bike in -15C, or the decision process to get to that stage. "Oh it's only -15C, nice day for a ride."

You have to take advantage of the sun when it is shining in the Rockies. The air is cold but the humidity is so low that only exposed skin feels cold.