Levo Gen 2 Levo Expert Frame Crack

Murch

Active member
Aug 9, 2019
222
185
United States
Seems my frame is cracking at the top tube seat tube area. I have about 2,180 miles on the bike and will be taking it into the shop on Monday to see what my options are. Anyone have a similar issue?
crack 2.jpg


crack 3.jpg
 

TMS

Member
Apr 7, 2019
122
65
Finland
I also have one nasty looking crack below the L E V O text. There is also some creaking noise when the frame is under "twisted torsion". I don't know how to say it better.

The manufacturer has info about this. Local bike shop said that it's safe to ride and I should come back if something new comes ahead. It's SW frame from Nov 2018 and 5 000 km when I noticed the crack. Now I have 1 000 km more and nothing new has appeared.

Edit: Forgot to mention that I don't know if the noise and visual crack are related to each other. I assume they are but it is so hard to confirm by bending the frame and listening.

IMG_20201004_153243.jpg
 
Last edited:

apac

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Aug 14, 2019
1,326
1,173
S.Wales
Is there a way that Bike shop can certify if it's paint or not. Like rubbing down with wet n dry paper? I would want peace of mind even if it meant a bold patch
 

MrSimmo

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Apr 24, 2020
1,096
1,047
The Trail.
Cracked carbon frames are not safe to ride. As apac says, someone needs to certify whether its paint or the underlying frame. I would absolutely not take the bike shop on on their advice "if something new comes" as it could crack instantly which could cause a very bad incident.

Not sure where you guys are based but for you TMS, as you're out of warranty there are various carbon repair places that have scanners which can confirm 100% whether it is the frame or not - such as Reverie or Target Composites in the UK.

Fingers crossed for you both its just paint.
 

TMS

Member
Apr 7, 2019
122
65
Finland
Well I'm from Finland but thanks anyway. The frame is inspected only with eyes and fingers. Pictures are also sent to Specialized. No scanners used.

I have good relationship with my local Specialized bike shop so I'm not worried about warranty or any other issues. But that's true, total and instant frame failure can hurt badly. Maybe I should be more active again with this issue.
 

Murch

Active member
Aug 9, 2019
222
185
United States
Shop is contacting USA Rider care, I will let you all know what the solution is. Since I am on the east coast and it's is only 8:12AM on the west coast it will take a bit to get in the office and figure it out.
 

Rich-EMTB-UK

E*POWAH Master
Aug 11, 2019
369
283
UK
Hi There are plenty of places that can fix hairline cracks in carbon now days. Also a simple test they can do to tell if its cosmetic or structural. Worth search the web and asking for recommendations from your LBS.
 

Jonesanthony

Member
Aug 14, 2019
5
4
Leicester
Similar issue to you with a 2019 Levo expert, vertical crack appearing in head tube vertically. Bike was also making creaking sound.

My bike has been at my specialised dealer for 3 weeks now. Backwards and forwards between dealer and rider care. Specialised are now inspecting my bike.

I’m in the UK will let you know when I get a response....
 

nB2000

Member
Jul 23, 2020
79
30
South coast UK
Similar issue to you with a 2019 Levo expert, vertical crack appearing in head tube vertically. Bike was also making creaking sound.

My bike has been at my specialised dealer for 3 weeks now. Backwards and forwards between dealer and rider care. Specialised are now inspecting my bike.

I’m in the UK will let you know when I get a response....
A good dealer should easily get you a replacement. My pal had a Levo frame brake from a serious crash (And he was honest about that) and had a replacement within a week.
 

Murch

Active member
Aug 9, 2019
222
185
United States
Still waiting on rider care to make a decision on the frame, I have put 65 miles on it and thankfully the cracks have started the same. Shop is hoping to hear on Monday what to do.
 

Jonesanthony

Member
Aug 14, 2019
5
4
Leicester
Specialized have agreed a warranty replacement for me today but I am told it will be 4 weeks before the frame arrives from the United States. What’s peoples view on whether this is reasonable. I have been without my bike for about 12 weeks in total so far, new motor now a replacement frame. Done less than 600km in total on both motors.

Does anyone think it’s reasonable to ask for a replacement bike? I have done my research and there is nothing in consumer law that says how long a repair should take....
 

Murch

Active member
Aug 9, 2019
222
185
United States
You have had better luck than me, Specialized told my dealer the cracks are just the paint. I am contacting rider care myself as I do not agree that it shouldn't be replaced.
 

Bodark

Member
Feb 1, 2020
5
4
Nottingham
Just looking over my bike and I found this and just wanted your thoughts?

To me it looks like a scratch because its pretty straight, I can feel the grove in the frame.

It would be interesting to know when I did this but I do tend to have to navigate lots of gaps in walls which are pretty tight the kind that are designed to keep live stock in fields.

20201017_123406.jpg
 

118

E*POWAH Elite
Aug 14, 2019
642
560
Norfolk
Just looking over my bike and I found this and just wanted your thoughts?

To me it looks like a scratch because its pretty straight, I can feel the grove in the frame.

It would be interesting to know when I did this but I do tend to have to navigate lots of gaps in walls which are pretty tight the kind that are designed to keep live stock in fields.

The rear triangle will be alloy, unless you ride a s-works.. I'm pretty sure that's simply paint rub, or as i like to refer to them, trail trophies :pShould you want more peace of mind, I'm sure your LBS or a paint shop will agree too..
 

TMS

Member
Apr 7, 2019
122
65
Finland
Edit: Forgot to mention that I don't know if the noise and visual crack are related to each other. I assume they are but it is so hard to confirm by bending the frame and listening.
I installed Lupine R14 rear light and because of that I had to remove the seat post. And afterwards the creaking noise was gone. 200 km and it is still gone. Weird that the creaking noise was there even I stand on the bike and shook the bike from left to right. I couldn't guess that that was the problem. The paint is still cracked tough. I don’t bother to worry about it at the moment.
 

apac

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Aug 14, 2019
1,326
1,173
S.Wales
Update on my crack, Specialized thinks it is just paint but to make sure I am happy they have sent me a replacement frame. A nice new 2021 S-Works in Oil Slick & Black.

They went beyond for me once again and why I continue for 18 years to buy Specialized bikes.
I've only ever experienced customer service like that when visiting the U.S. That is a good outcome.
 

apac

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Aug 14, 2019
1,326
1,173
S.Wales
Jesus dude... and there's me feeling guilty spending money on just one ebike. You either live alone or you have a very understanding partner.
 

apac

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
Aug 14, 2019
1,326
1,173
S.Wales
I see you use renthal stems. Do they fit ok with the swat tool in the steerer tube?
 

Murch

Active member
Aug 9, 2019
222
185
United States
Whole family rides, wife and I each have a levo and analog, my son has the SL and an analog. My wife was the last one to go Levo, she was a hater but now loves it.
 

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