Other Shittylized

[NOTHING_SPECIAL]

Hello everyone,


I am new here, and I am sharing my case to see if it can help someone. I apologize in advance for the rant and to my trusted shop in case my words affect them.

I am sure that just by reading the title, most of you will already have an idea of where this is going.

Motivated by a Specialized ad where you can see guys weighing around 80 kg doing jaw-dropping jumps, I decided to buy a Specialized Kenevo Expert, the flagship of e-bikes, a real steamroller that can handle anything and swallows everything.

Everything was perfect until suddenly, surprise! A 65 kg guy, who doesnt even do those jumps, cracks the frame. A couple of perpendicular lines at the weld of the head tube. You think, stay calm, no problem, you bought a real Specialized, the most cutting-edge brand on the market, with a lifetime warranty on the frame…

Well, here comes the second surprise: they tell you to get lost. According to my shop, “you must have landed badly from a jump, and that is why it broke”. According to Specialized Spain, “The bike suffered a frontal compression that caused stress in the head tube area, leading to the frame collapsing in three parts”.

I dont know what jump my shop is referring to, but both my teeth and I can confirm that never happened. The only stress that area might have suffered, besides the normal use these bikes are designed for, was the play in that part of the frame since day one, which made me visit the shop several times.

But hey, no worries! Since the guys at Specialized are the Sisters of Charity, they offer you a 25% discount on a frame replacement program. And since I must be half-witted, I bend over and take 1,200euros plus 100 for shipping, just for them to tell me I broke the bike myself and that I’d be better off using the new frame for riding on the road.

I was going to stay quiet, but this morning, my shop called to say that I have to return the cracked frame. In other words, I cant even keep the chainstays, linkages, or bearings, which I have already paid for twice.

In these three years with this bike, I have seen Orbea and Trek replace frames under warranty for my friends without any issues. I even had a serious crash with a Scott Genius e-Ride that should have broken the frame, yet the bike was completely fine.

Here is my story. If even one person remembers my words before buying a SHITTYLIZED, I will consider it a win. Thas all from me.
I hope chat gpt did a good translate.

 

[Ou812]

Your shop sucks…plain and simple, find a new shop. They made the call as they’re the eyes/ears that report to Specialized.

Returning or destroying the old frame is common across all brands, I’ve had to cut my old Yeti frame in half and show proof. They do that so you can’t fix it and sell it on.

 

[Polar]

You have been as unlucky as it is possible to be and a service no one should experience regardless of brand, which unfortunately happens extremely rarely, totally understand you now hate Specialized because statistically speaking, Specialized is the best at warranty matters, but now they poop on the calf. Get another brand I'll stick to Specialized since my experience is the opposite can't praise my LBS enough.

 

[cozzy]

Pictures of the crack would be useful.

 

[Weeksy]

Pictures of the crack would be useful.

And the frame!


Sorry, sorta

 

[billwarwick]

Can’t really help you , sorry. Always thought spec were really good in this sort of thing as you pay a premium for their products. Maybe they are now trying to save money by shafting customers. I will certainly remember your well written post though , hope other people take notice as well.
If you pay top dollar, you should expect better.

 

[Mikerb]

Prejudging things here possibly. Of course it is sad when a bike breaks but in all warranty cases a judgement has to be made whether the failure is due to manufacture defect or not. Nobody here has seen the damage. If indeed the OP felt the shop analysis together with the Spesh warranty team was unfair, the best next step would have been to go to another Spesh dealer for a second opinion.
I don't know the Kenevo range....is this a carbon or ally frame?

 

[UncleB]

Even though I’ve been mostly happy with my Levo I’ve had a similar experience but with the stock rims and not the frame. Let me start by saying that I’m in my 50’s, ride with cushcore inserts, and gravity/downhill casing tires. Yet I still managed to bend the stock aluminum rear wheel. With the paperwork that came with the bike I received a brochure for Roval wheels (a Specialized company). I think most would assume that this is what they installed at the factory, and by the way Roval has a 2 year warranty… nope. I was informed by my local specialized dealer that what was installed on my Comp Alloy was not warranted at all! Frustrating! Looks like I’ll be buying from Santa Cruz for future wheel sets.

Another issue that I recently discovered is that whoever at the factory “professionally pre-built and test-ridden before shipping” (from Specialized website) completely botched the installation of the dropper post. Even on day one the thing performed poorly. The sales guy greased it but mostly so that he could get me out the door and move on to the next customer. When I recently upgraded the Code R’s to TRP dhr evos I also added a Wolf Tooth lever, hoping that would help. When disassembling the factory setup I discovered a royal mess of an installation. As a foot note, I also work on bikes for a living. The cable housing looked like a gorilla had installed it, kinked and improperly cut cable with a frayed end. Come on Specialized, for what you charge and for all the competition, I expect more!

 

[Arminius]

Somewhat conflicting information by TO, Either pics or it didn‘t happen.

 

[Utah Rider]

I've had plenty of warranty on Roval life time warranty. New hubs in the rear, new bearings in the front, whole wheel replacements. They come with a QR code. You scan it and register. Couldn't be easier. I've had carbon and aluminum rims.
Back to the original post by the op ed, abuse is not covered. Awhile back, some guy on here was thrashing around about how his wheel wasn't covered under warranty. He uploaded a picture of a taco'd rim from hitting a tree. . I've had 4 levos and one Kenevo. Always great service from specialized. Lots of new motors, but always great service.

 

[Binhill1]

I've had plenty of warranty on Roval life time warranty. New hubs in the rear, new bearings in the front, whole wheel replacements. They come with a QR code. You scan it and register. Couldn't be easier. I've had carbon and aluminum rims.
Back to the original post by the op ed, abuse is not covered. Awhile back, some guy on here was thrashing around about how his wheel wasn't covered under warranty. He uploaded a picture of a taco'd rim from hitting a tree. . I've had 4 levos and one Kenevo. Always great service from specialized. Lots of new motors, but always great service.

Totally agree warranty stuff I've had is amazing

 

[BushLevo]

Specialized Australia have been great for me to deal with. I bypassed the dealers a couple of years ago and went straight to head office here in Oz who approved replacement TCU's and even a replacement Brose Mag motor as a 'just in case' measure for the global problems these motors were having at the time. Nothing had failed in the original motor, but Spesh wanted to replace it with a new one anyway.

Mine is a 2019 Levo Expert, so it's a carbon frame. I reckon if the frame had failed there would have been a no problems replacement.

It's a bit like the auto industry (at lease here in Oz).... the dealers are often d...heads, so it's best just to go around them straight to national head office.

 

[Bndit]

Hello everyone,


I am new here, and I am sharing my case to see if it can help someone. I apologize in advance for the rant and to my trusted shop in case my words affect them.

I am sure that just by reading the title, most of you will already have an idea of where this is going.

Motivated by a Specialized ad where you can see guys weighing around 80 kg doing jaw-dropping jumps, I decided to buy a Specialized Kenevo Expert, the flagship of e-bikes, a real steamroller that can handle anything and swallows everything.

Everything was perfect until suddenly, surprise! A 65 kg guy, who doesnt even do those jumps, cracks the frame. A couple of perpendicular lines at the weld of the head tube. You think, stay calm, no problem, you bought a real Specialized, the most cutting-edge brand on the market, with a lifetime warranty on the frame…

Well, here comes the second surprise: they tell you to get lost. According to my shop, “you must have landed badly from a jump, and that is why it broke”. According to Specialized Spain, “The bike suffered a frontal compression that caused stress in the head tube area, leading to the frame collapsing in three parts”.

I dont know what jump my shop is referring to, but both my teeth and I can confirm that never happened. The only stress that area might have suffered, besides the normal use these bikes are designed for, was the play in that part of the frame since day one, which made me visit the shop several times.

But hey, no worries! Since the guys at Specialized are the Sisters of Charity, they offer you a 25% discount on a frame replacement program. And since I must be half-witted, I bend over and take 1,200euros plus 100 for shipping, just for them to tell me I broke the bike myself and that I’d be better off using the new frame for riding on the road.

I was going to stay quiet, but this morning, my shop called to say that I have to return the cracked frame. In other words, I cant even keep the chainstays, linkages, or bearings, which I have already paid for twice.

In these three years with this bike, I have seen Orbea and Trek replace frames under warranty for my friends without any issues. I even had a serious crash with a Scott Genius e-Ride that should have broken the frame, yet the bike was completely fine.

Here is my story. If even one person remembers my words before buying a SHITTYLIZED, I will consider it a win. Thas all from me.
I hope chat gpt did a good translate.

Post pics of your bike and frame or this didn`t happen.

 

[Bndit]

Even though I’ve been mostly happy with my Levo I’ve had a similar experience but with the stock rims and not the frame. Let me start by saying that I’m in my 50’s, ride with cushcore inserts, and gravity/downhill casing tires. Yet I still managed to bend the stock aluminum rear wheel. With the paperwork that came with the bike I received a brochure for Roval wheels (a Specialized company). I think most would assume that this is what they installed at the factory, and by the way Roval has a 2 year warranty… nope. I was informed by my local specialized dealer that what was installed on my Comp Alloy was not warranted at all! Frustrating! Looks like I’ll be buying from Santa Cruz for future wheel sets.

Another issue that I recently discovered is that whoever at the factory “professionally pre-built and test-ridden before shipping” (from Specialized website) completely botched the installation of the dropper post. Even on day one the thing performed poorly. The sales guy greased it but mostly so that he could get me out the door and move on to the next customer. When I recently upgraded the Code R’s to TRP dhr evos I also added a Wolf Tooth lever, hoping that would help. When disassembling the factory setup I discovered a royal mess of an installation. As a foot note, I also work on bikes for a living. The cable housing looked like a gorilla had installed it, kinked and improperly cut cable with a frayed end. Come on Specialized, for what you charge and for all the competition, I expect more!

View attachment 155104 View attachment 155105 View attachment 155106 View attachment 155107

If you work with bikes you should know that dents on wheels are not warranty issues.

 

[MLX John]

This is per the United States....ymmv

I've had two Roval wheel warranty claims. Both were my fault. They even replaced a Roval Traverse SL rim I cracked riding through a rock garden.

The other was rebuilding an Alloy traverse rear wheel after my derailleur decided to take out a bunch of spokes.

“**it Happens” No Fault Crash Replacement Policy​

If you damage your Roval product while riding within the first two years of ownership and it’s not covered under warranty, we’ll still replace or repair it for free†. We’re riders, so we know that **it happens. This policy applies to all Roval product purchased in the USA, whether it came stock on a bike or was purchased aftermarket. For additional terms, see below.

If you damage your Roval product while riding more than two years after you bought it and it’s not covered under warranty, your Roval retailer will work with us to get it repaired or replaced for a fraction of the full retail price. Your Authorized Roval Retailer will fill you in on the details, including the exact cost (which depends on your location, local tax, and all that good stuff)

 

[Binhill1]

Specialized Australia have been great for me to deal with. I bypassed the dealers a couple of years ago and went straight to head office here in Oz who approved replacement TCU's and even a replacement Brose Mag motor as a 'just in case' measure for the global problems these motors were having at the time. Nothing had failed in the original motor, but Spesh wanted to replace it with a new one anyway.

Mine is a 2019 Levo Expert, so it's a carbon frame. I reckon if the frame had failed there would have been a no problems replacement.

It's a bit like the auto industry (at lease here in Oz).... the dealers are often d...heads, so it's best just to go around them straight to national head office.

Specialized Australia have been great for me to deal with. I bypassed the dealers a couple of years ago and went straight to head office here in Oz who approved replacement TCU's and even a replacement Brose Mag motor as a 'just in case' measure for the global problems these motors were having at the time. Nothing had failed in the original motor, but Spesh wanted to replace it with a new one anyway.

Mine is a 2019 Levo Expert, so it's a carbon frame. I reckon if the frame had failed there would have been a no problems replacement.

It's a bit like the auto industry (at lease here in Oz).... the dealers are often d...heads, so it's best just to go around them straight to national head office.

Yes same service i got but from the dealer . I hope their motor troubles are behind them now .

 

[Polar]

After 3450km in rain and snow I got a new freehub since it was full of dirt and water even though it is considered being a consumable part like pads and tires.
Unfortunately my LBS refused to also give me new tires

 

[UncleB]

If you work with bikes you should know that dents on wheels are not warranty issues.

Thanks MLX for setting bandaid straight.

 

[Arminius]

@randycpu
„Crap“?

 

[#lazy]

A mate had a Levo for nearly 2 years when the lacquer started peeling and was offered a new bike or a total refund………he took the cash !

 

[Ribinrobin]

Think this is more down to the shop. I cracked rear chain stay on my Levo sl2 through a big compression. I got a new one within 2 weeks from my shop.

 

[Binhill1]

Think this is more down to the shop. I cracked rear chain stay on my Levo sl2 through a big compression. I got a new one within 2 weeks from my shop.

Can't go wrong if you're in Berkshire I imagine

 

[squeegee]

I would calmly approach another shop and act like this is all new to you and see what happens. If you don't get the answer you want, I would go directly to Specialized to make your case, make sure your story is air tight. Posting pictures of damage online would not hurt. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

 

[NOTHING_SPECIAL]

Here are the photos. Sorry for the delay, but I don’t check this often.

 

[Bndit]

Here are the photos. Sorry for the delay, but I don’t check this often.


View attachment 155256 View attachment 155257 View attachment 155258

Thanks for the pics! If you haven't crashed it, it should go under warranty, Specialized have probably one of the best warranty and service in the world, that's one ofther reasons they are so popular. That's why I could buy another one, even that I had motor failure on previous one. So I suggest to change your dealer or contacting straight to Specialized Switzerland/US...hope you get it sorted!

 

[Arminius]

@NOTHING_SPECIAL
Thanks a lot for the pics. Just my humble opinion. From what I notice the front was lowered on fork tubes what is certainly possible for changing geometry & handling. Is there any damage on the head tube / fork or are the different distance between head tube and lower fork bridge normal? A reason for argument by the shop, supported by the long dents on both sides of the frame and (likely) the dent scratches from fork tube into the frame. BTW it may have helped to clean the bike before presenting it to the shop, overall looking like hard ridden.

 

[cykelk]

Front doesn't look lowered to me when comparing to stock photos. You should certainly be able to "land a jump badly" on a Kenevo without breaking it. Are you pushing back on your LBS in terms of returning the damaged frame? Ask them to pull the good parts off and give them to you as spares? Not sure how it works in Spain, but if I were forced to buy my replacement frame and return the damaged one, I'd probably file a credit card dispute on the new frame cost.

 

[G-Sport]

That's a very strange place for a crack. Looks like it is along a ridge in the hydroformed tube. Makes me think it is almost certainly down to a manufacturing flaw.

 

[Mikerb]

Given I have no experience of that type of fork but the way it appears to be fitted to the bike does not look right to me......to the extent that I would wonder if the problem here was initiated by the fork. The hairline crack on either side are a ctually in the top tube rather than the headtube suggesting that forces causing them were not those typically part of a heavy landing or frontal impact. It is more likely it was a twisting force. Its an ally frame so probably repairable if all else fails in terms of solutions.

 

[Astro66]

Looking at the stock bike, and your photos. Looks like a head-on impact to the forks.

Is your head angle still 64.5 degrees ? The forks look folded in.