Bike Nirvana
Yet another cycling blog
Saving the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon Evo
March 1, 2024
Neglected Specialized
Due to the pandemic, not only that I neglected my diet but I also neglected my bikes. The biggest loser was my Creo as the batteries, both internal and range extender no longer want to charge.
I was truly saddened by what happened and in the end I just accepted the fact that it is my fault. Being lazy, did this to me. So, I now have a ~14 kg bike with unpowered motor. Darn.
I got an idea
I contemplated on selling the Creo at a huge loss due to dead batteries, but wait, what if I spend more (duh) and buy another range extender so just I could power the motor even for short rides? Yes, that will work.
Since I'm travelling to Kawasaki, Japan to watch BABYMETAL, I searched for Specialized stores near me. Lo and behold, there's one in Shinjuku.
After having my ramen fix at Ramen Nagi Shinjuku branch, I walked and it was a long but nice walk, to the store.
I asked the staff if they sell the range extender and he swiftly went to the stock room and brought this...
I was giggling in excitement as my Creo will now be powered again!
The staff brought out the cable and told me I will need it but I explained that I already have one and mentioned how I neglected the Creo. He gave me a stare and I almost wet my pants, as I virtually hear "why the fuck did you do that?!"
The nice thing about shopping in Japan as a foreigner is that most stores sell it to you tax and duty free, and this transaction is no exception. I'm doubly happy with the discount given.
Happy days again
With the new range extender, I started riding again, assisted. I deliberately rode in Sport mode to cycle the new range extender. During the charging days, I attempted to charge the internal and original range extender and to prolong the feeling of pain, after a few seconds the charger would indicate full charge already.
Nevertheless, I kept the Creo in the shed where the temperature is hot and kept doing the charging routine in between rides.
Now what?
When I got my DJI Avata 2, I rode to Davilan to fly it when I saw that the Davlian Food Park is closed, again. My goal was to go to the paragliding site to fly the drone but I noticed that both sides now have signs that say "Royal Asia Land" so I asked around and the security who told me it's private property said all the people have been paid.
Anyway, I digress. So I went home and after charging the new range extender I plugged the charger to the internal battery and I'm off to cook lunch. I forgot to look over, as normally it would just be a minute or so before the charger would indicate full charge.
To my amazement, I'm done cooking and yet it was still charging. I was like, what the fuck is going on? I shrugged off what I thought was happening and ate my lunch, watched an episode of K-drama before I checked the charger again which now indicated full charge.
After a deep short sigh, I said let's do it and charged the original range extender. This time I watched in anticipation how the charger will quickly indicate full charge (at 1 bar) but it kept going. By this time, I'm accepting the miracle that happened. Lo and behold, the original range extender also "came alive."
Range Extender x2
So I have regained the internal battery and now have two range extenders working. Time to ride longer again!
