Review: 6 Months Aboard the Specialized Levo SL eMTB

Feb 12, 2024
by Matt Beer  
What do you get when you hide a battery and motor inside of a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO? The Levo SL, a sub-18kg eMTB with a carbon frame, 150mm of travel, and enough geometry adjustments to keep any style of rider satisfied.

Stealthy looks aside, the Levo SL is intended to ride like an unassisted bike too. Compared to other 25kg-plus behemoths out there, riders should be able to pop off the trail without inflicting a hernia and have no trouble slowing down before the brakes catch on fire.

Dubbed the “electric Stumpjumper EVO” by Mike Kazimer, it can theoretically tag along with full-powered eMTBs when climbing (at least in their lowest assist-modes) but it’ll cost more energy from you and the 320Wh battery. That's due to the upgrade from 35 to 50Nm on the new SL 1.2 motor.

What’s the price tag on this transformable, lightweight eMTB then? Our S-Works model checks out at a cool $14,000 USD, which includes the extra 160Wh range extender. The Levo SL comes with Fox Factory suspension, premium SRAM wireless controls and Roval carbon components - Specialized left little to be desired on the showroom card.

Specialized Levo SL Details

• S-Works carbon frame
• 150mm travel, 160mm fork
• Specialized SL 1.2 motor; 50Nm torque, 320W power
• 320Wh battery, 160Wh range extender (inc. w/S-Works)
• Wheel size: Mixed or dual 29"
• Travel: 150mm rear / 160mm front
• 64.6º head angle
• 75.8º seat tube angle
• 432mm chainstays
• Sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
• Weight: 39.3 lb / 17.8 kg (size S4, S-Works)
• MSRP: $8,000 - $14,000 USD
specialized.com







bigquotesYou'll have to get out a fine tooth comb to pick out flaws on this machine. Specialized has the entire Levo SL package covered from suspension performance, to motor demands, and of course the spec on the S-Works model is top notch. Matt Beer



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The headset comes with two cups, a 1.0-degree and a 0 offset. This opens the doors to a matrix of geometry options. Changing the cups only requires a 5mm allen key and best of all, it never creaked once.
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The dropout pivot can also be changed to fit either rear wheel size without altering the geometry if desired.

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Details matter: the mud flap is mounted to the front triangle to shed mud and rocks. We did observe some squeaking when this area became caked in dust, but some silicone spray resolved that quibble.
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Another flip-chip rests in the shock eyelet for even more angle adjustments.

Frame Details

The Levo SL takes on classical Specialized shapes with straight legged, round tubes and FSR suspension. There’s also an abundance of geometry tweaks to be found throughout the frame which can hold a 27.5 or 29” rear wheel.

Previously the Levo SL featured a frame-stiffening sidearm, bridging the seat tube and top tube. That member has been removed to increase access to the shock and eliminate the chance of bonking your knee on the brace. Inside the front triangle, a Zee side-load cage holds a common water bottle with grazing the shock reservoir.

Aside from all of the possible geometry configurations, the new 1.2SL motor is the main talking point of the Levo SL. That’s been rejigged to produce 50Nm of torque, 15Nm more than the previous generation, and updated to tone down the noise levels. At peak power, it’ll pump out 320W, versus 565W of the full-size Levo.

Inside the downtube you’ll find a 320Wh battery, which is removable, but you’ll have to partially unbolt the motor to do so. For most rides, slotting the 160Wh Range Extender in the bottle cage will be the play. If you’re embarking on unknown routes or all-day rides, carrying or stashing a second extender isn’t out of the question. One important consideration when using a Range Extender is that you’ll need to toggle the “deplete range extender first” option if you’re planning on ditching it along the way. Wisely, the charge port has a spring-loaded door and the Range Extender cord locks into place there.

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The SL 1.2 motor has been bumped up from 35-50Nm. Equally important are the noise levels; after 6 months of riding, the clutch remains calm and quiet while descending. Under load, it produces a low whine, but is not as stealthy as the TQ HPR50.
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The low-profile remote is easy to locate and change motor assist levels, but the walk-mode button can crowded by other controls depending on where you locate the lever clamp.

Elsewhere, the finishing is well thought out with the MasterMind TCU which lies inside the top tube, lowering the chance of smashing any electronic controls. The remote is only as large as it needs to be with four buttons, although I’d like to see a wireless option in the future. Depending on where the dropper post remote is located, you may find it interferes with the walk-mode button.

The Specialized App is similarly easy to navigate to change the MasterMind display and make other battery or motor tuning choices. Toggling the alarm and motor lock on gives you peace of mind and doesn’t come at any extra cost either, unlike the Bosch’s system.

Between the chain routing lies the wavy chainstay protector, welcomed chainstay mud flap, and an integrated chain guide. Shocking, many eMTBs don't utilize a frame skid plate or have chain protection. The Levo SL has adequate ground clearance in this area, but I'd add a chainring mounted bash guard if this was my own baby.

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Suspension Design

Specialized has been using the four-bar Horst-Link arrangement for decades now. The main pivot lies in line with the 32-tooth chainring but the rear axle sits on the seatstay. This allows for greater independence arranging the suspension kinematics. Likewise, the brake mount is also placed on the seatstay, reducing the compressive braking forces on the suspension.

Specialized opted for a 210x55mm (210x50 on the S1 frame) Fox Float X air shock on the Levo SL. That’s been built to their unique “Rx Tune” damping requirements and delivers a low-to-medium amount of progression to the wheel rate - hard bottom-outs only occurred on grimacing impacts while the beginning of the travel is supple enough that finding more forgiveness from a coil shock would be questionable.


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Geometry & Sizing

Specialized built six size front triangles for the Levo SL. The smallest S1’s tiny frame does limit the rear wheel travel to 144mm.

Adaptability is a major talking point of the Levo SL and for good reason. There are three places to reposition hardware on the frame. Flip-chips are found along the chainstay and lower shock yoke, plus the head tube also captures an interchangeable upper cup system. All of the necessary components are included with the bike and can be made with the SWAT multi-tool hidden in the steer tube.

The dropout pivot is offset to allow for quick changes between rear wheel sizes without altering the geometry. In the case of a 27.5” rear wheel, you have two choices; a 432mm chainstay length with a -29mm BB drop, or a longer, lower ride position at 442mm and -34mm. Specialized felt that these two lengths fit each half of the size range well, while keeping the nature of the bike on the sporty side. They still offer two options to customers of all sizes, however, I'd wager that riders on the S4 frame size and up will opt for the longer position, regardless of wheelsize.

The angles can be tweaked further at the head tube with the use of two cups, a neutral or 1.0 offset option. In total, the head angle can range from 63.8- 65.7 degrees. Straight edges on the otherwise circular cups eliminate alignment errors or shifting in the frame

At this time, Specialized doesn’t have the same handy Stumpy EVO geometry calculator tool available for the Levo SL, but they do explain the changes further on the support page.

Furthermore, Specialized has an extensive user manual available for the Levo SL, and not just a basic one you toss in the bin when unboxing a new bike.

Specifications

Specifications
Release Date 2023
Price $14000
Travel 150mm
Rear Shock Fox Float Factory Rx Tuned
Fork Fox 36 Factory, 29", 44mm offset, Grip 2
Cassette SRAM XX Eagle Transmission 10-52T
Crankarms SRAM Carbon Crankset
Bottom Bracket Specialized 1.2 SL Custom R
Rear Derailleur SRAM XX Eagle Transmission
Chain SRAM XX Eagle Transmission Flattop
Shifter Pods SRAM AXS Pod Ultimate Controller
Handlebar Roval Traverse SL Carbon
Stem Deity Copperhead 35mm
Grips Deity Knuckleduster
Brakes SRAM Code Stealth Ultimate, HS2 200mm rotors
Wheelset Roval Traverse SL Carbon 29/27.5
Tires Butcher/Eliminator, Grid Trail, T9 compound
Seat Bridge, 155/143mm, Hollow Ti-rails
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS, 30.9mm

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Test Bike Setup

When I first laid eyes on the Levo SL, it arrived in the slackest position with the shortest chainstay setting. A 35mm length stem seemed fitting for my tastes, given the 44mm fork offset and head tube angle, but something about the steering threw me off.

I trimmed the bars to 770mm and found that the 6 degree upsweep of the Roval bar (8 degree backsweep) needed to be rolled further back than I’d prefer. That placed my hands too far behind the steering axis with the short stem, so I played with a OneUp bar that was more familiar. I’d need to resort to a 50mm stem with the Roval bar. 25mm of spacers were kept underneath at all times.

When looking at the suspension setup, I added a third volume spacer to the fork and set that to 106 psi.The damper settings were close to Fox's guidelines aside from the rebound running a few clicks further open.
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Matt Beer
Location: Squamish, BC, Canada
Age: 37
Height: 5'10" / 178 cm
Weight: 170 lb / 78 kg
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mattb33r

Rear shock pressures ranged between 187-197 psi depending on conditions, trail choice and if I was carrying extra goods in a pack. The recommended sag is 13.75mm, but I ended up closer to 12mm most days. I also reduced the volume of air in the rear shock, switching the stock 0.2 spacer to a 0.4 after a few metal clangs on bottom-outs. I could see the benefit of a shock with a hydraulic bottom-out to provide softer stops at full-travel and avoiding the higher return forces of additional volume spacers.

A 170mm Reverb AXS dropper post works fine for just about all situations for me, but on occasion, lowering it for mega-steep trails or jump tracks provided extra clearance.

Throughout the test, I rode the Levo SL in what I’d consider the most likely configurations, including dual 29” wheels. Discussing the habits of each one would be a painful read, but having the ability to switch wheel sizes without skewing the geometry is reassuring.

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Climbing

I like to think of SL eMTBs as the most lucrative way to save energy getting to the top while still enjoying the freedom of a lightweight bike on the descents. They won’t climb up walls like a full-powered e-bike but it's no sweat to gain more vert per hour than a non-assisted bike.

The Levo SL grips the ground insanely well, however, the short chainstay and relaxed seat tube angle (in the more aggressive settings) do place the rider’s seated weight generously over the rear axle. When the grade does turn uphill sharply, you’ll have to be mindful about keeping your weight forward in the saddle. With that said, if you can avoid doing wheelies, the rear wheel sticks to the ground. I'd call it efficient but not that effective.

In terms of ground clearance, the BB does ride fairly low, even in the steeper settings. You’ll want to use the climb switch, which is thankfully easy to reach, to avoid the pedal strikes. As stated, you can choose the geometry to shine on climbs - a 29” rear wheel, +1.0 head tube adjustment and high shock setting will do the best job of clearing obstacles if you’re want a more agile and reactive bike for pedalling through undulating trails.

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As for the motor haptics, the torque winds down and picks up again in a timely fashion. There’s no unexpected bursts of energy at the crank. Restarting on hill climbs isn’t impossible either. The motor clutch engagement is extremely quick too.

If you wish to divert from the stock motor settings, there’s no shortage of pedal pickup and power delivery to play with in the app either. On that note though, I did notice that the battery life dropped substantially faster in “Turbo” compared to the “Trail” mode even though the outputs were fairly close.

Specialized Levo SL Review. Photos by Max Barron

Descending

Ironically, with all of the laborious hours that went into building this bike, I could sum it up in just two words; buttery smooth. From the rear suspension to the motor’s power delivery, the Levo SL is very pleasant to rider, and I'd like to think that would be the case for a rider of any level.

In our Fall Field Test, we talked about frame stiffness quite a bit. It seems to be a common finding, but round tubes don’t send as many vibrations through the frame to the rider and that adds to the smooth ride of the Levo SL. The rear triangle absorbs off-camber hits and holds through chattery flat corners well, even more so in the longer chainstay setting.

The Levo SL’s suspension has a floating feeling about it, eerily like a chainless ride. Almost everything about the rear suspension works seamlessly, whether keeping the wheels on the ground to slow down or pushing into the bike to gain speed. There are no irregularities in the travel such as progression spikes or mid-stroke wallowing. From start to finish, it's consistently smooth. If you’re a rider that stabs the brakes hard between consecutive bomb holes, you could find the bike’s balance to be mildly disrupted at times. On steeper trails where you’re fighting to release the brakes, you’ll appreciate how the wheels stick to the ground though.

Normally, my first ride on a test bike ends with at least five negative points, but finding things to complain about the Levo SL was a chore. We got off to solid start, however, there was a peculiarity about the steering took longer than anticipated to debunk. I swapped out to the full 29er setup which helped and actually raised the BB. In the end, I stuck with the longer chainstay setting, even with the 27.5" rear wheel and chalked up the quirky turning habits to the low center of gravity and short chainstay, which gave a false sense of security on the steeper, chunky trails found on the North Shore.

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Frequently, I’d have to remind myself that this is a 150mm-travel bike and not to get too carried away with my downhill antics. In the slacker settings, the significant BB drop and low center of gravity add to the planted feeling of the Levo SL.

The short chainstay and 27.5” rear wheel do slightly detract from its stability, but only when the trail becomes choppy and steep. Switching the chainstay into the long setting (27.5” wheel, shock flip-chip in high position, -1.0 cup) was my preferred arrangement. That provided the most balance and therefore the most traction for rallying through Squamish’s best handbuilt trails.

After six months of hard riding, the Levo SL hasn’t missed a beat - not one loose bolt, creaking from the headset, or motor irregularities. It faced everything from blasting through muddy ruts and plinko-ing down blown-out moto tracks. Impressively, the motor clutch is still as quiet as day one as well and the wheels are as straight as an arrow.

It wasn’t without a few minor quirks though. The derailleur mount did need to be retorqued a couple weeks into testing and extra slack in the TCU meant rearranging the cable internally to avoid rattling inside the top tube.

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What's the Best Value?

Overall cost aside, when comparing the value of the models in the Levo SL line, the Expert is a sensible choice given it's still a carbon frame loaded with high-performance components - basically, you skip the extra pizazz of the S-Works and a few carbon bits. There is a slight difference in the frame layup of the Comp and Expert, versus the S-Works carbon finish itself, but is that extra weight savings really worth the extra dough? Likely not for most riders - that money could be best saved for spare tires and upgrades down the road.

On the specifications side, you still receive the same Fox Performance Elite dampers but skip the flashy Kashima coating. Similarly, the brakes a minor step down to Code Stealth Silver, which use the new lever body style and include reach and bite point adjustments. Similarly, the drivetrain is the latest Transmission type from SRAM which eliminates the derailleur hanger and cables.

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Specialized Levo SL
Trek Fuel EX-e 9.9 XX1 AXS Photo Dave Smith
Trek Fuel EXe

How Does It Compare?

Trek and Specialized have each cooked up SL eMTBs that showcase their product development team’s skills - there’s little left to be desired if you’re in the market for one of these sub-18kg machines. The Fuel EXe and Levo SL don’t exactly line up against one another in their stock configuration, however, depending on how you set them up, there could be considerable overlap.

The Fuel Exe has 10mm less travel at either end, but a 160mm fork isn’t out of the question. Out of the box, it arrives with dual 29” wheels. Again, swapping the stock parts for a 27.5” rear wheel will make it more “flickable”. Those two attributes point the Fuel EXe closer to a 60/40 split of up descending and climbing, versus the Levo SL’s 70/30 realm.

A critical change for Specialized to keep up with the market meant bumping the SL 1.2 motor up 50Nm of torque. That matches TQ’s HPR50 now, however, Trek’s integrated battery holds 40 more watt-hours. One thing you don't want more of on an e-bike is noise. While the Levo SL motor acoustics aren't loud, it does have a slightly higher pitched whine compared to the TQ, particularly at higher RPMs.

Both the Levo SL and Fuel Exe came in the flashiest trim available, however, the Trek slightly undercuts Specialized in terms of pricing. The Levo SL S-Works costs $1000 USD more than the Fuel Exe’s $13,999 USD price tag. House branded carbon bars, wheel are found on each bike, along with SRAM’s top-tier T-type wireless shifting and Code brakes. Tires are another item sourced within each brands’ garage. Specialized’s rubber is light years ahead of the plastic-like Bontrager treads, which were swiftly removed from the Fuel EXe.

Another bonus point for Trek is the entry price. Aluminum Fuel EXes begin at $5,499 USD and still use the sought after TQ motor. Oddly enough though, only the aluminum Fuel EXe is equipped with a interchangeable headset cup to alter the angles which is an option that Trek’s customers spending top dollar would appreciate. Of course, this could be accomplished using aftermarket headsets if desired.

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Technical Report

Fox 36 Factory: Before the burly 38 fork, the 36 served as the long-travel single crown for in Fox’s lineup. Between the two, there is a subtle difference in stiffness and how the air spring operates, but it still packs a punch. With the Grip2 damper and fool-proof volume spacers, it’s still a quality bit of kit for enduro and trail bikes.

Code Stealth Ultimate Brakes: The master cylinder may look different on the outside, but internally, they use the identical parts to the previous generation Code RSCs. A reshaped lever has a rounder side profile which seems to be welcomed by all. Most apparent, the brake lines exit on an angle to tie into stem clamps for a neat and quiet setup.

SL 1.2 motor: Bumping the torque from 35 to 50Nm may not seem like much on paper, but it’s significant on the trail. Grinding up climbs and lunging up tech moves comes with an added boost. It’s also much quieter than the first generation motor and most importantly, less whiny.

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Pros

+ Expectations meet price - neatly packaged features
+ Highly adaptable geometry
+ Stealth appearance and operation for an e-bike
+ Descends like a traditional bike

Cons

- No aluminum option creates an expensive cost barrier
- Taller riders may find their center of gravity sits heavily over the rear wheel, making steep climbs tougher to negotiate



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesWe’re not here to say that the Levo SL doesn’t cost a lot of money, but it does live up to everything we expected at this price point. Over the course of a 6-month review term, this bike has been put through the wringer and keeps coming back for more. Better yet, it still looks, feels and sounds like a new bike.

As for the ride characteristics, the Levo SL handles more like a traditional bike and is quickly excitable on the trail - it’s neither a slug to pull through jumps, yet it doesn’t hold back at full pace either. In fact, I'd often forget I was riding an eMTB when descending.
Matt Beer





Author Info:
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Member since Mar 16, 2001
360 articles

265 Comments
  • 199 2
 I just wish it could cost more money.
  • 9 0
 lol, where’s www.goldbike.com when you need it.
  • 8 4
 It's a lot to pay for a plug-in hybrid. The auto parallel would be a Tesla/Flintstones car.
  • 9 9
 Buy the Transition Relay. Fazua miles ahead of the game
  • 11 3
 @Jordmackay: This. How is this bike not being compared to Fazua bikes? Heckler SL, Relay, all miles better. This reads like an advertorial. Thanks Outside.
  • 3 0
 @GVArider: The probably haven't ridden those bikes. Hard to compare a bike to another you've never ridden.
  • 12 0
 @Jordmackay: miles behind the game on reliability though. I owned a shuttle SL, 4 motors and 2 ring controllers in 4 months of ownership. My mate didn’t listen and bought the Heckler SL, 2 motors and a ring controller in a month. He just returned it for a refund and bought a Kenevo SL 2.
  • 4 0
 @OU812: I've had my kennevo sl for 7 months, hasn't missed a beat!
  • 1 2
 I skip looking at PB for 3 days and feel like I’ve been transported into year 2124 price schedule.
I’m gonna go check Drudge Report and see what happened…



…….nevermind..
  • 1 0
 @OU812: my original Levo SL is still going strong.
  • 2 1
 @OU812: oh really I didn't know they were so bad. I also have a Kenevo sl 2 and would sell it in a heart beat for the Relay. Seat Tube insertion is a joke and battery lasts 30 seconds. Im hoping the SL3 is what weve all been waiting for
  • 1 0
 @Jordmackay: what makes you think the fazua is better than the brose or the TQ motors?
  • 1 0
 @GVArider: same as above, what makes you think the fazua is better than brose and the TQ motors?
  • 2 0
 @SeanDRC: More power and a bigger battery so more range. At the same weight...Plus a 250wh extender will be out soon. The brose and TQ are miles behind as has been shown in multiple group tests. If specialized got the finger out and made a 400wh + battery they might be closer
  • 1 0
 @Jordmackay: Which group tests? Not necessarily doubting, just want to look for myself. The more power is negligible I feel though, and the battery is more so dependent on frame manufacturer. Plus TQ has the range extender already. Another thing is noise, the TQ is very very quiet, which some might not think is a big deal but to many that's pretty huge. Also, the higher performance comes at the cost of reliability.
  • 2 0
 @scary1: they can still pry Zerohedge from your cold dead mouse

'There are two completely separate cultures in America today and they cannot coexist.'

--Tyler Durden of Bulgaria
  • 109 5
 Bike is alright, price is a lava flow of shit from an arse
  • 54 1
 Comment is twice as good if read in a Scottish accent.
  • 3 2
 @bigtim: Sean Connery’s voice
  • 8 0
 @BermJunky: Fat Bastard's voice
  • 2 0
 @bigtim: done!
  • 99 16
 So with the parts market the way it is right now (cheap), I could piece together all the parts for this bike for roughly $5000 maximum. So they are charging you $9-10k for just the frame (battery and motor included). Crazy......
  • 7 3
 @three6ty $5000 for the parts? Crazy! Do you have a price breakdown for that? Are you talking new or used?
  • 131 20
 Napkin math:
Fox forks 25% off So lets call it $1000 all in.
Carbon wheels better than this $1500 max
GX drivetrain ( i would go with Shimano XT ) $600 add another $500 for a GX drivetrain.
Brakes - $500 Again I Would go with XT
Choose your seatpost $350 max
Carbon bars and stem - $250
Seat - $100
Pedals $100
Grips - $30

So between $4-5k max on parts. But realistically , you can get new take offs of all of those for cheaper.

The point being, they are charging you $9-10k for the frame.
  • 12 0
 @Three6ty: 99spokes.com/en-GB/bikes/specialized/2024/s-works-turbo-levo-sl-carbon
Scroll down to the Spec Level graph. They have added up the price of the individual components so you can pick the best value bike at every price point.
  • 30 0
 @Three6ty: except this has XX drivetrain, which is $2k
  • 5 5
 @arrowheadrush: fair enough.
  • 19 0
 @Three6ty: You also forgot a rear shock which can run another $500-1000 depending which one you choose. Dont get me wrong, I agree the price is insane though.
  • 4 1
 and axs dropper at least 1k CAD though
  • 11 4
 @Three6ty: battery and motor are worth $2200 - $3000 depending on what kind of price you can get. A charger is $300. So that would put the frame around $6000 ish. That’s how much a Santa Cruz frame is. Norco Range was around $5000 and now they’re on sale. In any case, I agree that all the prices are too damn high. Including rent. But I’m not so sure the pricing on this particular is out of line with what the industry is charging.
  • 4 0
 @arrowheadrush: Exactly right!
  • 8 25
flag Azrocktester (Feb 12, 2024 at 10:25) (Below Threshold)
 Specialized charges this much because they look at mtber's as clowns !
  • 12 3
 Yes, this is how we get subsidized by the people with more money than they need. Bike companies rip them off. This is a good thing. Let them keep doing it.
  • 3 0
 @robbie92835: I would hope they would include that with the frame!! Haha... Companies are trying to charge the outrageous prices, but the market is dictating otherwise. If you need the latest and greatest, then yes you will pay for it. But wait 9 months and get 25-35% off the same thing.
  • 3 0
 @Three6ty: ah yeah thats a good point, I forgot most frames include a rear shock. haha
  • 1 0
 @AgustinFlores: oh yeah forgot about that one.
  • 1 0
 @Three6ty: I think you can quite a bit better than this even on a build. E.g., the OEM seat spect could be had for $50-$60. Grips $15, Carbon bar + stem $170, etc. Carbon wheels are easy to find, as you say, for $1200.
  • 2 2
 @Three6ty: Add that those are market prices. But when one buys a whole bike, the cost of the build drops by 35%. So the uncharge on the frame is even greater.
  • 5 9
flag Three6ty FL (Feb 12, 2024 at 12:15) (Below Threshold)
 @pelopidas: i agree. I could do much better on pricing than what I posted above. I buy new Takeoff parts all the time for a fraction of what I mentioned above. I can usually have a nice Fox Factory build with Good Carbon wheels and XT drivetrain Bars, Stem, Seatpost , Seat, etc. for less than $3000. To each their own. I'm sure Specialized will find enough people to sell out of the S-Works model. I see these Specialized E-bikes all the time on our local trails and it's usually guys that are average riders at best, who could actually use the exercise of a real mountain bike..
  • 1 0
 just buy the framekit then, thats what i did, just went full kenevo sl.
  • 1 0
 @Sethimus: What did the frame kit come with? Battery, Motor, Shock?
  • 2 0
 @Superboost: Fair point. $6k for an empty frame ( no matter what company ) is ridiculous.
  • 1 0
 for the frame + a company/processes to design, manufacture, assemble and ship that frame to your, incl. warrenty efforts and a ton of more things.
Little difference
  • 6 0
 @Gristle: Nah you've got that confused. These uber high price bikes aren't subsidizing the cheaper bikes, they're just normalising crazy high prices. In a year or two this will be the price for mid-range bikes, and the crazy prices will be more like 20k
  • 1 0
 @gabiusmaximus: that's some PB-comments-approved logic right there.
  • 1 0
 @Three6ty: yes, + range extender, carbon cranks, 170mm though, ordered some 155mm alu cranks from the levo sl kids bike
  • 1 0
 @Three6ty: specialized enduro framekit is 4500chf, kenevo sl frsmekit is 6500chf. so 2000 more for battery, motor, range extender, carbon cranks
  • 2 0
 @Gristle: Thats pretty standard economics approved logic...
  • 1 0
 You can buy frame only for Levo (not SL) and Kanevo SL for $8500 (without discounts). So yes, the charging a lot for their emtb frames.
  • 1 0
 @gabiusmaximus: in 2020, pre-inflation, this bike went for as high as $16,250. Bikes in this price range is old news. It's how they line their pockets from the wealthy MTBers. Sky didnt fall then. What's different this time around?
  • 1 0
 @Sethimus: yes, but available not in every country (at least at web site)
  • 1 0
 @Gristle: The difference is the price is far less unusual these days... Which is exactly the point I'm making.
  • 42 0
 "Bumping the torque from 35 to 50Nm may not seem like much on paper"

It's a 43% increase. That's a huge increase, even "on paper".
  • 1 2
 it is but in all honesty you dont feel the power increase as you have to manage battery. The bike out the box doesnt have any of the settings set to use 100% of the motors power, this is because they know it would just drain the battery. The SL2 is a amazing bike but it requires battery management.
  • 37 0
 That’s $18,800 Canadian dollars.
  • 1 0
 Will be interesting to know how many they actually sell at these prices!
  • 38 5
 Soooo….like buying a Honda CRF450R Works Edition competition dirt bike, plus a few thousand bucks left over for beer and gas?

Let’s let that sink in a minute
  • 31 0
 For the same price, you could get a competent shuttle vehicle, lift access season pass, competent enduro bike, bike rack/tailgate pad, and plenty of gas and beer money. All you need is to add a couple friends and off to the races.
  • 9 1
 @jaymac10: way more than anyone in this comment section realizes
  • 13 2
 @benede1976: Or an Africa Twin for the exact same price if you want a monster...or a CRF300 if you want ELEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS leftover
  • 2 0
 @jaymac10: a lot actually
  • 9 0
 @jaymac10: I know a guy who works at a Specialized store in a high-money part of NJ (Wall St types). They sell enough of these that his shop will pay to send him to Specialized training classes to learn how to service these almost every year. He's told stories of parents coming in to buy e-bikes for the family and buying 4 of these. Top models. For these folks, the price is literally pocket-change.
Yes. It's insane...
  • 7 0
 @IanJF: inequality is real. Luxury fever
  • 2 0
 @benede1976: Comparing ebike prices to high-end dirt bikes can be hilarious.
  • 2 0
 @mnorris122: let me know where I can buy a CRF 300 for three thousand dollars.
  • 2 0
 @dcaf: Canuck bucks….unfortunately we can only buy two and half brand-new 300lbs Honda CRF300 motorcycles up here for the top price of this eMTB
  • 1 0
 ....and 74299,04 Brasilian Real, nuts.
  • 3 0
 @betobi: no way can you get 74299 brazil nuts for that. 74299 deluxe mix sure.
  • 39 2
 For this price I don't care how good or bad it is.
  • 8 1
 One day these things will be affordable-ish, but for now, I'm on the sidelines buying 3 bikes for 18k before I buy this, as nice as it looks.
  • 1 0
 @alexsin: as if it will be affordable ish, or that I could buy 3 bikes for 18k? My ripmo was like 4k..
  • 1 0
 Spesh always discounts their bikes. You can pick up an S-Works for $10-11k or their comp for $6k if you are ok with Fox Performance suspension
  • 34 3
 Are people here still interested in bikes or just bike prices
  • 11 0
 I’m a bike price economist.
  • 51 23
 For $13K I can get a new 2024 KTM 300 XC-W HARDENDURO .... Soooo ...BRAAAP!
  • 40 7
 ... which you can ride hardly anywhere, and need a pick-up truck to transport.
  • 32 4
 @Paco77: you can drive there on the KTM. It has its own engine.
  • 6 7
 @Mac1987: Not street legal
  • 23 2
 @ryan77777: you're so right there are no street legal dirt bike kits. Also you totally can't just get a hitch rack for a dirt bike, and you definitely can't but a dirt bike in a cheap mini van.
  • 4 0
 @ryan77777: It is in Arizona!
  • 3 3
 and gas is free ??
  • 6 2
 @ryan77777: OK so I'll get a f*cking Africa Twin for a few hundred fewer Monopoly Bucks than this thing.
  • 23 4
 For $13K I can get any number of other things that are not an eMTB. What does that have to do with anything?

Here are a few things: A wristwatch, a used car, a kitchen remodeling, a server cluster.
  • 10 5
 @j-p-i: Exactly!! This whole "I could buy a dirt bike for that" thing drives me mad Big Grin
  • 7 5
 @Paco77: I live in a place where I actually have more places to ride a dirt bike than an MTB near me Smile My point still stands...
  • 11 1
 yep.... I opted for a 2024 ktm 500 exc f. ...and its street legal.
  • 3 0
 @cpobanz: Outstanding choice!
  • 7 3
 @tipsword: I think you’re on the wrong website. On the dirt bike one they’re sating for the price of a dirt bike you could buy an awesome e-bike
  • 4 5
 @j-p-i: Um.... Comparing two motorcycles would be a reasonable thing to do.... Your kitchen remodel isn't a motorcycle.
  • 5 4
 @Paco77: why. E-bikes are motorbikes, just coz one uses electricity rather than gas doesn’t mean they aren’t both motorbikes. EV cars and gas cars are both cars
  • 2 0
 @enduroNZ: No, I'm on the proper site, just pointing out the absurdity of it all Smile It is choice, if you want to spend that kind of coin on one by all means do so, I'm not here to stop anyone... that said I may mock you a bit.
  • 1 0
 @JonDud: Who compared two motorcycles? The comparison was between an eMTB and a motorcycle.
  • 1 0
 @ryan77777: they are over here. no silly local dictators to keep happy.
  • 2 2
 @j-p-i: Last I checked, the eMTB has a motor.
  • 1 0
 @JonDud: A sewing machine has a motor. and wheels to. Are they also motorbikes now?
  • 1 0
 @ryan77777: In Washington state it is. I ride my 2 stroke KTM to all the trails, as many moto trails options as there are MTB!
  • 2 1
 @enduroNZ: It's a one way funnel, MTB to Moto, lots of us ride both but far more MTB guys are converting to moto than the other way around.
  • 1 1
 @chrismac70: You clearly havent ridden a moto or an ebike side by side. The ebike rides like an mtb, for better and for worse. Moto is completely different experience.
  • 22 2
 I love mine. I don't have range problems. Even dialed back to 20 percent you get a helping hand. I feel like at ten percent motor contribution the bike behaves like a non motorized bike as in the extra weight of the bike is neutralized. I think this bike descends great and offers more option than just a pedal bike. On a quick ride, turbo mode. Want to ride with your non e bike friends, 10 percent mode. That said, I don't ride with many full power e-bike riders. That isn't my bag, I like my e-bike closer to a non motorized bike on the descents.
  • 26 3
 Sick bike but prices are nuts
  • 12 1
 No-one needs the s-works version. The Comp is for sale at $5.5k since quite a while now.
  • 3 0
 @chrsei: that’s the full power levo, not the SL
  • 18 1
 Nothing 'cool' about 14k
  • 16 2
 The bike looks good. The price is not sensible.
  • 9 1
 As a full power e-bike and Keno SL owner who has ridden this bike I'll say this.

No. It won't keep up with full power bikes. Period.

Its increased torque was barely noticeable to me ( 200+ lbs) over my 35nm KSL and wouldn't be a reason for buying it.

Compared to the 1.1 SL motor on my KSL the thing is gloriously quiet and I'm envious.

It's a beautiful bike in person. I love that they ditched the sidebar brace.

My KSL gets similar range to a standard Levo but with more effort of course. I'm guessing the new motor will deplete the batt a little quicker but the beauty of an SL bike is that you can pedal a dead one home pretty easily.
  • 3 0
 Range is only shorter when riding in turbo but when riding in eco or trail set to the same support/power settings will yield a longer range because you're using a lower percentage of the overall power potential. I finish big rides with about 20% more power than my buddy on a 1.1 motor. Good news for you is the Kenevo can accept the new motor however as of yet you still can't order just the motor.
  • 17 9
 Let's play, "you could buy this or that...."
bringatrailer.com/listing/1985-toyota-4runner-14
bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-bmw-335i-coupe-5
Or a bicycle with a battery. Smile
  • 4 0
 I was going to say "the BMW if you're a masochist" but then we ride mountain bikes.
  • 9 0
 Can’t wait to hit A-line on my 3 series
  • 2 0
 @mariomtblt: you'll only get 1 run before the high pressure fuel pump dies on that bad boy
  • 9 2
 Feels like this bike was the impetus for this article: www.pinkbike.com/news/opinion-the-big-short-chainstay-lengths-vs-wheel-sizes.html

The weight of the Levo SL is amazing and it has some nice attributes, however the Chainstays are too short (running 27.5 rear wheel in the long chainstay position lowers and slackens this bike drastically), the STA at least 2' too slack and really the battery a fair bit too small.

I studied this bike a lot but ultimately found the Relay (*now on sale btw) offered a lot more of what I was looking for in a mid-power e-bike. The very average ring controller and display of the F60 doesn't matter a bit in real world use. The bike matters, and it's phenomenal with the best mid power powertrain in the industry.
  • 6 0
 Except the Relay is 5.5lbs (more than 2kg) heavier than the Levo SL when you include the battery.
  • 1 1
 @JackSB: spec for spec, that's not real world reality in my real world experience.
But really, to get proper geo, a much needed bash guard, more travel and 35% more battery, yah its going to weigh more.
  • 1 0
 @SunsPSD: Is it fun to ride without the battery or just an ultra pig?
  • 2 0
 @Dr-Courvoisier: Just feels like a normal bike as long as you have normal tires on it.
  • 10 2
 The biggest f*ck up on this bike is pairing old battery with increased motor torque... Paying $$$ and be able to ride only for a couple of hours just sucks.
  • 3 0
 I get about 3 hours use out of mine per ride and im spent by then.
  • 1 0
 The inability to easily remove the battery is the real deal breaker. I've got an EXe and second battery. Using lots of assist and having a bike that descends like a real bike can be pretty fun. Of course, that's dependent on your normal ebike trails being ones where its easy to get back by the car.
  • 1 0
 @dancingwithmyself: Yeah ive used the range extender on some big rides, though taking up the waterbottle slot is never ideal.
  • 2 0
 That's only an issue when riding in Turbo. Most people ride in trail and when compared to the old motor this one has a longer range with the same battery.
  • 1 0
 @skierdud89: Good to know it is more efficient with battery usage.
  • 1 0
 @ribsmtb: Passed on the extender because the battery was only $100 or so more, at least when I purchased. Depending on where you ride and how easy it is to get back by the car, a second battery can make a lot of sense. But there are definitely a few situations where I've wished for the extender.
  • 11 4
 Tough crowd! Seems like a very refined bike. Innovation comes at a price. The tech will trickle down and prices will come down. PB commenters can then find another brand to aim their pitch forks at.
  • 1 1
 Not to mention they ignore the fact that this is the S-Works model and that the comp comes in at nearly half the cost.
  • 9 0
 How much range do you get out of this? It seems to be the most important question, and it's missing from the review
  • 5 2
 Came here hoping for this info... sad to see it always missing from ebike reviews. I get that mileage varies wildly, but it would still be helpful to get any kind of reports on real world range. Especially for bikes like this, which as far as I can tell seem to have just barely enough battery to be fun. If I'm gonna have range anxiety and only ride 15-20 miles at a time I'd rather just take a normal bike. And as someone who hasn't carried a pack in years and doesn't want to, a range extender is not a great solution. Really want to know how far this bike can go withOUT range extender.
  • 3 0
 @mattg95 I hear you. It's a common question but varies significantly based on rider effort, tire choice, climbing grade, trail conditions, and even temperature.

I found that climbing up to ride this route using the "Trail mode" and more is not a problem: www.trailforks.com/ridelog/planner/view/482766

Again, that will depend on the motor tuning and the system weight (maybe you're carrying a heavier pack today).

The best part though is that you can still pedal when the battery runs out though Smile
  • 6 0
 They probably leave this out because there are so many variables.
Tyres, rider weight, settings, ground conditions etc.
It's a 320Wh battery and its pretty efficient. So it will do about the same as most other SLs per Wh for a given power. (And probably better than ones like the TQ which isn't the most efficient).
On my gen 1 bike I get 20 miles and 3000feet of climbing in a conservative trail type mode. I can squeeze this to 30 miles and 4000feet in a low eco mode. Or I can spaf the whole thing up against the wall in 10 miles and 2000feet in full turbo the whole time. 175lbs rider on fire-road/tarmac climbs.
Range extender adds about 50% as you would expect.
  • 4 3
 @mattbeer: But then why pedal around with all the additional weight if the battery life is short? Pointless and even more so at the cost.

Wonder what the battery/motor replacement situation will be in 3 years.... seems to me the ebike is the epitome of designed obsolescence
  • 6 0
 @mattbeer: It would be nice to see a PB e-bike test loop, just a ride that is done with all in “trail” modes to see how much range they have. I get that it can vary by a lot, but this may create some level of consistency.
  • 1 0
 @G-Sport: I get that but comparisons can be relative. Similar weight testers riding different brand ebikes round the same loop at the same pace would give an idea of how much each one has left at the end
  • 3 0
 I always tell people my range in vertical feet as I think it's a better metric. I can do between 3-4k in eco/trail without giving my route planning much thought. Adding the range extender gives you an extra 50% range so that bumps up to 4500-6k vert. The bike is so light that if you need to "limp" home on minimal power it still feels like a regular bike.
  • 8 1
 @corerider: e-bikes are absolutely “designed obsolescence” for sure with how quickly battery tech is improving. But the question is how much joy will it bring you before it is obsolete to you? Bikes aren’t investments they are toys, so it’s just a matter of joy per dollar spent. Totally agree that you need to plan on much faster depreciation than normal vibes, but to me my joy from my e-bike has been worth every obsolete penny.
  • 5 0
 @venturavin: absolutely. This weird have-it-both-ways vibe of the anti-eebers is ridiculous: riding a bike around in the woods is simultaneously the most important thing in the world AND just having fun. Ebikes are "cheating" and also "toys." Sillybillys!

I watched my e8000 bike get absolutely smoked by ep8s with fresh batteries, and I still chose to go ride. Because it was always worth it. Shitty trails are fun, more DH laps are right there, and that 27.5" bike with the 180mm fork was the best XC bike I ever rode! Dudes are super precious with this stuff, it's eye opening how much they want to be angry.

I just bought a Norco Optic for 2000 bucks. It's a perfect little ripper bike, but I really don't when I'm gonna ride it--if it's good for that bike it'll be better for my new eeb!
  • 1 0
 @corerider: The main point of contention for these SL type eMTBs is that they handle much closer to a non-assisted bike when you're not pedalling.
  • 1 0
 I recently did a 25mi, 5200’ climb on the Levo SL in 3:05 hours moving time along side 10+ full fat EMTB’s who most were on eco in order to ensure they had juice.

I’ve done this very same ride on a 540wh Decoy in 3:07 moving time. Both close to fully depleting the battery at the end of the ride.

But as some have stated, it depends on your weight. I’m 155lbs and my LSL is under 37lbs with pedals included at the time. Currently it’s got a Zeb and coil shock and weighs 39 but I am running an Assegai EXO+ out back and Assegai EXO up front.
  • 9 0
 This bike weighs less than my old 2003 Stinky Deluxe!!
  • 19 0
 So does my desk at work
  • 3 0
 @BermJunky: There are cars that weigh less than that old tank!
  • 1 0
 @Bomadics: haha no doubt. My 2001(?) RM7 was 52 lbs.
  • 10 1
 I would be seriously interested if there were 1 less digit in that price.
  • 10 3
 "it can theoretically tag along with full-powered eMTBs when climbing (at least in their lowest assist-modes)" Who buys a full fat eeb then climbs in eco mode?
  • 9 1
 Someone who wants to go a decent distance?
  • 6 1
 Someone who occasionally enjoys the company of someone else riding a sl? I get that selflessness is off trend in modernity but some people are willing to make sacrifices in the name comradery from time to time.
  • 1 0
 A: someone who has all day.
  • 5 0
 I sold my Stumpy Evo and bought a Levo SL and I am in love with this bike. This is basically an analog bike with support, not an E-bike in the classic meaning. Descending is fully like an analog bike, weight is like 1.5 kg more then my Status 160 bike park build, but I have support when climbing. 50% of the time I ride with my analog rider friends, 50% I ride alone, I don't ride with classic e-bikers therefor I never feel myself slow or struggling. This is for the people who want perfectly the traditional bike feeling, but don't want to have any moment of bad feeling on the struggling climbs. I am 95 kg equipped, I ride 3 hours in trail mode and my battery is 35% at the end. And by ride I mean laps on laps on laps in gthe local trail system.

For the ones crying about the price: don't buy the S-Works one, simple as that. Mine is an expert, changed the fork to Factory 38 and I would never chhange anything else on the bike.
  • 7 5
 Idk I’d rather ride my normal trail bike for trail riding, and use the E for proper dh.

Riding anything other than steep / dh on an E feels sluggish and stupid to me.

40lbs is basically the weight of a kitted enduro rig…it’s a pig and is meant for proper riding, not trail.
  • 1 7
flag CaSentLeTabarnakMonHomme (Feb 12, 2024 at 11:44) (Below Threshold)
 EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
  • 1 2
 Exactly, this is the real use case
  • 2 1
 Riding on E sounds like an absolute blast, if a bit dangerous.
  • 3 0
 @mattbeer what kind of range/batter life duration were you getting on this? How many k with how many meters of climbing? It's honestly the one thing I feel was overlooked in the article.
  • 5 3
 Full power is still the way to go for big rides. These SL's are sweet bikes but don't really get you much further than a normal all-mtn bike ride would be. To me the Ebike experience is about getting way further than I could on a normal bike and the SL's just don't have the range yet. Just got back from a building trip, we were all on Ebikes pedalling up a large hill to get home each day, and the SL's were dying before getting back while the full turbo's got home with 60% battery left.
  • 2 0
 I will say, for our small town, there's been 5 warranty motors on these specialized E-bikes. The SL version has gone through 3 with one rider. He swapped over to a Heckler SL. Its similar weight, more power, and not gonna burn out a motor every season. Just my two sense, but the long term on these doesn't look great
  • 2 0
 I don´t usually ride with e-bikers, but my friend owns this Levo SL and from my point of view, if you are not that fit, the range of the bike is really small...after just 1000 m climbed, he needed an extender and my pace was pretty normal winter standard...another trip to Finale Ligure a week later and you could see that the bike is just not strong enough to survive the whole day...opposite to that, our other friend had a Trek Rail and that was a cruise with lots of battery life left after an average day of 1500 m climbing and descending...so the conclusion was, "why was I so stupid and did not bring the classic Levo..." Smile
  • 2 0
 The e-bike filter is working. When can we get a comments section price discussion filter so I can read the two or three comments worth reading besides the increasing tiresome price complaints. Not they they aren’t valid but it’s been dissected, compared, and discussed ad nauseam. Every single article.
  • 18 14
 Save yourself 5 grand and add years to your life by learning how to pedal uphill.
  • 6 3
 ahhaha and spend those days pedaling uphill!
  • 2 5
 Funnily enough I have one of these (Comp frame then custom build with my own components) and I used to win hill-climbs, MTB and road.
  • 2 0
 @wake-n-rake: after years of cooking your own good meal you got tired and went to Mc Donald
  • 2 0
 This bodes well for the Stumpjumper (Evo) refresh… in fact at first glance I assumed that’s what this article was going to be.

It takes a close look to identify this as an e-bike.
  • 2 0
 Imo the new Stumpy and Stevo will be exactly like this minus the motor, battery, etc - different yoke and shock sizing will determine the travel...
  • 2 0
 @Kiwikev: Correct, we're looking at the motor version of the new Stumpjumper. There is no EVO anymore and no 130mm version. It's been ready for some time, but they've had to clear out stock of old bikes for the past year+ before releasing it. CC: @basic-ti-hardtail
  • 3 2
 No aluminum creates an expense barrier? It's an SL e-mtb. It's supposed to be as light as possible. That is what you're paying for. You're paying for weight and having the newest tech on the market at the time. Both of those go away if you make it out of aluminum.
  • 1 0
 By 1-2 lbs.....and thousands of dollars less
  • 5 0
 Holy schnikes - that's $368.42 a lb. Move over wagyu.
  • 4 0
 Remember when having a bike worth more than your car meant you were a hardcore cyclist?
  • 3 0
 I don’t understand if its expensive just don't buy. I have the bike it’s awesome. Top.

Perfect on the descend. Thinking on swapping stem for a 35 mm
  • 1 0
 The main issue is that people keep stopping ur ride to ask about ur dentistry.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: not surprisingly, my dentist also owns one Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: far from a dentist p
  • 1 0
 I'm not going to argue with anyone about the price of this. We all know that quite frankly, it's f*cking ridiculous.. but if you wanna pay it. Good luck to you.

However, from a still relatively newbie back to mtb after a long time.

Who would this bike genuinely benefit. In which I mean, if I purchased it, It would be a waste of money because I simply aren't good enough a rider to probably notice where the price has gone.

To all you shredders out there, wouldn't you be a little shit scared at this breaking? I known these companies have warranties etc but I'd just be thinking about scratching it and shit breaking. Does this bike make you any better a rider than a 8k bike without all the bells and whistles this has?

Which I don't do with my bike Smile
  • 1 0
 Is this an advertorial? You should indicate that if so. The Fuel eXe isn't the competition, the Transition Relay, Heckler SL, etc. are, and any Fazua-powered bike is wildly better from an electronic perspective, not to mention the crazy whine the Levo SL makes. Take a look at comparative reviews around the web and you'll see this bike is already outdated. Which makes it all the stranger to see such a glowing review...
  • 1 0
 the entire site is an ad.
  • 1 1
 fazua: no range extender, after more than a year. porsche just takes the piss by now. motor is iteration #5 or so, batteries still die, software still sucks, warranty still takes time. would not buy…
  • 2 0
 sorry for not talking about pricing but the picture at: "riding the levo sl" looks like he is hitting a massive drop
somehow it doesnt look like he would stay on the trail which heads left
  • 2 1
 I just read the entire comments section (I know too much time on my hands) ~ The takeaway was the similarity between what's written and the credits to Monty Python and the Holy Grail... about all that was missing was a ~ "A Møøse once bit my sister... No realli! She was Karving her initials on the moose"

God I love this place ♥
  • 4 0
 I can not trust $15k bike review if it's done not wearing $300 anorak
  • 1 0
 Agree with the tall riders and front wheel traction comment. My front end on the sl2 is always hard to keep on the ground when climbing, even when the climbs are not that steep.
  • 4 0
 I love the stench of the poors in the morning.
  • 1 0
 If you ride hard and in all weathers UK . The electric dream lasts 5 minutes. LBC full of repairs and returns. Most of the post pandemic e-bikes are needing new batteries and motors . Nice $2500 bill.
  • 1 0
 I also often forget I'm not riding an EMTB when ascending. Or just never think about it at all, unless I get passed by one. I think this is the reason why so many people are wanting one. Not wanting to feel left behind.
  • 16 13
 This add brought to you by Specialized.
  • 2 0
 Hold on a second. Hillbilly rear and Butcher front? Show your working out please @mattbeer Big Grin
  • 3 0
 Must just be for the climbs, then swap for the descents…
  • 1 0
 I was going to ask the same thing. My bike must be set up backwards.
  • 2 0
 If you've never run a spike rear and Minion/DHR2/Highroller2/ASSEGAi up front in the slop, then you have really got to go try it.
The back end won't pass you on corners
You can steer with your hips
All the wet/loose/sloppy corners become velcro traction producers
In the steeps you can weight the rear and brake, and its like tossing an anchor, the spike digs in and keeps you in line

You must have forgotten that the reviewer @mattbeer is a freaking CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMP

The west coast canadians know a thing or two about traction on pretty much any kind of vehicle.
  • 1 0
 @konadan: Thinking back a few years, it does remind me of my Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo on my GT Tequesta. -Wait, that was 29 years ago. Maybe I’ll give it a go for spring. I set the bike up for mud season in NY with the Hillbilly up front. It was fantastic for the trails up there, though I will likely never expose my bike/tire setup to any of the same cornering forces Matt (or you) will.
  • 1 0
 @konadan: I was actually hoping Matt would explain, I wasn't having a go at his tyre choice.
I have ridden a wet scream rear, swamp thing front years ago, which had a bit of what you describe.
I'd still want a mud-friendly front tyre here in the UK tho
  • 3 0
 @chakaping I swapped out for dual Hillbillys when the wet weather came in and it ended up staying on the rear wheel. It's also a DH casing, so I could run lower pressures without the tire squirming too much.
  • 3 0
 Please me it $20k next year!
  • 1 0
 Where is your ambition?
  • 2 3
 For what u paid specialized "global warranty" sucks, bought a bike in usa and the frame broke try to warranty with specialized chile and they can't make nothing, so why the hell they Say in the web page "global warranty", never Buy again a specialized bike, now ride a bike that cost half of the price and respect warranty.
  • 2 0
 The comparison with the Fuel EXe helps, but I'd rather see how this measures up to a Santa Cruz Heckler SL.
  • 4 0
 I spent time on a Spesh 1.1 with 29's front / rear and I own a H-SL. I can't speak to the motor power of the 1.2 but I think Spesh has a better electric ecosystem than Fazua. The Fazua seems to have a more difficult learning curve when it comes to riding an ebike efficiently. If you ride an ebike you know what I mean. That said...the HSL is so fun to ride. Poppy, stiff, stable in the air, goes where you point it, just FUN. The Spesh is a great Trail Bike but the HSL is better at all the technical and chunky trails I like to ride. One other thing. I wouldn't put out that kind of money without a test ride. I narrowed my SL choices to two bikes. The Pivot SL and the Heckler SL. They wouldn't let me ride the Pivot anyplace but in the parking lot. The Pivot seemed more trailbike, similar to my Orbea Rise, but I didn't have a chance to compare....their loss.
  • 2 0
 @rockvoyager: That's super helpful, thanks. I've had my eye on the Heckler SL and the way you describe it is what I'm hoping for.
  • 2 0
 Tried that bike and it was waay to slow compared to my full power ebike. Bad batter life and slow af. No tx
  • 2 1
 Waaaaaay overpriced. Had 5 specialized bikes- no more. Components make the bike. There are a lot less expensive; well performing options.
  • 1 0
 I am not sure ill be able to replace my mountain bike when mine finally dies. Seems like only a few years ago I got my sweet carbon rig for less than 5k.
  • 3 1
 Still needing a battery for the AXS derailleur on an e-bike is kind of weird to me
  • 4 1
 It's about time to get back into motorcycles to save a few dollars.
  • 1 0
 An e-bike where you need to put in more effort than a full fat e-bike but its a bit lighter and still mad expensive? I don't get it...
  • 1 0
 Riding the non-electric version, stumpy evo and can say the same about this bike. Buttery smooth. It also cost less and weight less. You do have to pedal, tough.
  • 2 0
 So less downhills per hour. Hmmm
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: you are right! didn't say its all positiv about the non electric stumpy...
  • 4 0
 I've got both with nearly identical set-ups. Stevo is 6# lighter.
Prefer the stevo overall but the LevoSL gets me on the trails on what would've been recovery days before I owned it.
The SL is also magic for some local parks where I can 3x my normal laps vs the stevo.

Been riding for nearly 30years and the SL is 100% a no regret, only upside (other than bank balance) purchase.
I ride 6x week and the SL gives me 50% more trail in the same timeframe vs the stevo.
Hard to argue with more corners, laps etc & my heartrate monitor confirms the gains are still there as it makes you work to access the assist.
  • 2 0
 An absolute bargain for $14k.
  • 1 0
 But, how many laps can it hammer out? I'd like at least a brief mention of its potential range?
  • 2 4
 Crazy how many squid’s are trying to justify the absolutely exorbitant price of this bike. Not a single person justifying this bike in the comment sections riding skills could justify an NX build lmao! Mountain biking has become an absolute joke. (Shout out to the people calling out this BS pricing by the way, what a frigging clown show our sport has become).
  • 1 0
 Really a Fantastic bike, a bit high in the price dept, i just wish these compact motors could run a bit more silently..
  • 2 0
 what size tested?
  • 1 0
 Will it at least come with some stickers and a hat? /s
  • 1 1
 Confirmation on my Bias that mullet n that short of stays is no good. That's a huge miss in my book by spesh.
  • 1 0
 Any rumors of an aluminum frame version any time soon?
  • 1 0
 sooner than you think..Smile
  • 1 1
 150mm of travel on a 55mm stroke shock is the real design flaw, and Specialized isn't the only guilty party.
  • 2 1
 Mid power ebike ..lolol why?
  • 1 0
 Out of their mind on this pricing
  • 1 0
 Wait for Pinion MGU folks.
  • 1 0
 First upgrade is a comfy seat after the arse reaming at the cash register.
  • 1 0
 Over priced even for a dentist!
  • 1 0
 As soon as a motor is added, the price apologists have left the building..
  • 1 1
 Sweet bar graph with 3 data points. My CFO would laugh you out of the room with that garbage.
  • 1 0
 Was waiting for the ‘ hold my beer’ caption ………
  • 1 0
 Another massive rip off from Specialized. Nice one.
  • 1 0
 Hillbilly on the rear, first time I’ve seen that.
  • 1 0
 Dare yah to give a review after 3 yrs, with the maintanance running costs
  • 5 5
 $14k is 1/4 of a fully loaded Toyota Tacoma....
  • 21 2
 I don't care if Akio Toyoda personally put that truck together, no Tacoma is worth $56,000
  • 2 2
 One less bro-brah-coma!
  • 21 22
 Go ride a bicycle! Instead of these overpriced, polluting, spoiled-first-world-means-of-entertainment.
  • 5 8
 Best e-bike advertisement reply ever. I salute you Sir or Ma’am
  • 3 7
flag psullivan65 FL (Feb 12, 2024 at 10:42) (Below Threshold)
 I feel so spoiled now. Guess I'll have to do more laps
  • 6 10
flag psullivan65 FL (Feb 12, 2024 at 10:54) (Below Threshold)
 If your worried about pollution, you might want to pick another sport. Whether ebikes or pedal bikes, not the most environmentally friendly sport. Given that almost all the bikes are manufactured and shipped from Asia . Tires/grips are generally disposed in the landfill . If you go to ski area bike parks they do incredible damage to the mountains .
  • 1 0
 @psullivan65: Less than the actual skiing though I would guess?
  • 1 1
 @G-Sport: yes, ski areas much worse. Hard for me to believe Vail and UFS get away with it out west.
  • 4 6
 @psullivan65: yep, exactly my point. I DO NOT go to sky area bike parks, nor do I take long car or airplane trips to mountain bike destinations. I bought two mountain bikes in 20 years (and only because one was stolen ten years ago), which I used to commute to work daily. And certainly I will not buy a motored bicycle just because it is "fun" according to an pro-environment tone-deaf industry and the likes of pinkbike!
  • 5 2
 @dododuzzi: well that's super of you. However I feel fairly confident that my ownership of a light weight emtb is far from the environmental crime of the century either. Whilst the prices are high, the extra embodied energy of making an ebike over a muscle bike is trivial, and the charging is minute at maybe 1kWh per week if that. Substituting just a couple of short car journeys a month for using the ebike (which I have done regularly) is probably more than enough to offset it.
  • 6 2
 @dododuzzi: consider your virtue well and truly signaled!
  • 1 2
 anyone want to explain this @dodoluzzi bot? I don’t get it.
  • 2 3
 @G-Sport:Point is that you do not need the carbon imprint of ANOTHER toy, its polluting batteries, and the energy it takes to charge it every little spin you take. Pedal the bicycle you have! Lazy bums!
  • 3 0
 @dododuzzi: and you do not NEED to try to micro-manage my carbon footprint, yet you CHOOSE to do so. And in the process add to the carbon footprint of the internet itself (which is not inconsiderable).
  • 1 0
 @dododuzzi: please tell me what I do need. Daddyduzzi!
  • 1 0
 @dododuzzi: most of its carbon footprint comes from the transportation from Asia to you. As with all mtbs and componentry.
This is a hobby, they're all toys.
I would bet you use batteries. In theory the major brands have recycling programs.
I doubt you would even notice an increase on your electric bill.
All class 1 ebikes are pedal assist only. All the decent emtb s are class 1 .
Not lazy.
  • 1 0
 @psullivan65: A 60-70 nM engine gives you a massive assist, and now there are motored-enduro-bikes in the 90-100nM range. Still Class-1! People are riding motocycles, and fooling themsleves thinking they are on a bike. I really hope they are all made illegal on trails.
  • 1 1
 14K and you still have to change the brakes...
  • 1 1
 38 pounds !!!
  • 1 1
 Cant us
  • 3 6
 35 - 50 nm it's an overpriced pussy ..atleast give it 125nm for that money..I like my mobility scooters pokey..
  • 1 2
 FRAME. ONLY. PLEASE.
  • 2 0
 There is frame only option on Levo SL.
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