155/143mm, X-Fusion Manic, infinite adjustable, two-bolt head, bottom mount cable routing, remote SRL LE lever, 34.9mm. Compared to average high performance offerings, the Levo SL lands smack dab in the middle of a standard mountain bike and a standard full power e-mountain bike. On less demanding trails, its a comfortable and intuitive bike to ride, which makes it well suited to newer riders and those who arent necessarily ripping at warp speed. The turbo levo comp is available with a carbon fiber or aluminum frame. I mainly race Xc and out several hours a week in it, but then use ebike so I dont have to ride a trainer or road bike for recovery. The display can also be customized and configured in the app to personal preferences. The 780mm wide riserbar has a great profile, and even the ergonomics for the dropper post and shift levers were appreciated. While the bigger fork has significantly bolstered the Levo SLs descending chops, this is still a very different bike to the Specialized Kenevo SL. The Levo SL has otherwise held up well throughout testing, with no rattles or groans to speak of. We also got on famously with the SRAM Eagle X01 12-speed drivetrain. Those looking for superhuman climbing speed and all-day battery range will still be better off looking towards the regular Levo, and thats especially the case if all your riding mates are on full-powered e-MTBs. Since he's been all-digital he has run the Innovation channel during a few years at Microsoft as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom's Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. Polarized training spends most of the time, 70-80%, at low intensity, and then 20-30% at higher intensity. While it's easy enough stick to a specified wattage effort by manually altering the motors output through the bar-mounted control, I decided that I would prefer to reduce mental energy and just ride. However, the pinned GX cassette is cheap on a $15K bike, and its indicative of the overall build kit erring towards functionality rather than outright bling. The bike is part of Specialized 's Turbo Levo range of mountain bikes. Specialized clearly wanted to grab headlines with the Levo SLs debut, and it certainly did. Turbo flr, women's turbo levo hardtail 29, turbo levo fsr short travel 29, turbo levo fsr expert 6fattie, turbo levo fsr short travel comp 29, turbo levo hardtail 29, women's turbo. A limited run of 250 founders edition SL bikes will also be made, featuring snazzy paint, a custom saddle, and even higher-spec components than the S-Works model. The design is striking but practical. He hadnt been to Boise, so it was hard to accurately convey my process in our brief discussion. While most full-suspension electric bikes weigh well over 20kg, the new stripped-down Levo SL weighs as little as 16.9kg (S-Works model, size small). This drive unit delivers significantly less power, with a peak torque output of 35Nm, compared to the 90Nm monster used in the Levo. No. The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert C gets its own Fact m11 carbon frame that builds into an impressive 18.57kg (40.94lb) complete bike. - Sticky brake pistons The Downieville AM is an exercise in riding the most efficient, lightest setup you can still ride downhill at race speed without blowing it up. As mentioned earlier, the Levo and Levo SL both share the same amount of rear wheel travel at 150mm. Overall rating: Score 9 Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert C Pros: Superb suspension and impressive range. Watch our video review of the Specialized Levo SL here: The Specialized Levo SL is essentially a lightweight version of the popular Levo. Firstly, I ran my idea by coach Joel. The lower weight and tighter geometry means the Levo SL offers a more playful feel with agile handling. I was able to achieve from the work out precisely what I was hoping. Levo SL Levo SL range extender and shock compatibility . The integrated SWAT tool in the fork steerer tube is also a nice touch. I managed to climb the grunts and whoops of Trail 4 with a minimal and controlled effort that was within the range of my training. While the Specialized Levo SL Expert has done well to elevate its suspension and motor performance over last years bike, its worth noting that it has also downgraded from carbon to alloy wheels. I can upload workouts from TrainerRoad onto the display of the Wahoo Element Bolt computer. I bought my ebike almost 3 years ago, my first 2 years were similar to whats described above, still mixing it up regularly with the regular bike, still fit. The use of a polarized training plan was a familiar concept, but the sheer volume of aerobic work in conjunction with the descending volume is exciting. I headed straight up a local moto trail where e-bikes are allowed, called Trail 4 (or 8th street moto trail), which was used in Vital's e-MTB Test Sessions. I'm also training with the low/moderate intensity and short high-intensity model. If you used this logic for an entire off-season, the e-bike athlete would accumulate significantly more descending miles than an 'acoustic' biker. 2023 Liv Intrigue X E+ Review | A beautifully sleek and lightweight e-MTB with a mullet, Review | The Specialized S-Works Recon shoes are the lightest weve ever tested, 2023 Thok TK01 R Review | A surprising package from an Italian e-MTB specialist, Trek Rail Review | A plush, powerful & frustratingly near-perfect electric mountain bike, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. Free shipping on orders of $99 or more (U.S. only). About Us. I investigated options for automatic motor control based on my body's output. 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Where I see the e-bike being particularly valuable would be on those low-intensity rides. Understanding that the Levo SL can essentially flatten out the climbs, keeping me in a preferred training zone, it was time to put the experiment into action. To suit our 70-75kg riding weight range, we ran the low-speed rebound just five clicks off the fastest setting (13/18 clicks), and the low-speed compression dial a third of the . This provides well-balanced weight distribution, and along with the active suspension performance and the chunky cornering blocks on the Butcher and Eliminator tyres, there is excellent cornering grip available. On the higher-end Levo SL models, Specialized has moved away from the skinny Fox 34 fork and in-line Float DPS shock. I am fairly fit and prefer the SL as it has the most natural feel while still taking the edge off if you are on a recovery day(or for me just lucky enough to be on my 2nd ride of the day) or not wanting to max your heart rate. Best Gyms in Fontana, CA - Chuze Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Gold's Gym Rancho Cucamonga, LA Fitness, New Mind New Body Fitness, Rocked Up Gym, Blink Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness - Fontana Super-Sport, 24 Hour Fitness - Renaissance Marketplace, Crunch Fitness - Rancho Cucamonga Afterward, I realized I this concept will easily transfer to the expanse of e-bike-legal trails in the surrounding area. The motor performance is exceptional, and its also much quieter than the whiney drive unit on the Levo SL. The Levo SL weighs in at around 38 lb. For their Light eMTB, Specialized designed the compact and light SL 1.1 motor, which delivers 35 Nm torque and draws its power from a small 320 Wh battery. Specialized combine a lightweight Roval Traverse SL carbon wheelset with thin Eliminator GRID Trail tires. Previously the motor could cut out during choppy pedalling, and it also struggled to react during high-RPM bursts on technical climbs. The addition of the Fox 36 GRIP2 fork has also helped to significantly boost the Levo SLs performance on steep descents and across choppy terrain, and thats helped to narrow the gap in overall stability. Because of its length and the reduced offset fork, I did find the Rise benefits from a more assertive riding style. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The grips are fab on your hands, while the Bridge Comp saddle is deceptively comfy even if you don't spend much time sitting on it. The Levo SL requires less input to whip around, and its low weight and short chainstays means it pops up the front wheel with ease. This could be useful for those who want to train in a specific heart rate zone. The 66 head angle and 51mm fork offset provides nice and light steering, and the whole bike initiates turns easily without fuss. If I podium at Downvielle, I'll write it. Theres no discernible lag when you start or stop pedalling and the power delivery is smooth and predictable: theres no delayed kick as the electric torque engages like you get with some motors. Suspension quality and handling are also brilliant. 4.3 (87) 1540 West Rialto Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. . Pick your poison. Federgabel: RockShox Reba SL 150 mm Dmpfer: RockShox Monarch Plus RT 135 mm Pedale: BC Flatpedals Griffe: Ride Alpha DH Motor/Batterie: Specialized Custom/ Turbo 1.3 460 Wh Schaltung: SRAM NX Bremsen: SRAM Level T 200/200 mm Vorbau: Specialized Trail 55 mm Lenker: Specialized 780 mm Laufrder: Roval Traverse 27.5" Reifen: Specialized Butcher . On consistent, smooth gradients and easy days this isn't much to worry about, but on a trail with undulating terrain, the lag time between each wattage reading left me floating above or below my target range on occasion. With the tyres setup tubeless, our Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon came in at 17.84kg, without pedals. STEEP CLIMBS? No aftermarket power meter required. Really awesome article. S 125mm, M/L 150mm, XL 170mm, Specialized Trail, forged alloy, four-bolt, 5mm rise, 40mm, Specialized Butcher (f) / Eliminator (r), GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON compound, 29 x 23in. Specialized Bicycle Components Turbo Levo Manuals & Tech Content Manuals & Tech Content User Manual - 2022 Levo -English Click here for other languages User Manual - Roval Road and Mountain Wheelsets 2022 Rider/Bike Weight Limits Schematic - 2022 Levo Structural Weight Limits Torque Specifications The problem is that these rides require far more energy output from the rider than would ever be specified in a structured training regimen. Turbo Levo SL is a new, lightweight breed of eMTB that harnesses the quick and lively ride of our Stumpjumperand adds just enough power to introduce a whole new dimension of kick ass. Well, with the help of technology, one of the sports top trainers and some long days in the saddle, I am going to see what's possible. However, the weight savings have gone too far with the Fox 34 fork. In general though, total range isnt that far off full-powered e-MTBs with bigger batteries you just climb at a slower pace on the Levo SL. 2022 Specialized Levo Comp Carbon - $13,800 AUD It seems Specialized has been listening though, because this years model has ushered in a number of key updates that have actually made this flagship e-MTB a little heavier, but in our experience, a whole lot more fun on to ride. I suffered no punctures after three days of riding rocky trails, and while Id prefer SRAMs Code brakes, its G2 trail brakes worked well enough in this case. Im not a racer of any quality, but I like the idea of getting more ride time in even if youre fully smoked from a big ride. - Fox 36 GRIP2 is the fork this bike deserves There's a new Fox Float X shock, a 36 Rhythm fork, SRAM GX Eagle shifting and Code RS stoppers. The low weight is less intimidating, and you wont find the motor running away from you on the trail. There was already a lot to like about the original Specialized Levo SL Expert we tested last year. At 190cm tall, I would have preferred a bit more reach to feel comfortable descending at speed. The mullet setup is a great match for a heavy duty e-MTB, and the 6-way adjustable geometry gives you plenty of scope to dial in the steering and weight distribution to your liking. It was originally listed as a 2021 model year bike, though due to it arriving quite late in the season, Specialized will be carrying these bikes through to 2022. Theres a short 435mm reach and a fairly relaxed 75 seat angle. It also made the Levo SL feel significantly more lively, with greater mid-stroke support that kept the back end riding high through the chop and when pushing into berms and rollers at speed. I will not be losing anything because i am just there to spin. My goal with this project was to mitigate my weaknesses in skill and progress my riding. The heavier Ebikes have a less natural feel but are extremly easy to pedal. Mixed ("Mullet") wheels: 29" front, 27.5" rear. Admittedly the Float DPX2 shock doesnt feel drastically different to the DPS, but the piggyback reservoir means that the higher oil volume is more resistant to heat build-up. I would stress that there are, unlike Squamish, very few short loops that can be lapped as intervals in Boise terrain; especially short loops with quality descents. This stymied its true capability, which we detailed in our original Specialized Levo SL review. The Turbo Levo SL Experts motor is impressively smooth and refined. Adjustable geometry with six different settings; Horst link chips adjust bottom bracket height (by 7mm) and chainstay length; eccentric upper headset cups and a spherical lower bearing allow three head angle positions (63-65.5 degrees). I turned around and descended 2,400 feet, through drifting turns, rain ruts, moto-bermed corners and suspension-flexing g-outs for my cool down. There is no way this ride would have been possible, on that trail, with workout goals in mind on a motor-free mountain bike. Levo comp (alloy) 136 kg / 300 lbs. As with last years bike, Ive been testing a Medium size in the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon to suit my 175cm height. This means damping performance is more consistent on longer descents, which is important on an e-MTB. In fact, SRAM components appear elsewhere too, with the hydraulic brake disks not only looking fantastic but working to great effect, just as youd expect. 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