Specialized Levo Review | The All-New Gen 3 Levo Takes A Step Ahead Of The Pack!
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- Specialized has launched an all-new 3rd generation Levo, which features a brand new frame, improved suspension performance, adjustable geometry and a seriously quiet & very smooth motor. So how does it compare to the old model? And what about the competition?
Head here for the full in-depth review: flowmountainbike.com/tests/sp...
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2021 Specialized Levo Video
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Levo Overview
1:44 - Geometry & Handling
3:46 - Suspension Performance
4:59 - Motor & TCU
8:12 - Flow's Verdict
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Your reviews are always so good, informative, easy to understand and ultra-competent. FLOW totally rocks, well done 👍💪👍😃
I love mine! Great review chaps.
Will, the moustache is looking lit and the review is brilliant as always.
Cheers Michael!
Great review boys, 🤘
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it!
Hey guys great review! What bike rack did you use? I'm looking for one that fits the Levo. Super happy with my Levo Pro!
Great review ; since your video ; they have released the expert ; all the same goodies in a better wallet friendly package !! 👍😃
Hello there great review I’m considering one just feel confuse on right size I’m 1.77 high what y should actually recommend thanks in advice
In terms of tyres how does the asegai compare with the butcher gridline on the 3-4 day rides through rocky wet muddy assents
i see the angle of the motor looks like my 2018 levo. is there a reason they went back to that?
Despite the high cost of living it remains popular.
Hello Mick. Do you remember your 2018 red CARBON levo. Have a good look at the 2022 frame shape below seat post tube and compare to the 2018.I suspect they have returned to and upgraded the 2018 motor with its bigger stronger belt and quietest ,reliable ,powerful motor with smooth updated firmware. We were using mullets then and time has been the proof that it works well for many riders. E=Mtb²
Any idea whether soecialised will do a repaint to colour of choice ?
I bought the 2017 Expert Levo 4 years ago for $8k and I thought that was a lot of money for a bike! The Levo has certainly come a long way since however, but I'm finding it a bit hard to justify the price of these new ones. Are Specialized trying to recoop losses for all the warranty claims??
Just look at the price increase on most of the bike builds. Hell the fork is around $1.2k alone. Plus add in wireless shifting and dropper posts i can easily see why the bike is $15k for a sworks. the industry has changed a lot since 2017 as crazy as it seems. I spent 2019 to 22 not working in the industry and soo much has changed. Plus availability is going increase prices everywhere.
nice review, does it come with a bash plate?
It certainly does - the belly of the downtube and motor is protected by a heavy duty skid plate. So far ours has shrugged off a few impacts, but Mick is currently riding the snot out of the Levo on his home trails, so we'll see how it holds up through chunkier old-school ruts. [Wil]
I have Trek Rail carbon now (with Zeb 160mm). I could make it a mullet and put longer stroke shock (possibly extend Zeb to 170mm).
Or... I'm thinking about Levo Carbon now. Does it ride better? (I enjoy mainly trails going down, I also have a DH bike for bikeparks).
Also recently I started to look at Kenevo SL - 16.5-17kg without battery?! I could use it as a normal bikes sometimes ! but then, I loose half/full day battery :/
WDYT ? Is the Levo Carbon way better choice than Trek Rail ? going down, handling, etc. or any other ebike? (i don't think about 'heavy' (>23kg) bikes with 170-180mm travel, too cumbersome?)
More rake and more reach. Do we need to go down a size just to feel familiar? And by that I mean sizing seems like throwing darts with this 6 sizes setup but hey it’s only $20k if it’s nqr
Personally I don't think so Kelvyn. We got along well with the S3 size, as we did with the Medium in the previous generation Levo. The ETT is actually quite similar between the two bikes, since the seat tube angle is much steeper on the new Levo, which helps to mitigate the longer reach. If you went down a size, the cockpit would feel quite cramped as a result.
The sizing flexibility does introduce some additional complexity for the average customer though, and those customers will have to rely quite heavily on an explanation from their dealer, and their advice too. On top of that, the 'new-school' geometry approach does feel quite different on the trail, and there will be a necessary adjustment period required for anyone coming from a much older bike with a steeper head angle and shorter reach. It takes some time to recalibrate your weight distribution and cornering technique.
That all being said, I think the easiest way for you to understand S-Sizing is to first view it in the traditional format (S1 = XS, S2 = S, S3 = M, S4 = L, S5 = XL, S6 = XXL). Specialized has a recommended height range for each size, so that gets you a useful starting point. From there you can factor in your preference for a short/long cockpit based on your upper body and arm length, along with your preference for pure high-speed stability on steep trails, or nimble cornering performance through twistier singletrack.
It is a bit confusing to start with, but hopefully that helps to explain it in some way Kelvyn!
[Wil]
Hi Guys, I need some major help & quickly, I'm going to purchase the Specialized turbo Levo 3rd gen !
I live in Yorkshire Dale's in the UK, I ride mostly natural trails, & some bike park !
I've tested briefly S4 & S5 but not out on trail as there are no Demos available due to pandemic & lack of bikes ;I'm 183 cm tall, so have been throwing it around in the extensive car park not ideal & it was the non e- bike versions of the bike, near as dam it to geometry & sizing as you can get ; I need to get this right & as I'm between sizes it's a difficult one ! The S4 I felt more playful & the 5 was still playful but more planted, but there was small amounts of difference between the two ; but they were both good, you can see my predicament !
What did you go for ?
Having the same predicament for S1 and S2. Where did you land in the end? How is the size you picked?
Hi great video, I am waiting for my S3 levo comp carbon to be delivered. $6750 USD in the online winter sale. Now back up to $9k, couldn't resist my first e bike from a alloy comp epic which I love. I wanted to get my wife out more the new sizing means the S3 will fit her 5'4" and also me 5'10". So when she's out I'll be on my epic and when I'm out with my mate we will be on e bikes he's just bought a Obea H15. So it's his fault that I have pulled the trigger on the levo🤣. I was wondering how tall are you?
How is your wife finding the S3 as a 5'4" rider? I'm 5'2" and on the fence about S1 or S2 (not had a chance to try an S1 so unable to compare to an S2). What made her go for the S3 over the S2 frame?
Is the dedicated mullet set up really the future or is it making up for slacker angles ? My 2020 levo is plenty agile in the twisties.
Great question Dan! It probably depends on who you ask, but we're big fans of the mullet setup on an e-MTB. It's a great way to add agility to what is otherwise quite a heavy bike.
Whereas we found the previous 29in Levo to feel a little more 'locked in' in terms of line choice, the new Levo is noticeably more agile and willing to change direction. The rear end is quite a bit shorter, but it's the smaller 27.5in wheel that really helps the bike to initiate turns more easily, and it just rip through the corners.
In some ways the mullet setup is making up for the new Levo's extra slackness, and also the reduced offset fork - both of which have improved high-speed stability. It's this balance between high-speed rock smashing and tight-trail cornering performance that really impressed us with the new Levo. And the fact that you can adjust the head angle between 63-65.5 degrees, and you have the flip chip for tweaking the chainstay length and BB height means you have a lot of adaptability for tweaking the handling and weight distribution.
The downside of the smaller rear wheel is that you're losing some of the momentum and traction of a bigger 29in wheel. The Trek Rail is a good example of a full 29/29in e-MTB that absolutely monsters through the chunder, and we'd say that's a faster and more stable bike on rough, straight-line, off-the-brakes descents. But when things tighten up and you get lots of flip-flop, that smaller rear wheel does make a considerable difference.
Hope that helps explain!
[Wil]
Thanks for your response, Im keen to try it now🤟
Awesome review but once again $pecialized has knocked it out of the park with a ludicrous price. I'll never own one on principle, normal or e-bike.
Are we in the stage of ebikes, that a buyer should wait a few years to really get the tech/design and production curve flattened out a bit, seems like the new stuff coming out is on a vertical scale relative to making big improvements on the bikes.
Don’t think so, these companies are in the business of selling bikes, there’s always newer/better tech around the corner.
@@jamsxr true, but the beginning of the curve is steep in the E-bike realm to get to some real capacity and weight norms..Its all coming together very nicely.
Is it really 15k! Wow. That’s a lot. That’s the same amount that I bought my 2020 ktm1290r street bike for. Although no carbon fiber on the ktm. But it does have 180 hp. Lol
how tall is Will and was he satisfied with the "S3" size?
Hey there Rey - I'm 175cm tall and Mick is 178cm tall. Both of us fit the Levo really well, and I personally found it spot-on. Very comfortable, sufficiently roomy, and plenty of clearance for the stock dropper post for my 70cm BB-to-saddle height - I would likely be able to fit a slightly longer travel dropper than the stock 150mm. [Wil]
I would absolutely love an ebike but these prices are just ridiculous (it is Specialized though). Hard enough to justify a new bike, let alone an ebike.
I’m in the same boat after testing an Emtb for a few days.
I want to sell my Nukeproof Mega 290 with high end suspension like the Ext Storia and a Formula Selva shock, but nobody wants to pay a nearly decent price for it.
Until somebody buys it or trades it for his Ebike (with additional money from my side) it’ll probably stay a dream for me sadly.
Will have you ridden an S4 Gen 3 Levo at your height?
I haven't Shaun, only the S3 in the Levo. I've also ridden an S3 size in the Kenevo SL, Stumpjumper Evo and Stumpjumper. In all cases I've found the fit to be mostly on the money, and I personally wouldn't be keen for a longer reach in any of those bikes. [Wil]
Is this bike made made in the usa?
Just wondering how many people can justify the price, $20-23K, it's as much as a car. I would love to get an ebike but I will have to wait a few year's, hopefully the prices get lower, hopefully...
We worked out it's actually worth 5 times as much as my car 😬 [Wil]
You can buy a great bike for 1/4 this price, this Spec is for dentists
20-23k in kangaroo dollars..... it is only 14k Freedom Dollars. I just bought two, a Pro for the wife and an S-works for me.... without sounding like a dick (too late) if you are an adult and do adult things, which sport do you do that is not expensive? I also weekend race motorcycles and just spent near 10k on a wheelset.... hobbies are expensive. I never understand the price complaints. You don't have to buy it. The entry level Alloy will be out soon.
@@rocketssss6 golf, bowling, cricket, tennis, skating, shooting, bike riding and just about every sport has cheap entry levels. Justifying costs is relative. Any halfwit would know this. I couldn't justify a 2k bike. I'd rather spend cash on cars.
@@rocketssss6 so yeah.... I have a question for you!
Are you by chance willing to adopt a young german guy that really wants to go from his old Nukeproof Mega to a nice Emtb, after testing one for three days?
A third Levo for your new found son wouldn’t be a problem for sure, would it?
I’d even be satisfied with the cheap pro model and I’d send you a nice Christmas Card every year, Dad!
Now I just need your address to send the adoption papers to you so you could sign them.
As a bonus I’d even get the citizenship of the United States for free, which is something I wanted my whole life, since the american lifestyle is incredibly appealing to me since I’m a very young boy!
Driving amazing V8 cars, shooting guns, having barbecues and riding sick ebikes.
Man that’s definitely my dream!
Is this bike too heavy and unwieldy for trail riding in Midwest USA where we don’t have the big downhills but have lots of twists, turns and punchy climbs. Woods riding. All I ever see in the reviews anywhere are places nothing like what we have here. At 65 years old I want to ride longer each day before wearing myself out on the mile climbs.
PBI LEVO - COVER ME !!!!
But is it better than a turbo levo SL??
Good question Phil! They really are different bikes, especially now that the regular Levo has beefed up a bit and gone to a Fox 38 fork and X2 shock. It's got a lot more high-speed stability, and with the new geometry adjustments, you can set it up for basically flat-out DH and bikepark riding.
The Levo SL still prioritises weight and efficiency - you're looking at around a 5kg advantage for the Levo SL. It looks super sleek too with the smaller downtube and more compact motor. Of course the motor is significantly lower powered though. We've found it great for solo rides or rides with other folks on Levo SLs, but you do find yourself getting left behind on the really big/long climbs when riding with friends on full-power e-MTBs. The SL 1.1 motor is also noisier with a higher pitched whine compared to the Levo's 2.2 motor. But the Levo SL does offer a beautifully natural and seamless ride quality, even when you go above the motor's cutoff.
To generalise, we'd classify the Levo SL as more of a trail bike, and the Levo as more of an enduro bike. If you're looking for maximum versatility and big terrain capability, go for the Levo. But if weight and efficiency is your main concern, the Levo SL is the ticket.
Hope that helps Phil!
[Wil]
What are those pedals?
Mick is riding Shimano XTR Trail SPD pedals, and Wil is using OneUp alloy flat pedals.
Or just buy a Trek Rail for half the price with similar geo, a proper 29er and a motor that won’t blow up every 2000kms. Yes they’ve changed the belt, but that wasn’t the only thing breaking
@guacyume you’re right. The Rail is better
@@stuartdummkoph128 haven't ridden the rail, but have ridden levo, and i can say levo is excellent
Rail is half the bike! 2.2 has far more changes than a belt.
I’ve been testing one for over 3 months and I can’t kill it.
@@Kenneynrg only a Specialized fanboi would think the bike not breaking after “months” is awesome 😜. I have 7000kns on my Rail and not a glitch. The Levo is a Rail clone with a crappy mullet setup. Which is a compromise
Getting ready to have my 3rd motor replaced in 1.5 years after this motor change going to sell it ... no reliability
nice bike but ridiculous price
Get a focus Sam2 6.9 and you have two bikes in one and for half the price of the expert.
the sound is only in the right channel in the second part of the video
also i can buy a 4WD for this klkind of money!!!! INSANE!
when did biking become for the elites only
now its crazy men on 30k bikes pushing us regular bikers off our trails and leaving monster engery drinks and bongs everywhere
Got excited! But then heard the price, you gotta be smoking crack $23700🤯 and $19800.
Specialized your pricing is insane and deplorable! I don’t care how good it is! It’s just not worth that ridiculous price tag. 👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽
@Shirley Nevill yep I dont care how good it is, no bicycle is worth that!
Guaranteed to slower everywhere but up hill, it’ll be obsolete in 2 years just like the old one and you’ll be lucky to get a quarter of your money back. Go buy 2 its a bargain.
My God mate you should have lead with the price. Never ever in my life....
If you're willing to spend that much (whoever the hell you are) the SC Bullit seems the better buy surely?
Das das neue Levo viel lauter ist, bemängelt keiner. Fahrspaß wie immer, aber Motorsound "SHIT"
Horrendous rear tyre, not suitable for an Emtb
BOO!!! No motors. ebikes go away. Seriously wtf are these bike manufacturers thinking? They are bicycle manufacturers, now here they are selling motor bikes? Talk about not understanding your customers. Theyre contributing to the destruction of cycling. Greed.
What's next? eRunning shoes? They do the running for you. Then get some eLungs so you dont have to make any effort for anything ever again.