A good suggestion that works for me. Before going down a rabbit hole on your brakes, simply try MTX red racing pads. They are super grippy and they never squeal. Be sure to bed them in and give that a try before you start spending all kinds of money on rotors, etc..
I started with that link and moved to the long shock link, with a 170 fork. The long shock link is an absolute game changer, bottomless, plush and still supportive.
I made the $$$ big plunge and purchased the Cascade Linkage and the E-Storia! Also increased the travel to 170 mm on the fork.... I now have an e-powered downhill MONSTER that can ride anywhere over anything and I'm 245 lb 6'4"!!
Excellent points! Thanks!! In addtion I would like to suggest a recent upgrade I did that I am soooooo happy with. The 2024 SRAM GX wireless trans. ! I really dont care about less cables, minute weight differences or being cool with the latest wireless gadgets. But what I do care about is buttery smooth gear changes and super long-lasting chain and cassette! (Only got a few hundred miles on it but everyone tells me the life span is almost double compared to stock) . But the game changer for me was being able to change gear under full load which is saying A LOT when talking tubo levo torque! I also recommend not wasting the quan $$ on the XX or X0! The brand-new GX is virtually the same thing!
Thanks for sharing. I recently jumped on the awesome sale prices and got the base Carbon, went as cheap as I could since I already had most of the components I wanted to throw on it. Got the 700w battery for free. DT Swiss 1700 wheels, Lekkie Buzz Bars Cranks 160mm cranks, Renthal aluminum bars, Nukeproof (or Renthal) stem, Maxxis tires, Fox 38 170 performance elite fork, Float X rear, Magura MT Trail Sport using the 4 pots front and rear, sort of poormans MT7, 200mm rotors, cascade link, XTR shifter and rear derailleur. Absolutely love the bike, and was fun to build. Now I get to try and sell all the stock crap that was on there (might keep stock wheels and tires for back up). I’m at 200lbs, may look into the longer linkage and have thought about 220mm rotors.
I have mine set up with the same CC link, 38 Factory 170, -1 degree headset cup and flip chip in the high setting. Works amazing in the PNW steep and deep. 🤘🏻
I'm running Code RSC stock 200mm front and rear. I'm 220lbs no gear. I have no problems with power nor fade. I'm also running Cascade, huge difference than stock. Now I'm considering going to 170mm in the front. The Specialized tires are good in the dry but when it's wet they get caked with mud. I ripped the front with a 1" inch gash even with CushCore. Replaced it with the same but I'll definitely switch front and rear next year. I went with 5Dev 160mm and don't get strikes anymore. It took me 2 days to get used to it. Now I know I was running all my bikes with cranks that are too long. I'd say, all your upgrades are spot on. 👌
Awesome! I’ve got the same bike - love it! I’m the same - thought I would need to change the wheels but they’ve been fine. Went for trusty Assegais up front, MT7 brakes (superb), and an Ohlins TTX2 coil and the bike is sublime. Added a 30mm stem too - like it tight. Think I’m done tweaking tho - just wanting to get out and ride :-) \m/
Timely video... I'm about to pull the trigger on getting myself a brand new 2022 Levo Alloy Comp that's still sitting in a bike shop with a 30% discount. I won't be jumping towards upgrades right away because the bike won't be seeing the trails until April or May (gotta love Ontario winters!).
good one. thx! my new levo gen 3 with the new mavens is currently being built....this is helpful! if you're really curious about the angles you can get a digital level/angle finder. cheers!
On my GEN 2 Levo: XTR drivetrain. XTR brakes with Flo levers. MTX red racing brake pads. 220 mm hope floating disc rotors. Push 11 six coil suspension on the back, Vorsprung smashpot coil suspension up front. Cascade Link. Stans Flow rims, DT Swiss spokes, and Onyx Vesper hubs with ceramic bearing upgrade and custom blue anodizing. Carbon fiber bars. Hope 155 mm cranks. Shimano Saine pedals. Front tire Maxxix Assegai max grip, back tire Schwalbe Tacky Chan, Bike Yoke seatpost dropper. Ergon seat. Battery and crank smashgaurd. Oury grips. Levociraptor chip to get rid of that aweful 20mph speed limit. Did I miss anything? 😂😂
good suggestions! I recently got this bike with the sale for 3500 and extra battery. i'm light, 145 so went with the cascade link to make it 160. had a factory 36 for front and bought used CC kitsuma air, feels great. also swapped dominion brake for the front, rear doesn't matter to me as already easy to lock up, too lazy to route a new rear break line anyway. love the bike.
I’d suggest try and find an S5 Kenevo. I have since sold this bike , and have moved onto A Kenevo. Rolling on 180cm travel and a longer bike is amazing. Actually climbs better too.
I’ve seen others moving to different size chainrings. We have some pretty steep climbs where I ride, so the stock (34) works great. In our bike park setting , it’s rare I over spin , but that could be a place for a 38 for me.
Real nice rig man. I did the cascade link, miranda cranks 150mm for $80.00. I'm putting a 170mm zeb ultimate and a vivid ultimate on. Also ordered a set of roval traverse alloy. Just hope I don't need to get a true tool with them. I like the code r's, I'm the oddball.
Great video! You back to high position from low since upgrade? I went with standard CC link, 170 fork. But since a Zeb, fork is about 19mm taller than Fox 160. Ride height felt a bit tall despite taking out 10mm spacers under bars with 170 fork. Went back to stock, neutral HS cup as you did, but to low position since bike was taller than before. Missing the short CS in really tight trails and jumping, but found a low/long to be abit more stable on the DH’s (less playful) and climbing steep wet/loose traction and cornering traction some improved.
Hi Mark! very useful video and really interesting to hear a veteran like you speak well of this bike. I'm about to buy this levo expert, i weigh around 60kg, I have a good riding technique and I compete in races, which of these upgrades do you think is essential to do in my situation too? Thanks 🙏
Hi bennyyyyx. Easy…. The crank arms. All the other mods were done due to my weight. No matter your body mass , you’ll still pedal strike the 160mm cranks. I think mirida makes 152mm ones. Race face maybe something short too. The bike rides great in the low setting , but you’ll need the shorties.
we are one carbon wheels , santa cruz carbon have lifetime warrentee. The stock ones on the expert are surprisingly good. Specialized had a bad rap for years with crappy wheels and tires. I'm onto a kenevo now, and still using the stock wheels.
Beautiful bike! The same color/model I wanted but no S4’s available at the time, so went Comp model with black gloss vinyl tape all over for some protection and added shine over the dead matte black frame. Anyhoo, curious how much air you had to increase for same sag with CC link? I am 200 lbs and in fence for recommendation to long link. Currently running 246psi on my stock link and wondering how much air is required for same sag due to added progression of link. Not interested in getting a bigger shock.
I had a good chat with the Cascade components guys. They told me unequivocally to go with the long link if you weigh over 185 pounds. me being exactly 185, I decided to try the easy route and go with the classic one and keep my current shock. Worked out really well. I had a very similar amount of air pressure in there as you did, and found with the new link, I did not change it at all, it simply became more progressive with the new physics.
I got the 2023 carbon model which comes with the Rockshox 35 TK silver fork, it absolutely sucks, also doesn’t help I’m close to 300lbs. Any suggestions on what I should do? Was thinking of puting a RS Zeb on it.
Hello. I have a Levo Gen2 and very happy with my bike made a few changes on the brakes and dropper post. Which Cush Core are you using on your Levo gen 3?
I got the cascade link on yesterday and 150 cranks. Hoping I can put the 29 on the rear (it fits no problem but its centerlock so I can't figure out how to attache the magnet)
I used a six bolt adapter to make my hope floating disc rotors work on a center lock. And then I was able to get the magnet to spin on over the top of it and it fit. I felt a bit Mickey Mouse doing it but I made it work! I hope that makes sense.
@@boblatkey7160 Is there a way you can photo how you attached the magnet to the 6 bolt adapter? I purchased a specialized magnet centerlock adapter but I read on emtbr that does not fit and I have to glue magnets to the rotor and carry spare magnets and glue. I'd like to avoid that. Thank you!
I am over 80 kg and planing to buy this bike but I don't want to do the upgrades. Is there a alternative from Specialized which is suitable for my weight and I dont need to make the upgrades??
Hi there. A lot of it very much depends on how hard you are riding, and what type of trails and terrain you are mountain biking on. If you are a very aggressive rider, doing lots of side hits, jumps, drops and riding at higher velocity, and riding sustained steeps requiring a lot of break power, you will at least need to do some modifications. A lot of people have commented they are having good luck with the stock brakes with a professional brake bleed, right out of the box, and purple galfer brake pads. All the other mods are optional, and yield some additional performance gains, but certainly not total game changers.
Personally, I’d go for the Levo for the extra travel. Quite comparable otherwise. I’ve already switched up to a Kenevo for this reason. Some folks LoVe that Bosch motor, but I’ve had no issues with my brose. If you like a 29” wheel on the back , then the cube I guess. ( I believe it is a 29er? Does not really say on the web description.)
I guess I wanted a levo but at a high entry level compared to other brands. The equipment is just to crappy. Specialized is like Apple, ripping of their own customers 😢
Funny enough, I have sold this Levo and purchased a new kenevo. I've mullet-ized it, and its now everything I wanted my old levo to be and more, with minimal upgrades required. Double crown fork with 190mm travel up front, and 180mm rear travel in the rear.
I went by this guy on an acoustic bike the other day and he was super unfriendly and a total snob simply because I was riding an E bike. That attitude and behavior is super sad. Was that you by chance?
I’m 79 with cancer. I’ve been riding mtb’s since the early eighties, if I didn’t have a Levo, or similar I wouldn’t be able to ride trails anymore, would you deny me this?
Спорт
Best upgrade video I've seen. No bling upgrade just performance upgrades from a guy who really rides 👌
Thanks mate. I’m all about noticeable performance increasing upgrades. Anodized coloured bolts don’t help my bike track, hold, jump, or land better.
A good suggestion that works for me. Before going down a rabbit hole on your brakes, simply try MTX red racing pads. They are super grippy and they never squeal. Be sure to bed them in and give that a try before you start spending all kinds of money on rotors, etc..
I put them on my Turbo levo and certainly improve the braking
I started with that link and moved to the long shock link, with a 170 fork. The long shock link is an absolute game changer, bottomless, plush and still supportive.
I made the $$$ big plunge and purchased the Cascade Linkage and the E-Storia! Also increased the travel to 170 mm on the fork.... I now have an e-powered downhill MONSTER that can ride anywhere over anything and I'm 245 lb 6'4"!!
Thanks for the video!
Just got a levo and I’m going down a rabbit hole online.
Excellent points! Thanks!! In addtion I would like to suggest a recent upgrade I did that I am soooooo happy with. The 2024 SRAM GX wireless trans. ! I really dont care about less cables, minute weight differences or being cool with the latest wireless gadgets. But what I do care about is buttery smooth gear changes and super long-lasting chain and cassette! (Only got a few hundred miles on it but everyone tells me the life span is almost double compared to stock) . But the game changer for me was being able to change gear under full load which is saying A LOT when talking tubo levo torque! I also recommend not wasting the quan $$ on the XX or X0! The brand-new GX is virtually the same thing!
Thanks, I think I'll do the same... Great advice!!!
Sick, been a fan of yours for over 30 years. More eMTB videos plz!
Thanks for sharing. I recently jumped on the awesome sale prices and got the base Carbon, went as cheap as I could since I already had most of the components I wanted to throw on it. Got the 700w battery for free. DT Swiss 1700 wheels, Lekkie Buzz Bars Cranks 160mm cranks, Renthal aluminum bars, Nukeproof (or Renthal) stem, Maxxis tires, Fox 38 170 performance elite fork, Float X rear, Magura MT Trail Sport using the 4 pots front and rear, sort of poormans MT7, 200mm rotors, cascade link, XTR shifter and rear derailleur. Absolutely love the bike, and was fun to build. Now I get to try and sell all the stock crap that was on there (might keep stock wheels and tires for back up). I’m at 200lbs, may look into the longer linkage and have thought about 220mm rotors.
I have mine set up with the same CC link, 38 Factory 170, -1 degree headset cup and flip chip in the high setting. Works amazing in the PNW steep and deep. 🤘🏻
so stock your setting is 63.5, so probably 63 now with 170?
@@dft1 63, I think.
The 220 rotors help a lot. Easy performance gain for not a lot of $$.
I'm running Code RSC stock 200mm front and rear. I'm 220lbs no gear. I have no problems with power nor fade.
I'm also running Cascade, huge difference than stock.
Now I'm considering going to 170mm in the front.
The Specialized tires are good in the dry but when it's wet they get caked with mud. I ripped the front with a 1" inch gash even with CushCore. Replaced it with the same but I'll definitely switch front and rear next year.
I went with 5Dev 160mm and don't get strikes anymore. It took me 2 days to get used to it. Now I know I was running all my bikes with cranks that are too long.
I'd say, all your upgrades are spot on. 👌
Excellent information with incredible upgrades
I love the bike too! Magura M7 brakes rip too! Psyched to try and Cascade link! Thanks for the cool video!
Awesome! I’ve got the same bike - love it! I’m the same - thought I would need to change the wheels but they’ve been fine. Went for trusty Assegais up front, MT7 brakes (superb), and an Ohlins TTX2 coil and the bike is sublime. Added a 30mm stem too - like it tight. Think I’m done tweaking tho - just wanting to get out and ride :-) \m/
Timely video... I'm about to pull the trigger on getting myself a brand new 2022 Levo Alloy Comp that's still sitting in a bike shop with a 30% discount. I won't be jumping towards upgrades right away because the bike won't be seeing the trails until April or May (gotta love Ontario winters!).
Awesome !!! You’re gonna love it !!
good one. thx! my new levo gen 3 with the new mavens is currently being built....this is helpful! if you're really curious about the angles you can get a digital level/angle finder. cheers!
On my GEN 2 Levo: XTR drivetrain. XTR brakes with Flo levers. MTX red racing brake pads. 220 mm hope floating disc rotors. Push 11 six coil suspension on the back, Vorsprung smashpot coil suspension up front. Cascade Link. Stans Flow rims, DT Swiss spokes, and Onyx Vesper hubs with ceramic bearing upgrade and custom blue anodizing. Carbon fiber bars. Hope 155 mm cranks. Shimano Saine pedals. Front tire Maxxix Assegai max grip, back tire Schwalbe Tacky Chan, Bike Yoke seatpost dropper. Ergon seat. Battery and crank smashgaurd. Oury grips. Levociraptor chip to get rid of that aweful 20mph speed limit. Did I miss anything? 😂😂
That’s some serious customization !!!
good suggestions! I recently got this bike with the sale for 3500 and extra battery. i'm light, 145 so went with the cascade link to make it 160. had a factory 36 for front and bought used CC kitsuma air, feels great. also swapped dominion brake for the front, rear doesn't matter to me as already easy to lock up, too lazy to route a new rear break line anyway. love the bike.
Great thoughts and analysis, keep it up!
One thing you should do right out of the box is slow the rebound on the shock by 2 or 3 clicks, and speed up rebound on fork.
Great video. I'm in the market. I'm 6'6" at 260 and liked the way to want over weight. Thanks :)
I’d suggest try and find an S5 Kenevo. I have since sold this bike , and have moved onto A Kenevo. Rolling on 180cm travel and a longer bike is amazing. Actually climbs better too.
38T Crank ring is my favorite upgrade so far. Can really use the whole cassette now. Before I was just stuck in the highest gear.
I’ve seen others moving to different size chainrings. We have some pretty steep climbs where I ride, so the stock (34) works great. In our bike park setting , it’s rare I over spin , but that could be a place for a 38 for me.
Can I use the same chain with the 38T?
@@kayjet64 I do. I just don't have to take off as many links when I replace chains.
Real nice rig man. I did the cascade link, miranda cranks 150mm for $80.00. I'm putting a 170mm zeb ultimate and a vivid ultimate on. Also ordered a set of roval traverse alloy. Just hope I don't need to get a true tool with them. I like the code r's, I'm the oddball.
Let me know if the vivid shock fits. I have S3 frame,thanks.
thanks for making this video. I pretty much did same upgrades except the cranks. I might have to try the shorter cranks 👌🏻
You could go with 150mm. Some folks going all the way to 135mm even !
Great first vid Mark!
I really enjoyed this video man.
Great video! You back to high position from low since upgrade? I went with standard CC link, 170 fork. But since a Zeb, fork is about 19mm taller than Fox 160. Ride height felt a bit tall despite taking out 10mm spacers under bars with 170 fork. Went back to stock, neutral HS cup as you did, but to low position since bike was taller than before. Missing the short CS in really tight trails and jumping, but found a low/long to be abit more stable on the DH’s (less playful) and climbing steep wet/loose traction and cornering traction some improved.
Hi Mark! very useful video and really interesting to hear a veteran like you speak well of this bike. I'm about to buy this levo expert, i weigh around 60kg, I have a good riding technique and I compete in races, which of these upgrades do you think is essential to do in my situation too? Thanks 🙏
Hi bennyyyyx. Easy…. The crank arms. All the other mods were done due to my weight. No matter your body mass , you’ll still pedal strike the 160mm cranks. I think mirida makes 152mm ones. Race face maybe something short too. The bike rides great in the low setting , but you’ll need the shorties.
Thanks Mark i appreciate your feedback! So you're telling me it's a good enduro ebike with stock components?
Super cool - dream bike!!!
Great video…really surprised you’re on original wheelset…thought for sure you’d recommend carbon rims.
Great upgrades - what wheel upgrade would you recommend ?
we are one carbon wheels , santa cruz carbon have lifetime warrentee. The stock ones on the expert are surprisingly good. Specialized had a bad rap for years with crappy wheels and tires. I'm onto a kenevo now, and still using the stock wheels.
Beautiful bike! The same color/model I wanted but no S4’s available at the time, so went Comp model with black gloss vinyl tape all over for some protection and added shine over the dead matte black frame. Anyhoo, curious how much air you had to increase for same sag with CC link? I am 200 lbs and in fence for recommendation to long link. Currently running 246psi on my stock link and wondering how much air is required for same sag due to added progression of link. Not interested in getting a bigger shock.
I had a good chat with the Cascade components guys. They told me unequivocally to go with the long link if you weigh over 185 pounds. me being exactly 185, I decided to try the easy route and go with the classic one and keep my current shock. Worked out really well. I had a very similar amount of air pressure in there as you did, and found with the new link, I did not change it at all, it simply became more progressive with the new physics.
Carbon bars? OneUp? Made all my wrist pain go away!
Great video
I got the 2023 carbon model which comes with the Rockshox 35 TK silver fork, it absolutely sucks, also doesn’t help I’m close to 300lbs. Any suggestions on what I should do? Was thinking of puting a RS Zeb on it.
Hello. I have a Levo Gen2 and very happy with my bike made a few changes on the brakes and dropper post. Which Cush Core are you using on your Levo gen 3?
I got the cascade link on yesterday and 150 cranks. Hoping I can put the 29 on the rear (it fits no problem but its centerlock so I can't figure out how to attache the magnet)
I used a six bolt adapter to make my hope floating disc rotors work on a center lock. And then I was able to get the magnet to spin on over the top of it and it fit. I felt a bit Mickey Mouse doing it but I made it work! I hope that makes sense.
@@boblatkey7160 Is there a way you can photo how you attached the magnet to the 6 bolt adapter? I purchased a specialized magnet centerlock adapter but I read on emtbr that does not fit and I have to glue magnets to the rotor and carry spare magnets and glue. I'd like to avoid that. Thank you!
Would a Kenevo or Kenevo SL be better for you?
I am over 80 kg and planing to buy this bike but I don't want to do the upgrades. Is there a alternative from Specialized which is suitable for my weight and I dont need to make the upgrades??
Hi there. A lot of it very much depends on how hard you are riding, and what type of trails and terrain you are mountain biking on. If you are a very aggressive rider, doing lots of side hits, jumps, drops and riding at higher velocity, and riding sustained steeps requiring a lot of break power, you will at least need to do some modifications. A lot of people have commented they are having good luck with the stock brakes with a professional brake bleed, right out of the box, and purple galfer brake pads. All the other mods are optional, and yield some additional performance gains, but certainly not total game changers.
I can get the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM 750 for same price with the mt7s and maxxis assegais.
Levo turbo alloy comp or the cube?
Thanks
Personally, I’d go for the Levo for the extra travel. Quite comparable otherwise. I’ve already switched up to a Kenevo for this reason. Some folks LoVe that Bosch motor, but I’ve had no issues with my brose. If you like a 29” wheel on the back , then the cube I guess. ( I believe it is a 29er? Does not really say on the web description.)
Ya that’s been my only gripe
Wish the Levo was 29er’ instead of mullet.
Yes cube is 29er
Thanks bro
I guess I wanted a levo but at a high entry level compared to other brands. The equipment is just to crappy. Specialized is like Apple, ripping of their own customers 😢
Just buy a decoy
Funny enough, I have sold this Levo and purchased a new kenevo. I've mullet-ized it, and its now everything I wanted my old levo to be and more, with minimal upgrades required. Double crown fork with 190mm travel up front, and 180mm rear travel in the rear.
Yuck.
Are you a snob on the trail too?
@@boblatkey7160 Don't harrass me. I don't like the brand.
Best upgrade is to get rid of the motor.
Thanks caveman👍
There’s one in every crowd
I went by this guy on an acoustic bike the other day and he was super unfriendly and a total snob simply because I was riding an E bike. That attitude and behavior is super sad. Was that you by chance?
I’m 79 with cancer. I’ve been riding mtb’s since the early eighties, if I didn’t have a Levo, or similar I wouldn’t be able to ride trails anymore, would you deny me this?