This is something I have been considering doing to my Levo once I retire it from e-enduro racing (I have short legs so the 27.5 is great for steep but rub clearance lol). If you try this at home, just be sure you go with a 2.3ish tire (maybe some 2.4s depending on tread type) also take it to your Specialized dealer and have them change the wheel size in the system so you don't lose out on that top end speed via the sensor.
I have full 29 on my Gen 3 Levo in size S3. I just put the bottom bracket in the long position. I also upgraded to a FOX DHX Coil and a 170 mm Fox 38. The bike is an absolute ripper.
I have a turbo levo alloy 2022. That thing is just awesome. I upgraded to carbon wheels 27.5 front and rear. It’s the most playful bike I have ridden so far. Try it if you like. Doing just fine at anything the trails offer in Va. 🎉
@@OtterMTBtech not that I have noticed. But I love it. I have not dropped the bike from more than 2-3 feet yet and it’s seems to be doing fine hopping logs etc. I feel a lot more control doing switchbacks and the bike is simply more playful in my opinion
Weird putting a 29 on this bike. Its great as a mullet and makes the heavy less cumbersome. 29 is good if you’re not doing anything gnarly and just sticking with mellow trails
Mate, I don’t wanna hate on you, but I tried this the other day and it’s possibly the worst bike I’ve ever ridden with a 29 wheel at the back and that’s coming from a guy that has raised Junior worlds before. Put your 27.5 wheel back. Im sure the multi million dollar design team at their head office designed the bike to be mullet for a reason.
It’s because e bikes are heavier and can be harder to handle because of the additional weight. The smaller rear tire increases the handling ability and so they’ve tried it on this bike specifically.
Why do they run 2 different wheel sizes? Because it's faster and handles better. Asymmetric wheel sizes used to by banned by the union cycliste internationale because they provide a competetive advantage. Once they lifted the ban in 2019, pro teams immediately started using the asymmetrical setup and started winning races. Now most major players use asymmetric tires sizes; Specialized, Trek, Santa Cruz, Cannondale, Canyon, Giant, the list goes on.
I have a 2021 Turbo levo Comp and was thinking of getting a newer 2022 or 2023 model . But I don't want the small 27.5 back wheel and I prefer my Shimano drivetrain and brakes. I have a 700 kw battery. I really don't see any incentive to buy a newer bike .
nice video. I am looking for and full ebike enduro. I have the Kenevo SL, I was thinking to get the full kenevo or the Canyon torque on 2023. What do you think? thanks
I just checked out that Torque $5400 is a deal, but personally I do not like the Shimano motor. its clanks and it kinda weak. I have full power Kenevo and love it I can change it to any wheel size great motor. Suspension a bit sloppy compared to kenevo SL. Torque might just be a pedal strike nightmare. ruclips.net/video/IG5-vvk79B4/видео.html
Kenevo sl is the bollocks, had a levo both gen 1 and gen 1SL, the Kenevo sl ( based on Enduro rather than Stumpjumper geometry) smashes both of them. It’s genuinely the quiver killer.
@@OtterMTBtech it's probably not noticeable. There is a magnet on the rear disc. It calculates the RPM based on circumference. A 29 would have less revolutions per mile than a 27.5, but you wouldn't notice it. One way to tell would record ride on the TCU Mastermind, then also record it using Strava to see if the distances are the same. I have heard of people hacking the limiter on the motor by changing the wheel size reading. But that's beyond my comprehension.
I am 6’3”. This is just my interpretation. Anything less than 180mm of travel, I find to ride better in a smaller size. E-bikes break all the rules. It really helps to have a smaller e bike. You can maneuver it better on the trail, and in the air, it’s much easier to make a smaller bike feel bigger with a larger stem and handlebar. Whereas wearing an extra large is much harder to feel smaller. On the other end of the spectrum, my favorite bike of all time is a Kenevo S5. It has a super short seat tube and a super long wheelbase low Bb. This bike is all about speed, but struggles with maneuverability on tight trails and doesn’t jump as well as a smaller bike. You and I might look a bit ridiculous riding a size large, but look at Jack Moir - he rode a size small in the past for Euro trails. Best to try both sizes out at least in the parking lot
@@Talos353 4 trail and all mountain bikes like the Levo I find them better in size large. Nimble and better for tight trails. I have a Enduro and Kenevo in S5, love both. Rode many bikes back to back in large and XL. The large usually usually rides better. Last bike Fantic 1.7 was a large 460 reach. VERY SMALL BIKE. 800 bars 60mm stem felt dialed. That brand didn’t even make a XL Bike. It was the king of hiking trails and switch backs
That mud guard is there to stop stones from getting between your linkage and the suspension punching said stone through your carbon frame. 😂
Thanks captain obvious 😎
@OtterMTBtech wasn't really for you. More for any viewer that might think this was a good idea only to destroy their bike and warranty by copying it.
Valid point about the warranty, I’m not the last to 29er it. Rides better
Agreed, bad move to remove that guard.@@barryholt3526
@@OtterMTBtech there's a flip chip right there!! its made for 29
This is something I have been considering doing to my Levo once I retire it from e-enduro racing (I have short legs so the 27.5 is great for steep but rub clearance lol). If you try this at home, just be sure you go with a 2.3ish tire (maybe some 2.4s depending on tread type) also take it to your Specialized dealer and have them change the wheel size in the system so you don't lose out on that top end speed via the sensor.
Let’s start over thanks for feedback. Saw your videos in Portland area if you want collab on a video 😎
@@OtterMTBtech Yeeesss, that would be fun!
I have full 29 on my Gen 3 Levo in size S3. I just put the bottom bracket in the long position. I also upgraded to a FOX DHX Coil and a 170 mm Fox 38. The bike is an absolute ripper.
Agree, finally someone did something
Carbon mullet rims and a coil… TTX with Cane Creek progressive spring…. trust me. 👌 Crazy fast, crazy contact, turns like a sparrow
How’s the small bump on the ttx
@@OtterMTBtech Awesome - can’t beat a cook for SMS :-) New Rockshox coil is meant to have great progression too but haven’t tried it
Dude awesome info. Where were you riding? Looks like great trails! Hope it’s Colorado! Thanks!
It’s outside of Boise. Nice place
Can this bike go faster?
I have the comp alloy no need for Master Mnd this bike goes for much longer than I can.
I got that display on my Kenevo. Love it in stealth mode. Have you tried that setting?
@@OtterMTBtech have not tried it, but I will.
I have a turbo levo alloy 2022. That thing is just awesome. I upgraded to carbon wheels 27.5 front and rear. It’s the most playful bike I have ridden so far. Try it if you like. Doing just fine at anything the trails offer in Va. 🎉
interesting. BB not to low?
@@OtterMTBtech not that I have noticed. But I love it. I have not dropped the bike from more than 2-3 feet yet and it’s seems to be doing fine hopping logs etc. I feel a lot more control doing switchbacks and the bike is simply more playful in my opinion
Weird putting a 29 on this bike. Its great as a mullet and makes the heavy less cumbersome. 29 is good if you’re not doing anything gnarly and just sticking with mellow trails
Actually the bigger wheel feels better on chunky trail doesn’t fall in the holes. Small wheel felt better in the corners.
best ebike reviews!!! OTTER SPORTS IS #1
😎
Mate, I don’t wanna hate on you, but I tried this the other day and it’s possibly the worst bike I’ve ever ridden with a 29 wheel at the back and that’s coming from a guy that has raised Junior worlds before. Put your 27.5 wheel back. Im sure the multi million dollar design team at their head office designed the bike to be mullet for a reason.
Shoot my bad forgot, most riders are pro level athletes on World Cup tracks
Do the same review but with the flip chip n maybe headset cup to slack
Borrowed bike, so won’t be able to
Why did they Frankenstein the bikes with 2 different size wheels?
Because 29 is faster
It's honestly the reason I won't buy it
@@dixienormis3614I will never go back to same size wheels mx is way better why you think motocross bikes have been doing it for years
It’s because e bikes are heavier and can be harder to handle because of the additional weight. The smaller rear tire increases the handling ability and so they’ve tried it on this bike specifically.
Why do they run 2 different wheel sizes? Because it's faster and handles better. Asymmetric wheel sizes used to by banned by the union cycliste internationale because they provide a competetive advantage. Once they lifted the ban in 2019, pro teams immediately started using the asymmetrical setup and started winning races. Now most major players use asymmetric tires sizes; Specialized, Trek, Santa Cruz, Cannondale, Canyon, Giant, the list goes on.
I have a 2021 Turbo levo Comp and was thinking of getting a newer 2022 or 2023 model . But I don't want the small 27.5 back wheel and I prefer my Shimano drivetrain and brakes. I have a 700 kw battery. I really don't see any incentive to buy a newer bike .
I had a ‘21 comp. Greet bike. Only Fell short on really rowdy trails. New Levo has only subtle changes, like a Tacoma in 2016 better motor etc.
I don't get why it was slower with the 27.5" rear. How much did this affect your Geo? Did it just make it like a Gen 2 Levo?
Carries speed better
nice video. I am looking for and full ebike enduro. I have the Kenevo SL, I was thinking to get the full kenevo or the Canyon torque on 2023. What do you think? thanks
I just checked out that Torque $5400 is a deal, but personally I do not like the Shimano motor. its clanks and it kinda weak. I have full power Kenevo and love it I can change it to any wheel size great motor. Suspension a bit sloppy compared to kenevo SL. Torque might just be a pedal strike nightmare. ruclips.net/video/IG5-vvk79B4/видео.html
@@OtterMTBtech I guess you are right. How bad is the shimano ep8?
Kenevo sl is the bollocks, had a levo both gen 1 and gen 1SL, the Kenevo sl ( based on Enduro rather than Stumpjumper geometry) smashes both of them. It’s genuinely the quiver killer.
Is that my loaner bike?😂😂
😎
Chainstay on low or high ?
Just checked it was in high and the mud guard had to come out to fit it.
Torn between Levo Carbon Comp or Meta Power SX Bosch any insight?
I’d skip both and get a long travel bike. Happy with old a Kenevo. Levo good bike never tried Commencal
Hello! Greetings from Brazil. What is the diference between the motor 2.1 for 2.2?
2.2 is half a kilo lighter and has a better engagement. Hardly noticeable both of them
@@OtterMTBtech thanks bro
Changing the rear wheel size is going to mess with the control unit.
Yes and no. I have been on a Kenevo 29er for 2 years. Haven’t noticed anything different, it comes 27.5
@@OtterMTBtech it's probably not noticeable. There is a magnet on the rear disc. It calculates the RPM based on circumference. A 29 would have less revolutions per mile than a 27.5, but you wouldn't notice it.
One way to tell would record ride on the TCU Mastermind, then also record it using Strava to see if the distances are the same.
I have heard of people hacking the limiter on the motor by changing the wheel size reading. But that's beyond my comprehension.
Do you have to change settings on the size of wheel in Mission Control app when doing this
Didn’t seems fine
What rear tire are you using. I thought nothing would fit
Maxxis 2.5 Assegai. You have to remove the mud guard. And that was S5 maybe not work on smaller.
Do you know what this bike weighs out of the box?
Under 55lbs
Nice vid. How tall are you? I think I would also need an S5 at 6'2" but I might be able to ride an S4
I am 6’3”. This is just my interpretation. Anything less than 180mm of travel, I find to ride better in a smaller size. E-bikes break all the rules. It really helps to have a smaller e bike. You can maneuver it better on the trail, and in the air, it’s much easier to make a smaller bike feel bigger with a larger stem and handlebar. Whereas wearing an extra large is much harder to feel smaller.
On the other end of the spectrum, my favorite bike of all time is a Kenevo S5. It has a super short seat tube and a super long wheelbase low Bb. This bike is all about speed, but struggles with maneuverability on tight trails and doesn’t jump as well as a smaller bike. You and I might look a bit ridiculous riding a size large, but look at Jack Moir - he rode a size small in the past for Euro trails. Best to try both sizes out at least in the parking lot
@@OtterMTBtech Cool. I'll be sure to test ride both sizes. I appreciate the advice!
@@OtterMTBtech So sounds like you would prefer the S4 at 6'3 or am I misunderstanding? Would think the S5 to be perfect at your height.
@@Talos353 4 trail and all mountain bikes like the Levo I find them better in size large. Nimble and better for tight trails. I have a Enduro and Kenevo in S5, love both. Rode many bikes back to back in large and XL. The large usually usually rides better. Last bike Fantic 1.7 was a large 460 reach. VERY SMALL BIKE. 800 bars 60mm stem felt dialed. That brand didn’t even make a XL Bike. It was the king of hiking trails and switch backs
@@OtterMTBtechinteresting .. I ride an XL trek jumps great wonder how a Large Levo would feel. Scared to downsize
Sending it! Is this Ohio?
😎
Heckler > all
who needs all the engineers over at specialized who spec'd a 27"...
It’s about options. I’m polyamorous like all wheel sizes. Levo SL is both wheels now 🤷♂️
YOU were slow buddy, you were slow
Duh, that’s why I needed the bigger wheel