I love e biking. I was completely sold on the product when they were first launched (even though I had my balls busted by the masses and the presenter on this here channel). However, fuck knows what tree they are plucking their pricing structure from. It's insane.
I'm 63, was still riding my ten-year old Stumpjumper, and had to cut my riding down to once or twice a week because of knee pain. It became a miserable experience. I purchased my Levo SL two weeks ago and have completely fallen back in love with Mt. biking. Fantastic handling, the perfect amount of aided power and best of all--no more knee pain. I've been riding six days a week now. I'm exploring, riding faster, and again look forward to going out. I'm getting to know all the fantastic trails around my Hurricane home and absolutely love it. Thanks Specialized.
I have the Turbo Levo Expert, my wife the Levo Comp Carbon and we love them. The bike is a solid, capable mountain climber and nibble all at the same time. I am a taller and larger rider so I appreciate the extra power but the new SL will fit the bill for many, especially new eBike riders. For those naysayers to eBikes I suggest you ride one. Yes they are somewhat costly but the joy you gain and the trails you can conquer will astound you. Specialized makes a great bike be it mountain or road, eBike or not and my wife and I have both of each. Try the new SL, or the full blown Levo, you will not be disappointed.
That noise 😩😩😩 I’m so proud of my very quiet Brose motor. Now they have their own noisy whinny high pitch annoying motor. That’s a game changer on the negative side for me!
I love the sound personally but unfortunately the newest Bosch CX is quieter than my previous generation one, and it’s the same story for most of the others so I’m going to have to lose that at some point.
I'm appreciating the fact that Specialized seems to be settling in on this Side-Arm frame design for their E-Bikes. It's reassuring to know that my 2020 LEVO won't look outdated any time soon.
Bought it, love it. Maybe the best bike I’ve ridden. As much snap out of corners as my evil offering and power to take the sting out of any climb. Biggest overlooked point compared to my 19 Levo is if it’s turned off there is no resistance, it totally decouples. I could pedal it out of anywhere with the 1x12. The OG levo is a bit of a pig to fly home dead stick
Only gone and won one of these bikes on a facebook raffle page for 99p.👌👌 could not have timed that winner any better with being furloughed in work for now and the weather here in north wales is great for a change.put a smile back on my face i tell you...i never win on anythin usually 😁😁
I have the Levo and really like the Turbo mode, and the range is great ! especially with the 700wh battery. Specialized is going after the more hardcore Mnt bikers with the SL. I would rather have the power versus the lighter bike, but glad there are options for almost everyone.
Kudos to Specialized for expanding the e-mtn bike appeal with the Levo SL. Will have to try one out but really don't see me abandoning my Kenevo Expert anytime soon.
I’m a Levo sl kind of a rider, in saying that I believe and it will only get better so willing to wait a few more years before jumping into e mtbikes. In a few years all this current stuff will be very obsolete, there looks to be a significant amount of technical improvements still to come. Lighter, smaller engines and the same for the batteries.
Lots of comments about the exorbitant costs of entry for Levo’s. Give it a couple years, the rest of the industry will catch up and tech will be more affordable. The big S decided to get out front and invest heavily in R&D. Those costs are passed down to consumers, but you’ll appreciate this innovation when your favorite bike company copies much of this tech and design and unveil a rig you may like and purchase. Good times are ahead and we may just be able to afford something like this SL in no time at all. Yes, the Sworks is ridiculously priced, but what they have come up with will provide a map for great stuff to cone. Kudos Specialized.
The bike looks awesome. But sorry the price for specialized bikes is way to much compared to other Brands with the same or better specs. Take Canyon or yt for example.
I have to agree, I test rode the specialize and the Rortwield both costing between 8 and 10 thousand Swiss francs I then tested the Canyon Spectral ON 6.0 and love it straight away a very capable bike and super fun to ride, I bought the end of year sale 2019 model for 3900 CHF you can't beat that for value for money.
Everyone loves bagging the pricing but they forget if u buy the alloy base model it’s pretty much in accordance with the rest of the ebikes out there . I love my alloy base model
I ride an S-Works 2017 Turbo Levo 6 Fattie. It is a strong as a Sherman-Tank yet still handles like my older Stumpjumper. It is HEAVY; 22.5kg. The weight makes a difference getting it on-off my car rack, or if I ever find myself having to ride with a flat battery. But I have only run out of battery twice in 3 years' riding. I always ride with my bike set on Eco settings, never using the extra power for climbing that is available on the higher powered settings. This is because I want peddle-assist. I'm 68 years old, I weigh about 87kg and want to try keeping up with my son aged 41 and his younger lighter fitter mates. But I still want a decent work-out. I usually get 4-5 rides of about 1.5-to-2 hours duration out of a single charge of my battery. These rides are in our local mountain bike parks such as Mt Stromlo, Majura Pines or Bruce Ridge here in Canberra. So there is a fair mix of solid climbing over rocky jump-ups etc. as well as fast technical descents. So I understand why the Specialized Turbo Levo SL was invented. Lots of people like me never want to use peddle assist in higher modes than ECO. We want help from our bikes when climbing. We want the buzz you can get from fast uphill-flow. But we also want a hard physical workout to get the adrenalin pumping and the endorphins firing. Plus, we want the nimbleness of handling and the authentic enduro/all-terrain mountain bike feel of a proper bike like a Stumpjumper. I can ride down all but the most competitive full-on big air down hill. It'd be nice if our bikes weighed a little less than the 22.5kg Turbo Levo. So yeah, a Turbo Levo SL makes sense. What worries me is range. Occasionally I take my 2017 Turbo Levo 6 Fattie on all day rides over much longer distances; e.g. 125km/day. The battery capacity on my existing bike easily allows me to do this. I've tried it and I've proved it. I'd be scared that the Turbo Level SL would fade to zero power before the full-day's riding was complete.
Yeah really like the look of it....I have a Levo now and stay mostly in eco and trail....big long rides are what I got it for....the price of the new bike is tasty but that's ok....in time it will all come down....no different to any other tech....nice one Jonesy
My Levo has been in for warranty repairs, new motor, new wiring etc. for eight (8) weeks of my 15 months of ownership. Currently just sitting in the shop waiting for a new motor. Buyer beware. I have also been told not to ride it in the rain or any resulting damage will not be covered by warranty. LOL. Dry weather MTB. Lucky I live in Australia and rain is rare.
I had trouble with my Levo hard tail to a point where I was allowed to swap makes... I went for a Cube Reaction SL.... Ive had my fair share of problems with that... I don't hammer trails hence that's why I got a hard tail...my latest problem is slow charging and battery life...its still under warranty. Im kinda sick so much I'm thinking about going back to a non ebike.
That's some bad luck! Luckily Specialized offers one of the best warranty programs in the cycling industry. Full info can be found here 👉 www.specialized.com/warranty
Warranty is not as good as having a bike to ride. Also being told to avoid wet rides or the warranty wont apply is not ideal either. I think they are the Jaguar of MTBs if you can afford two one will always be on the road.
Light is the way to go in my opinion. My Canyon Neuron: On was out of service for a few rides and I went back to my old non-electric bike. I loved its lightness and feel. Back on the electric again and I regret the weight. I don't use Boost much and you have to go a long way to drain the battery. So good idea, but insane pricing.
First of all good story Steve, After many ebike tests I settled on the Levo. great bike and great ride. I understand why Specialized are doing this however I bought an ebike to go uphill and over everything fast so I can go downhill and get back up again and for exploring new trails. From your test over the rock I see the new SL is wanting a little bit on that type of terrain compared to powering over with the Levo. It would struggle on your some of local tests you guys do at the channel. (Just to let you know in Australia the new SL Levo SWorks Carbon is $19k so it will only attract a small piece of the market. As you know not every Ebiker rolls in money.)
This lower power E Bike will be the next type that I get. I speak from some experience having a "normal" Stumpjumper and Merida 900E E Mtb bike. The full power is fun BUT I use a low to mid setting almost ALL of the time. Interesting that they say the range is same as heavier bike. I would like you guys to test that theory.!! If that is the case the range with the battery extender would be fantastic!
I'm a little on the fence with this one as the SL is without doubt the result of tons of talented people investing in our sport to make it more accessible to more people. The main issue as below is price. The cost of R&D is very high and it seems Specialized have taken a McLaren approach to a mass market. But this aside the bike is a fabulous piece of software and mechanical integration. I've always been a fan of Spesh - since the old M2 frame days; still very much enjoy the ride and feel of my Enduro 29er along with super support from the company. An alternative to an 8K "Mid spec" bike is to buy an 'analogue' and eMTB; for example a YT Capra and YT Decoy come in at a similar budget to the mid range SL. Rock the Capra when you want agile, pump and jump and to be with 'analogue' mates and hit the Decoy when you want the uphills to be as inane as the downhills. Alternatively look to the online companies that produce superb bikes are very reasonable costs; The Spectral:On (that the EMBN guys are also regularly seen on); the highly proposed E-sommet, Radon render etc. All of which will get you into quality Emtb with upgrade potential for the mid £3ks. Dipping my toe into the world of Emtb I have a cheap, more ugly but very capable eMTB which is basically an original eCrafty Clone from DiamondBack. But with a few tweaks (and don't we love tweaking) its turned into a 22kg tough go anywhere EMTB for sub £3k. Perhaps my point is its horses for courses. Laud Spesh for designing a beautiful bike, but at the same time realise there are much less expensive ways to get into quality eMTB riding to compliment your analogue MTB fun; the guys on this channel have shown us how this can be achieved. Whatever you ride - enjoy it and revel in the fact our sport is developing so fast; this technology will trickle down.
Specialized is really rocking the eMTB market (and ebike market with the Creo). Turbo Levo changed the entire market and now this bike blazes the trail again. Well done Specialized!! I'll stay with my 2018 Turbo Levo for now, but I can't wait to see what is coming out from Specialized in the future. For now, the Creo is my intense object of desire. Just a word about Haibike - they had the market nailed back in 2018 when they intro'ed the Flyon. But they really screwed it up - failure to execute and late to market and then lots of disappointed has given Specialized a once in a life time opportunity with eMTB.
This is what I've been looking for, an electric bike that doesnt feel like a heavy tank and still feels like a normal trail bike. Only problem is the price is madness. $14,300 NZD for the Expert Carbon. It cost me $6600 for my Comp Carbon Stumpjumper which has very similar if slightly lower spec. So essentially theyre charging ~$6000 just for the small motor and battery. Specialized are turning into Apple which is both a compliment and an insult.
I only have a limited time on the planet. If I want a thing to ride and keep me active, then why not. I am not saving it for my funeral. I consider - what is a year of life worth to me and is that what this thing can give me in the long run.
How is it that you can buy a motorcycle with turn signals, fuel tank, internal combustion engine, transmission, digital gauges, larger alloy wheels etc versus an e-bike with a battery and small electric motor and the e-bike can cost more money? For example, a 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650R is $7,400 and the S-works Turbo Levo SL is $20,000. WTF
Cause all those things you listed are really inexpensive? Especially since the 650 is a bargain motorcycle. Also, they dont compete for customers so their prices are totally unrelated.
DCassidy42 it’s mass production and development, 100 bikes vs millions of motorbikes, also basic components of all bikes cars engines are the same. These by technologies are new compared
DCassidy42 yes absolutely ,ices are unbelievably cheap to produce .what do you think costs more a cheap heavy part or a cheap light part.Or in other words what is cheaper ,a very light strong bike frame or a heavy strong bike frame.When the engine (cheap) produces 50+ horsepower frame weight is irrelevant.When it produces 250w in ultra lightweight form and a frame that is designed to be light and `take the hits that mtbs take it will take a lot more thought and tech than a heavy no thought frame.
Personally I’d prefer to have the full EMTB rather than the SL but I’m glad it exists. It’ll probably appeal to quite a few people who have the money to get the lightest one.
Nicely ridden, it points to the next regular Levo being 48 volt, 750 watts with an extender battery option Now what Specialized need to give us a legitimate way to download 20mph speed limit for “off road use” As for this new motor, not sure about the noise, otherwise excellent
The Levo SL comp is actually $550.00 more than the Turbo Levo comp. I have a 2020 Levo comp and wouldn't give up the extra power and torque of the Brose motor for the lower powered version (Levo SL). I love being able to climb the steepest trails I would normally walk on a non ebike. I would like high powered ebikes to get somewhere under 40lbs with a higher capacity battery someday. At the moment I'll just keep enjoying my Turbo Levo Comp as it's so much fun.
Come on EMBN seriously, I know Specialized are one of your main sponsors and you have to jump through hoops for them but 11K for the S works model WTF!!!. 5K starting price for a very basic model. So its now clear that Specialized think everyone are millionaires! Get bloody real for gods sake!!
Whilst we can all agree that pricing is astonishing . . . what do you want EMBN to say or do? Serious question . . . would you rather they only showcased "affordable" ebikes? Then you'd have to define what is affordable. Plus you have to realise we are witnessing the upward ramp on the bell curve with this technology and there are a lot of early adopters that are making it possible for this technology to be come available at more affordable prices to a much a much larger group of potential customers.
@@daviddunlop7448 Its a well known fact that you have to brag up your sponsors, that's understandable to a point. Embn must be aware of all the negative comments relating to Specialized pricing and affordability. Yes you are correct that you have to keep up with the expanding tech and all that stuff but to say that this bike is available in XS for kids so the whole family can have one each!! WTF. I absolutely love my E-bike and it has transformed my riding over the last 18 months but you have to market your channel at NORMAL people too who work bloody hard all week to support their family and earn a AVERAGE wage! I bet the percentage of subscribers to EMBN that could literally walk to the dealer tomorrow and buy that is very bloody low! Just my thoughts!!!
@@stephenbattenbough8790 I would bet that the people who buy this bike dont watch anything or do any research at all. They go into the specialized store, and ask for the most expensive ebike.
Rode a Levo SL this morning. Got to take it up a short but steep (it hits 20% in one spot) dirt path near the shop. No problem, yes it was a bit more effort than a full power Levo but not a problem and I’m an old guy. Again a bit louder but still quieter than the rest.
StrikeForce MTB I was lucky that they did a Lappiere and Haibike demo weekend at Bedgebury Forest near me so I got a good run out on the E-Zesty. I have the Lappiere Overvolt full fat ebike and really noticed the difference in weight and then handling. I definitely think that when I change mine I’ll go for that format, the half strength motor/battery but lighter weight. 👍🏻
The whole family can go out for a ride together!!!, Yeah, if they have £40,000+ spare to spend of bicycles which will then potentially cost them a £1,000 a year per bike for servicing costs (tyres, chains, etc.). Seriously!!. I stopped myself from buying an eMTB last year as I think the technology has some way to go, as has the cost (they need to be way cheaper). I won't be spending my hard earned cash on an eMTB until the ownership and running costs come down to more sensible prices. In the mean time I shall just enjoy riding my analogue hard tail. :)
Hey guys, awesome video thank you. I have the 2020 SWorks and have now just had my 4th motor in 3 months (1300kms). Any idea if Brose are going to make a 2.2 motor with improvements, please? FYI, Motors were replaced for the following issues. Software problem, 2 x clutch issues (sticking) and noisy bearings. Cheers and keep up the great hard work. 👍
Leave it to Specialized to continue pushing the E-Bike envelope. It's always refreshing to enjoy these EMBN reviews that don't contain a whole lot of footage of just the bike's bar & front wheel. LUV this channel 👍🏽‼️
The grass is always greener on the other side I guess, but you said it well, my ebike is 24 kilos and it descends like a downhill bike, in return, I do a full workout making that thing jump, turn, or climb (walking) carrying the bike on my bike, so yeah, preference is the thing. Have a nice day:)
Lightweight, but easier to ride uphill? Oh yeah, that my Giant Trance Advanced. But Downhill blasting, stable, and the almost moto-x bike turbo when I want it, thats my Kenevo. And as a side note I bought a new 2019 in 2020 and shaved thousand$ off the price.
looked at several reviews now and no one is raving about this bike which to me says it all. The price and noisy motor ( why didn't they go belt drive?? ) are serious negatives. Previously we've been told by this channel and others that weight isn't such a big issue on an e-bike and suddenly it is! There would have to be a significant improvement in handling and fun over the levo to make it worthwhile and that doesn't appear to be coming through in the reviews. I guess the only way to be sure is to try it out and then decide.
I would be really tempted to buy this Levo SL although it's extremely expensive compared to other top of the range E-MTB's. But there is one very important detail missing: It is not possible to take it to nice places like Stellenbosch as in this video because of it's 320MAh internal battery. If this battery would come in 2 halves of 160MAh each the batteries could come with me in my carry-on luggage legally. Therefore unfortunately only a 👎 unless Specialized manages to change this important detail.
Hey EMBN, i have a suggestion, what about showcasing some of the new 2020 AFFORDABLE ebikes?? Instead of something this overpriced. Maybe you could start with Radon bikes👀🤷🏽♂️
I am a mechanical design engineer and am concerned the hype is glossing over a key point and buyers are being misinformed. Let me summarise. Turbo Levo vs SL Levo range is not similar if rider output is matched. And this is not explained enough. Sure a fit rider working much harder can match the range of a average guy, but that is often glossed over. Look at the maths: 4 kg weight savings over bike,rider and gear weight of lets say 100kg is a 4% improvement of range on uphill. With riders of equal averaged leg output - say 200W, and equal motor output, say 200W ( a turbo levo on eco with a 700 WHr battery , and a SL on high output with a 340 Hhr battery) on a long trip together. That would be a fair comparison. The 700Whr battery should take its bike about twice as far (less the 4%). If it does not then the belt driven Brose motor may be less efficient and may be a factor - this would be worth exposing. I am not at all against the SL - I just want to hear some good journalism from someone.
Interesting addition and maybe the start of them moving away from Brose. Useful that it's water proof. Negative, expensive & motor sounds noisy. Make it half the price & they're on to a winner.
I did not watch the video completely but have watched others. But with their lowest build coming in at $6500+ and that "Founders Edition" at $16,525.00 US.... OH HELL NO!!!!
Looks a lovely bike but I will still buy the titanium hardtail with a pinion gearbox and pocket the rest of the wonga. Maybe when I'm older the technology will have moved on and the prices will have fallen
Like the idea of a mini e bike but 5 grand for a base model 😯 no 27.5 option ether, also why does it only have a fox 34 and guide/G2 brakes. Stumpjumper has a 36 and codes makes no sense
I thought this would eventually happen, great opportunity to reduce weight and cost. Boy, was I wrong. Just another opportunity to grab more money. Maybe other players will do the right thing.
For me it's the lack of the stiff and precise tracking of the Fox 36 up front being replaced by the flexy Fox 34, and Specialized do not recommend fitting the 36, shame.
What do you think of the new Levo SL? Let us know 👇
Electric Mountain Bike Network typical boring overpriced Specialized
Looks awesome, but I just ordered a kenevo comp otherwise I think that is a good choice
I love e biking. I was completely sold on the product when they were first launched (even though I had my balls busted by the masses and the presenter on this here channel).
However, fuck knows what tree they are plucking their pricing structure from. It's insane.
If i need short time to go uphill why should i need an ebike for downhill rides, too crazy,
I’m thinking 🤔 that u think money grows on actual trees 🌳!
I'm 63, was still riding my ten-year old Stumpjumper, and had to cut my riding down to once or twice a week because of knee pain. It became a miserable experience. I purchased my Levo SL two weeks ago and have completely fallen back in love with Mt. biking. Fantastic handling, the perfect amount of aided power and best of all--no more knee pain. I've been riding six days a week now. I'm exploring, riding faster, and again look forward to going out. I'm getting to know all the fantastic trails around my Hurricane home and absolutely love it. Thanks Specialized.
Great review! Even at 72 years of age, I went with the SL. Have ridden more in the past ten days than I had for all of last year...LOL
Bikes for all the family, I've got 3 kids and a wife.... would need a mortgage lol
need about 50 grand wot a joke .
I have the Turbo Levo Expert, my wife the Levo Comp Carbon and we love them. The bike is a solid, capable mountain climber and nibble all at the same time. I am a taller and larger rider so I appreciate the extra power but the new SL will fit the bill for many, especially new eBike riders. For those naysayers to eBikes I suggest you ride one. Yes they are somewhat costly but the joy you gain and the trails you can conquer will astound you. Specialized makes a great bike be it mountain or road, eBike or not and my wife and I have both of each. Try the new SL, or the full blown Levo, you will not be disappointed.
That noise 😩😩😩 I’m so proud of my very quiet Brose motor. Now they have their own noisy whinny high pitch annoying motor. That’s a game changer on the negative side for me!
Ozy Mark that‘s also what i thought
It sounds like a powerwheels
I love the sound personally but unfortunately the newest Bosch CX is quieter than my previous generation one, and it’s the same story for most of the others so I’m going to have to lose that at some point.
Ozy Mark The std Levo will be noisier in the next gen too when they inevitably ditch that failure prone belt...
the gear ratio from the motor to crank is like 50:1... to allow the motor to be small, so its gonna be very whiney
I'm appreciating the fact that Specialized seems to be settling in on this Side-Arm frame design for their E-Bikes. It's reassuring to know that my 2020 LEVO won't look outdated any time soon.
Bought it, love it. Maybe the best bike I’ve ridden. As much snap out of corners as my evil offering and power to take the sting out of any climb. Biggest overlooked point compared to my 19 Levo is if it’s turned off there is no resistance, it totally decouples. I could pedal it out of anywhere with the 1x12. The OG levo is a bit of a pig to fly home dead stick
Testing SL in an hour ....can't wait!
Only gone and won one of these bikes on a facebook raffle page for 99p.👌👌 could not have timed that winner any better with being furloughed in work for now and the weather here in north wales is great for a change.put a smile back on my face i tell you...i never win on anythin usually 😁😁
2020 Kenevo all the way. It's not just the best bike I've ever owned, it is the best thing full stop that I've ever owned.
These videos are always informative, entertaining and leave me looking forward to the next video. Many thanks.
I have the Levo and really like the Turbo mode, and the range is great ! especially with the 700wh battery. Specialized is going after the more hardcore Mnt bikers with the SL. I would rather have the power versus the lighter bike, but glad there are options for almost everyone.
Kudos to Specialized for expanding the e-mtn bike appeal with the Levo SL. Will have to try one out but really don't see me abandoning my Kenevo Expert anytime soon.
My 2019 Levo has not been used once since I got my 2020 Kenevo. I've given it to my wife now. The Kenevo is the most awesome bike I've ever ridden.
That bike looks terrific. And, Steve's riding is fully impressive.
Bruce MacNeil no it's not
It looks like it‘s great bike. And this is a very good presentation and video.
I’m a Levo sl kind of a rider, in saying that I believe and it will only get better so willing to wait a few more years before jumping into e mtbikes. In a few years all this current stuff will be very obsolete, there looks to be a significant amount of technical improvements still to come. Lighter, smaller engines and the same for the batteries.
Lots of comments about the exorbitant costs of entry for Levo’s. Give it a couple years, the rest of the industry will catch up and tech will be more affordable. The big S decided to get out front and invest heavily in R&D. Those costs are passed down to consumers, but you’ll appreciate this innovation when your favorite bike company copies much of this tech and design and unveil a rig you may like and purchase. Good times are ahead and we may just be able to afford something like this SL in no time at all. Yes, the Sworks is ridiculously priced, but what they have come up with will provide a map for great stuff to cone. Kudos Specialized.
Best sl review I’ve seen yet! Looking forward to the Knevo SL
The bike looks awesome. But sorry the price for specialized bikes is way to much compared to other Brands with the same or better specs.
Take Canyon or yt for example.
I have to agree, I test rode the specialize and the Rortwield both costing between 8 and 10 thousand Swiss francs I then tested the Canyon Spectral ON 6.0 and love it straight away a very capable bike and super fun to ride, I bought the end of year sale 2019 model for 3900 CHF you can't beat that for value for money.
Levo turbo , is the best bike i have ever riden and owner of 2 !!!
It's a Specialized advert. Same on all the videos out today. Every channel just sprouting the Specialized prepared words and specs...
That's why it says 'advertisement' at the start of the video 👍
This is my type of ebike! Now if they can spend the next few years making it quiet and the bring the cost down a fair whack, I may just buy one.
Everyone loves bagging the pricing but they forget if u buy the alloy base model it’s pretty much in accordance with the rest of the ebikes out there . I love my alloy base model
I ride an S-Works 2017 Turbo Levo 6 Fattie. It is a strong as a Sherman-Tank yet still handles like my older Stumpjumper. It is HEAVY; 22.5kg. The weight makes a difference getting it on-off my car rack, or if I ever find myself having to ride with a flat battery. But I have only run out of battery twice in 3 years' riding.
I always ride with my bike set on Eco settings, never using the extra power for climbing that is available on the higher powered settings. This is because I want peddle-assist. I'm 68 years old, I weigh about 87kg and want to try keeping up with my son aged 41 and his younger lighter fitter mates. But I still want a decent work-out. I usually get 4-5 rides of about 1.5-to-2 hours duration out of a single charge of my battery. These rides are in our local mountain bike parks such as Mt Stromlo, Majura Pines or Bruce Ridge here in Canberra. So there is a fair mix of solid climbing over rocky jump-ups etc. as well as fast technical descents.
So I understand why the Specialized Turbo Levo SL was invented. Lots of people like me never want to use peddle assist in higher modes than ECO. We want help from our bikes when climbing. We want the buzz you can get from fast uphill-flow. But we also want a hard physical workout to get the adrenalin pumping and the endorphins firing. Plus, we want the nimbleness of handling and the authentic enduro/all-terrain mountain bike feel of a proper bike like a Stumpjumper. I can ride down all but the most competitive full-on big air down hill.
It'd be nice if our bikes weighed a little less than the 22.5kg Turbo Levo. So yeah, a Turbo Levo SL makes sense.
What worries me is range. Occasionally I take my 2017 Turbo Levo 6 Fattie on all day rides over much longer distances; e.g. 125km/day. The battery capacity on my existing bike easily allows me to do this. I've tried it and I've proved it.
I'd be scared that the Turbo Level SL would fade to zero power before the full-day's riding was complete.
Yeah really like the look of it....I have a Levo now and stay mostly in eco and trail....big long rides are what I got it for....the price of the new bike is tasty but that's ok....in time it will all come down....no different to any other tech....nice one Jonesy
My Levo has been in for warranty repairs, new motor, new wiring etc. for eight (8) weeks of my 15 months of ownership. Currently just sitting in the shop waiting for a new motor. Buyer beware. I have also been told not to ride it in the rain or any resulting damage will not be covered by warranty. LOL. Dry weather MTB. Lucky I live in Australia and rain is rare.
Steel Tribe and Ben Ten wow so basically stay away from Specialized then?
I had trouble with my Levo hard tail to a point where I was allowed to swap makes... I went for a Cube Reaction SL.... Ive had my fair share of problems with that... I don't hammer trails hence that's why I got a hard tail...my latest problem is slow charging and battery life...its still under warranty. Im kinda sick so much I'm thinking about going back to a non ebike.
Its not just brose motors, my shimano has been replaced once already and now 2800ks later this one is making starnge sounds. Ive had it 9 months
That's some bad luck! Luckily Specialized offers one of the best warranty programs in the cycling industry. Full info can be found here 👉 www.specialized.com/warranty
Warranty is not as good as having a bike to ride. Also being told to avoid wet rides or the warranty wont apply is not ideal either. I think they are the Jaguar of MTBs if you can afford two one will always be on the road.
killer review!!!
It’s all comes down to your budget, I would absolutely love to own this bike but my bank account doesn’t allow me to purchase it sadly...
Don't lose hope, start saving money and in a couple of years prices will come down as well, you can do it, I believe in you stranger:)
I have 2020 LEVO and have had serious motor issues. I wouldn't get a SL until Specialized gets its quality control dialed in.
right decision for SL specialized which is what i wish all other manufacturer going for
Light is the way to go in my opinion. My Canyon Neuron: On was out of service for a few rides and I went back to my old non-electric bike. I loved its lightness and feel. Back on the electric again and I regret the weight. I don't use Boost much and you have to go a long way to drain the battery. So good idea, but insane pricing.
That could be a total game changer. Awesome review.
My home trails looking beautiful!
First of all good story Steve, After many ebike tests I settled on the Levo. great bike and great ride. I understand why Specialized are doing this however I bought an ebike to go uphill and over everything fast so I can go downhill and get back up again and for exploring new trails. From your test over the rock I see the new SL is wanting a little bit on that type of terrain compared to powering over with the Levo. It would struggle on your some of local tests you guys do at the channel. (Just to let you know in Australia the new SL Levo SWorks Carbon is $19k so it will only attract a small piece of the market. As you know not every Ebiker rolls in money.)
Great video
This lower power E Bike will be the next type that I get. I speak from some experience having a "normal" Stumpjumper and Merida 900E E Mtb bike. The full power is fun BUT I use a low to mid setting almost ALL of the time. Interesting that they say the range is same as heavier bike. I would like you guys to test that theory.!! If that is the case the range with the battery extender would be fantastic!
I'm a little on the fence with this one as the SL is without doubt the result of tons of talented people investing in our sport to make it more accessible to more people. The main issue as below is price. The cost of R&D is very high and it seems Specialized have taken a McLaren approach to a mass market. But this aside the bike is a fabulous piece of software and mechanical integration.
I've always been a fan of Spesh - since the old M2 frame days; still very much enjoy the ride and feel of my Enduro 29er along with super support from the company.
An alternative to an 8K "Mid spec" bike is to buy an 'analogue' and eMTB; for example a YT Capra and YT Decoy come in at a similar budget to the mid range SL. Rock the Capra when you want agile, pump and jump and to be with 'analogue' mates and hit the Decoy when you want the uphills to be as inane as the downhills.
Alternatively look to the online companies that produce superb bikes are very reasonable costs; The Spectral:On (that the EMBN guys are also regularly seen on); the highly proposed E-sommet, Radon render etc. All of which will get you into quality Emtb with upgrade potential for the mid £3ks.
Dipping my toe into the world of Emtb I have a cheap, more ugly but very capable eMTB which is basically an original eCrafty Clone from DiamondBack. But with a few tweaks (and don't we love tweaking) its turned into a 22kg tough go anywhere EMTB for sub £3k.
Perhaps my point is its horses for courses. Laud Spesh for designing a beautiful bike, but at the same time realise there are much less expensive ways to get into quality eMTB riding to compliment your analogue MTB fun; the guys on this channel have shown us how this can be achieved.
Whatever you ride - enjoy it and revel in the fact our sport is developing so fast; this technology will trickle down.
Specialized is really rocking the eMTB market (and ebike market with the Creo). Turbo Levo changed the entire market and now this bike blazes the trail again. Well done Specialized!! I'll stay with my 2018 Turbo Levo for now, but I can't wait to see what is coming out from Specialized in the future. For now, the Creo is my intense object of desire. Just a word about Haibike - they had the market nailed back in 2018 when they intro'ed the Flyon. But they really screwed it up - failure to execute and late to market and then lots of disappointed has given Specialized a once in a life time opportunity with eMTB.
This is what I've been looking for, an electric bike that doesnt feel like a heavy tank and still feels like a normal trail bike. Only problem is the price is madness. $14,300 NZD for the Expert Carbon. It cost me $6600 for my Comp Carbon Stumpjumper which has very similar if slightly lower spec. So essentially theyre charging ~$6000 just for the small motor and battery. Specialized are turning into Apple which is both a compliment and an insult.
I only have a limited time on the planet. If I want a thing to ride and keep me active, then why not. I am not saving it for my funeral. I consider - what is a year of life worth to me and is that what this thing can give me in the long run.
How is it that you can buy a motorcycle with turn signals, fuel tank, internal combustion engine, transmission, digital gauges, larger alloy wheels etc versus an e-bike with a battery and small electric motor and the e-bike can cost more money? For example, a 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650R is $7,400 and the S-works Turbo Levo SL is $20,000. WTF
Cause all those things you listed are really inexpensive? Especially since the 650 is a bargain motorcycle. Also, they dont compete for customers so their prices are totally unrelated.
@@mrlaforgephysics An internal combustion engine and transmission is cheaper than a small carbon frame, battery, and electric motor?
DCassidy42 it’s mass production and development, 100 bikes vs millions of motorbikes, also basic components of all bikes cars engines are the same. These by technologies are new compared
DCassidy42 yes absolutely ,ices are unbelievably cheap to produce .what do you think costs more a cheap heavy part or a cheap light part.Or in other words what is cheaper ,a very light strong bike frame or a heavy strong bike frame.When the engine (cheap) produces 50+ horsepower frame weight is irrelevant.When it produces 250w in ultra lightweight form and a frame that is designed to be light and `take the hits that mtbs take it will take a lot more thought and tech than a heavy no thought frame.
Personally I’d prefer to have the full EMTB rather than the SL but I’m glad it exists. It’ll probably appeal to quite a few people who have the money to get the lightest one.
The ezesty is só much beautiful .
Family bike? Two adults & a child 30 grand! I think Steve's been sniffing the sheep dip! 😂😂😂🐑
Yup....I basically stopped watching embn because of Steve Jones. Went from entertaining to arrogant to pitchman.
Die Akku ist sehr Gut!!!!
Great review!
Nicely ridden, it points to the next regular Levo being 48 volt, 750 watts with an extender battery option
Now what Specialized need to give us a legitimate way to download 20mph speed limit for “off road use”
As for this new motor, not sure about the noise, otherwise excellent
Thanks for the comparison with the Levo. But, for the same price as the Levo Comp, 1/2 the battery watts and 1/3rd the torque? No thanks.
The Levo SL comp is actually $550.00 more than the Turbo Levo comp. I have a 2020 Levo comp and wouldn't give up the extra power and torque of the Brose motor for the lower powered version (Levo SL). I love being able to climb the steepest trails I would normally walk on a non ebike. I would like high powered ebikes to get somewhere under 40lbs with a higher capacity battery someday. At the moment I'll just keep enjoying my Turbo Levo Comp as it's so much fun.
Come on EMBN seriously, I know Specialized are one of your main sponsors and you have to jump through hoops for them but 11K for the S works model WTF!!!. 5K starting price for a very basic model. So its now clear that Specialized think everyone are millionaires! Get bloody real for gods sake!!
Whilst we can all agree that pricing is astonishing . . . what do you want EMBN to say or do? Serious question . . . would you rather they only showcased "affordable" ebikes? Then you'd have to define what is affordable. Plus you have to realise we are witnessing the upward ramp on the bell curve with this technology and there are a lot of early adopters that are making it possible for this technology to be come available at more affordable prices to a much a much larger group of potential customers.
@@daviddunlop7448 Its a well known fact that you have to brag up your sponsors, that's understandable to a point. Embn must be aware of all the negative comments relating to Specialized pricing and affordability. Yes you are correct that you have to keep up with the expanding tech and all that stuff but to say that this bike is available in XS for kids so the whole family can have one each!! WTF.
I absolutely love my E-bike and it has transformed my riding over the last 18 months but you have to market your channel at NORMAL people too who work bloody hard all week to support their family and earn a AVERAGE wage! I bet the percentage of subscribers to EMBN that could literally walk to the dealer tomorrow and buy that is very bloody low!
Just my thoughts!!!
Not by the top spec one , but the entry level one @ 5000. Or soon to be on sale ex demo ones
@@stephenbattenbough8790 I would bet that the people who buy this bike dont watch anything or do any research at all. They go into the specialized store, and ask for the most expensive ebike.
Base model in the US $7,250!
Motor sounds louder? What do others think?
it's because it's geared the old ones used a belt drive to get more torque
Have ridden a Creo with a motor from the same maker, almost as quite as the Brose (really close) and much quiter than the rest.
Rode a Levo SL this morning. Got to take it up a short but steep (it hits 20% in one spot) dirt path near the shop. No problem, yes it was a bit more effort than a full power Levo but not a problem and I’m an old guy. Again a bit louder but still quieter than the rest.
Yep a levo sl could get me on a ebike
Didn't Lappiere do this a few years ago ?
Yes, with the e-zesty xD
Still are...
You beat me to it... they did and still do and having ridden it I think it’s equally good!
@@davel7336 I want to get a good ride on one but nobody close to me for that.
StrikeForce MTB I was lucky that they did a Lappiere and Haibike demo weekend at Bedgebury Forest near me so I got a good run out on the E-Zesty. I have the Lappiere Overvolt full fat ebike and really noticed the difference in weight and then handling. I definitely think that when I change mine I’ll go for that format, the half strength motor/battery but lighter weight. 👍🏻
I would probably pick the Levo, being a heavier rider, or the YT Decoy.
You guys do the sickest reviews.can you please review the 2020 trance e+1 pro.
Rather get a YT Decoy, Mondraker, or Orbea.
The whole family can go out for a ride together!!!, Yeah, if they have £40,000+ spare to spend of bicycles which will then potentially cost them a £1,000 a year per bike for servicing costs (tyres, chains, etc.). Seriously!!. I stopped myself from buying an eMTB last year as I think the technology has some way to go, as has the cost (they need to be way cheaper). I won't be spending my hard earned cash on an eMTB until the ownership and running costs come down to more sensible prices. In the mean time I shall just enjoy riding my analogue hard tail. :)
I Bought my Haibike for 2k in April 2017 and apart from upgrades I haven't spent much in wear & tear.
Jep, marketing is everything! I see the "Niche" but do not see the pricing in what you get. Same for every S-works one can buy.
Hi Guys great vid very informative as always . Steve have you ridden the new 2020 Moustache Game 8,10.?
Hey guys, awesome video thank you.
I have the 2020 SWorks and have now just had my 4th motor in 3 months (1300kms).
Any idea if Brose are going to make a 2.2 motor with improvements, please?
FYI, Motors were replaced for the following issues.
Software problem, 2 x clutch issues (sticking) and noisy bearings.
Cheers and keep up the great hard work. 👍
Hi guys you are making grate reviews, how about doing one on the Trek Rail ? or even better Rail vs Turbo Levo...
First they say that weight does not matter because it is EEEEb but now the main selling point is the weight!
what about the Lapierre e-zesty?
The only thing I'm Thinking is Can I buy this range extender for my 2018 Levo and if not why not !!
Mark Harrison no this wont work but u can get a trailwatts
Does the Levo sl use the same motor as the creo?
Do a comparison with the first e bike against the newest e bike
Hey Jaeken, they are pretty uncomparable these days. Check out the Yamaha PAS from the early 90s and you will see just how far E Bikes have come!
Awesome
Louder and slower? Step in the wrong direction, in my opinion! Love my Turbo Levo
OMG....Enduro version please @18.8kg medium. And a flipchip to accommodate both wheel sizer 29 and 27.5...
Leave it to Specialized to continue pushing the E-Bike envelope.
It's always refreshing to enjoy these EMBN reviews that don't contain a whole lot of footage of just the bike's bar & front wheel.
LUV this channel 👍🏽‼️
Any idea what the maximum tire size would be? 2.3 is pretty narrow in today's world of enduro/trail riding.
Cool concept, something like Lapierre eZesty, but unfortunately only for rich people :)
I thought ebikes being heavier was a good thing, as it made them more stable? Personal preference I guess.
superspecky4eyes reviews biased towards the show's affiliations
The grass is always greener on the other side I guess, but you said it well, my ebike is 24 kilos and it descends like a downhill bike, in return, I do a full workout making that thing jump, turn, or climb (walking) carrying the bike on my bike, so yeah, preference is the thing. Have a nice day:)
Lightweight, but easier to ride uphill? Oh yeah, that my Giant Trance Advanced. But Downhill blasting, stable, and the almost moto-x bike turbo when I want it, thats my Kenevo. And as a side note I bought a new 2019 in 2020 and shaved thousand$ off the price.
@@adammccarthy2157 Absolutely not, pretty clear in here its simply a decision to be made - light and nimble or powerful and planted? It's not a review
Steve Jones 🤔
looked at several reviews now and no one is raving about this bike which to me says it all. The price and noisy motor ( why didn't they go belt drive?? ) are serious negatives. Previously we've been told by this channel and others that weight isn't such a big issue on an e-bike and suddenly it is!
There would have to be a significant improvement in handling and fun over the levo to make it worthwhile and that doesn't appear to be coming through in the reviews. I guess the only way to be sure is to try it out and then decide.
I would be really tempted to buy this Levo SL although it's extremely expensive compared to other top of the range E-MTB's. But there is one very important detail missing: It is not possible to take it to nice places like Stellenbosch as in this video because of it's 320MAh internal battery. If this battery would come in 2 halves of 160MAh each the batteries could come with me in my carry-on luggage legally. Therefore unfortunately only a 👎 unless Specialized manages to change this important detail.
12:19 how do they actually measure your heart rate for that? is there an additional sensor to buy?
I always ride my levo in turbo
Still looks like an overweight stumpjumper. The side by side look at the stumpy made me so happy i chose it
Hey EMBN, i have a suggestion, what about showcasing some of the new 2020 AFFORDABLE ebikes?? Instead of something this overpriced. Maybe you could start with Radon bikes👀🤷🏽♂️
I am a mechanical design engineer and am concerned the hype is glossing over a key point and buyers are being misinformed. Let me summarise.
Turbo Levo vs SL Levo range is not similar if rider output is matched. And this is not explained enough. Sure a fit rider working much harder can match the range of a average guy, but that is often glossed over.
Look at the maths: 4 kg weight savings over bike,rider and gear weight of lets say 100kg is a 4% improvement of range on uphill. With riders of equal averaged leg output - say 200W, and equal motor output, say 200W ( a turbo levo on eco with a 700 WHr battery , and a SL on high output with a 340 Hhr battery) on a long trip together. That would be a fair comparison.
The 700Whr battery should take its bike about twice as far (less the 4%). If it does not then the belt driven Brose motor may be less efficient and may be a factor - this would be worth exposing.
I am not at all against the SL - I just want to hear some good journalism from someone.
Compared to the e-zesty???
Interesting addition and maybe the start of them moving away from Brose. Useful that it's water proof. Negative, expensive & motor sounds noisy. Make it half the price & they're on to a winner.
I did not watch the video completely but have watched others. But with their lowest build coming in at $6500+ and that "Founders Edition" at $16,525.00 US.... OH HELL NO!!!!
For this price you get a BMW S 1000 R with 165 bhp !!!
Is it the same engine that they have put in their Creo Gravel bike?
yes.
What are the best size forks for jumping
100mm to 140mm , roughly speaking.
Thanks
Is this not the same ethos as the Lapierre eZesty?
8:20 what he says is clearly “suggested” by specialized. He even cringes to have to say that marketing crap.
Levo or Kenevo for me 🤙
where to purchase one?
In Australia, price $24k for the top of range model. I can buy a new car for that.
Can the 29 wheels be swapped out for 27 5 ,flip chip ?? Anybody know ,bike appeals but I just prefer 27.5 as ime only 5'6 and prefer 27 5
Looks a lovely bike but I will still buy the titanium hardtail with a pinion gearbox and pocket the rest of the wonga. Maybe when I'm older the technology will have moved on and the prices will have fallen
Like the idea of a mini e bike but 5 grand for a base model 😯 no 27.5 option ether, also why does it only have a fox 34 and guide/G2 brakes. Stumpjumper has a 36 and codes makes no sense
Shame they wont put a dpx2 on any levos. With the range extender, the bike isnt that much lighter than an s works levo with a 500w battery
1:23 two finger braking! Tut-tut.
I thought this would eventually happen, great opportunity to reduce weight and cost. Boy, was I wrong. Just another opportunity to grab more money. Maybe other players will do the right thing.
I wish they'd come up with a 400-600 Wh range extender to make this a 100++ km range bike (even when rider is a fatty like me).
For me it's the lack of the stiff and precise tracking of the Fox 36 up front being replaced by the flexy Fox 34, and Specialized do not recommend fitting the 36, shame.
i personally dont need no assist.
and i will pedal on my own, thank you.
2011 pitch (since it was new)
canyon spectral (for my next bike)
than you are maybe on the wrong channel :)
@@wolver1n most certainly