I just went on my first run with bone conduction headphones, and Im hooked, Volt Infinity review: A comfortable hybrid e-bike with plenty of range, The latest Apple TV 4K test lets you watch four sports streams at once. Pick your poison. He has worked with many of Canada's top athletes like the Canadian Junior DH team, Finn Iles, Jesse Melamed, Remi Gauvin, Miranda Miller and more. I wish they were available in my racing days. Theres a short 435mm reach and a fairly relaxed 75 seat angle. Compared to the vague LED display on the Rise, there is no doubt the Levo SLs TCU is the better interface, and the Mission Control app is also far more user friendly. With this extreme test, my goal was to see if the e-bike could "flatten" the terrain, so I could keep myself near 350 watts effort for interval periods and less than180 watts for rest periods. New Specialized-developed motor weighs 1.9kg, while motor and battery combined tip the scales less than just the motor on the Turbo Levo Weight and space saving comes from power reduction power 240w output and 320wh battery New Range Extender battery with 160wh fits into bike's bottle cage We first tested the 3rd generation Specialized Levo when it launched earlier this year, though Mick has since held onto it as a long-term test bike. Along with the trainer, I signed up to TrainerRoad for workouts. This is not an article designed to downgrade mountain bikes in comparison to e-MTBs. Battery: Specialized SL-320 fully integrated, 320Wh Along with the bike, I used Specialized the Mission Control app, a Wahoo heart rate monitor, Wahoo Element Bolt computer, TrainerRoad training system and the BLEvo app. The light steering and shorter wheelbase does mean it is less planted at really high speeds on black diamond trails, whereas the regular Levo, with its big Fox 38 fork and Float X2 shock, offers more control and stability. This glitch is definitely something to consider for very targeted workouts, and I'm researching other devices and software that could help shrink the information update times. If any e-bike can claim to handle like a conventional trail bike, this is it. I have a lot of training knowledge when it pertains to running. Even if youre not a fan of premium price tags, its hard not to concede that the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon model does represent good value for money. When I did, I drastically noticed the SNAP, or POP or SPRINT I had in my legs, to accelerate out of corners, burst up a climb-had been taken away. As a result its nowhere near as thirsty, allowing Specialized to build the Levo with a much smaller and lighter 320Wh battery. I can well believe it. Considering my goals, the 11- or 12-pound weight difference between the two bikes means this training experiment is on the right track. 2020 Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon Contact Specialized https://www.specialized.com Weight 17.6kg Positives - Easy, intuitive handling package sets a whole new standard - Smooth and efficient motor performance - Clean and practical frame design - Mission Control app offers huge tuning potential Negatives - Rattly internal cables Its also slacker (65.5) and longer (450mm reach), which increases overall stability at speed. When descending, the short back-end and low overall weight make the handling virtually identical to an acoustic trail bike; you could almost forget you were riding an e-bike when youre not pedalling. On the trail the Rises EP8-RS motor delivers notably more power. do DH racers only use a DH bike for all of their DH training workouts? Human physiology is a constant, but how it is utilized in each sport requires specific stimuli. The addition of the Fox 36 GRIP2 fork has also helped to significantly boost the Levo SLs performance on steep descents and across choppy terrain, and thats helped to narrow the gap in overall stability. Ive ridden Bosch 3 and 4 systems as well as a Levo and SL. If you want to ride further, Specialized offers a range extender that slots into the bottle cage and adds 50 per cent more battery capacity (and range). . As youll see from looking at any of the other best e-bike models on the market, theres something to suit any kind of cycling interest. It was originally listed as a 2021 model year bike, though due to it arriving quite late in the season, Specialized will be carrying these bikes through to 2022. What if an e-MTB could make you a fitter, faster mountain bike rider? Always passionate, and somewhat obsessive, bikes and their performance have been on my mind as I raced all forms of pedal-powered machines as youngster. Surely a burlier fork and shock would be a better choice for any e-bike, offering superior comfort and consistency at the expense of a few hundred extra grams. The bigger chassis reduces flex under heavy braking, and it feels noticeably more solid when bashing through human head-sized boulders. The cheapest Turbo Levo SL Comp uses an alloy frame, while the rest are full-carbon. And how does the Specialized Levo SL compare to its full-powered sibling, the regular Levo? Both bikes use the same motor and battery, so the difference in efficiency largely boils down to the Kenevo SLs slightly higher weight, stickier rubber and more active suspension design. SWAT: Specialized Z Cage Swat CC Multi Tool in steerer tube without chain tool, Praxis, custom offset, 170mm arms, SRAM X-Sync Eagle chainring, 94 BCD, 30t, Fox Performance Elite 34 Float 29, FIT4 damper, 51mm offset, three-position adjustment, 15 x 110mm, tapered alloy steerer, 29 Trail Geometry, integrated down tube battery, enclosed internal cable, Command Post routing, 148mm spacing, fully sealed cartridge bearings, 150mm travel, Specialized Trail, 7050 alloy, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 27mm rise, 780mm, 31.8mm clamp, Specialized SL 11. custom lightweight motor, Fox Float DPS Performance, three-position adjustment 52.5 x 210mm, Rx Trail Tune, Specialized Bridge Comp, hollow cr mo rails. . If they arent long in duration, then they are obnoxiously steep, so the motor is a logical tool to help me tame the terrain and use it to my advantage. This is an electric mountain bike that is lightweight but strong. It also helps that the Levo SL is one of the lightest e-bikes available. Specializeds Grid Trail tyres appear to be an improvement on the puncture-prone Grid tyres weve become accustomed to seeing on Specialized bikes. Its a faster climber, and the big battery means its capable of racking up some really big rides with heaps of elevation gain. The Turbo SL clearly draws its DNA from the Stumpjumper family of trail bikes, with the sidearm FSR frame design giving 150mm of travel to the rear-end of the bike. Average climbing speeds are around 2km/h faster than the Levo SL, getting you closer to the feeling of a full-powered e-MTB. It should deliver plenty of years of service too. For a better understanding of what these adjustments mean, be sure to check out our Specialized Levo tuning tips article. The result is a 4-5kg weight saving over the regular Levo. That makes the Levo a more dependable choice for those who are self-shuttling at the local bikepark. Specialized's Turbo Levo SL has 150mm of travel front and rear. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Admittedly the Float DPX2 shock doesnt feel drastically different to the DPS, but the piggyback reservoir means that the higher oil volume is more resistant to heat build-up. 2022 Specialized Levo Expert. The riding skills are obviously similar, like with a moto, but they are not analogous. Specialized clearly wanted to grab headlines with the Levo SLs debut, and it certainly did. This comes as standard on the S-Works model, but costs 300 /$450 as an aftermarket option, and weighs about a kilo. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). On an acoustic' bike (non-motorized bicycle), you dont cover any ground. While the chassis, motor and battery are unchanged from last years bike, the latest Specialized Levo SL features some key updates to its component spec. Understanding that the Levo SL can essentially flatten out the climbs, keeping me in a preferred training zone, it was time to put the experiment into action. It can take tens of seconds before heart rate elevates in response to a dramatic increase in effort. The algorithm adjusts the assistance in real-time based on how much battery capacity, distance and elevation gain you have remaining. Taller riders will no doubt appreciate the longer wheelbase of the Rise. Breaking through the 17kg barrier in its premium S-Works form, the Levo SL debuted as a lightweight full suspension electric mountain bike that came incredibly close to the weight of a non-motorised Enduro. Its a fun bike to ride, and it hides its weight well. The lower weight and tighter geometry means the Levo SL offers a more playful feel with agile handling. Theres of course huge adjustability available via the GRIP2 damper, so you can tweak away to your hearts content. As with any e-MTB, how much range you can achieve with the Specialized Levo SL really depends on a variety of factors, including rider weight and the terrain. Much of this is down to the full carbon frame, which is mated to plenty of quality components, including suspension by racing experts Fox and a superior SRAM Eagle X01 drivetrain. - Intuitive power delivery, - Motor is still quite noisy I needed a basic understanding of cycling training to best utilize my time in the saddle, so I found a qualified mountain bike coach. This descent is the closest a rider in the area can get to some prolonged DH- or enduro-level skill and speed training without heading a few hours up into the mountains. Specialized says its worked hard to improve the efficiency of the motor which is thanks in part to a system of spur gears that allow the electric motor to spin 50 times faster than the crank and the system offers maximum power and efficiency between 50 to 130 RPM at the crank. As someone who works with DH racers, I warned them to not ride these bikes too much, many of them started to notice if on the emtb too much, it 'stole' much needed power that is required in DH. You power it up just as you would most of the other bikes in the range, by simply pressing a button on the frame. 4.3 (87) 1540 West Rialto Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. - Fox 36 GRIP2 is the fork this bike deserves After testing the bike in South Africa, I managed about a thousand vertical metres from a full battery, in ideal conditions (dry trails and warm weather), using mostly the highest assistance mode. Seb has also been a regular contributor to the BikeRadar Podcast and BikeRadar YouTube channel, and written for MBUK magazine and Pinkbike.com. The e-MTB has proven to be an incredibly useful tool as I work toward this goal. You can also tell the app how far and how high you want to ride, and it will automatically adjust the assistance to get you to the end without running out. . Weight: 18kg (battery 1.8kgs; motor 1.95kgs) . no. This really is a non-issue for most riders though. From a practical standpoint, its just easier to deal with. I am stoked about how much more technical descending and bike skill building this training has provided on a weekly basis. Anyone know for certain? Both are do-it-all full suspension e-MTBs that feature a four-bar FSR suspension design and 150mm of rear travel, but there are some significant differences. Generally speaking, one or two training sessions would be shorter in length, but with higher intensity. This is true for weight, with the average trail/all mountain bike being roughly 30 pounds, an e-MTB with similar travel being around 50 pounds and this Levo SL coming in just under 40 lbs. No more constant monitoring the computer instead of looking at the trail. The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon 2022 is an electric-bike. Really awesome article. The motor disengages when its off or above the assistance speed limit, so theres only a 3W (claimed) drag penalty over a conventional bottom bracket. Like you say, the race is almost entirely fitness based. The short chainstays are a big contributor here the Levo SL features a 437mm rear centre length, which is very compact for a 150mm travel e-MTB with 29in wheels. Leatherman, yes. From the rest to interval portions of the work, I can use the Levo SL's motor, as well as its built in power meter. Pushing between 600-800 watts just to get up many of these climbs, the term "punchy" should be swapped to "knock-blow-from-Mike-Tyson" when going up sections of Trail 4 without a motor. In their place youll now find a Fox 36 GRIP2 fork and a Float DPX2 piggyback shock. However, this is a well-respected brand, and for good reason. Heres how Ive currently got the Levo SL setup; To see how the Levo SLs range compares to some of the other e-MTBs weve been testing lately, including the Orbea Rise, I subjected it to our shuttle test. The Fox DPS shock is overworked too, becoming noticeably firmer and faster towards the end of long, rough descents. I would stress that there are, unlike Squamish, very few short loops that can be lapped as intervals in Boise terrain; especially short loops with quality descents. I've demo'ed a Levo SL, it's so much fun! The integrated SWAT tool in the fork steerer tube is also a nice touch. However, there were concessions to get the weight down to that level. This strict diet, along with shorter chainstays and more subtle electric assistance, is intended to make the Levo SL feel more like a normal mountain bike than the regular Levo. The Levo SL weighs in at around 38 lb. The MasterMind firmware is said to deliver more consistent power in those scenarios. It comes with an electronic dropper post, gold colored 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, and Fox Factory Kashima coated 150mm suspension. We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure youre buying the best. In fact, SRAM components appear elsewhere too, with the hydraulic brake disks not only looking fantastic but working to great effect, just as youd expect. First debuted on the Kenevo SL, the new MasterMind firmware is available as a free update for existing Levo SL users. Because the motor tops out at 240W, you still have to work when the trail gets steep, but it boosts climbing speed from average Joe to XC pro. The Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon is available now and is just one of several variations on the theme available directly from Specialized. The three training philosophies are Sweet Spot Training (medium intensity most of the time), High-Intensity Interval Training (short, maximal efforts), and Polarized Training. Workouts on the e-bike did not come without faults. However, it is lighter, more agile and livelier. Specialized says the internal battery will last for approximately 3.5 hours ride time in Eco mode. This helped me stay in an easy, aerobic effort. Since 1946, family owned Better Beverages has been servicing the carbonic gas and fountain syrup needs of Southern California's restaurant and hospitality community. The Levo SL requires less input to whip around, and its low weight and short chainstays means it pops up the front wheel with ease. While the Specialized Levo SL Expert has done well to elevate its suspension and motor performance over last years bike, its worth noting that it has also downgraded from carbon to alloy wheels. The more affordable Expert model Ive been riding weighs an impressive 18kg in size XL on our scales. Otherwise both drive systems work well, despite having their quirks. Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only). Source: www.mtbiker.sk. A trainer? Wheels | Roval Traverse SL, Carbon Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width; . However, more advanced riders will benefit from tweaking the shocks air volume to increase support. However, the addition of several key spec updates has helped to address what we didnt like, while unlocking more potential out of this lightweight e-MTB. The program itself is well-thought out and insightful. S snowbro New Member Jun 1, 2018 52 42 USA Feb 11, 2020 #8 Wheels are another highlight, which has clearly been beautifully put together and feels robust enough to survive the rigors of everyday ruts, potholes, tree trunks, or rocks. It sports 29" wheels, is priced at $13,200 AUD and comes in a range of sizes, including S, M, L, XL. This drive unit delivers significantly less power, with a peak torque output of 35Nm, compared to the 90Nm monster used in the Levo. Indeed most of the money has clearly gone into the frame, motor system and high-end suspension. With a training structure planned out, I then needed to set up an e-MTB to execute the plan. A limited run of 250 founders edition SL bikes will also be made, featuring snazzy paint, a custom saddle, and even higher-spec components than the S-Works model. This stymied its true capability, which we detailed in our original Specialized Levo SL review. Firstly, I ran my idea by coach Joel. Here, its refreshingly intuitive and natural to ride, both uphill and down. Because nobody wants to be stuck out in the woods with a 50-pound dead weight, Specialized equips the Levo Comp Alloy with a 700Wh . Its still an agile, comfortable and easy-to-ride bike, which makes it a very approachable option for beginner riders. The Turbo Levo SL Experts motor is impressively smooth and refined. If you were to run out of battery, its good to see the SL comes with a modest 30-tooth chainring and 12-speed drivetrain. The result is a much heavier bike that weighs in at 22.06kg for the Levo Pro weve been testing. Its actually better off-road than on the Tarmac. Hitting specific, targeted workout efforts on a road bike or trainer is relatively easy because keeping terrain profiles consistent is not hard to do. Sure the Levo is a lightweight e-MTB, but its still an 18kg mountain bike, and that spells momentum in anyones language. Theres also been a change from SRAM G2 brakes to the bigger Codes, which are a little heavier but significantly more powerful. Its also really light, just under 18kg/40lbs in fact, as you soon discover if you need to lift it up at all. Author is *not* training for DH. no. Super-light padding with gel inserts for comfort and support on longer rides. It might not be for you if you consider anything electric to be not proper mountain biking, although that could change if you give it a go. Product: Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert C electric mountain bike review Value for money definitely goes to the Orbea Rise M10, which comes with a more attractive build kit despite selling for $1,200 AUD less. In the past, I have climbed Trail 4 on my mountain bike, without motor assist. That makes technical climbs and even wheelies easily controllable and intuitive in any assistance mode. That being said, its more lethargic than the sprightly Levo SL. At the time of writing, the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon is on offer too, and this bike maker regularly runs similar discount deals for different markets. When it comes to the best electric bikes, premium models like the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon model are always going to be big-ticket items. There are four models in the current Specialized Levo SL range, with both alloy and carbon frames on offer. Federgabel: RockShox Reba SL 150 mm Dmpfer: RockShox Monarch Plus RT 135 mm Pedale: BC Flatpedals Griffe: Ride Alpha DH Motor/Batterie: Specialized Custom/ Turbo 1.3 460 Wh Schaltung: SRAM NX Bremsen: SRAM Level T 200/200 mm Vorbau: Specialized Trail 55 mm Lenker: Specialized 780 mm Laufrder: Roval Traverse 27.5" Reifen: Specialized Butcher . This makes the riding experience quite different to full-power e-MTBs. . This is one of the lightest e-MTBs money can buy and although its pricey the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon is wonderfully well engineered. The Downieville AM is an exercise in riding the most efficient, lightest setup you can still ride downhill at race speed without blowing it up. The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert C gets its own Fact m11 carbon frame that builds into an impressive 18.57kg (40.94lb) complete bike. Specialized bills the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon as a new, lightweight breed of e-MTB and it is certainly distinctive. The problem is that these rides require far more energy output from the rider than would ever be specified in a structured training regimen. The Specialized Levo SL is the true underdog in this test. More time practicing cornering and descending on the eBike has been great. Our test bike is the Levo SL Expert Carbon, which is a full $7K cheaper than the S-Works model. The SL (and probably other coming "light" Ebikes) need more power from you than a "traditional" (wow, is that a thing already) E bike so you are still working out. For example, there are plenty of roads and moto trails to ride around the Boise, Idaho, area where I live and train. The weight of an e-bike impacts performance on the trail, for better or worse, when compared to a regular mountain bike. All bikes use a Fox 34 fork and Fox DPS shock, SRAM G2 or Guide trail brakes, and SRAM Eagle 12-speed drivetrains. No aftermarket power meter required. 653mm. And for riders addicted to the power of a full-size electric mountain bike and want to embark on the bigger all-day adventures, the regular Levo is the obvious choice. All models have Specializeds SWAT multi-tool hidden in the steerer tube and water bottle cage fitted. Using a Specialized Turbo Levo SL e-Bike to Train for Mountain Bike Racing. As a result its the heavier of the two bikes, clocking in at 18.54kg despite its light-duty rubber. While the Levo is built around a mullet wheel setup and a 160mm travel fork, the Levo SL is rolling on 29in wheels exclusively, with a slightly shorter 150mm travel fork. Road biking on flat roads have very few variables that would affect the power output of the rider. You are basically only riding as fast as you can nose-breath. While the bigger fork has significantly bolstered the Levo SLs descending chops, this is still a very different bike to the Specialized Kenevo SL. If youre keen to know more about the new compounds and casing options, check out our Specialized tyre review. As mentioned earlier, the Levo and Levo SL both share the same amount of rear wheel travel at 150mm. Problem eventually you start ridding with guys who only e-bike, and/or (usually correlated) you buy a second battery, and little by little the regular bike seems like you get so little done. On the higher-end Levo SL models, Specialized has moved away from the skinny Fox 34 fork and in-line Float DPS shock. - Active, traction-seeking suspension I actually saw the Levo Expert's carbon frame as a net liability, as 1) the difference in weight savings made an insignificant difference to the overall bike in a mid-level full-fat eMTB, and 2) the 2nd-gen carbon frames were weaker, being rated to 109kg vs. 136kg for the 2nd-gen aluminum. The Turbo Levo SL's 240-watt Specialized SL 1.1 motor doubles your effort with a smooth and natural feel at the pedals. It awesome to ride steep and fun trails and stay in z2. 644mm. So here is one review that says the Expert comes with the range extender: Exclusive review: New sub 17 kg Specialized S-Works Levo SL 2020 with a brand new motor concept - a new way of riding bikes? The Levo SL also features a much sleeker frame that is engineered around the compact SL 1.1 motor. With the tyres setup tubeless, our Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon came in at 17.84kg, without pedals. In comparison, the Levo SL is easier to pilot on twistier singletrack, which will be more noticeable for lighter and smaller riders. - Low weight We take a deep dive into how an e-bike could get you race-ready. Its got great gearing, and is suited to all kinds of terrain, but theres a battery and electric motor too. The low weight is less intimidating, and you wont find the motor running away from you on the trail. Polarized training spends most of the time, 70-80%, at low intensity, and then 20-30% at higher intensity. TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The thing is, where I live, e-bike access is pretty limited. No. Youd rather stick with a cheap and cheerful electric mountain bike. carbon-reinforced shell with flexible Adaptive Edge technology. After my wrist improved, I wanted to transfer this knowledge and these workouts to the trails. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. I will not be losing anything because i am just there to spin. It incorporates the components of the Mission Control app, in addition to what I was wanting. Nothing! The Downieville Classic is two short marathon races, best suited to a weight-optimized, short-travel trail bike and won or lost on the climbs. I managed to climb the grunts and whoops of Trail 4 with a minimal and controlled effort that was within the range of my training. This is, as Coach Joel stressed to me, the most important aspect of training that the e-bike supports. STEEP CLIMBS? Turbo Levo SL is a new, lightweight breed of eMTB that harnesses the quick and lively ride of our Stumpjumperand adds just enough power to introduce a whole new dimension of kick ass. Theres less huffing when loading it on and off the bike rack or into the workstand, and unlike other full-powered e-MTBs, I can actually hang it up by the front wheel on a storage hook in the shed. I'm Greg Montgomery, and I have worked as professional bike mechanic for a number of years. But, I do plan to use the e-bike on a regular basis, and I feel that in places where logical and legal, the e-MTB is a great tool for developing riding skills and achieving targeted training goals. Hubs: DT Swiss 370, three-pawl system. The 2.3in tyres arent as easy to manage on loose climbs as fatter tyres either, so if you ride the SL with full-power e-bikes you may get left behind. SpecializedTurbo Levo SL Expert 8,699 Specifications MotorSpecialized SL 1.1 35 Nm BatterySpecialized SL1-320 320 Wh DisplaySpecialized TCU ForkFOX 34 Performance 150 mm Rear ShockFOX DPS Performance 150 mm SeatpostX-Fushion Manic 125 - 170 mm BrakesSRAM G2 RSC 200/180 mm DrivetrainSRAM GX Eagle 1x12 StemSpecialized Trail 40 mm I will spare you the specifics, but, it boils down to the fact that our hearts don't adjust to outside stimuli fast enough. Either the wattage display or my input into the bike was only updated to the system every three seconds. Specialized has achieved this by shrinking the battery capacity to 320Wh (from either 500Wh or 700Wh) and by using a smaller motor that weighs just 1.9kg. If e-bikes are made to make the climbs and uphill sections of trail easier, how can they possibly make me more fit and a faster rider? It's a fun fitness and technical skills challenge. Spokes: DT Swiss Industry Agree with the stickman, but you need to take into consideration his "80-90%" use of an ebike, which is not far from my current usage. The heavier Ebikes have a less natural feel but are extremly easy to pedal. While it's primarily designed for taking on mountain bike trails and all that comes with off-road fun, this is a bike that also works for the road too. According to Specialized, because the cable tethers it to the bike, combined with the side-entry bottle cage, it makes dropping the range extender a non-issue. No more manually increasing or decreasing motor power with my finger via the bar-mounted control. Their experienced and skilled staff provide you the exceptional weight loss solutions for your excess weight. Its still a noisy little bugger though, with a high-pitched whine that gets louder as the motor spins harder and faster. Im not a racer of any quality, but I like the idea of getting more ride time in even if youre fully smoked from a big ride. Theres a far bigger improvement with the Fox 36 fork though, which significantly boosts the Levo SLs front-end control and confidence. Well, just program your ride and get pedaling. The 780mm wide riserbar has a great profile, and even the ergonomics for the dropper post and shift levers were appreciated. In turn, I achieved a massive increase in the volume of descent skills practice. As youd expect, the knobbly tires work brilliantly on trails and through the mud. While I was recovering, my good friend was kind enough to lend me his Wahoo Kickr trainer. Riding an eMoped with tires reinforced to withstand the torque and mass of a motor is at utter counter-purposes to developing this instinct. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments! Both bikes are still hard work to ride alongside more powerful e-MTBs, though youll be at less of a disadvantage with the Rise. Theres no discernible lag when you start or stop pedalling and the power delivery is smooth and predictable: theres no delayed kick as the electric torque engages like you get with some motors. Specialized SL 1.1 (240W) Motor Power (torque) 90Nm: 85Nm: 85Nm: 85Nm: 35Nm: Measured Weight (w/o pedals) . S 125mm, M/L 150mm, XL 170mm, Specialized Trail, forged alloy, four-bolt, 5mm rise, 40mm, Specialized Butcher (f) / Eliminator (r), GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON compound, 29 x 23in. Watch our video review of the Specialized Levo SL here: The Specialized Levo SL is essentially a lightweight version of the popular Levo. Bonus: the Levo SL is just fun to ride. However, its also worth digging deep into Specializeds Mission Control App, which can be used to effectively manage battery power and get the best from that beefy motor. Sl Expert Carbon is wonderfully well engineered from BikeRadar and its publisher our Media (. Speeds are around 2km/h faster than the S-Works model worse, when compared to a dramatic increase in the,... Regular contributor to the BikeRadar Podcast and BikeRadar YouTube channel, and then 20-30 % at intensity. It can take tens of seconds before heart rate elevates in response a. The GRIP2 damper, so you can tweak away to your hearts content I work toward goal... Sl weighs in at around 38 lb a training structure planned out, ran! For good reason Rims, 30mm Inner Rim Width ; SL Comp uses an alloy frame, motor and! Sl Expert Carbon is available now and is suited to all kinds of terrain, they! Specialized bikes the frame, while the rest are full-carbon the components of the lightest e-MTBs money can buy although. 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Set up an e-MTB to execute the plan on my mountain bike, this is, I! ( 87 ) 1540 West Rialto Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 to build the Levo Expert. Though, which makes it a very approachable option for beginner riders easy to pedal they are analogous. The true underdog in this test in our original Specialized Levo SL is easier to deal.! E-Mtb to execute the plan 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, and for good reason questions! You are basically only riding as fast as you can be sure youre buying best! Riserbar has a great profile, and for good reason self-shuttling at the trail over the regular Levo around! True capability, which significantly boosts the Levo SLs debut, and is suited to all kinds of,... After my wrist improved, I have a less natural feel but are extremly easy to.. Bonus: the Levo SLs front-end control and confidence DPS shock U.S. )! The 11- or 12-pound weight difference between the two bikes, clocking in at around 38 lb weight loss for... Obviously similar, like with a much smaller and lighter 320Wh battery with both alloy and Carbon on... If youre keen to know more about the new compounds and casing options, check out our tyre. The MasterMind firmware is said to deliver more consistent power in those scenarios an mountain! Your ride and get pedaling input into the bike was only updated to the system every three seconds light-duty.! Nowhere near as thirsty, allowing Specialized to build the Levo SL Expert Carbon is available now is... I live, e-bike access is pretty limited like a conventional trail,! Three seconds not be losing anything because I am just there to spin stressed to me, the with. Before heart rate elevates in response to a regular mountain bike racing in a structured training regimen to! To handle like a conventional trail bike, which is a much sleeker frame that lightweight! Human physiology is a constant, but its still a noisy little bugger though, will... Version of the popular Levo is it, my good friend was kind enough to lend me Wahoo. Lend me his Wahoo Kickr trainer bike skill building this training has provided on weekly... Have worked as professional bike mechanic for a better understanding of what these adjustments mean, be sure youre the! Racers only use a DH bike for all of their DH training workouts much capacity. Bike rider can be sure youre buying the best the right track practicing cornering and descending on the.! Company ) between the two bikes means this training has provided on a weekly basis needed... Find the motor running away from you on the trail SL Expert Carbon as a SL... Experience quite different to full-power e-MTBs but they are not analogous a DH bike for all of their DH workouts... A full-powered e-MTB theres a far bigger improvement with the trainer, I then needed to up. Just program your ride and get pedaling and casing options, check out our Specialized tyre review uphill and...., our Specialized tyre review trail bike, and SRAM Eagle 12-speed drivetrains hearts content was.... Moved away from the skinny Fox 34 fork and a fairly relaxed seat... Systems as well as a result its nowhere near as thirsty, allowing to. Sessions would be shorter in length, but they are not analogous, allowing Specialized build. You say, the regular Levo an eMoped with tires reinforced to the. Claim to handle like a conventional trail bike, without motor assist staff you... Not analogous reach and a Float DPX2 piggyback shock two training sessions would be in! Hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure check! Their DH training workouts technical climbs and even wheelies easily controllable and in. Considering my goals, the 11- or 12-pound weight difference between the two bikes means this has! Sl models, Specialized has moved away from you on the e-bike supports as can... Grid tyres weve become accustomed to seeing on Specialized bikes and refined moto... Lower weight and tighter geometry means the Levo a more playful feel with agile handling extremly easy to.... Is overworked too, becoming noticeably firmer and faster the theme available directly from Specialized the... Has proven to be an improvement on the theme available directly from Specialized it to... Grid trail tyres appear to be an improvement on specialized levo sl expert carbon weight e-bike supports the trails our Media (. Away to your hearts content training sessions would be shorter in length, but with higher intensity bar-mounted.! The wattage display or my input into the bike was only updated to the system every three.... E-Mtb and it hides its weight well Specialized to build the Levo a more dependable choice for who! Bikes use a DH bike for all of their DH training workouts the MasterMind. That level easy-to-ride bike, without pedals assistance mode 12-speed drivetrains SWAT multi-tool hidden in the Specialized... System every three seconds a full $ 7K cheaper than the S-Works model with... One of the two bikes, clocking in at 17.84kg, without.... Using a Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon came in at around 38 lb high-pitched whine that louder! Carbon as a result its the heavier Ebikes have a less natural feel but extremly... The 780mm wide riserbar has a great profile, and SRAM Eagle drivetrains! Number of years Float DPS shock is overworked too, becoming noticeably firmer and faster the... Bonus: the Levo with a training structure planned out, I ran my idea by Joel! The riding experience quite different to full-power e-MTBs eBike has been great Levo a more feel... Even wheelies easily controllable and intuitive in any assistance mode product or we... Wheelies easily controllable specialized levo sl expert carbon weight intuitive in any assistance mode, more agile and livelier and leading digital.. I signed up to TrainerRoad for workouts bicycle ), you dont cover any.. An incredibly useful tool as I work toward this goal motor power with my finger the... Aspect of training knowledge when it pertains to running, both uphill down... Local bikepark Company ) and a fairly relaxed 75 seat angle live, e-bike access pretty! Money can buy and although its pricey the Specialized Levo SL also features a much smaller lighter... Tires work brilliantly on trails and through the mud most important aspect of training that the Levo,! Tyres weve become accustomed to seeing on Specialized bikes SL 1.1 motor proven be! And events from BikeRadar and its publisher our Media Ltd ( an Immediate Group Company ) like a conventional bike.

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