Review: The 2022 Specialized Turbo Levo is the New Benchmark

Mar 19, 2021 at 9:16
by Mike Kazimer  
Last year, Specialized's Stumpjumper EVO took home the Pinkbike Mountain Bike of the Year award thanks to its versatility and high level of refinement. As the follow up act, Specialized have released an electric version of that bike, the third generation of the Levo. The two models aren't completely identical – for one thing, the Levo runs a mixed wheel setup – but the numbers are close, and the intended use remains the same.

It's a bike that can be set up with a slack, 63.5-degree head angle and a low bottom bracket for more gravity-oriented adventures, or, with a few adjustments, turn into something a little snappier, with a higher BB and a 65.5-degree head angle.
Levo Pro Details

• Wheel size: 29" front / 27.5" rear
• Carbon frame
• Specialized 2.2 motor
• 700 Wh battery
• Travel: 150mm (r) / 160mm fork
• 63.5 - 65.5-degree head angle
• 441 or 447mm chainstays
• Weight: 49.4 lb / 22.4 kg (size S4)
• Sizes: S1 - S6
• Price: $13,000 USD
specialized.com

The Levo has a full carbon frame, and 150mm of rear travel that's paired with a 160mm fork. The motor delivers up to 565 watts of power and 90 Nm of peak torque, and a 700 Wh battery provides a generous amount of ride time.

There are currently two models available, the S-Works and the Pro, with an Expert-level option scheduled for later this year. The Pro model I've been riding has Fox 38 fork, Float X2 shock, SRAM X01 12-speed drivetrain, and Code RSC brakes. Roval Carbon wheels are mounted with Specialized's Butcher and Eliminator tires in a 2.6” width. The price? You might want to sit down for this one. The Levo Pro retails for $13,000 USD. Oh, and the S-Works model goes for $15,000. Apologies in advance for the increased blood pressure those numbers may cause.


bigquotesThat fact that the Levo feels so much like a 'regular' bike is one of its greatest strengths. I haven't ridden any other eMTB that makes it so easy to forget that you're on a nearly 50-pound motorized machine. Mike Kazimer




2021 Specialized Turbo Levo

Frame & Motor Details

The bulging bottom bracket area and the oversized downtube where the battery resides give away the fact that the Levo has a motor, but otherwise the frame shape closely resembles the Stumpjumper EVO, with a single strut running from the top tube to the seat tube. The cable routing is fully internal and guided, which means you can push a brake line through the chainstay and it'll emerge at the head tube without any fuss.

The battery takes up the space in the downtube that's usually used for a tube and snacks on Specialized's non-motorized bikes, but there is plenty of room for a water bottle, and there's a multi-tool, chain tool, and quick link stashed in the fork steerer tube. There's plenty of clearance for up to a 2.6” tires, and chain slap and frame protection are placed in key areas of the frame.

The charging port is located on the non-drive side, and the sealing has been increased to help prevent water from making its way into the motor. It's like the airlock system you see on submarines or spaceships – opening the latch on the outer plastic door reveals another square hatch that's double sealed to keep the elements at bay. When the battery is fully depleted, a full charge of the 700 Wh battery takes 5.25 hours.

Along with the changes to the motor sealing, there's also a new belt that Specialized's designers in Switzerland have been testing for the last two years. The belt on the 2.2 motor is wider and stiffer than the previous version, and is said to have a much longer lifespan.

2021 Specialized Turbo Levo
The mode selector is unobtrusive and easy to use.
2021 Specialized Turbo Levo
Having the battery level displayed as a percentage is a huge improvement over systems that display a row of bars instead.

Display / Controls

While many eMTBs use a display that sticks out in front of the handlebar, Specialized integrated the display for the Levo into the toptube, where it's much less likely to get damaged in the event of a crash.

Specialized's Mission Control app makes it possible to customize the information displayed on the screen. Multiple screen layouts can be saved, and then cycled through by pushing the top button on the controller found on the left side of the handlebar. The Levo even has an onboard barometer that's used to calculate the amount of elevation gained during a ride.

Along with the 4 typical modes – Eco, Trail, Turbo, and Walk – the Levo has a new Microtune option that allows riders to select the amount of power output in 10% increments. That makes it possible to be more evenly matched to a riding buddy on a less powerful bike, or to access a support level that's somewhere between the usual options.


2021 Specialized Turbo Levo
The charging port is hidden behind two hatches to keep water from sneaking in.
2021 Specialized Turbo Levo
There's plenty of clearance for a 2.6" tire.

2021 Specialized Turbo Levo
This was the geometry configuration I spend the most time testing out (there are 8 in total).

Geometry & Sizing

Like the Stumpjumper EVO, the new Levo offers a broad spectrum of geometry options. The biggest changes can be made by switching out the top head set cup. The bike comes with a second headset cup that can be dropped in to create a 1-degree steeper or slacker head angle. Along with that change, there's a chip on the chainstays that allows for another .5-degree head angle change that's accompanied by a 7mm bottom bracket adjustment.

There's a total of 6 sizes, S1-S6, with reach numbers ranging from 412 – 523mm. The seat angle sits at 76-degrees, and the chainstay length is either 441 or 447mm depending on the chip position. Those numbers are on the shorter side for an eMTB, and are made possible in part by the 27.5” rear wheel.

2021 Specialized Turbo Levo

Suspension Design

The Levo's Horst link suspension design has a progressive curve that, once again, is similar to that of the Stumpy EVO, but it's been tweaked slightly to work with the Levo's torque and power. The starting leverage ratio is a little lower to provide a little extra support early on in the travel, with a smooth ramp as the shock goes deeper into its stroke.


2021 Specialized Turbo Levo
2021 Specialized Turbo Levo

Specifications
Price $13000
Travel 150mm
Rear Shock Fox Float X2 Factory
Fork FOX 38 Float Factory 160mm
Cassette SRAM XG1295 Eagle, 12spd, 10-52t
Crankarms Praxis carbon, 160mm
Rear Derailleur SRAM X01
Chain SRAM X01
Shifter Pods SRAM X01 Eagle Single Click
Handlebar Specialized Trail, FACT Carbon, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep, 27mm rise, 780mm, 35mm
Stem Deity Copperhead
Grips Deity Knuckle Duster
Brakes SRAM Code RSC
Wheelset Roval Traverse Carbon
Tires Specialized Butcher T9 / Elimintator T7 2.6"
Seat Specialized Bridge, Hollow-Ti rails
Seatpost Fox Transfer Factory


2021 Specialized Turbo Levo

2021 Specialized Turbo Levo









Test Bike Setup

Setting up the Turbo Levo didn't require anything out of the ordinary, other than downloading the Mission Control app to fine tune the configuration of the display. That app's not required to get riding, though; all you'll typically need to do is push that button on the top tube and you'll be good to go.

I ran 100 psi with 3 tokens for in the Fox 38. That air pressure is 10 psi or so above what Fox's setup chart suggests, but it's consistent with the air pressures I've run on other eMTBs with a 38. I inflated the Float shock to 210 psi, which gave me 30% sag. The Butcher / Eliminator tires were aired up to 22 and 24 psi respectively, a touch more than I would typically run on a non-motorized bike.

Testing conditions were the usual late winter mix of very, very rainy, partially rainy, and sunny and spring-like.

Me.
Mike Kazimer
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Age: 38
Height: 5'11" / 180cm
Inseam: 33" / 84cm
Weight: 160 lbs / 72.6 kg
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mikekazimer


2021 Specialized Turbo Levo

Climbing

It's the Levo's seamless power delivery that sets it apart from pack. It feels remarkably close to riding a non-motorized bike, if you somehow ignored the fact that you can travel much faster with much less effort. That smooth delivery is a huge help on trickier climbs – the are no sudden surges or decreases in power, which makes it easier to maintain traction even on steep, slippery sections of trail. The Levo's geometry helps when climbing too - the overall fit of the S4 felt just right for my 5'11" height, and I never felt too stretched out or cramped no matter which way the trail pointed.

The cadence that's required to make the most out of the usable power is also very natural feeling – there's no need to shift to an easier gear and spin wildly in order to maximize the output. That fact that the Levo feels so much like a 'regular' bike is one of its greatest strengths. I haven't ridden any other eMTB that makes it so easy to forget that you're on a nearly 50-pound motorized machine.

Sure, it takes more effort to bunnyhop, and you'll probably notice the upper body workout after a long ride, but the way the motor doesn't detract from the riding experience at all is very impressive. Even the decibel output of the motor is noteworthy – it's much quieter than a Shimano EP8 or Bosch. In some cases, I'm sure that the hikers or other riders I passed probably didn't even notice I was on an ebike. If you wanted to go even more low key, it's possible to change the display so that it's not so bright.

Speaking of the display, the fact that the battery percentage is displayed as an actual percent rather than a series of bars is a very welcome feature. Trying to figure out how much longer you can ride for is a lot easier when you know there's 14% battery left vs. one bar.

The 700 Wh battery also makes it possible to tackle long rides without suffering from range anxiety, or needing to spent too much time in Eco mode. Many of my rides ended up being around 2.5-hours with 5,000+ vertical feet of climbing, and each time I still had some battery left at the end. A solid 3 hour ride with lots of climbing and descending is easily doable, and the way that that the battery drains seems very even – there weren't any sudden drops even as the numbers on the screen dropped into the 10% range.


2021 Specialized Turbo Levo

Descending

The Fox 38, Float X2 shock, and the extra weight around the bottom bracket make the Levo a riot on the downhills. It may have the same amount of travel as its non-motorized sibling, but the burlier suspension package and additional weight make if feel much more substantial when gravity takes over. I started with it in the middle geometry setting, which gives it a 64.5-degree head angle, and was happy with that for pretty much anything I'd encounter on a typical ride. I'm currently running it in the slack and high position, and that's worked very well on the steeper tracks I can't seem to get enough of lately. The reach numbers do change depending on the settings, but I've felt comfortable with the fit in all the positions I've tried so far.

I mentioned how normal the Levo felt while climbing and on rolling terrain, and that holds true on the descents as well. Slower speed cornering doesn't require any undue effort, and I didn't need to give the mixed wheel setup a second thought. High speed cornering is where things get extra fun. There's loads of traction, which made it possible to push hard into the turns, confident in the knowledge that the bike would stick to its line the same way a motorcycle does in the Wall of Death.

The bike's weight does become more apparent on really steep trails that require heavy braking – that's when I noticed the extra pressure I had to exert on the brake levers to keep things under control. Even with the Code RSC brakes and a 220mm front rotor I still found myself wishing for a touch more braking power at times. Be prepared to go further down the landing than you expect when launching off a jump, but the Levo will get it done, and it handled larger drops and stepdowns without any trouble. It's also blissfully silent in rough terrain, with no distracting motor rattling or clacking.

Lately, Levo has been the bike I've been grabbing for weird adventure rides. Rather than using the motorized assistance to knock out a bunch of laps on the same trail, I've been exploring old moto trails, and getting into zones that I wouldn't usually frequent on a regular bike due to the steepness of the climbs, or the length of the approach to get there. The higher average speed that the motor allows for makes the whole ride seem like it's taking place in fast forward, a whirlwind of trail experiences that verges on sensory overload.

2021 Specialized Turbo Levo


2021 Specialized Turbo Levo
Specialized Levo
Santa Cruz Bullit review
Santa Cruz Bullit


How does it compare?

My time on the Santa Cruz Bullit overlapped with the Levo's arrival, so I was able to get in some good back-to-back laps on the two bikes. The difference in handling between the two bikes isn't drastic on the descents (they're both extremely entertaining to ride) thanks to the similar geometry numbers, although the Bullit's extra travel is noticeable on chunkier trails, where there's a little extra cushion when things get really rough.

When it comes to climbing, the Levo takes the lead, thanks to the smoothness of the motor's power delivery. I was more likely to spin out and lose traction on the Bullit, while on the Levo I could maintain a steady pace and crawl up loose, rutted sections without missing a beat. Other points in the Levo's favor are the fact that it's quieter no matter which way the trail is pointing, and the 700 Wh battery lasts longer than the 630 Wh battery found in the Bullit. The Levo's display is also a step above the one Shimano uses for the EP8 motor.

When I reviewed the Bullit, the price made it one of the more expensive e-bikes I'd ever ridden... Until I rode the Levo that is. The component specs are approximately the same - the Bullit has the same fork, dropper post, and brakes as the Levo, and both bikes have carbon wheels, except the Bullit costs $11,499 and the Levo is $13,000. Is the ride experience of the Levo $1,500 better? That's hard to say – my bank account doesn't have enough funds in it for me to consider purchasing either bike. At the end of the day, if price was no object, I'd pick the Levo for the more refined performance that it delivers.


2021 Specialized Turbo Levo


Technical Report

Charging port seals: It's too early to comment on the long term durability of the Specialized 2.2 motor, but I can say that's it's survived numerous ridiculously wet rides, rides that included plenty of hub deep puddles, without any issues. Each time I opened the charging port it was dry as a bone - those extra seals seem to be doing the trick.

Roval Traverse carbon wheels: These wheels have had a hard life, but they're still spinning true despite plenty of not-so-smooth uphill and downhill lines.

Specialized Butcher / Eliminator tires The 2.6" Butcher and Eliminator combo worked well on some of the wettest days of the year, with the Eliminator delivering more braking traction than I would have expected based on the more low profile tread pattern. On muddy or snowy climbs is where the Eliminator begins to falter. I tried a 2.4” Maxxis Shorty / DHRII DoubleDown combination, and that provided the uphill and downhill grip I was looking for. That combo doesn't erase the bumps in quite the same way as the wider Specialized tires, but for my riding style I prefer the more precise, less balloon-like feel of the narrower width.

2021 Specialized Turbo Levo



Pros

+ Very quiet motor & excellent display
+ Super smooth power delivery
+ Adjustable geometry


Cons

- There's really only one – the price.



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesSpecialized absolutely nailed it with the new Levo. Yes, the price hurts my heart every time I see it, but that actual performance of the bike puts it above any other eMTB I've ridden. The adjustable geometry, quiet motor, smooth power delivery, and a battery that lasts an incredibly long time put the Levo at the front of the pack in this category. Mike Kazimer








Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

705 Comments
  • 678 9
 I'm more excited about the comments
  • 190 3
 Got me all charged up
  • 35 1
 Yeh, I want to see what evolves
  • 55 0
 As crazy as this sounds, there is a market for 10k+ ebikes. I don't quite understand it, but US ebike sales are through the roof right now.
  • 125 6
 @moefosho: my suspicion for that is because ebikes tend to cater to an older crowd, which is a crowd generally full of retirees with plenty of discretionary cash. A lot of riders that normally wouldn't ride because of age, fragility, etc, are getting ebikes and even one for their spouses as well. Up here in Midway, UT, there are 60+ year old couples riding these nice ebikes together around every corner! It's basically the new golf.
  • 28 7
 @hunkyG: yup,.all the 50+ laguna guys have gone E. They're loving the challenges. Of climbing up all the gnar that isn't quite possible without E.
Plus theyre.getting 2x the dh.
They're buying orbeas for @$6k
  • 36 32
 @jrocksdh: I ride Laguna also, I have been wondering about this. It seems the braking bumps and trails are getting worn down at a much higher rate than I have ever seen. Do you think it has to do with 1. the extra weight 2. the power you can get out of corners and 3. Braking with that much weight just pulls up more dirt.

I have nothing against E-bikes but I wonder if because of these potential effects trail maintenance is going to have to be done at a much higher rate.

Just some food for thought, i'm all about tech advances in MTB although not quite ready to buy an E-bike (39).
  • 54 0
 Looked at the price, scrolled straight to the comments!
  • 22 9
 @hunkyG: No 60+ yr old retiree is riding this. They are riding ebikes but not this.
  • 45 66
flag taskmgr (Mar 23, 2021 at 10:25) (Below Threshold)
 The painful thing I realized is that they are adding 20 to 30lbs to a bike to make it easier to pedal? Seems like they are going backwards 200% to go forward 15% but also doubling the cost. Why not just buy a regular bike, go 15% slower, save 50% of the cost of an e bike and probably even more on battery and motor replacement? I was all for it at first but with gearing so wide now what's the issue?
  • 167 24
 @makripper: Well I've had some back to backs with my Enduro rig and my Rail ebike with a heart rate monitor. I've got a 14.5km loop out from my house, half road/half gravel trail/few single track with some granny gear climbs.

Enduro rig: 1hr 5min on average, strava 'effort' score ~108
Ebike: 45min on average, effort score ~53 [in eMTB mode, would be higher in Tour mode]

Basically 30% quicker for half the energy output.

What that translates too for me - as time is precious, I can get to a forest and put in a shedload of vert in a short space of time 'self shuttling'. So I can spend more laps on the downhills, more time working on my skills. I basically go till I'm shattered, then come home. On my normal bike I get in the truck drained but 'leg & lung' drained, not drained from working the downhills.

After some time off bikes last year it's meant my skill progression has been faster getting back into it, you're not really working your skills slogging out an awful lung busting climb.

I like a lot for 40 somethings don't have a lot of free time, work too much, and want to make every bit when I do get to the forest count.
  • 20 3
 @Snowsed341: - 100%. More mass plus more runs as riders can get back up the hill for repeat fun. We have been looking at how we adapt current trail design to cater for these forces and additional wear here in Scotland.
  • 1 0
 Is that price for s six pack?
  • 6 0
 Saw this on BikeRadar, came here expressly to see the comments
  • 8 0
 @Snowsed341: Probably some of the above, but also substantial increase in outdoor recreation during pandemic
  • 19 31
flag taskmgr (Mar 23, 2021 at 11:14) (Below Threshold)
 @RowanH: whats so wrong with getting a good work out? Is that little bit easier worth not getting a good workout and spending double on a bike?
  • 8 8
 @RowanH: for the record my knees are going. But I just pedal easy and mellow. Probably takes more time then an e bike but I'm not out for uphill strava kom anymore.
  • 11 3
 @RowanH: cheers for that insight - that’s actually really useful for people like myself who’ve never actually ridden one. If there was ever a reason for me to consider getting an ebike as my next rig, this would most definitely be it.
  • 15 1
 I'm planning on getting one of these when I retire. I'm looking forward to being able to legitimately ride in my 60s.
  • 10 1
 @makripper: I think haibike has it down with their enduro ebike at ´´only´´ 5k
  • 91 26
 @Snowsed341: I own an Orbea Rise. It weighs 38lbs I weigh 165 lbs. So a combined weight of 203lbs. So by your logic a rider that weighs 205 lbs riding a 30 pound analog bike could also be doing the damage. As far as extra power those bikes put out a nominal power of 250 watts but that is only when you have it in turbo and you are also putting in a healthy amount of watts. For the most part the bike is at most putting out 100-150 watts and that is only if you are putting in some effort as well. Then again watts/kg is the real metric if we are comparing apples to apples. Ebike rider and bike 86kg rider and 21kg bike and roughly 260 watts of ebike and human power is roughly 3watts/kg. A world class athlete can put out 5.5 - 6 watts/kg easily for up to an hour and with the 21 pound bike they are riding it is somewhere in the range of 5.8watts/kg total . Has Nino Shurter been ripping it up in Laguna, perhaps he's been doing the damage...or it's just regular erosion and also a normal increase in traffic due to COVID. Donate to your local trail association or perhaps volunteer. FYI you may notice a bunch of dudes on Ebikes out with the boys and girls doing trail maintenance, they're pretty handy for hauling heavy gear around. Your logic is flawed my friend.
  • 17 53
flag lbizzle123 (Mar 23, 2021 at 12:27) (Below Threshold)
 Haha put some thought into this one. What a ridiculous argument @buzz67:
  • 24 0
 @Snowsed341: I ride Laguna also and I think what you referring is more to do with the increase number of riders since de pandemic starts, mtb really got popular around here and I’ve never seem the trails that busy before.
  • 26 0
 @mountainsofsussex: $18,500cad.... to say that is insane is an understatement of epic proportions
  • 21 29
flag SlodownU (Mar 23, 2021 at 13:05) (Below Threshold)
 @RowanH: Your skills may or may not improve, but in an actually race you’ll get smoked because you just won’t be in a good of shape as someone actually sweating the old fashioned way.
  • 12 2
 @buzz67: Ebikes might contribute to extra trail wear out of corners and certain climbs but I think the whole wearing out the DH’s and causing more braking bumps is BS for the reason you say.

A fatty is still potentially going to weigh much more than a ‘normal’ person, or a much larger male v smaller man or woman.

More runs though, maybe yes - that’s non arguable.
  • 2 0
 @netposer: you’d be surprised
  • 59 10
 @makripper: ebikes for us have eliminated the "suck" factor in Enduro riding. We rarely ride in boost mode, typically in trail mode on the Shimano system. The impossible, or out of gas climbs that suck are now fully do-able. This weekend, we got 5 descents in, compared to 1-2 previously. We're exploring areas we've never been, due to having more available energy than before. 5 hours vs 2, etc.

The wife's technical ability has increased 10 fold in one month, because of how much riding we are actually doing. Because her ability has increased, she's taking steeper lines, learning to jump and drop, and I'm never waiting. She's absolutely jazzed to ride, making her a happier rider and a better riding partner!

We're on 180/170mm travel Range VLTs, and the bikes were only $1000 more each than the bikes we were looking at with similar parts spec. Not everyone needs to spend $13k usd, I think we spent that for both! Our next conventional bikes will be full dh/freeride rigs dedicated for park days, because the ebike has taken care of everything else for us.
  • 20 13
 @cstishenko: And how do you actually get in better shape now that hard part is taken care of?
  • 11 0
 @Snowsed341: probably because there are a lot of new riders out there who have to brake much more before the corner
  • 21 2
 @Snowsed341: I notice more braking bumps but the maybe biggest factor IMO has been the Covid Mass Effect and not E-bikes. So many more riders! It's nuts! The chopper was in that canyon almost every day from April to September. I do a ton of laps around Aliso and Laguna and a lot of trail work and there's a lot of work to be done after this pandemic. But the added weight probably does contribute so I'll concede there.

To chime in to the Specialized Turbo pricing directly I was fortunate enough to get a bro deal on the S-Works Turbo Levo and I think a lot of people get the bro deals nowadays. So a bike going for full retail can be rare but I imagine there are those that throw it on financing no problem! I am that 50yr old and getting more runs is awesome but one thing I'm noticing after 3 years is that your muscles don't hurt but your joints sure do! Still love it.

As far as the new Levo, they are all great improvements: That screen is rad! I want one! Also, I've run a mullet for the last 5 years and it really does work so it's great to see the likes of Specialized and SC validating that (along with several world cup winners!). I just hope my motor holds up. They said it was the 2021 but who knows with all that's gone on with them!

After a couple of different ebikes for myself and feedback from friends, this article also validates a huge problem with today's ebike specs and that is the brakes. With the added rolling weight of these bikes it definitely takes more to slow them down. I've blown through more corners than I'd like to admit, and, I hate to say this but Codes and Maguras just are at the limit on a 50lb bike. I've just recently gone back to Shimano Saints after having the MT7s as spec'd by Specialized and there is no comparison. That on/off bite that so many complained about over the years suddenly becomes a smoother, more forceful grab with 50lbs underneath you. I'll never go back. The MT7 anniversaries were gorgeous but for those buying an ebike, think about your brakes with your purchase!
  • 2 1
 Well said pal! Summs up and all????
  • 28 5
 @RowanH: I always wear a heart rate monitor (HRM) on my ebike rides & normal rides so im totally in tune with how my body reacts to the different types of activity. On ebike rides it's almost impossible to get out of zone 1/2 .

So that's great for weight loss but rubbish for getting fitter. It's the natural intervals into your Threshold VO2max & Anaerobic zones from riding a normal bike that actually get you fitter / stop you current fitness declining.

Riding an ebike, you will at best maintain what you have, and unless you're in eco a lot you will probably see your non ebike fitness disappear over time. I ride my ebike fairly agro and the HRM data backs up that statement.

I use my ebike for active recovery in-between either hard normal rides or turbo training. For that its great, but people shouldn't kid themselves that its anything but a very light workout.
  • 4 0
 @Snowsed341: There are just way more people in general out - especially in Laguna area. Ive never seen the parking lots at Aliso and Ridge Park so packed on the weekends. It is crazy. The city needs to step up asap and open more trails. So many more trails that are "un-authorized" and have been in existence before the parks even existed. So all of this is contributing to the trails getting worn out.
  • 1 0
 @Meettaco: Yeah it is getting very popular, and let's hope that the correct institutions step up and start either actually maintaining trails or start to create new ones. I think most of the unauthorized trails are safer to ride than the normal ones because the normal ones are so much more beat up. I am pretty sure the Laguna Foundation is meant to be the trail gatekeepers but it seems they do nothing but either make trails worst to ride (5 oaks) or do no real trail up keep.

I would gladly sacrifice ride time to be part of a real trail crew that helped keep the trails maintained.
  • 5 4
 @RowanH: exactly. What a bike like this (or even a much cheaper one) translates into for me is the same (or more) fun in a shorter period of time or much more fun in the same amount of time. The workout is of secondary priority for me. I’m in it for the fun and getting out in nature. Call me selfish.
  • 4 0
 @Snowsed341: do you also think it is just a matter of more riders of all kind? our local trail association doubled in numbers in 2020. We have seen a huge increase in all types of trail users, hikers, runners, MTB of all ability levels
  • 3 15
flag brentasaurus (Mar 23, 2021 at 15:56) (Below Threshold)
 @RowanH: 100%. I am more than capable on any bike in any situation but the eMTB right now is my no.1 choice
  • 18 13
 @SlodownU: Better shape than ever previously due to the simple fact that we're riding for much greater lengths of time, and more varied terrain. And because we actually want to ride, we're riding 2-3 times per week instead of 1-2 every 2 weeks. Instead of grinding a hill only once until we puke - we're riding that same hill 4-5 times with an elevated heart rate and constant hard breathing. We're also seeing the upper and lower body benefit of throwing around a 50lb bike downhill.

Just because it's an E-bike doesn't mean it has a twist throttle and zero effort, that is what so many people have wrong about them. If you keep it in trail or eco, the bike can provide a very rewarding ride. ECO on a Shimano E7000/E8000 motor with a 180mm Enduro bike feels very much like a 28/30lb Enduro bike. Without looking down, I wouldn't know it wasn't my last Kona Process.

Plus with the Shimano E-tube App, each trail mode is adjustable to give you the amount of assistance you prefer in each mode. As our fitness improves, i've already once turned down each mode by one notch - and we just keep pounding on more km, more laps, more skill.

I'm not out here trying to convert anyone. Just dispelling many of the myths behind the modern Ebike. It has been life changing.
  • 4 2
 After reading 13...cof...cof... thousand U.S. Dollars, came directly to the chitchat!
  • 6 2
 @moefosho: there are always markets, thats why yates, planes, art, what ever, are sold and for the prices that are asked.

What I don't understand, is throwing this down our face, reminding how "poor" some/most of us, are.
I don't find any interest in reading this article, for the simple fact that I will not buy a 5digit bike EVER in my life!
Like me, there will be so many like me.
  • 9 3
 @cky78: to compare, one can buy 2 (two) new Honda CRF 250 dirt bikes for about $18,500 CAN. Insane is understating it!
  • 4 4
 @Snowsed341: Most likely, it’s just more riders on the trail. For a given rider, IMO an ebike is the same footprint/impact. All the other guys I ride with are on acoustic bikes, and I have about 700 mi on my Levo and 1400 mi on an older ebike. Total weight (rider plus bike) is only about 10% more (20 lbs. for a 200 lb total). My total is 250 (groan) vs. maybe 225-230 if I was riding a top spec non-e option.

I have seen a TON more riders of all stripes on NJ trails. Like, almost an order of magnitude. Most are still acoustic, and there is definitely more trail wear as a result. There is ZERO spin out of corners (it’s assist not throttle, you aren’t going to be able to burn out) and I have seen comparable if not more churn from non-e because of struggling and powering through tough patches. No braking diffs either. I’ve been riding trails for 30 years. No diff. A rider who abuses trails (roostering, riding wet trails, etc.) can do the same damage on either.
  • 7 4
 @netposer: Bzzzt. I’m almost 58. Turbo Levo Expert. Black trails. I do armor up, wounds heal more slowly!
  • 4 4
 @justanotherusername: True. Me and my 170/170 bike are 190lbs. My buddy is 225lbs before he gets on a bike. My bike will feel 'well planted' on the downhills if it weighs 48lbs but his 33lb bike won't? I think people make too much of the 15lb extra an bike adds.
  • 3 2
 @Jvisscher: true statement, one even bike shops forget. Total rolling mass counts, who cares what the bike weighs!
  • 8 3
 @Snowsed341: no need to worry about that. If there's one thing people who buy $10,000+ e-bikes LOVE it's manual labor to repair and care for bike trails and public spaces that everyone can enjoy.
  • 3 0
 @RowanH: thanks for the perspective. I’ve had both for a year and watched my heart rate on both bikes and it was similar, but often on my ebike I was doing longer adventure rides, that honestly weren’t planned but just happened.

I was really focused on getting back in shape and loosing weight. I’ve lost 30 lbs, eating healthy was key, but the ebike really helped. I now don’t ride it, I feel much faster on the normal bike and I’m doubling down on my goals.

Timing for me has been everything, and although I can go a lot further on the eee I’m trying to maximize the “workout” as well.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: even Bernie Tusko?
  • 9 6
 @cky78: yes, who in their right fuking mind would spend $13,000 on a scooter? Get a YZF450 and have waaaaaay more fun, with 3k leftover!
  • 3 3
 @Schwenn2: the 250rx or r too you could get almost 4 250f's for that!
  • 3 6
 @cstishenko: nice sales pitch lol. Sounds like alot of work justifying riding an ebike. I'm not sure what suck on an enduro bike your on about. Maybe your suspension wasn't setup correctly?
  • 10 8
 @lightsgetdimmer: That sounds like someone who either hasn’t ridden an eMTB or doesn’t really enjoy cycling. I’ll even accept a third option: An XC racer who “hates” downhill riding. Seriously though, you can’t really judge until you’ve tried one. If you like mountain biking, a proper pedal assist electric ebike just turns things up to 11.
  • 9 1
 @cstishenko: I seriously couldn’t imagine all but giving up on bunnyhops and jibs.. so many fun variations and it’s something I always do several times a ride. Bunnyhop to manual, bunnyhop to nose, or just avoiding stopping by bunnyhopping a downed tree at speed. Bunnyhops are like the ollie is to skating, important fundamental skill.
But I’m a strange duck, I’d pick 1 or 2 laps on a really fun trail than 5 on a meh trail. That seems like a decent analogy.
  • 1 0
 @mountainsofsussex:
Me too. The funniest thing this week....:-)
  • 2 1
 @gnarlysipes: wrong, wrong and yup, wrong
  • 1 0
 @RowanH: I did a similar comparison between my Rail & Top Fuel. 90 mins each at the NZ National XC course - identical HR, just went 30% further in the Rail (Tour Mode)
  • 5 2
 @hunkyG:
Ebikers and Vintage bikers want the same thing.
E Bikers just get 3 times as much. Hmmmm maybe 4x.
  • 1 0
 @sjma: solid pun mate Smile
  • 1 0
 @hunkyG: That is wholesome!
  • 1 0
 @buzz67: nominal 250watts, peak is nearly double that.
  • 1 0
 @moefosho: Because they are cheap transportation, cheaper that a Chevy but not much.
  • 4 0
 @tankthegladiator: Dude, anyone writing as much as you is just trying to convince himself more than the rest of us.
  • 3 1
 I'm sure its fun and all and I know I would use it more than a lot more than dirt bike but jeezus a brand new ktm 450 is $10,199...
  • 3 3
 @SlodownU: There are many people who don't understand exactly how they work. Some first hand insight never hurt.

No amount of words will make anyone buy one. I did and the only thing I regret is that my buds didn't buy one, for their sake considering how much we now ride compared to them.
  • 3 1
 @Karve: you must ride in a very flat area where the speed limits how much you can pedal. I hit HR zone 4 all the time on my levo while climbing. Granted I have to ride more miles as the climbs are quicker but that means I get more downhills too.
  • 5 2
 I'll take a brand new Honda CRF450X for $9,799 instead. Bike prices are getting crazy.

powersports.honda.com/off-road/trail/crf450x/build
  • 1 0
 @hunkyG: still waiting for my surplus of discretionary cash to appear Big Grin
  • 2 0
 @dv8416: you and me both...
  • 3 1
 @lightsgetdimmer: Could buy the whole riding group a dirt bike for nearly $20,000... haha
  • 3 0
 @Snowsed341:
I ride Laguna also. The increased trail wear is mostly due to all the new riders to the sport. Since the pandemic hit LCWP on weekends is packed like Disneyland. This wasn’t the case (as much) pre-pandemic.
  • 4 0
 @hunkyG: not in the UK. Passed 5 spesh ebikes last night, all under 35. Oldest rider ,me,51, on an analogue
  • 3 0
 @makripper: what's wrong with letting people ride what they want? What does it matter to you?
  • 5 2
 @d-man: because legislation around "motorized" vehicles on trails built for cycling.
  • 3 0
 @jrocksdh: hey! Don’t hate on my people! many of us 60+ still riding the old fashioned way. I ride 3 times a week on my Hightower, gain about 2000+ ft every time.
  • 2 6
flag MysteryBee (Mar 24, 2021 at 9:58) (Below Threshold)
 @buzz67: your argument is flawed, you have to add the 38lb to every rider, not just the light ones. And some of the heavier ones are more likely to buy the ebike. If you don’t think these bikes take a massive toll on the trails you haven’t been paying attention to the way some people ride them, aggressively plowing into loose uphill sections, rending trails as they go. There have been more riders because of the pandemic, but the ebikes do a lot of damage per bike.
  • 1 0
 @gtill9000: I'm looking at reaching 60yrs old in 3 years. Hoping my legs will last till then.
  • 1 0
 @moefosho: Just like flat screen TV's, eBikes will escalate quickly in price. That said, the volume of competition in the space looks like it will rapidly drop the price as well. Given the intersection of traditional motorcycle companies and traditional bike companies, I would expect to see higher and higher quality at a lower and lower price. If I were to prognosticate, I would guess that the baseline prices will be within $3K for entry level to $10K for top end in no more than 2 to 3 years.

Based on past new bike releases, aesthetics will matter more than performance. Smile
  • 1 1
 @Jvisscher: yes it makes a massive difference a tool that weights 50% more handles differently.
  • 3 0
 @chrisingrassia: you obviously have issues with ebikes but can't comprehend there are places to ride that allow them.
  • 3 1
 @MysteryBee: You are clueless on what does trail damage. Up hill plowing? Lol! you've never skidded on a trail hey?
  • 1 0
 @chrisingrassia: Nailed it! So true...
  • 1 0
 @poozank: the tool makes a difference to handling and feel... I dislike eBikes on hard downhills where I want a light bike to flick around but love them uphills where it makes it feel like a down. But as far as the contact patch of Minion on the dirt, I’m not so sure some 150lb rider riding a 50 lb bike will do more damage than a 175lb rider on a 25lb bike. Maybe I’ll build a braid on my new trails this spring and make all the eBikes ride right, the rest left. Trail counters, and photos to document wear each week.
  • 2 0
 @emptybe-er: I literally cannot upvote your comments enough! : )
  • 2 0
 @Snowsed341: The wall has come down on 5 Oaks. It's been made great again. LCF screwed that one up big time. PM me.
  • 2 0
 @d-man: not "issues" so much. Me and family loved them cruising around Tokyo and Mt.Fuji.
That's where they belong, tourism and streets.
"Motorized" transport vehicles have always been banned from public trails and paths and such.
  • 7 1
 @chrisingrassia: The world is not as black and white as you think it is. Hikers said the same about mountain bikes 10 years ago and now look at where the MTB scene is. Ebikes are here to stay, and will gain access. You can argue all you want but that is a fact.
  • 1 0
 @Karve: You're likely incredibly fit and blessed with good heart health. Most people have much higher heart rates simply getting out of bed. Last year I inline skated over 2,000 miles, and it was always a struggle to keep my heart rate at an aerobic pace (below 145 bpm), and I specifically trained for aerobic exercise using Phil Maffetone's method. So I think your results here only really apply to really fit riders.
  • 1 1
 @sjflow: your missing a large part of it. Age is massive factor as average resting heart rate all the way up through the other heart rate level increases as you age.
  • 1 0
 @netposer: I am 70 and retired, and of course I ride one. The price is obscene
  • 4 1
 @Karve: I spend 55%-65% of my ride time in HR zones 3-5 regardless of whether I'm on an acoustic bike or an eMTB. My power zones (measured at the pedal spindles) are actually a tiny bit higher on my eMTB as well - probably because I don't need to worry about burning out far from home.

If it's "almost impossible to get out of zone 1/2" it's not the bike that's the problem. Punch it once in awhile! Smile
  • 1 0
 @d-man: your profile says you're old and grumpy. I concur!
  • 2 0
 @Snowsed341: a fat person on a normal bike is probably heavier than a normal person on an ebike. Saying that a lot of fat people are buying ebikes !
I’d say it’s more the quantity of laps that cause erosion than the bike.
  • 3 2
 @crazy9: people on ebikes are doing more laps. Add that to a heavier bike that can carry more aggressive tyres as, who cares about drag on an ebike, and there's going to be more trail erosion
  • 2 0
 @Snowsed341: My opinion- more riders riding with less finesse creates an uptick in trail wear beyond what just the number of riders would. I think e-bikes cater to a different style of rider creating more trail wear, not that the bike itself creates more wear by being electric. What do I know.
  • 1 0
 @ou812ic: so new riders on regular bikes have the same effect then by your statement.
  • 2 2
 @KGR: What's an "acoustic bike"?
  • 3 0
 @bananowy: just a normal bike without a motor
  • 4 2
 @Wat3: Isn't that called "a bike"?
  • 1 0
 @bananowy: yes but some people call it acoustic.
think of guitars electric uses an amp and acoustic doesn't..
"mostly bike snobs say it though"
  • 2 1
 @Wat3: So where's the acoustic box on a bicycle? Is the main difference between bikes and e-bikes in how they produce sound?

In all seriousness dude, I admire your genuine answers, but I obviously know what he meant and why. I'm just trying to pint out how nonsensical it is. A bike is not "acoustic", "analogue" or "non-e". It. Is. Just. A. Bike. "A bike" doesn't need any descriptors to be clear what we're talking about. E-/motorized/pedal assist/electric bike does as that is the newer, different, modified item derived from the pre-existing bike.

Let's not blindly repeat silly marketing buzzwords aimed at making newbies believe e-bikes are the default and bikes are some fringe curiosity for a small group of masochists, shall we?

Disclaimer: this is not a rant against ebikes. I'm likely to own one at some point. Even when I do, I won't change my mind about this kind of newspeak.
  • 1 0
 @bananowy: When electric guitars were new, I doubt acoustic guitar players got their undies in half the twist you see in MTB forums and comment sections.

"Bike" is a highly generic term. Sometimes it means 1000cc+ motorcycle. Sometimes it means penny-farthing. Sometimes pedal-bike, or (horrors!) an "acoustic" bike. Now it might mean pedal-assist or eMTB. If you want to get worked up over an adjective, whatever. Enjoy the rage I guess.
  • 1 0
 @lightsgetdimmer: I’ve said it before, history will view anti-eBikers are Luddites. I guess that was the surprise 4th option. Wait, you don’t even have to respond; I already know your answer: Wrong.
  • 1 0
 @btablak: I agree, though the concerning thing is to see Specialized up their prices a fair bit (comparing S-Works from ‘20 to ‘21) AND only offer two models with a third coming alter this year—and likely near $10k at that. No mention of aluminum, either, which they had in all previous years’ lineups.

Prices will come down. I think that’s one piece of good news coming out of the huge surge in bike sales—as they become more commonplace we get more comptetitors, supply and demand start to stabilize, and prices come down across the board. Fingers crossed.
  • 1 0
 @btablak: e-mtb have only increased in price. The trend is one way and here is a prime example
  • 1 1
 @gnarlysipes: wrong again. My answer is I.D.G.A.F.
  • 1 0
 @lightsgetdimmer: Embrace your stubbornness. You gotta stand for something, I suppose.
  • 1 0
 @professed: So I went back and looked at the 2020 pricing of the Levo. The S-Works was $14k. A ~7% increase isn’t bad, considering the price increases other companies have made. The more concerning part here is the fact that they’re only releasing these high end models (so far). Could be Specialized trying to artificially limit the potential number of back orders.
  • 1 0
 All that tech and still has a derailleur! I hope when I’m old enough to justify owning an ebike that there are better drivetrain options!
  • 3 0
 @Karve:

But you are already fit!

Im fat and very unfit and having an enduro bike made me no fitter (my own faults)

I ride more now than ever. I get more small local sessions in burning 2-300 cals that i didnt do previously. My hr is also comparable because im unfit.

On rides i used to do before i still burn 1600cals but my mates are no longer waiting for me to drag myself up the hill.

Im enjoying my riding more. Eventually i will get fit enough to return to enduro bikes but for now, me and my
Mates all have a better day out and thats all that matters!

Because something doesn’t work for you doesnt make the statement untrue.
  • 2 0
 @gnarlysipes: ummm ok, I guess. Enlighten to what I’m missing here. I have riden an emtn bike before and....yeah, meh. I enjoying mtn biking, BMX, riding around town on my townie bike, everything except 10 speeding or I guess it’s referred to as road cycling. I’m not an “XC” racer who hates down hilling either so yeah, I’ll say it again. Who in their right Fuking mind would spend $13,000 on a bicycle? This ain’t no hand made, one off bike. It’s a mass produced plastic, metal and rubber thing you ride for enjoyment. I’m gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and say, you seem to be somewhat intelligent so you and I both know there is no way in hell the cost to produce this thing is even close to $13,000. So yeah, I get it, as long as ppl pay that price, they’ll keep charging it but I’ll say it again, a fool and his money are quickly separated. I ain’t stubbornness, it’s foolishness for someone to pay that. And that’s my $0.02. Keep overpaying for all the bikes and parts you want to. As for me I’ll just keep grinding out miles on my regular old bike. And yeah, it’s old.
  • 1 0
 @Snowsed341: probably from more bikes of every type furing the pandemic.
  • 2 1
 @SlodownU: Doing 1 to 2 laps on a a regular bike vs 3,4, 5 or 6 laps on an ebike? Do the math. Less laps similar energy output as more laps on an ebike. Plus there is the upper body strength portion you get on an ebike that you wouldn't necessarily get on a regular bike. I've been riding ebikes for a few years now. I get the same exercise as on a regular bike. I just cover more ground.
  • 2 1
 @swhitey: don't be lazy and do 6 laps on a regular bike.
  • 1 0
 @lightsgetdimmer: Your 2¢ but somehow you feel the need to demean people by saying “you seem intelligent.” I can’t have an honest discussion with someone like that. $13k is too much, agreed. But, seeing as we’re headed for major inflation and are probably already there (thanks largely to the last three + current POTUS), these prices will become the norm quickly.
  • 1 1
 @makripper: What about doing 18 laps on his/her ebike? Eh?
  • 1 0
 @Snowsed341: I think it just from so many new riders. Park at milf park on a weekend...packed. mainly reg bikes
  • 1 0
 @gnarlysipes: then do 18 on a regular bike
  • 2 1
 @gnarlysipes: Holy shit dude, you still stewing over old shit? You gotta get out and ride your bike and relax bud.
  • 1 0
 @lightsgetdimmer: Based on how long it took me to respond, maybe that’s what I’ve been doing. TBH, I didn’t notice my reply was two months later! Turns out I took your advice before you gave it. :wink:
  • 3 1
 @makripper: To each his own. Time is a finite resource and not everyone can dedicate as much time to riding as, perhaps, you can. If I can ride twice as far in the same amount of time, that’s win for me.
  • 1 0
 @netposer: I am 60, retired, and about to buy one of these. Why do you say that I won't?
  • 1 0
 @netposer: Well, I 'm 60+ and I have one and ride it everyday! In fact, I can't wait to ride it everyday! Keep in mind that not all 60+ people are like they were 60+ years ago! People often think I'm in my 40s 0r 50s at the most! Anyway, there are trails around my area, but more like rough paths with small hills throughout, shared by people on foot sometimes, so I can't whip around there as I like. But I like the Levo for all terrain, and this '60+' person also has the motor off a lot of the time because it's good exercise. By the way, went up a hill on my first ride (to test it out without motor assistance), and for a 60+ on a 50 lb. bike (sitting, no less!) I'd say that's not bad!
  • 1 0
 @hunkyG: I'm over 60 and I've been riding mountain bikes for decades. Not a rich retiree, but more like a broke musician, but had some cash put away, sell some instruments now and then, do session, work, gigs, etc., so was able to afford one. I like hills and trails too, but there isn't much like that around where I live, but there are some rough, hilly paths along a river. But I've never done those leaps, never tried, though they certainly look like fun. Still, I like to whip around where I can. The main reason I got an e bike was because I was getting tired of going up hills, and to go a good distance (using the motor as reserve), though I can climb on my regular, lighter mountain bike. And it's not just to conserve energy, but the things are fun when they suddenly whisk you off! Hell, I'd seen a video of some old 80 year-old guy on a Specialized E mountain bike going through bumpy trails with his son. Stay in shape: stay younger.
  • 1 0
 I'd rather have the Yamaha trials E or the OSET if the us takes while to come out.
I'd def get my $4-6k out of an E moto.
E TRAILS stashes all over so cal and better training for the real motos.
Gta have all the toys eventually.
For me, ebikes are too expensive for the suspension you get so far. But the new dual crowns are coming, and hopefully better battery tech for all things E in 5 years
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: moAr fork crowns is better values for the e bikez
  • 1 0
 @hunkyG: Yep, I'm 61 and due to arthritic hips, I just can't get the power down to the pedals like I used to. I've been riding MTB for a long time, but I am seriously considering the switch to eMTB because the technical climbs out here in Sedona just drain my ancient legs...
  • 1 0
 @netposer: Wrong. I'm 61 and I'm buying one on Monday.
  • 1 0
 @Lorieng: These are the wisest words in the whole list.
  • 2 2
 @makripper: Wow. You really show your lack of life experience by calling someone lazy because they ride an e-bike. You must be one of those immature dudes who thinks they'll maintain 20 year Olds endurance and strenght. Time will have it fun with your. I guarantee it. Then you'll be eating your words when you buy an e-bike because age and injury won't allow you to do those extra laps you can enjoy now. All the young dumb ones always say stupid sh!t because they don't have the life experience to keep their dumb opinions to themselves.
  • 3 1
 @swhitey: are you drunk?
  • 1 0
 @Snowsed341: no judgment, but you will be ready sooner than you might want...it's ok. I got over that hump...you can too. I'm 63, been riding MTB for nearly 35 years, got COVID which turned into COPD...ebikes became important much sooner than I wanted them to but an hour and a half on my ebike is easier (and a whole lot more fun!) than a one hour hike. We'll figure out the trail maintenance thing.
  • 2 0
 @netposer: Sorry to disappoint but I'm 63, got COVID which turned into COPD...I may not get the 15K version but I'm getting one I can afford (probably an Orbea RISE H20) and hitting it as hard as I can dude! Try to keep up, ok? Ha!
  • 1 2
 @netposer: Beg to differ. I am 66 and riding this exact bike. My primary riding buddies are 67 and 72 and are on other turbo levos.

Subjectively, it doesn't feel like being on a powered bike so much as like being young again. Climbing feels the way it did twenty-five years ago. Also, I have noted a marked improvement in technique: now that I am thinking about body position rather than getting enough air, I am doing lifts that I would never have thought to try--and seeing the change on the acoustic bike as well.
  • 2 1
 @telethree: no such thing as an acoustic bike. Sorry you still didn’t know this.
  • 1 0
 @Jvisscher: But we all know what it means. I usually just say “my regular bike.” And people still know what it means.
  • 2 0
 @gnarlysipes: True. It says more about you than the bike.
  • 313 4
 PINKBIKE SEE NEW BIKE PRICE MAKE PINKBIKE ANGRY PINKBIKE SMASH
  • 69 9
 Hush little Pinkbike don't throw a fit
RideWrap's made your Turbo Levo a Tailored Protection Kit
  • 8 0
 @RideWrap: Was hoping you'd have the guts to write "hush little pinker". Just for Levy.
  • 6 0
 @Thisisscott: Heard "Pinker" is TMd now. It got filed at the same time as "Grinduro" and "Downcountry"
  • 6 0
 @RideWrap: It would be. And this definitely settles it for me; RideWrap responding to my comment makes them my first choice to protect my new bike (fumbles for cards in wallet).
  • 2 2
 When you can get this or a new Harley Davidson motorcycle, you’ve probably out priced yourself
  • 2 0
 @RideWrap: No no no… “Hey Pinkbike. Sun’s gettin real low…”
  • 240 2
 Is the price OBO or firm??
  • 40 2
 @seanlah It's FIRM because as stated in the title it's "THE NEW BENCHMARK"
  • 6 1
 Market will decide if those $ hold.
  • 22 0
 For perspective the S4 sold out in less than 30 minutes online, S3 in less than 15 minutes. There are buyers at this new price point.
  • 13 4
 Yea, I know “they’re not the same”, but I’ll take GSX-R or R6, because for 13k, I’ll have more fun on that.
  • 19 1
 @salespunk: it's not hard to sell out that quickly when there's probably only like 2 available worldwide
  • 6 1
 @SlodownU: I was actually trying to convince myself that the $13-15k price was somehow justifiable... but you killed that by reminding me that a super bike, or high end moto bike are nearly the same price.
  • 3 0
 Well, I would have said such price won't hold, but based on this review this bike can now be classified as the best all-mountain/trail/enduro ebike, and hence there will definitely be buyers. Almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy. :-)
  • 6 0
 @salespunk: dealers ordering the three mediums, two largest and one XL that they got in this shipment, does not indicate customers at this price point.
  • 3 1
 @Baller7756: and can be financed and hold their values much much better.
  • 5 1
 @Baller7756: they are substantially less. New CRF450s are $8-12K depending on the model and dealer. Even the top CRF450RWE “works edition” all kitted out is ~$12K.

Are there any worthy eMotos since Alta went out of business? eBikes are 50lbs, Dirt bikes are 250lbs...is there anything in the middle around 150lbs that still rips?
  • 1 0
 @SvenNorske: Surron USA
  • 1 0
 @usedbikestuff @matt-15 dealer orders had already been entered and bikes were on the floor at shops. I am not saying they had 5K bikes to sell online, but whatever stock they had was gone almost immediately. The shops I spoke with also sold multiple bikes each yesterday and already had additional bikes ordered for customers.
  • 1 1
 @SvenNorske: krankedbikes.com
I have it on my yt capra pro race. total cost under $10k. AND you can take the motor assembly off and you are back to human only power in under 20 min. Bjorn does it faster. Only issue is it is not really legal...
  • 1 0
 @jerome: Luna cycle - but inventory is never quite there
  • 1 0
 @jerome:
sur-ron 109.3 w/kg kranked 176 w/kg 125cc moto 66.7 w/kg... from kranked website. I've had enduro moto bikes. The kranked is in between... in a good way. And Bjorn is a pleasure to deal with.
  • 182 1
 "My bike is worth more than my car" isn't what it used to be
  • 106 0
 Now it's "my bike is worth 13x more than my car".
  • 7 0
 it means you have a nicer car.
  • 69 1
 I get the feeling that the people buying $13k e-bikes aren't the same people who have bikes worth more than their cards.
  • 8 0
 I traded a car for a bike once, and i got the better end of the deal.
  • 17 2
 Used to be beater trucks and older cars at the trailhead. Not any more. Audi S models, Tesla, Porsche, fill in luxury car name. Not a poor man's sport (not that it ever was). It used to be more affordable but still not that bad depending on how long you ride your bike for. I won't be surprised if leasing or financing starts to happen. I look at my bike that was about $6k (now looks like a bargain). If I ride it for 4 years and sell it for $2k that is $1000/year (not including consumables). I think that is worth it.
  • 2 4
 @JulioValeinte: They are also no the same people that take the gnarly B-line, session features, or ride more than once a week, if that.
  • 12 7
 Wow, $13,000 US, so $17,000 CND. I own a BMW Z4 that is worth slightly more than that. I can tell you which I would pick to use, no contest. Bike of the year? For who? I make a very comfortable living & there is no way in hell I would pay $17,000 for a bicycle. Even if I did, more than probably it would be my new roommate in a single room apartment after my wife kicked my sorry ass to the curb. Yet, as speculated by a poster on this thread, this bike will probably sell out. Sad.
  • 21 1
 @rcrocha: how the hell is riding getting unaffordable because of a $15k specialized?

You can still buy a YT, Canyon, Vitus etc etc if you want a cheaper e-bike or a bloody brilliant trail bike for $2500

It’s not an essential item, there is loads of choice available and always will be - Can’t afford it don’t buy it, not everyone can drive a Porsche but that doesn’t make cars as a whole more expensive or any less capable.
  • 4 0
 @wideload46: the pro build is listed at $14,999 on the Canadian site.
  • 1 1
 @rcrocha: The alternative argument is that there are more capable "cheap" bikes than ever because of brands like Commencal and YT
  • 14 0
 @rcrocha: I can't help but imagine Dave Ramsey's head exploding whenever someone mentions financing a bicycle. lol
  • 2 0
 @rcrocha: I travel and bike a lot, spending a few weeks in each place, Bellingham, hood river, bend, Idaho, Moab etc. and I haven’t seen this, at all. More typical beaters, Yota’s and Subaru’s. If anything I’m seeing more sprinters
  • 3 0
 @rcrocha: Wifey just bought a 4K bike. Never thought I’d see the day 4K on a bicycle was typical. I guess decent spec build but how did the prices for components go up so high too? It’s pretty nuts. I’m still on a 2010, 26er. Will prob never buy new personally. She kinda had to buy that bike as no used smalls on pb, here in town or brand new online. The times they are a changin’. She had the previous bike for 9 years so spread that out over that time....$444 for 7 months a year. Not too bad. Hahaha
  • 1 0
 @gtill9000: impreza turbo for an sb6c .... what was urs.?
  • 1 0
 @speedychef - an Izuzu Trooper for a Cannondale Super V (just like the one in the retro-post today.) It was the mid/late-90s.
  • 1 0
 @wideload46: I agree 100%!
But if this is thought correctly, this is an opportunity for many companies! If 13K it's ok, 9k will be better... and lower prices even better.

I think this is a marketing BS

Bike is presented at 5digit price tag, and when a less rich equiped bike, it will sell like hot cakes, because people will associate the value to this, and agree that a high 4digit price, is a major deal!


Poot souls....
  • 123 17
 Specialized u f###ing wilding out man. I’m gonna go buy a brand new 2 stroke instead and then be able to pay for my inevitable hospital bills with that $15,000
  • 15 0
 I bet you this will still sell out haha
  • 71 1
 KTM’s full sized electric enduro dirt bike is cheaper than this. Usually the dirt bike comparison argument doesn’t hold up but when you’re above KTM’s flagship electric model, boundaries are definitely being pushed. I guess we can’t be too surprised... $15k+ road bikes have been around for 10 years.
  • 12 1
 LOL $13k bikes are nothing new
  • 3 0
 @diegosk: plus theres the husky dual crown e mtb.
  • 12 0
 @ADGproductions: You can spend over 13k and still have no battery or motor on your bike.
  • 27 27
 @ADGproductions: neither are school shootings, but I'll never cease to be horrified by either.
  • 5 0
 @jrocksdh: Spesh makes the Kenevo in a 180mm version with a Boxxer for $7k too
  • 4 1
 It's funny, I was thinking I got less tied up in (all used but like new when bought) evil calling, sherco st300 trials and cr250r moto combined. Heck you could almost lump my truck I haul them all with in there too !!
  • 12 0
 Yesterday rode with a buddy that few months ago upgraded to Pivot hardtail. Forgot to ask what model. He went single speed to keep the weight and cost down and for “more fun factor” as he says. Whatever...
Cost- Just over $10K. Weight - 22 lbs.
Not really apples to apples with this bike, but still... $10K for single speed hardtail!!???
  • 2 5
 @diegosk: to be fair this is a much more polished product, the attention to detail is on another level.
  • 3 2
 @jayacheess: Much better value !!!!!!!!!!!
  • 11 1
 @diegosk: Yea, but the KTM doesn’t allow you to pretend you are pedaling hard. Smile
  • 2 4
 @housem8d: it is certainly a different product, the KTM has a max battery life of 3 hours on the lowest setting and only 1.5 hours of battery life on the most powerful setting (batteries are removable and you can buy a spare for $3500 if you wanted to toss one in a backpack). I imagine the Levo would allow you to spend a lot more time in the woods, especially if you’re willing to turn the assist off through easier sections of terrain but idk if it’s more polished... KTM seems to be about as polished as it gets with stock dirt bikes.
  • 4 0
 @DonLemont:
That's impressive. Even with AXS, all carbon everything that still seems like it shouldn't be that much. What kind of unobtanium is that thing made of?
  • 5 1
 @gafoto: the $pecialized unobtanium of course
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: it already has ????
  • 2 0
 @DonLemont: no disrespect but your buddy must be A) single B) a dentist C) crazy. Possibly all three. I’m kidding but....
  • 4 1
 @DonLemont: so I'm all for spending ridiculous amounts of money on bikes in pursuit of negligible gains, but that is silly. Not the money the weight. With 10k you should be able to build a 17lb singlespeed, or even less.
  • 2 0
 @DonLemont: That weight is surprising. I have a buddy who just built up the same Pivot Les SS for an undisclosed sum and it came out at 17 lbs with sturdy parts. It has a rigid fork, but swapping to a suspension fork would only add 2 lbs.
  • 1 0
 @DonLemont: it's not really apples or oranges...pivot only makes 1 hardtail, and it costs less than half that. maybe he got some $5k wheels on there??

store.pivotcycles.com/en/bike-les-singlespeed-1
  • 2 0
 @huckschwinn: yeah I don’t buy it. Doesn’t add up... even decked out with eeWings, ENVEs and nice SID or 32 it would be a) not $10k and b) a heck of a lot lighter.
  • 67 0
 Here is the thing: There are plenty of people in Silicon and the Bay Area that have a lot of money, are middle aged, and are just getting into sport and like tech, but not pedaling, that will buy the top end specced S Works taht it makes sense for them to release a $13k bike.
  • 17 0
 I wholeheartedly agree, the amount of $7k+ bikes around here is staggering. But $13k is for the pro model, the s-works is $15k. Not even top end spec lol
  • 26 10
 @TacosMcGee: Why do you give a shit about $13k if you are a millionaire? Honestly, these bikes do not seemed aimed at the core mtb riders. They are aimed at wealthy people in their 40-60s that want to relive their youth.
  • 27 16
 @HB208: I'd wager most millionaires, certainly younger millionaires care very much about $13k. That's how they got to having that kind of net worth. Being frugal and not spending frivolously. Reference Millionaire Next Door by Staley or all the FIRE principals.
  • 10 4
 @heatproofgenie: I would consider myself part of the "FIRE" movement or whatever. My wife and I save about half of our income. Still, when I am middle aged I might not care so much about $13k. Some people also go the "Fat FIRE" route so they don't need to be frugal their whole lives.

It's all relative, but I am saving money to be able to do this sort of thing later (still might not buy this bike). However, even with that, there are areas of the country where people make insane salaries and $13k isn't that much (think Bay Area). So yes, they will sell them because $13k isn't the same to all people.

And also, $13k isn't bad for a hobby all things considered. People spend WAY more money on stuff like vacations, boats, etc. I would not buy this bike because I don't ride an eBike and I would probably buy something cheaper.
  • 11 0
 Like the the old saying goes - you don't get rich by giving your money away.
  • 3 1
 @HB208: I would definitely agree that there are many people who make bank and have no problem dropping $13k on a new bike because that's their hobby and they are the type that needs the latest and greatest. What I'm saying is that this type of person isn't necessarily the type to have high net worth. Penny saved is a penny earned, also what @h82crash said.

I'm in the all your categories yet think this is ridiculous money for an ebike even though sure I would love to have it and ride the ever loving piss out of it. Not going to buy it though as the depreciation will be ridiculous.
  • 2 1
 @h82crash: Right, but once you are rich you can spend money more freely. That's my point.
  • 6 0
 @heatproofgenie: I agree. I also know that there are middle aged corporate execs in mountain towns that are out of shape, but want to mountain bike with their buddies that have no issue dropping $13k on a bike. I worked in Big 4 audit and I personally know a few that did this. I was also riding on a local trail and saw like 10 guys that would fit this description drop in on a trail (that doesn't allow ebikes mind you) with expensive ebikes. So yeah, Specialized is probably not going to sell massive volumes of the high end specced bikes, but certainly enough to justify R&D. Plus, I am going to bet they will release lower specs soon.
  • 15 0
 @HB208: Your point about vacations is spot on. 20-something slumming ski/board trip: $3k easy. Cruise: $8k easy. Etc. And after those handful of days, all gone. Calculate the fun/hour/dollar ratio even at $15k and I am certain one of these things wins out, hands down, no contest.
  • 15 23
flag Will-narayan (Mar 23, 2021 at 11:04) (Below Threshold)
 @heatproofgenie: I don't think you get millionnaire by saving your earnings. You get millionnaire by making a lot of money, either through a bit of talent and a lot of luck, or by screwing your employees.
I had never heard about this FIRE movement but this sounds like some nice bullshit to me. Frugality through financial placement, yeah that's totally coherent. Probably through real estate, which is living of the back of others.
  • 4 1
 @Will-narayan: Lots of people make large paychecks but spend it all. FIRE is legit. But yes, you need to be at least middle class to make it work.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: All this time. I thought I was both of these things.
  • 10 6
 @Will-narayan: The other way to get to millionaire is go to trade school. Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters. Grab a book called The Millionaire Next Door. www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/1589795474 Super short read. Inarguable simple facts. Oh yea, and savings. Max your retirements accounts and put it all in index funds. The surest thing there is. Or screw all that and go Doge. :-D
  • 6 1
 @HB208: And, my stock answer to "how much that bike cost" is "It was cheaper than a bass boat" (Or a year of owning a horse) Or golf, for Chrisakes.
  • 9 1
 @Chuckolicious: Yes, trade schools are a good option and so is picking a major in college that you can get a solid job with (accounting, engineering, medicine, etc.). The BIGGEST part is putting money into retirement. You can make post tax $500k and spend $500k and you will NEVER become wealthy without changing lifestyle choices. You can make $100k and spend $60k and become a millionaire in retirement no problem.
  • 5 2
 @Will-narayan: Very hard work, for a long time, also gets you there.
  • 8 1
 @HB208: I'd say the higher ed (other than medical) is quickly becoming a dead end. But I'm biased as I spent 20 years in that field. Thing about the trades, the coming jobless crisis due to automation won't hit for another couple generations. No Boston Dynamics bot is going to crawl under your sink to fix a leak, or run conduit through an old house. Not in our lifetimes, anyway. Most everything else, including medical, is on short-time. First medical to go: Radiology. AI is crushing it, and anyone who needs films benefits immensely from it.
  • 3 1
 @codypup: Not to be a cynic, but I'd say that's not something to bet on these days. More like very-smart work, and choices.
  • 1 0
 @Chuckolicious: I think the threat of AI is overblown in my field personally (CPA/accounting). It is so much analysis that the only jobs really affected are those in the data entry side of things. Automation is definitely coming, but there are still opportunities available for those that seek them. The articles that are written about automation of accounting are usually written by people who obviously have zero idea what a CPA does.

Even medical, yes, radiology is going to be automated to some extent, but how the hell do you automate an ER doctor or a nurse? You can't. These trends are just going to shift things a bit in that field it seems.
  • 1 0
 @codypup: Depends on what you are working on. Long term fast food workers can work very hard and never get ahead. Working hard is only one part of the equation.

@chuckolicious just to tack on a bit to my other comment, I personally have way more opportunity in my field than I know what to do with. It is REALLY hard to find qualified and good accountants. The CPA is also a very difficult test, so that narrows the field.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: Agreed, I was just using Radiology as the example, since it's happening now. If you know anyone headed to the medical profession, steer them away from that discipline. But med, mostly on the diagnosis end, will be greatly impacted by AI. I like to say that if we had to stop all medical research into new cures, and simply increased early diagnosis by a large margin, we'd all live to 100. But then, AI has just recently made a massive breakthrough for gene folding: www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03348-4 So if ailments are drastically reduced or eliminated, less need for Doctors.
  • 3 0
 @Chuckolicious: We are usually way more optimistic about the future than what ends up unfolding. I totally believe you, but these things are usually pushed by "AI futurists" about what could happen, but in reality, most people will not be getting early diagnosis unless our system changes in the US. Even then, that is assuming people actively seek these things out and do not have any environmental factors that impact them (getting cancer from living on top of a former dump, eating the wrong food, etc.). Overall, I think these things will just shift anyways.
  • 2 0
 @HB208: Hey, I like working on my bike in my radon filled basement!
  • 1 0
 @Chuckolicious: Lol, hopefully you chain smoke while you are doing it.

All and all, I just think that the "AI is going to replace everyone" crowd is more optimistic than is warranted. I have laughed at some of the articles they have written about accounting. All of the "automation tools" I have used really suck because of how complex getting data integrated is when companies are acquiring/being acquired. I am about to get a job at a pre-IPO tech company that doesn't have their system on a good ERP. So no, I don't think that companies are going to be mass automating accountants in the next 30-40 years, if ever.
  • 7 3
 @heatproofgenie: "FIRE" is a great way to live like a poor person, but being able to give yourself the wonderful self-delusion that you're rich.

No one who's rich ever utters the words "FIRE"

"Fat FIRE" is just....being rich?
  • 3 4
 @smgishot13: If you have enough money to perpetually maintain a lifestyle you are comfortable with you are rich. The FATFire subreddit has 150k members and the FIRE subreddit has 850k or so. Certainly there are people following this advice.
  • 7 1
 @heatproofgenie: False. Probably most people buying $13k bikes have high net worth and aren't just leaving paycheck to paycheck beyond their means.
  • 14 9
 @Will-narayan: You are dead wrong. My wife and I both come from very poor families. We have become millionaires by working our asses off and risking our hard earned money on our particular business. We don’t screw our employees. We having a profit sharing plan and a 401K plan for them as well. Maybe you should try the hard work and be willing to risk everything plan before you accuse everyone who’s financially successful of being lucky or screwing there employees.
  • 15 9
 @endoguru: Well actually there has already been a discussion about success and all where several people came with studies showing that successful people often have the survivor bias. It doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard, just that they don’t realize that they were also very lucky and that many other people who worked as hard as them weren’t so lucky and were not successful.
The sad consequence is that successful people often end up with a sort of holier than thou attitude thinking they are 100% responsible for their success and consequently thinking unsuccessful people are lazy and don’t deserve any better.
Most interesting is people who succeeded, then failed, then got up again, they often have a very rich, fair and humble perspective of success, but there are few of them.
Me, I’m in the « got screwed » category. I spent 10 years working my best for a pathological liar who manipulated me, making me think he was an « entrepreneur » when he was actually a failed fake-freelance working for a high-income dude who himself was declared as a freelance surrounding himself by fake-freelances as a way to avoid paying the taxes he would have had to pay if he had declared himself as a real entrepreneur of an LLC with real employees, this is considered « dissimulating of permanent contracts » in France and is illegal.
Maybe I didn’t took a risk, but my « boss » did and failed, except instead of facing the consequences he hired me and bullshited me and stole my life to make up for it.
  • 5 1
 @HB208: Certanly, I didn't mean hard work alone is a guarantee. Many, many people work hard and get nothing more than enough to survive on, if that. Much respect to them. My initial reply was in response to the suggestion that the only way to get rich is to be "lucky" or to take advantage of workers.

I've been lucky, and worked hard, and sometimes at least, been smart. That said, sometimes my normal gracious demeanor is tested when commenters assume that everyone who buys a halo bike has to be a poser, or worse yet, a "dad". Interesting choice of pejorative, that?
  • 1 0
 @TacosMcGee: How can and S-Works model be an improvement and cost more? Weight is not a factor.
  • 4 1
 @heatproofgenie: Good perspective... most millionaires are self made and know the value of a dollar.
  • 4 0
 @HB208: You guys gotta come to the Bay Area. The amount of S-works Levo's just riding the fire roads of Mt Tam by people who have never swung a leg over an analog MTB is mind blowing.
  • 4 2
 @Baller7756: Is there such a thing as a "self-made millionaire" in the US today? Everybody's riding the wave that others put in motion.
  • 2 2
 @h82crash: also, there is a sucker born every minute. Or a fool and his money are quickly serperated.
  • 3 1
 @lutetium: That's the wave of opportunity. Leverage your talents, skills, knowledge, and effort to reach any goal you have. Its a beautiful thing.
  • 2 1
 ugh this whole thread is petty and gross
  • 1 0
 @huckschwinn: How to be fiscally responsible and get rich?
  • 5 1
 @HB208: also there are some wealthy core mtb riders Wink I wasn’t wealthy when I started riding, first bike was $500. Thought I would never pay more than that. I ride, do dig days, and work. I’m part of several local mtb groups. Weathy people have feelings too... lol.
  • 1 0
 Not too mention there's been talk of a ebike tax credit, which could potentially make this a lot cheaper.
  • 2 0
 @dthomp325: Ha, not for this rig. I think the cutoff is 7 or 8k.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: What is a core MTB rider?
  • 1 0
 @TheChoppingBlock: Someone who rides a lot and/or it is their primary hobby and doesn't just throw cash at expensive bikes because the shop guy told them it was the best thing.
  • 82 22
 That's a lot of money to spend to pretend to do something.
  • 16 40
flag Chuckolicious (Mar 23, 2021 at 10:20) (Below Threshold)
 LOL, virtue signal complete! I see you like to hit all the Ebike filtered articles. Your purity is approved! :-D
  • 4 2
 Ain"t it the truth?
  • 11 15
flag cuban-b (Mar 23, 2021 at 13:23) (Below Threshold)
 I hope all mtn bikes keep getting more and more expensive - keeps the sport more exclusive and less trashy people on the trails Smile
  • 3 11
flag ridingofthebikes (Mar 23, 2021 at 14:52) (Below Threshold)
 @Chuckolicious: the downvoted show he is funny. eat a d$%k
  • 5 5
 @cuban-b: Lol. The folks on the trail with $15k bikes are the ones that are trash. No skills. No fitness. Just $$.
  • 3 3
 @cgreaseman: keep telling yourself that Wink
  • 3 2
 @cgreaseman: I mean, is that you wearing spandex? I think generalizing is “generally” stupidWink
  • 58 9
 It's expensive. Specialized is a big company. But boy howdy, I cannot deny that they are just getting everything right these days!
  • 21 1
 Amen to that, as much as you dislike seeing smaller companies being drowned out, it's really impressive to see how insanely good Specialized is at moving the market and making the biggest moves. Sure, it's expensive and they have a ton of capital and resources to do stuff like this, but what it took to get there was taking a huge gamble on a relatively unexplored market. Gotta give them the props for doing that. Successful risks in business deserve clout.
  • 6 1
 @hunkyG: They are also offering good pricing on a lot of their pedal models. I mean, I just put a down payment on the Stumpy Evo Expert and for $5k you get x01/gx and performance elite suspension. Same setup for SC or Yeti would be pushing $7k. Even Canyon is about the same as that and then you have to deal with the downsides of direct to consumer.
  • 6 0
 @hunkyG: if its going to be the most expensive it might as well be nice
  • 7 4
 @HB208: dude what wool have they pulled over our eyes to convince us that $5k is a bargain? I'm asking this as someone who owns a similarly expensive bike. What am I doing with my life?! I think you just triggered a mid life crisis here!
  • 2 9
flag Fat4242 (Mar 23, 2021 at 10:45) (Below Threshold)
 @HB208: I have X01 on one bike and GX on another. But at the time I bought it, GX was seen as a vagabond group and I only bought it because it was cheaper. But, now with rising prices, GX is seen as a top group.
  • 3 1
 @TheLoamDeranger: It is a bargain compared to other bike prices, yeah. MTB is an expensive sport. I think for the spec, it is fair, all things considered. I am also talking USD here.

@Fat4242 I don't really think anyone sees GX as a top group. It is a solid mid range group, but certainly not top end.
  • 8 0
 Oh I don't know about Specialized getting it right where it really counts... belts failing and some owners are even on their 2nd and 3rd motors. Great service and warranty, but then what happens after it ends? I'd rather have a good warranty that I never need than a great one that I use often, especially when it come to e-mtbs being priced as insanely high as they are. To be honest, I'm surprised there are any failures at all as I own some very heavily abused power tools from the 60/70s that are still going strong! I can't say there is a lot of new tech incorporated in emtbs either... motors, gearing, 18650 or 26650 batteries, speed controllers, sensors. Not sure who has got it right yet, but I'm a fan of Rocky Mountain's approach... low rpm, high torque and a separate BB removing direct forces on the motor's bearings.
  • 5 0
 except the widespread motor failures on previous levos
  • 1 0
 @HB208: It sounds cheap if you compare it to the most expensive ones sure. There are also companies like Propain, Marin etc. where you can get even similar or better specs for lower price.
  • 1 0
 @flickr: I guess, but the Propain Tyee CF, which is the closest thing to the Stumpy Evo, is $5700 and comparable spec wise to the Stumpy Evo. Maybe that is true in Europe, IDK. Pricing differs quite a bit between the US and Europe.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: yeah might be different for US orders, but you can customize your Propain build and for 5k euros I get Tyee CF with Lyrik ultimate+super deluxe ultimate, X01 with GX cassette and truvativ carbon cranks, Code RSC and 1300euro crankbrothers carbon wheelset. Since Propain is EU based it might be more in USD and I don't know if you can even do customized build orders from there. Usually it's the other way around and bikes are more expensive in europe since most bike brands are US based.

edit: made a mistake, it's 6k with the carbon wheelset, under 5k with stans flow ex3 wheels.
  • 39 1
 How come no one is talking about all the motor failures that specialized has suffered? I blown 4 on my 2019 levo. Yes, I saw that this one has a new belt. They charge that much because it costs them a fortune to replace all the motors.
  • 8 0
 This^ I'm on my second motor and battery in my 2020 Levo Comp, at least the warranty process is easy/quick and 0 fussing. They've just replaced it all, which they should.
  • 1 0
 or broken DHX2s? Insert Spiderman meme with Speci, Fox and consumer pointing at each other...
  • 41 7
 i am by no means an ebiker BUT i could see where people looking at a new rocky or s-works "analog bike" would be more inclined to spend the same $13,000 on something with a battery. ESPECIALLY someone new into the sport, maybe doesn't have the best cardio, who doesn't have a bias against ebikes.. i'd probably choose the easier climbing option too.
  • 78 39
 nobody new to the sport is looking to drop 13 grand on a bike.
  • 43 4
 @NivlacEloop: i disagree. i have acquaintances from high school, (i'm 28 ) who both never have ridden mountain bikes. when covid started they both went out and bought matching ebikes. they aren't dentists. there's a HUGE market. new riders walking into a bike shop: they're being WOWed by ebikes and buying them.
  • 13 1
 @NivlacEloop: I concur here. The amount of friends who have gotten into MTB lately and have moved or wanted to move to "performance" oriented bike whine about everything they have to buy. The amount of complaining they do about pedals (or the lack thereof upon purchase) is hilarious.
  • 45 0
 @NivlacEloop: the fleets of new $150k sprinter vans with hitch racks dripping in fresh ebikes descending upon my neck of the woods would argue otherwise
  • 12 0
 @crysvb: I’m 30 and have seen the same thing. If you’re coming into mtb fresh right now when you go into a local bike shop they’re gonna show you regular and emtb. Without any of the preconceived notions and experiences we have the eMTB probably seems like the sickest thing ever. All the fun and less work. Only hang up is the price, but with stimulus checks rolling and markets kinda booming it doesn’t seem like it’s stopping many people around me right now
  • 17 0
 @NivlacEloop: There are people for whom 13 grand is almost an impulse purchase. If you make the US median average of 40 grand a year and someone else makes a million a year (over 500,000 Americans are in this group) thirteen grand to them is like $520 to you.
  • 41 6
 There's no such thing as "analog bikes"....just mountain bikes. Nothing has changed with pedal powered bikes, and no new label is needed to appease ebike pushers. There are mountain bikes, and then ebikes (mountain bikes with motors attached).
  • 14 0
 @Patrick9-32: that really puts it in perspective. i am revising my statement.

My broke ass is not looking to drop 13 grand on a bike.
  • 4 0
 @crysvb: i work in a bike shop and have yet to encounter this huge market of people walking in off the street and being wowed by the ebikes and buying them on the spot. but i believe you.
  • 3 1
 @twonsarelli: never seen those types in my area and ill have to say im glad about that.
  • 10 11
 @cerealkilla: hear hear. It’s MTB and those are motorbikes.
  • 13 0
 @NivlacEloop: We have been selling most of our E-bikes before they even arrive. If we do have one that makes it to the sales floor, it's gone within a week generally.
  • 9 1
 @cerealkilla: ^this x1000
  • 4 0
 @NivlacEloop: i don't have anything against those folks (i just go here first) but their presence suggests to me that there are plenty of people with more than enough disposable income to drop $13k on a new bike without any problem. i don't drive a $150k van but according to my bike expenses spreadsheet, i have spent more than $55k on bike stuff since i started keeping track at the beginning of 2016
  • 5 1
 @NivlacEloop: depends on where you live. Here in San Diego where a significant portion of the household incomes are above $200K almost every single rider I know has an eBike now. A few have gotten rid of their regular bikes, but most have a high end MTB as well.
  • 2 0
 @cerealkilla: oh i'm not disagreeing, that's why i put it in quotations. lol
  • 2 0
 @NivlacEloop: there's bike shops all over the shore that can't get ebikes in their shops fast enough to meet the demand. our trails are loaded with ebikes.
  • 4 0
 @twonsarelli: $55k in 5 years... you gotta list the big hitters... that's unbelievable.
  • 1 0
 @Baller7756: that’s all bikes, gear, accessories, tools etc. does not include travel though
  • 5 0
 @crysvb: Agree, and if you don't know the pre-covid price of a bike what is the right price anyway? Biking is still a relatively cheap hobby even at $13k bikes. The good news for pinkbikers is that $2.5k gets you a 90% as good bike and $5k may very soon get you the same geometry frame/battery combo electric. (levo have until recently spanned a massive price bracket for basically the same performance, when your bike weight 45lb who cares about x01?
  • 2 1
 @johnny2shoes: You make a good point. Most of the expensive/high-end MTB components are geared toward weight savings. Supposedly, the exotic materials and R&D cost drive the price higher. With an e-bike, weight is not a concern. Shaving 2-3lbs off with a carbon frame, carbon wheels, carbon cars, and light weight drivetrain doesn't seem like a good investment... and certainly wont impact performance.
  • 1 0
 @Baller7756:

In that time I’ve bought 2 Insurgents, a Ripley LS, a Capra 29, an SB5.5, a road bike and now my Highlander.
  • 1 0
 @NivlacEloop: I know and see many. This neck of the woods has some cash-flow
  • 37 0
 these things get any more expensive there gonna end up in rap videos with tacky paint jobs and gold rims
  • 3 0
 inb4 Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov buys one and has it painted gold
  • 51 29
 I hate Specialized

I hate eBikes

I hate that this every bike company is straight up gouging us right now because of sky high demand. (I hate all these new riders and I also hate that Santa Cruz is licking their chops to raise the price on the Bullit so it costs more than this)

I bet this thing is pretty awesome to ride.
  • 19 1
 The stupid thing about eBikes that shops are selling in my local area is that almost no trail allows them, yet they are selling them hand over fist. I imagine there are going to be a LOT of ebikes illegally on my trail system this summer. Now, we can have an endless debate about whether that matters, but the shops know people can't ride them legally on our trail system but won't mention it.
  • 6 0
 To be fair its not everybody. I have a buddy at a boutique brand that does less than 5k bikes a year and supply chain is KILLING them. They have frames sitting around but no parts to hang on them (drain on finances), they have even resorted to ordering from retailers just to try to move stock and they are eating those increased costs. I wouldnt be surprised if people are raising prices not just because of increased component rates or demand, but as a way to actually restore funds for things like payroll or rent, while they have money tied up in materials that they cant get parts to sell. And when the opportunity DOES come up to buy components, buy more than you need because you never know when the next chance to get them will be (and you need extra cash for that).
  • 3 2
 @HB208: I don't have an e-bike... yet, but I don't get why they wouldn't be allowed on trails. Is the issue speed.? Is the issue weight? Certainly not pollution. The speed and weight concerns don't really hold water. Plenty of fast riders on regular bikes, and plenty of overweight riders out there.
  • 6 0
 @Baller7756: Non motorized land use designations on BLM land and contracts with private landowners for easements.
  • 24 2
 People on pinkbike are always talking about an ebike filter, but at this point, might as well just make it a rich person filter. Who can buy this?
  • 22 3
 you can pay monthly for shit now. IThis is the millennial way.
  • 41 0
 This is America buddy it’s called DEBT
  • 21 5
 @AyJayDoubleyou: Lol as if this isn't the boomerest bike ever created
  • 4 1
 @AyJayDoubleyou: You will own nothing and you will be happy.
  • 3 0
 @kleinblake: Pink bike is Canadian.... it will cost them even more....
  • 3 0
 @AyJayDoubleyou: I don't know, being a millennial myself (as are you), I'm actually pretty careful about debt, so are most of my peers it seems. My impression is that it was our parents, the boomers, that started the wild west of credit.

Not sure when exactly it happened in the Western world, but in my home country (Poland) it was definitely in my parents' generation (70 now) that real estate developers and bankers figured out they could join forces to do whatever the hell they wanted with house prices and forever change the way people make large purchases. Then it just trickled down to smaller stuff like cars first, then household equipment, then non-essentials like bicycles, electronics etc. in our time, but we did not start this. Just because we sometimes don't have a choice (because markets are broken), doesn't mean we like financing things.

Talking to friends and colleagues here in the UK (and looking at historical house prices) the shift actually seems to have happened at a similar time, but as a local you might correct me on this one.


@N-60 agreed, this bike screams "boomer". Millennials might be getting older, but I don't consider myself ready for a $15k ebike just yet Wink
  • 1 0
 @AyJayDoubleyou: The beautiful thing about inflation... prices stay high while my pay stays the same... age?
  • 2 0
 @bananowy: You are right about the UK housing market. My parents (mid sixties) have had the same experience.
The other stuff though. Cars were very often company cars. If you had a proffessional job that even vaguely might need you to drive somewhere, even if just to the office, you got a company car - and paid for it monthly as part of your salary in effect. Tax changes then made this less a financially good idea, so private leasing/PCP etc came in to take its place.
The household appliances were even worse. They cost a lot more (inflation adjusted) and if you were poor, you didn't buy at all, you rented your TV and Fridge and washing machine; and ended up paying far more overall than if you just bought it up front. This went the other way, the rental places got killed off by credit cards and store credit, suddenly most of the population could buy these things outright (with credit).
  • 23 0
 How many Troy Lee A3 helmets can I buy for this price?
  • 28 0
 Uhhh...7
  • 8 0
 59.09090909090 repeating
  • 22 0
 "You almost forget your riding an e-bike"
when you see your credit card bill you'll soon bloody remember.
  • 22 0
 The Good: $13000 gets you a built in bash guard.
The Bad: The bashguard is the electric motor.
  • 18 0
 Do you all think that these quick and dirty financing options being offered these days (like Affirm for example) are helping to drive the prices of new bikes up? They sure make it easy to get in over your head. Glad those types of options weren't around when i was in my 20's.
  • 25 0
 Those options are pretty damn predatory. If you can't afford the bike in cash, you can't afford it.
  • 5 0
 Browsing frames on Fanatik I took a look at what Affirm would charge you. 15% apr for 12 months on a $3500 frame. Nuts rates.
  • 3 0
 @mtmc99: are you suggesting people shouldn't buy things if they can't afford to buy it cash or are you just remarking on quick credit options?
  • 6 1
 @twonsarelli: both to be honest. The quick credit options usually have an interest acceleration that if you miss a single payment hits you with the interest for the entire loan (so goes from 0% to something much higher likely near 20% or more).

Im not suggesting you should pay cash for the bike, in fact for large purchases using a credit card has benefits (some consumer protection and cash back/points).

In general dont take loans for non-necessities and dont use your credit card if you cant afford to make the payment in whole before the interest hits. It doesn't take long for credit card debt to spiral out of control.
  • 5 0
 @mtmc99: ok gotcha. i think the pro-credit argument can be made easily but only for someone who has a realistic outlook on their spending habits. i have used credit on many occasions for bike purchases and on balance, i would say each of them was a positive experience. it usually means i get the bike earlier without crushing my savings as hard. also, when applied properly, as you mentioned, you can get some perks and also boost your credit score.
  • 1 0
 I lay-awayed my bike. $3000, brought them a few payments and off I was. f*ck financing. the shop said they had a TON of bikes upstairs on layaway. Interest free way to make dreams come true!
  • 6 0
 @ridingofthebikes: I'm putting my next bike on layaway. I currently put $100 in a jar in my kitchen every week. Once there is $3000 in it I'm taking the jar to my local bike shop buying my new bike. Interest free and the bike shop isn't making interest on my money either.
  • 3 0
 @Jvisscher: Seems thats a radical concept these days!
  • 2 1
 @Jvisscher: Well, you aren't earning any interest on your money in a jar either. I would buy $100 worth of cryptocurrency per week instead and let your money work for you.
  • 5 0
 @mtmc99: I agree and was always taught to never finance toys. The only acceptable financing for me is a mortgage. They just make it so easy these days. It's not like you have to walk into a bank with a shirt and tie on and ask for a loan. A few clicks on your smart phone and your in over your head. I agree It is predatory and fuels the "gotta have it now" mentality these days. The whole credit score rating system is just part of the trap.

I'm curious if this type of financing is seen much if at all in Europe and Canada?
  • 1 0
 @Struggleteam: it is harder in Canada. I was looking for a house mortgage yesterday. All the banks wanted to see my downpayment in my bank account for 90 days before I could even use it and buy the house. The house I’m looking at would be sold by then. So I have to take the money out of the jar on my shelf or out of cryptocurrency and give it to them to earn interest on for three months first... it is the bank’s world. I just live in it.
  • 75 58
 Alta Redshift MXR - $11,995
Zero FXS - $8,495
KTM Freeride E-XC - $10,499

Keep in mind these bikes were made by actual engineers and not an industrial designer that duct taped someone elses motor and battery into a mass of Taiwanese carbon with an army of marketers behind them absorbing the rest of the cost.
  • 30 2
 Haha or just buy a 250 2 stroke from 2008 for 2500$
  • 28 8
 wow, you must be an engineer yourself talking like this.
  • 3 1
 Damn for that price I'd have bought the zero already, here in Germany it's >13k€
  • 10 12
 Irrelevant. Different sport, different trails.
  • 7 1
 @clindblomenduro: exactly, dirtbikes are far cheaper than MTBs now
  • 19 0
 Specialized actually does have some legit engineers being a larger company but what you said is true for like 90% of other bike brands. One of my favorite examples of this was when I had to warranty a felt full sus frame and their “engineering department” didn’t know the difference between bearing and bushings
  • 4 1
 @f00bar: Agreed and the fancy electric dirt bikes don't make a lot of sense especially when you can get a older bike for so cheap. Can't compare emtb to dirt bikes
  • 17 2
 Specialized did some real engineering on this in their Switzerland facility. There is some proprietary stuff with the motor and the display. Now the Bullit... zero engineering. All the electronic stuff is outsourced to Shimano.
  • 2 0
 599€ for the cheapest model that comes with a cheap RS coil fork. That spec at that pricing is frankly insulting
  • 11 8
 @yooogii: As an engineer, good guess (as an engineer).

@f00bar: can you connect the dots for me on why you can't compare E-MX to EMTB prices because of the trail? Does Specialized take the extra $5k they pocket on every bike and put it straight into EMTB trail maintenance? Of course not. They both have the exact same components aside from a set of pedals and derailleur. It's an easy 1:1 comparison from a product perspective.
  • 4 2
 Quite a good comparison on modern e Dirt bikes with massive batteries and motors vs, ahem, a mountain bike. Older dirt bikes, mmmmmm, always abused, always need new everything when you get them, mmmmmmm.
  • 2 0
 Alta still around?
  • 5 5
 @GorgeousBeauGaston: the same reason why it makes no sense to compare a high end road bike to a Chevy Spark with the same price
  • 3 3
 @GorgeousBeauGaston: where was this argument when specialized was asking $10k for their sworks analog bike and you could buy a new yz250f for $8k?

Motos have always been cheaper.

Side note- Alta is out of business, and the Zero bike rides shittier than a 2020 levo (faster yes, but the geometry is terrible and feels awkward on trails.) I'll bet I could take this new $13K levo in turbo mode and smoke the "engineer built" Zero on tight, twisty singletrack or any trail that had gap jumps with actual consequences.
  • 3 0
 @bdamschen: Honestly, for there E-Moto route, anyone who doesn't get a Sur Ron and simply upgrade as budget allows, is not thinking things through.
  • 3 0
 @ReformedRoadie: that was my point.. In fact, at the last Redbull Straight Rhythm, they were calling the Alta the future of motorcycles.. That was about 1 week after they shutdown..

Kind of a shame, it was a cool bike..
  • 3 0
 @Chuckolicious: Those Sur Rons are super rad, but again you run into the same problem of where do you ride them? Now if you have trails nearby or on your own land, then yeah, that's the play.
  • 1 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity: Yea, anywhere you would ride regular moto, for the most part. Been instances of them poaching bike trails but most of the stuff we ride is either too tight or too tech, so kind of self limiting.
  • 1 2
 @Chuckolicious: is t that the same problem with eMtb? Most bike trails don’t allow them, especially in Washington. If you have to go to designated motorized trails, why not pay less for more performance?

Unless of course we’re pretending 500+ Watts of power assist is still non-motorized. Then by all means, carry on poaching until everyone gets kicked off.
  • 2 0
 @CaptainBLT: I have no idea what you are talking about. Apologies, but seriously, I got no clue?
  • 3 0
 @CaptainBLT: all due respect, where does it say the motor is putting out 700+ watts? A 700 watt/hour battery is not mean there is 700 watts of output on the motor..

And for a reference, 750w output on the motor would be the equivalent of 1hp.. Most ebikes are putting out about 250w at the motor..
  • 3 0
 And it's 565w for the Specialized here.. So, about 2/3s of a horsepower..
  • 18 0
 The bike industry is looking at how the car industry loans people money for bikes they cannot afford and thinking: I want some of THAT action.
  • 4 3
 Hate to burst your bubble, but this has been going on since long before this machine was introduced.
  • 1 0
 @ssteve: No bubble, it's just getting more brazen.
  • 34 18
 A few weeks ago I got to the top of a long grunt and there was a circle of riders having a discussion. I stopped and said hello, grabbed my Lara bar and water, and proceeded to listen to a 330lb rider on an E-bike tell his buddies how their bikes were "too much bike" for our local trails..... Now he was 100% right (I ride a Chameleon hardtail), but coming from him it just made my normally delicious cherry Lara bar taste awful. I gulped my water down and got the hell out of there before I said something that I meant.
  • 4 1
 I get the gist of your point... but I'm not a believer in the too much bike theory. I ride a DC (120mm) and an ED (165mm) bike on my same local trails. Its a different and equally enjoyable experience on both bikes. I certainly do not think or feel that my ED is too much bike.
  • 19 2
 Maybe be happy for the guy instead of looking down on him like some elitist a-hole. I mean he is "330 lbs" and trying to get outside, get active and maybe improve his health a little.
  • 1 0
 People from Rosamond trying to be elitist about, well anything, is just pure LULZ.
  • 1 7
flag DBone95 (Mar 23, 2021 at 18:03) (Below Threshold)
 @smgishot13: I used to live in Rosamond, but now live in West Palmdale and am finally elite. Thanks for taking the time to click on my profile though, and I'm glad I controlled your day..... if only for a few seconds.
  • 7 7
 The crappy part is that his 330lb weight stood out to you most. Could've just said some guy on an ebike was ranting... Would it have been different if he was at ideal BMI yet saying the same rant.. or is it how dare a big dude say that..
  • 1 0
 @DBone95: You did, it was great. I got a lot of good feelings from it. Thanks.
  • 2 1
 @DBone95: and now you've shown your true colours...
  • 16 0
 I have often rolled my eyes at the comparison of mountain bikes to dirt bikes (especially in terms of price), but I would happily hand over $13.2k for a Works Edition CRF450 before doing the same for this thing. Not that it's not cool, or innovative, or fun, but $13k-$15k for a bicycle is so much damn money.
  • 6 9
 Devil's advocate here, on that Works Edition CRF are you getting a carbon frame? Carbon wheels? How much SW development went into that moto?

How much does an actual works bike cost? Rumor is that Pro Circuit pays $40K for each transmission on their 250's. With mountain bikes in general you are getting almost the exact same bike that the factory guys ride except for maybe a custom linkage on the suspension. Not going to see that in most other sports.

With that said, $15K is a $hit ton of money for a bike out of the box. You better want that exact spec and expect to pay retail for everything.
  • 4 0
 @salespunk: Carbon frames/wheels exist on bikes out of a somewhat necessity. People wanted lighter weight wheels/frames- which is somewhat irrelevant nowadays and carbon things are made for performance. Dirt bikes are on a completely different scale and in order to increase performance, you can make upgrades to an engine rather than make a carbon frame/wheels that will likely offer no benefit in terms of performance. It is apples to oranges.

Works 250's are expensive (mostly because of suspension), but most 450's run largely stock engines save for a few trick works parts. Read any review of a factory bike and they all state that most 450's using stock engines because they produce so much power as it is.

So, yes I see what you're getting at but realistically most stock brand new bikes are pretty damn good. I remember Cole Seely saying for the 2019 CRF450 that the stock suspension was pretty close to works suspension. The same cannot be said for most stock mountain bikes.
  • 19 5
 Who's buying these bikes at insane prices???

Rich folks who are busy earning dollars and not loitering around PB comments area.
  • 12 0
 I ride an Ebike so I don't have any issue with the concept or people riding them on nearly all trails currently used by mountain bikers. But since Class One bikes are limited to 20 mph, my concern is that they make the motors so powerful and batteries so long lasting that people are riding them at top speed everywhere all the time. That changes the dynamic for trail use and other trail users, including pedestrians. It not really pedal assist at that point, its just a 20 mph electric motorcycle that requires you to rotate your feet to make it go. And no, I didn't read the review yet.
  • 5 1
 That is what I think also. If you have 2 way trails you can have people climbing at 20mph where it used to be less than 10.
  • 3 0
 I work in a bike shop and you wouldn't believe the amount of commuter ebikes wearing out last gear only on their cassette. Might as well be single speed. They say if the bike will pull in final gear, why bother with any of the other gears.
  • 11 2
 In most cases I think today's very high end bikes are overpriced for what you get, but in some weird way this might be worth its price. High performing reliable ebikes seem to be creating a new riding niche. When a guy with Kazimer's mtb bona fides uses phrases like, "a whirlwind of trail experiences that verges on sensory overload.", you know something new is happening. I don't want, nor can I afford a good ebike right now (maybe someday), but I'm glad they exist.
  • 11 0
 Specialized: The new Levo is $13-15k

Dentist: *Takes deep inhale* Hold my nitrous tank
  • 6 0
 Jsut got a quote for a cavity fill, has gone up 45%!
  • 9 1
 I'm sincerely curious about what the resale price of a 13k ebike will be in 3-4 years? Obviously an analog bike will lose value over that time also, but it seems a well used ebike in 3-4 years just isn't going to hold value as well as analog. Also aware that someone shelling out 13k for a ebike probably doesn't care. I'm just concerned it's contributing to a throw away bike society. Time will tell......
  • 8 1
 I know 6 people with these and all of them the motor has failed. One in particular failed just within 3 months of his purchase.
Anyone else hear about the reliability/longevity of these motors?

Would love to know how they compare to the shimano - primarily in the reliability
  • 6 0
 According to Specialized, the new belt and weather sealing should fix those issues... We'll see. This review will be updated if any problems arise.
  • 9 2
 I am a 64 year old retiree, and I just built up a BANSHEE SPITFIRE V3 that shreds like a BIG DOG both up & down hill. It cost me a LOT !!! less than 13k, I will put the rest of that cash toward my next vacation to Moab , and into my HARLEY, and have WAY MORE FUN than you will ever get out of that bike. ROFLMAO.
  • 11 1
 That price is the only thing that's out of this world...
  • 9 1
 Wonder if this review timing is OK for NSMB or if they think it would be more appropriate for PB to let the dust settle a bit...
  • 10 4
 Aside from the price, what I struggle with is why you'd want an eMTB with less than 170-180mm travel. If your trails are the type that are best experienced on a 130-150mm bike, do you really need a eMTB? Frankly, I've yet to ride virtually any trail in the Western US that wasn't more fun on a modern enduro monster than on a shorter travel bike anyway - especially on the descents. And the very purpose of an eMTB should be to effectively skip past the climbs and get to the fun stuff.
  • 4 0
 Plenty of people have clapped out knees or other ailments so the emtb helps them independent of how gnar their terrain is or how gnar they are. It’s not all PB endurobros only shredding double blacks. Or it helps them get 2 vs 1 lunch lap in.
  • 4 1
 @WasatchEnduro: fair. I just think if you're gonna make a 50lb bike, whats another 20mm of suspension? Even on blues, squishy can mean extra speed!
  • 3 0
 @KJP1230:

Ah that’s a good point. Smaller motor/battery for trail ebikes sub 40lb and if you’re all in on the power (and weight) then it better have the cushin or the pushin.
  • 13 2
 @KJP1230, the things is, eMTBs make climbs a lot more entertaining, especially if you're in an area with rolling, technical terrain. Instead of being something you need to get finished with as quickly as possible, those weird and awkward climbs turn into some of the highlights of the ride. I found that the 150 / 160mm travel amounts felt ideal for the Levo.
  • 9 0
 13k doesn't give you the s-works model... woow.. really woow.. Smile ))
  • 9 0
 Starting at 8500 in the U.K. what a joke
  • 2 0
 Just what I wanted to say "what a joke".
They're charging extra premium for what are basic upgrades. "oooh, a new display integrated in the tptube, amaaaaazing".
3 or 4 years ago a Levo what worth 4 or 5000... what a joke.
  • 7 1
 Are eBikes further constricting the supply of regular bikes and components, therefore contributing to the rise in regular bike and component prices? The answer has to be yes right?
  • 2 0
 If I were a brand with limited parts, I'd certainly put them on my most expensive frames first
  • 5 0
 This is not just for average dentists but rather Beverly Hills dentists that give celebrities their shiny grill of chompers. I knew it was coming and was torn about waiting but as things stand I'm super happy I went with my Commencal. Spesh is leading the e-bike game but I can put up with a few minor things in order to have my bike now, with modern progressive geo and shipped to my door for less than half the price.
  • 2 0
 Yes!
  • 5 0
 I'm generally not a huge e-bike fan, but my wife has last year's turbo levo (she broke her back awhile ago and has trouble pedaling long distances) and I gotta say it's pretty sweet. Doesn't descend like a real mountain bike but pretty close. It's also great for taking our toddler for a ride on the mac-ride. Makes an xc ride with her doable.
  • 7 2
 There seems to be a lot of comments about the price, look at Yeti, Santa Cruz etc and for a similarly built analogue bike you're not too far away from the price of the S-WORKS LEVO, whatever tickles your pickle and puts a smile on your face is, for me, money well spent.
  • 6 1
 After injuring my knee at the ripe age of 22, I haven't been able to ride much other than bike park because the repeated motion of pedaling while seated aggravates my knee pain. I can manage a 30 minute climb at max on my Enduro I have now before pain sets in. I used to be against E-bikes, now I see the appeal. God I wish I had the money to afford one of these things.
  • 3 0
 You can buy other ebikes for the same amount of money Speacilized is asking for a new low line Enduro.
  • 5 0
 It's not even the base price that's that much of a problem, but I hate the running costs of ebikes. And they don't age well. Not that it matters much to most, since the target group has already been conditioned to update their bike every other year. What kind of peon would ride a 2018 bike with prehistoric tech and geo!

I have a bunch of expensive bikes, but that felt more like a one time invest (yes, they have running costs too) and they'll be with me "forever". I can just grab a 20y old bike of the wall, air it up, check some basic stuff and be on the way in 15mins.
None of those ebikes is gonna be in working condition in 10+ years, but you don't even have to look that far into the future.
When new "A solid 3 hour ride with lots of climbing and descending is easily doable". Well great. Does that shrink to "A solid 90min ride is kinda doable" after 2, 3 years like with all other battery tech (smartphones etc.)? No worries, just get a fresh battery every couple of years you say... The battery pack is $1000+ and all the stupid amounts of trash created just makes me mad
  • 5 1
 "The higher average speed that the motor allows for makes the whole ride seem like its taking place in fast forward, a whirlwind of trail experiences that verges on sensory overload."

This almost makes me want an ebike.... Almost.
  • 2 0
 With my luck I'll end up being posted on this site on a Friday looking like a stormtrooper on Endor
  • 16 2
 When ebikes first became a thing and people called them motorcycles the common defense was that "its still your power, they just add a little assistance". Fair enough but it hasn't taken long for the marketing pitch for this bike to be...

"with 565 watts of peak power and 90 Nm of torque. This is the most powerful bike in its class. The power is obvious when you find yourself easily out-climbing everybody else"

And then the next brand will come out with something with even more power, and next years Levo will have even more power than this one. At what point are the cranks just acting as a throttle? I mean people can pretend they didn't see this kind of thing coming but to most it seemed pretty obvious.
  • 1 0
 @sino428: it all comes down to tuning, and class I ebikes have strict upper limits in NA and Europe. So it’s all about tuning within those parameters, aka what you just posted while technically true is just good old bike industry marketing yarblegarble.
  • 1 0
 @pbfan08: Never looked into it before but from what I can find in a quick search is seems like the only regulations for class I bikes is that they cannot exceed 20mph and that you have to be pedaling. I can't find anything about how hard you actually have to be pedaling or any limits on the ratio of pedaling to power provided by the motor. If the only real limit is 20mph, I can guarantee that a bikes will be produced to go 20mph as efficiently as possible, with as little effort from the rider as possible. We know that if those are the limits, the bike brands will push right up to them in an effort to differentiate themselves.
  • 6 6
 @sino428: For all the e-bike haters out there I would suggest trying one. For many people it's not about cheating excercise, it's about more. More miles, more descents, more fun! The steepest gnarliest uphills become fun challenges. Long XC rides are full of thrills. Long fire road climbs to the descents turn into road riding segments where you can push yourself and the bike hard up and then descend like a champ. Then do it again. All in the same time it used to take you to simply get to the top. Great for the working souls and family folk. If you drain the battery on a full ride, you are smoked with an awesome full body workout. Smiles for miles and don't knock it till you try it!
  • 4 1
 @damdegraff: although I would not ride one, I’m not an ebike hater. It’s just not my cup of tea. I’m just pointing out where I think ebikes are inevitably heading.
  • 6 2
 I would like to know where in the US eMTBs are being ridden legally. Motorized bikes on non-motorized trails doesn’t add up to me. I have seen a couple locations that have allowed a trial period where eMTBs are allowed on multi-use trails, but that hardly supports a market that is “going through the roof” IMO. I know the trail management is different in other parts of the world, and the same rules don’t apply.
  • 9 2
 if you spend 13-15k on one of these you are able to just throw away money. no one on PB can afford this shit.
  • 8 1
 Serious question: If it's got a motor why does the frame need to be carbon?
  • 7 7
 Carbon dampens trail chatter and is easier to mold into the shape you want. I would also guess that consumers are more willing to pay for carbon so you might as well spend a bit more to manufacture something that you can charge a lot more for. Finally, a few extra pounds of frame weight on a 50lb bike does add up.
  • 5 1
 Far easier to design the frame to accommodate battery and motor without that bolt-on flayvor. And weight still does matter. For me, a Levo SL at 38lb is the way to go.
  • 10 0
 Let's be real here guys, it's carbon so you can sell it for more money.
  • 1 0
 There's so much more to carbon than just weight savings.
  • 4 0
 I think at my age, and with my general condition, this is where my priorities change and I choose the Harley. Because it's going to be a cold day in hell before I pay $18,500 Canadian for a bicycle with 1 HP, I don't care how awesome it is.
  • 6 1
 So much butt-hurt about the price tag being transferred into fitness bragging. I can’t afford one either but that doesn’t mean I get to bash the folks who can. Stop whining, ride your bike (or ebike).
  • 8 0
 Looks like a stumpy
  • 6 0
 OMG A 13K EBIKE HOW COULD THEY EVER THINK PEOPLE WOULD BUY THIS

*remembers specialized released a 1k carbon balance bike*
  • 5 2
 It honestly is a joke how every year the prices of hikes drastically increase. Just like everything else in the world soon you will need to be rich to even ride a mountain bike. These prices are out of hand and the industry needs to fix it. No way it costs specialized anywhere near 13k to make that bike.
  • 3 3
 friend just bought $150 Mtb. Shredding with us, it's great. Calm down.
  • 3 1
 no, they don't need to fix it as they are selling all the ones they can produce.
also, like in every other industry, it is not their job to sell bikes to pasionate mtb-ers... no, their job is to sell bikes to clients. There are many ppl now who would add a toy like the s-works to their garage full of other (type) of toys.
  • 18 10
 epinkbike.com
  • 35 5
 pinkebike.com
  • 7 0
 Good Lawd that's alotta money
  • 2 2
 Good lawd! How 'bout I give you 5 dolla', n' you push me up the hill? How 'bout I give you 25 cent, n' you put a playing card in my spokes? How 'bout I give you 12000 dolla', n' you gimme a motorcycle n' a pickup I can drive to the OHV park?
  • 11 4
 This is when we start boycotting new bikes and their ridiculous prices.
  • 2 2
 Got a tent? I hear Zuccotti Park is empty nowadays.
  • 6 3
 Does everyone on here expect every bike to be affordable to them personally every time? I'm bored of the outrage now. some stuff is crazy expensive and you/me cant afford it. (i will however continue to read the angry comments. just make sure they have good puns)
  • 4 0
 The amount of motors that failed for Specialized is nothing but a disaster. Most of people I know or read about, has had multiple motor failure. What benchmark is that for an emtb??
  • 6 3
 hmmm ... I am all for progression and technology. However, the price point is definitely out of hand. I wonder what would happen if pinkbike ( and others ) stated that bikes reviewed cannot exceed set number say 8K ? ( not cheap by any standards ... ) ... the easy answer would be companies sending them the spec bike that fits into that range. However, they always want to send the best possible bike to get the best possible review and to have the best possible experience. I wonder if this would tip the hand to try and fit a higher spec bike (max experience) at an enforced max price ? @brianpark ? prolly rubbish, but wtf is going on with prices. (#covid) It really is starting to put me off. You simply can't argue the e-bike cost more to produce then the KTM e-dirtbikes or even a KTM motocross bike. You simply can't. There way more sophisticated (argue all you want, it is true) , way more in materials, and arguably way more R&D and liability to withhold. I am looking forward to trying an e-bike, but I am definitely not going to downgrade to a bare-bones spec ( sus, rims, tires, drivetrain ) to get into it. It offsets the experience value. This bike looks awesome, but I'm put off so much by the price. Don't get me started on the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 99....
  • 1 0
 ughhh... That Carbon 99 is RAGE.
  • 4 0
 I wonder what percent of the Pinkbike crowd haven't spent that much on a car. I can raise my hand on that.

Specialized made the first e-MTB that looked good IMO. The price is a con, but 49lbs is OK? :/
  • 12 5
 New benchmark for mtb douchery
  • 4 0
 I'd like to get one, but its guaranteed to be totally out of date in 2 years. All my 'regular' bikes wont be out of date for years. 15K feels really steep for that kind of deal.
  • 4 0
 Can we mention that it's got 532mm of reach in S6? They don't even offer that for regular bikes. I guess they figure tall guys have waited so long for a bike that fits now they're no longer interested in pedalling.
  • 1 0
 It's awesome they are catering to the +6'3" market.
  • 1 0
 @smgishot13: For the first time. Everything they made in XXL before this was awful.
This is the first ebike that even comes close to hitting the mark for me. Now let's reduce the power, increase the burn time and get the weight down to 40lbs. I seriously believe these things can enhance riding and not just oversimplify it for less fit people. This is a good start.
  • 3 1
 E bikes are related to mountain bikes like I’m related to monkeys. We are not the same but are very similar. As for price it’s aimed at middle aged people. Prices aren’t coming down anytime soon, but I agree with one theme fun doesn’t mean you need the best, but I want the best.
  • 5 1
 So your saying if I buy this motor bike I can ride it on mtb trails? sweeeet!
guess ill sell my dirt bikes and analog bikes. problem solved! moto time!
  • 3 1
 To everyone..

Please don`t buy bikes like this - not because it`s an e-Bike but because the price is just not fair to everyone.

It is disrespectful beyond measure that a company grown of our money is charging 5 digit paper for a thing that is supposed to make us laugh and not eat nothing but rusk for two years!

F man this makes me sad.
  • 1 0
 it is an unfortunate reality but these bikes are not targeted at us mere mortals. This bike is definitely a luxury item.
  • 3 1
 Wow the worlds most expensive moped. Need to get one of these because everyone knows when you're over 16 and on a moped you're the coolest guy ever. Now I'm off on my new moped to buy beer for some 18 year old high school girl so she'll talk to me.
  • 7 1
 Thanks for the great review Mike!
  • 14 11
 Anything over 8k for an ebike is out of the range of almost all mountain bikers. I can't believe the industry even offers them. I ordered a Commencal for around 6k and am very happy with it.
  • 5 1
 Yet its still hard to find any stock anywhere for these $8k plus ebikes....
  • 19 0
 Mountain biking has a LOT of wealthy people that do it or want to do it. $8k is not an expensive hobby for a middle aged guy that makes six figures and has a $1M+ net worth.
  • 21 4
 Anything over 8k is out of the range of most drivers, I can't believe the car industry even offers them. I bought a used car for around 5k and I am very happy with it. Credit exists. People richer than you exist.
  • 4 3
 @HB208: Thats true, I love watching their faces as a 20yr old kid blasts whips on a piece of crap bike doing things they never could or never would. I guess it pays for the industry..
  • 2 0
 @Patrick9-32: Alrighty then.
  • 5 11
flag cuban-b (Mar 23, 2021 at 13:25) (Below Threshold)
 Personally I hope all bikes keep getting more and more expensive. Keeps the sport more exclusive.
  • 8 4
 @cuban-b: If this isn't sarcasm, you are a massive D bag.
  • 4 10
flag cuban-b (Mar 23, 2021 at 13:43) (Below Threshold)
 @HB208: if less people ride mtn bikes because of how expensive they are, there will be less trail damage. There’s no down side to increasing bike prices.
  • 9 4
 @cuban-b: Yup, you are a massive D bag.
  • 2 9
flag cuban-b (Mar 23, 2021 at 14:44) (Below Threshold)
 @HB208: hear me out... we shouldnt get rid of walmart bikes, still need people getting into the sport so the industry big wigs can get paid through volume sales. i just think a larger barrier to entry will make my own personal experience way better on the trails. maybe post a sign at the trail head saying "if your bike costs less than or equal to $10,000 just turn around and GO HOME PLEEBS!" and the rangers could ticket people who have shitty bikes. thats the kind of world i'd love to live in.
  • 8 5
 @cuban-b: Why don't you and your friends just buy a bunch of private land and ride there?
  • 2 11
flag cuban-b (Mar 23, 2021 at 14:50) (Below Threshold)
 @HB208: we do have our own private land with lifts and everything, but it's getting boring, so we're moving on to public land, keeping the plebs out and nature clean. #manifestdestiny #theamericandream
  • 6 3
 @cuban-b: Is this just a parody account?
  • 7 1
 In a year it’ll be worth as much as a third gen iPhone?
  • 2 0
 It isn't clear in the motor section who makes the motor for the bike. You eventually state it is the specialized motor 2.2 near the bottom of the article though.

Nice review otherwise though. It's interesting that you say the motor feels more natural than others. That's also what loamwolf said about the yamaha motor. Probably will be more convergence in the next few years.

theloamwolf.com/2021/03/13/2021-emtb-shootout-yamaha-ydx-moro-pro
  • 5 0
 Brose makes the motor, but Specialized's engineers tune it specifically for the Levo.
  • 4 0
 $16,297 Canadian before taxes. Plus you pay GST and PST on E-bikes in BC. So another 12 percent which is $18,252 all in. That kind of money gets you a lot of nice things.
  • 2 0
 PST on e-bikes in BC? Is that correct?
  • 2 0
 @shoreboy1866: Yep you pay both taxes on e-bikes.
  • 5 2
 Wow, it's crazy how many poor people there are bitching on this thread. You guys need to just come work in the Bay Area to get real jobs and stop being so poor. The riding here is sick too.
  • 4 0
 This is an interesting point that I have pondered before. High income areas like CA, and NY pay more for the same jobs. General cost of living is higher (taxes, housing, food), but the prices on Amazon, and Specialized.com are the same nation wide.
  • 2 7
flag m33pm33p (Mar 23, 2021 at 20:15) (Below Threshold)
 You city and state is litteral shit. Stfu.
  • 4 0
 @m33pm33p: if it’s so shitty, why are people willing to spend ungodly sums to live here?

Vernon is a nice place. I liked the few days I spent there.
  • 3 1
 Review: The 2021 Specialized Turbo Levo is the New Benchmark for E-Bikes in looking big, clunky and ugly whilst sporting a bad paint colour, if you want a better looking E-bike get the Nomad.

I do love seeing the speed you can climb an E-bike, but... 3 fast laps on my Enduro bike would be more fulfilling than 10 slower laps on an E-bike.

I can totally see the point in an E-Bike for XC though, would be so rad, but $13k!!!! I am the woodland tink, still racing my V10.5 when it comes to Dh and riding a 2016 Mega for my trail bike. Took me an age to part with my Nomad Mk2 before that.
  • 2 0
 Blah..blah...blah......this, carbon, 29 wheels, full suspension, slack head tube angles, steep seat tube angles...all shite. If we could finally learn anything from this latest pandemic(oh theres more to come) we would forgo our incessant greed and grasping and just ride hard tail 26’s on raw terrain...bless
  • 2 0
 real inflation is currently estimated to be between 10 and 15 % by most economists. c.p.i intentionally leaves out all data like healthcare, housing, stocks, etc (and i would suggest high end bicycles too) to make it appear that inflation is under control at the 2% target per year.
  • 2 0
 I really want one of these. Or the heckler or the orbea. Sweet piece of kit. Not gonna happen. I seen the price and sadly just finished my home pressed esspresso...and shat my britches. Now i sit here and have a sour attitude about the old 3 to 1 rule. Go three miles back, you see 1% of people on the trail. That gonna change, andnow im jealouse of the bike there on.

Also trail damage is more related to people who are new, and skidd a lot, or go round the trail to create new easy line. Ebike or not, they just gonna do damage. Ride trailes run by dirt bikes, some of the best trails around. It aint the power, folks just just slammin that rear brake in terror every where they go and swingin wide to avoid difficult stuff.. Cost o doin business.

Tear it all up all you want, just be polite to other users, pack out yer trash. Skidding aint helpin ya. And if you run down grannies little puppy bombing a multi use trail cause they were to dumb and slow to get out of your way... You are the problem not the electric motor on somebody elses bike.
  • 2 0
 At a local trail.... I ride all kinds of bikes and yesterday I was on my E. I had just finished my second lap. My friends had independently finished a lap. I asked if they were going to hang out and Id burn another lap and come chat. They said they would be leaving right away. If you take your pads off slowly ill be back in minutes. Takes about 16 minutes to do a shuttle drop lap. I was back in 12 minutes. They had just got their pads off. Granted I burried my head and pedaled as hard as I could, out of the seat 180 bpm, heart rate collapse kinda effort. Here's the difference.... on my regular bike that would blow me up and id be done.... maybe for 2 days. On the ebike i flip up the power spin out the lactic on a cool down lap and ride again the next day. On average I ride 140 days a year. Most of those were 1 or two lap affairs on whatever network....(not counting downhill days of course)maybe about 2 hours of riding. On my ebike I ride for 5 hours. Cover 100km of single track and descending, send the 40ft jumps, rip berms because of low CG. It is more work, my arms get tired, I have to be careful to not ride tooooo much. But because it is psychologically less damaging I grab it in the rain in the snow in the mud, when I am being a baby it says to me "click another level of support ya baby!" alternatively it says "you are being a baby pedal harder and drop a level". The point is I have a spotter that looks out for me, motivates me, tells me to ride to the top for another romp. My 80 year old dad bought an etrance (he has been a hardcore moab rider so has earned it) i have my Norco vlt range and I pull my daughter on a tether. We would in no way be able to ride together. Dads had his bike since last august and has pedaled over 5000 km of single track as an 80 yr old. Pedal bikes are amazing!!!!! So are Ebikes!!!!! so are dirt jumpers.....bikes are good and riding is fun.
But yeah.......15000 for a bicycle makes the$13000 500 KTM moto im looking at seem like a steal of a deal. It has more material.......scratches head in confusion.
  • 5 0
 Ive seen it being labeled as a 2022 model elsewhere.
  • 2 0
 agreed, it might seem early in the year to be launching next year's model but I'm fairly sure we saw the 2021 model being launched in spring last year (the one that introduced 12-speed and Shimano brakes)
  • 4 0
 So if we look in the future in 2-3 years the newest S-WORKS model will be like 20k$ ...... WTF?!?
  • 1 0
 yep looks like Specialized is in the lead in the race to a $20k bike.
  • 4 0
 Can we see an automatic wheelie mode in the near future please... Thank you.
  • 1 0
 “ The Butcher / Eliminator tires were aired up to 22 and 24 psi respectively, a touch more than I would typically run on a non-motorized bike.”

Where are the pitchforks!?!? Blasphemy!!!! All the Minion lovers shamed me back when Levy did his tire pressure article and I said that I ran 19/21 in my tires and not 36 psi! Where are the haters!?!? Oh wait ebike review, my bad. Lol
  • 3 1
 The price of Ebikes are getting a little ridiculous now. C'mon $13,000 usd for a bike. You can buy a motor bike with an engine for that price and have spare cash left in your pocket. It's getting too much!
  • 1 0
 Specialized in house motors are not durable.

I know of two Kenevo’s that have been collecting dust because the motors failed. If you are so inclined to go the ebike route stick with Shimano or the Bosch. At least they’ll last more than a couple rides.
  • 1 0
 There are luxury cars so luxury bikes can exist.
If someone could pay for it, it is good for Specialized...
For me, the pain point is not the price, it is that for this price (11 500 €), there is no AXS element ! we have to pay 14 000 € for a full AXS build !!!
  • 1 0
 How do Spesh justify their prices when their bikes dont win anything? Look at the EWS results. 1 win and top has 22. Who makes the better bikes? Porsche can justify their pricing because they make some of the best cars which perform. Spesh enduro team cant buy a win and with all the money they make that is saying something.
  • 1 0
 I'm 60 years young and retired. I've been doing MTB since it began really -- that's a big part of why my body is just trashed. I've notice a big decline on my power output the last couple of years. I ride in very hilly areas and I'm spent after just 1.5 hours of hard riding. I'm looking to buy the $10K version of this rig so that I can get back to my 3-hour rides.
  • 1 0
 So many haters on this web site. If the bike makes you angry, why are you going out of your way and wasting time reading the article. Why not just read reviews of bikes that you are more interested in? I rode a Levo for fun at the dealer and loved it, but walked out with a $700 Rockhopper. It’s great they have a wide range of bikes at different price points. Am I missing something? And BTW, If they priced the new Levo at say 3K there would be a endless waiting list and you wouldn’t be able to get one anyway.
  • 1 0
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  • 6 3
 E-bikes keep getting less ugly which I guess is pretty good. This one almost looks like just a normal bike. I hope normal bikes don't ever get phased out though.
  • 1 0
 Not with how to comments against them are haha. In all seriousness though, the bicycle has been around since the 1800s. I’m sure some $8k-$12k e-bikes aren’t going to change what 99% of people are going to ride. Heck, there’s still people riding single speeds even though there’s 12 and 13 speed drivetrains that supposedly make you a better rider.
  • 5 0
 reach on that s6 is a thing of beauty
  • 1 0
 S6 Reach @ 523mm is stretchy, but probably perfect for >6'2" crowd. And wheelbase is 1325mm ... I can't think of a longer production bike.
  • 7 4
 Nice. Specialized fully back in the game. Never wanted a levo before but now its mixed wheelsize, this will be on my radar when I replace my 20 kenevo.
  • 7 2
 I'd rather buy a KTM and gave money left over for a 12 pack.
  • 4 1
 I paid 9 grand for a new 2020 ktm 300 last year. I get it different market, different sports. It is bananas what the mtb market can get away with. But It is the poser sport of all poser sports and folks will drop some serious coin to look like they know how to ride a bike. .
  • 1 0
 The better sealing was badly needed and I hope it works .I'm very surprised they did not add a "intelligent mode" similar to Bosch "emtb" mode .
Just leave it on that and pedal with no faffing !
When I rode the levo after being on a Bosch system I really really missed the E-MTB mode
  • 5 3
 WOW 15.000! This bike is like 3 times expensive of any 5000 bucks good bike. 5000 to me is a very good amount of money,15.000 in a bike is ridiculous. That bike is not worth it.
  • 2 0
 But 4 times as powerful. So, a relative bargain!
  • 4 0
 Weight has to be a con. Still work to be done with the weight of batteries.
  • 4 0
 Give me an SL version E-ENDURO / Kenevo Prime at 40 lbs and then maybe I'll fork over some cash...for the Comp Version.
  • 5 1
 I guess if you are riding a motorbike, it should cost as much as a motorbike?
  • 2 1
 Seems like a more money than time problem. If I do not have time for a ride then I cross train (bit of everything but a little more posterior chain/back/upper body/flexibility focus). Good warm up to cross training is 20 minutes of cones drills, yep the ol basic slalom. Then full 3+ hour rides which on a bad week is 1-2 a week. I wouldn't discount the time off a bike for things like cross training and drills to stay fit and young feeling while maintaining skills.

IMHO
  • 5 1
 Just ordered one . Paying for it with my student loan . It shall be free ....
  • 3 0
 I love eBikes and their riders. They make the best rabbits on the trail. It's always fun & challenging to see how long I can stick with them on my XC bike.
  • 4 3
 Seems like a lot of cash for an LCD and a bigger battery. The way Specialized essentially down-spec high end bikes along with the price pump on things like this re-inforces my desire to never invest in one.
  • 4 0
 Local Pickup I can do $11,000... I got cash....
  • 6 2
 A new 450 and 3k leftover sounds better.
  • 4 0
 Yep. Just looked at new dirt bike prices. This is more expensive than any bike on the list.https://dirtbikemagazine.com/2020-new-bike-prices/
  • 9 5
 Eat shit specialized, that turd was more than my KTM
  • 1 0
 Is that pealktorque number correct? Ninety newton meters is almost identical to the peak of a Harley Davidson 1200cc Sportster. Is that a typo or is this think as torquey as a 600lb motorcycle?
  • 8 7
 Hold on, just leaving the car dealership, decided not to buy a few year old car and get this instead...ARE THEY SERIOUS WITH THAT PRICE. Way to gouge people because demand for bikes is high.
  • 6 2
 I was just thinking about that. for 13-15k, for sure I can have something a couple years older with over 300 hp.
  • 2 1
 Posted above but its not safe to assume its just to gouge people.

I have a buddy at a boutique brand that does less than 5k bikes a year and supply chain is KILLING them. They have frames sitting around but no parts to hang on them (drain on finances), they have even resorted to ordering from retailers just to try to move stock and they are eating those increased costs. I wouldnt be surprised if people are raising prices not just because of increased component rates or demand, but as a way to actually restore funds for things like payroll or rent, while they have money tied up in materials that they cant get parts to sell. And when the opportunity DOES come up to buy components, buy more than you need because you never know when the next chance to get them will be (and you need extra cash for that).
  • 4 1
 imagine wanting to not climb bad enough to spend 13k!? you could buy 2 yz125s for that price... TEAM BLUE BABY
  • 5 5
 I don't like Specialized. And my dislike turns in to hate when they push a non S-Works base model to THIRTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. And then double down on the S-Works bullshit by pushing that model to a full $15k.

#f*ckspecialized
  • 9 5
 You can go f*ck yourself for $13k
  • 4 0
 @cky78: I'll go f*ck myself for half Specialized's price. Any takers?
  • 4 0
 Only $13000.00 USD!
($16330.53 CAD) Yikes!
  • 5 2
 13k, wtf.... . I mean that is truly unbelievable. Wtf is going on in the world ?!
  • 2 4
 It’s a $10k bike with a bad ass motor and battery added. It’s not that hard. So much whining SMH. I can’t afford a Tesla / Lambo / whatever either but that doesn’t mean they aren’t rad cars. People love to hate what they can’t have, it’s so damn childish.
  • 3 0
 the comments on articles about ebikes are without a doubt more entertaining than the actual article itself
  • 3 0
 You read the article?
  • 4 1
 So much money for a feeling it's not so heavy instead of not being so heavy.
  • 2 0
 Surprised the YT Decoy Pro Race at $6600 has not been mentioned. It does still have the older E8000 but assume it will be upgraded at some point.
  • 2 1
 Be aware in Germany someone is setting traps to lure you deep into the Forest by pretending you can charge your Moped
www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachments/dsc00132-jpg.1171009
  • 2 0
 This, "Be prepared to go further down the landing than you expect when launching off a jump". What preparations are suggested? Increase compression? Wear lots of armor?
  • 7 0
 Hang on tight and pray.
  • 5 5
 I still hate the concept of mtb ebikes with passion, whatever the sell outs will tell me. Having motors will f-up the whole mountain biking experience and people on "analog" bikes will end up beingso annoyed by people passing them everywhere on ebikes.

The speed flow will go up and up and with the individualism we're seeing more and more in society, this is a recipe for conflicts.

I'll be proudly wearing my "One less ebike" t shirt as much as I can this summer.
  • 1 0
 Is that 52 cog even usable? Seems to me a bit overkill for 27.5 wheel alone, and more with power assist. Considering the eagle spacing, it looks like in reality it is 11 spd 10-42 drivetrain.
  • 4 0
 Wake me when they build an E-Demo.
  • 2 0
 The new 2021 Honda CRF-450 WORKS EDITION retails for $12,399. I have long defended bike prices against MX prices, but this is insane. But if someone will pay...
  • 1 0
 The real question is whether the UCI will allow a mullet build at the World E Championships this fall. And can the Speshy - E- XC racers compete against 29ers with this build or will they race w/ 2021 frames?
  • 3 0
 would love to throw my leg over one for the day
  • 2 0
 I can't believe the Pro is completely sold on on specialized website. Who is buying these $13k bikes?
  • 4 2
 My dentist.
  • 1 0
 @slow-af-rider: I gave you a free toothbrush and showed you how to remove plaque and what not to eat- so any cavitie$ you bring back to me from now on are going straight to my LBS.
  • 3 0
 Was the article good? checked out at $12K & $15K......
  • 4 0
 new coil shock destroyer
  • 3 4
 $16000 CAD for a Moped?; You have to be out of your mind.
Even if I had the money, I wouldn’t give my business to the big S for this reason alone.
What a joke, Pinkbike.
(and free advertising thanks to you guys!; well done)
www.ktm.com/en-ca/models/mx/4-stroke/ktm-450-sx-f-factoryedition2021.html
  • 1 0
 Hypothetically what would make you a better rider. Spend $15,000 on an e-MTB or spend $5,000 on a bike and invest the other $10,000 in coaching/fitness training?
  • 1 0
 The is the 2022 model! Crazy that PikeBike has not corrected the mistake yet. Great article, poor verification from the editor.
  • 1 0
 How can a review like this not mention the horrific reliability of Brose motors? I notice Specialized won't even acknowledge it's made by Brose...
  • 1 0
 I'm patiently waiting for the Gen. 3 Comp to be released sometime this summer. As for availability, who the hell knows anymore!
  • 2 0
 It's crazy expensive, but I bet they are very hard to find. You can't get a Bullit very easily, and they are over 10k
  • 1 0
 Would never buy one but I do think it is good for the people that will that the leverage ratio has been reduced from the previous model.
  • 3 0
 $13,000 USD? Good natured comedy or a sick joke?
  • 8 4
 god damn it's ugly
  • 2 0
 didn't they know that hiding the motorization is top priority for ebikers? they even put a color display on it lol
  • 1 0
 @SickEdit: only lacks ribbon barends and a flag
  • 3 1
 lol if i was gonna ride a 13k motorized bike i'd just take my 12" travel 60hp husqvarna out!
  • 3 0
 I’m holding out for a 20k ebike.
  • 2 0
 Daaaaaammmmnnn... let me check my savings account *proceeds to check pants pocket* nope can’t afford it
  • 1 0
 Strangely, perhaps this makes more sense than the $10k+ e-gravel bikes that are popping up?

Also, still makes motorbikes look like a good value ????
  • 3 0
 you know the bubble's about to pop when...
  • 2 0
 Test rode an Evo recently with those tires. Not impressed at all. They would even slide out on hero dirt.
  • 1 2
 Watched some reviews, they praise it for adjustable geometry which is old news really as a lot of other companies have been doing this for over 20 years especially in with DH bikes. Seems like they have just hyped the same bike with minor changes and put the price up again.
Same motor and battery also???
Specialized need some fresh blood in the design team with forward thinking to where ebikes are heading.
  • 2 0
 2021 Chevy Spark

MSRP $14,395

So much for ‘I can get a new motorcycle for that’
  • 4 1
 Finally a bike my dentist cannot even afford.
  • 3 0
 Can’t beat the Bullet in looks
  • 3 1
 lol no AXS at that price? and Deity parts and Specialized tires? that's and insane price
  • 4 0
 No SWAT box? No sale.
  • 2 1
 ahaha 13k for made in china assembled from mass produced china parts. for same price yo can ged tailor made frame with european components.
  • 1 0
 Can’t wait to see a ton of these rolling around all the trails in metro Atlanta. It’s like a 50/50 split here now I swear
  • 1 0
 I can have my house on solar for this much money! Not me. I'm 62 years old and I still pedal the old fashion way. Work is fun.
  • 7 9
 why are there only americans complaining about the price? Smile
Just use the creditcard above your other creditcard, to pay for the creditcard bill you use to buy your new Levo (well, it's basically still the banks Levo until you pay your creditcard bill with just another creditcard).

Any creditcards left?

Oh, talking bikes here.

I think it's awesome, state of the art and new features always cost money (should I remind you what that iPhone costs you have in your hand reading my comment given the fact you could do on a 100$ phone as well..?)
  • 7 0
 Paying off my one credit card with my Biden bucks and continuing to ride my analog aluminum trail bike.
  • 4 0
 @WasatchEnduro: You win the smarts award for today! I project in 10 years you'll be driving the hot new Tesla and own a quiver of bikes. Seriously, good on ya! (thumbs up emoji)
  • 7 0
 A Swiss guy making a snarky comment about American financing? I thought I’d heard it all!
  • 3 0
 Someone is salty about the USA
  • 7 5
 I'll take a car and an Ibis analog bike instead, thanks.
  • 1 0
 Agree
  • 5 4
 $15,000?!?! Go f--- yourselves Specialized! How about you go introduce a lease program too?
  • 3 1
 That price.. fk right off.
  • 4 2
 Yeah, new benchmark of overpriced.
  • 3 1
 13.000... does it include a weekly BJ and snacks?
  • 2 3
 We all know there are 40+ year olds that will purchase this bike but at the price point Specialized isn't even marketing this to the real cycling community which I think is sad.
  • 2 0
 Dentist's bike but I want it
  • 1 0
 Great specs and really good-looking bike. But at those prices, the Luna X1 is looking a lot better.
  • 1 1
 If we keep paying that prices for bikes, soon we will see them costing 20k, 25k and then people selling their houses to buy a bike. Bike prices are not making sense anymore.
  • 2 0
 No achievement building a $13,000 eBike. Anyone and everyone can do that.
  • 2 0
 No achievement building a $13,000 eBike. Anyone and everyone can do that
  • 4 3
 Il bet you still only get an hour or so out of it in turbo mode if you're thrashing about on it...
  • 12 1
 With the 700 Wh battery you should be able to get at least 1.5 - 2 hours of riding only in turbo mode without any issues. I was very impressed with the run times I was getting on this bike.

Here's what Specialized says you should expect - my numbers were similar: www.pinkbike.com/photo/20327408.
  • 5 0
 @mikekazimer: THIS^ my 2020 LEVO Comp with teh 700Wh battery I regulary ride 2 hours ~23-25mi and around 4,500ft pretty much all in turbo with shuttle turned up. Granted i normally get home with 10% batter or less.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: what average speed ?cause I tried a Scott egenius in eco mode and it lasted 112 km with 1917 meters of climbing with an average of 19,7 km/h,and I weigh with gear more or less 83/4 kg ,and my ride was ,yes with some tarmac km but even so I was impressed with the range in eco ,cause the rest of the modes are just for that little f*cking walls,I always say when ridding the climbs ,who the f*ck remembers to put a climb in a trail ,I just hope (and wish )that some one put a stop on the battery capacity,and motor power,cause I think they are enough for everyone to enjoy them selfs and with others that are more fit riding in normal bikes cause if they start to increase the range and power then is just like most people call them now ,a motor bike ,not a bike ,I think they are great and is a blessing for people of some age or anything else that decrement their health,but to start making them more more more ,it is a shame for the sport that I do much love
  • 2 0
 isn't the new levo dropping Thursday?
  • 4 5
 Hey Specialized!!! Your bike is extremely overprized for an Asian made product.
PB indicated the "CONS" as per above review:

"There's really only one – the price."
Enough said!
  • 9 8
 It’s still 700 Watts. It’s still heavy. It’s still pregnant. What has changed..?
  • 3 0
 The price
  • 2 1
 16300 Canadian???? I could buy a decent brand new car on sale for that price
  • 1 0
 I get these crazy prices are for the sworks/pro, but no COMP model anymore? WTF?
  • 3 1
 Dentist: $15k for a bike...I dunno...

Dermatologist: Hold my beer.
  • 2 0
 Dentists gotta dent right?
  • 2 0
 THIRTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
  • 2 0
 This is definitely a crisis.
  • 4 2
 Hope to see you at Galby on a regular pedal bike Mike
  • 8 1
 Of course. My new schedule is 5 days a week on the regular bike and 2 on an e-bike. So far it seems like a nice balance.
  • 4 2
 Needs to get rid of the pedals and add a throttle and I am in!
  • 2 0
 I’ll take 5 KLRs please
  • 1 0
 Can't wait to buy one of these type of bikes, in 10 years when I can afford one.
  • 2 1
 THIRTEENTHOUSAND

For a “Pro” model only.

How good a dentist to you even have to be?
  • 1 2
 Yes, being a Specialized, it's probably pretty good. But how ever good it might be, I can't shake the feeling that it will definitley not be able to justify a 13k $ price tag. It just literally can't be that good.
  • 1 0
 What is the travel on the seapost? Looks like it could definitely be a longer drop to get the saddle out of the way.
  • 4 0
 That's a 175mm Transfer post. And yes, I would have been happy with the 200mm version.
  • 2 0
 I´m just here to read the comments
  • 1 0
 >>>>>>>>>>>16,363.30 Canadian Dollar

plus tax
  • 3 1
 I'll buy electric legs for that price
  • 3 1
 13k how stupid someone would have to be
  • 3 1
 $18,549.70 New Zealand Dollar. nope
  • 1 0
 The Pro is $21,200 and S-Works................... Get ready $25,400!!!!!!!!

On chain reaction NZ website
  • 1 0
 That then means that I literally just bought a house with a deposit equivalent to 2x S-Works (with a small amount of change). mental to compare that to motorcycles
  • 1 1
 A pitty they don´t test or compare it with the Lapierre... 8K€ the most beatifull by far, and the fastest 2 bikes at e-EWS
  • 2 0
 Does it come with pedals ? Asking for a friend ...
  • 1 0
 What does "cockpit length" refer to in the geo chart? I've never seen that measurement before.
  • 2 2
 15k for the S Works ffs , does the S stand for shafted ?
For that money you could buy a brand new Mx bike & a used van to ferry it around !
  • 2 0
 This is the 2022 Levo, not the 2021.
  • 1 0
 I made it! I read all the comments. Wow, there goes....shit I lost track of time.
  • 1 0
 So it is 5k above the stump, didn't realize that battery and engine were so expensive for them...
  • 1 2
 Wahh Ferrari have just released a new car I can't afford. They are pricing us core car drivers off the road. Oh yes, I don't have to buy it if I don't want too and other richer people than me may want to.
  • 2 0
 13.000 dollars Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Hmm, so I found myself at the end of an eBike review, realized that I've read trough it all the way.
  • 2 0
 Anyone mentioned its 13 grand and weighs 50lb?
  • 1 0
 There is no way in hell I will spend this much money on a friggin' bicycle!
  • 1 0
 In the way things are going we will see Porsche Cayenne owners saying their ebikes are more expensive than their cars...
  • 1 0
 Don't know why I even bother to look at this E-Bike stuff anymore, it's so far out of my price range
  • 1 0
 It's a rad bike but I think Class 1 E-Bikes maybe should be limited to maybe 2x the rider input.
  • 2 0
 Let’s see what YT has to say about this price
  • 1 0
 Well, this is one way to deal with the parts shortage. Just increase the price until demand is reduced.
  • 1 0
 Orbea: makes a 35llb $10,000 bike

Specialized: 50lbs and $13,000 bike


guys....ummmmmm
  • 1 0
 Will there be cheaper options? In one youtube interduction video they talk about a third model arriving in summer?
  • 1 0
 What a steal! Only $495 more gets you a brand new Ducati SuperSport 950...
  • 32 32
 The Kawasaki KX250 is only $8,299 MSRP and goes substantially faster than this turd. Nice try Specialized.
  • 21 3
 You can’t ride the moto on the same types of trails though.
  • 5 11
flag chrisclifford (Mar 23, 2021 at 9:18) (Below Threshold)
 Have you ever ridden a KX250? That should really be compared to an Alibaba eBike
  • 4 1
 @ryan83: Nor can you go ride with your buddies right by your house. IDK, I think there are markets for both.
  • 5 2
 boom headshot
  • 4 0
 @ryan83: But you can pedal a $4K bicycle all over those trails + on one's that won't allow ebikes and still buy that $8300 KX250 for some moto madness and have $700 left for a trailer to pull those toys around!

You get his point now?
  • 7 7
 how does one run 22 and 24 psi with out ripping tyres off the bead and or destroying rims?
  • 25 0
 You weigh 160 pounds and live somewhere with nice and soft ground. It works very well for me.
  • 2 0
 He weighs 160lbs according to the bio.
  • 15 1
 @mikekazimer: ill put the slice of cake down then i guess....
  • 4 0
 I fill my tyres with expanding foam.
  • 4 1
 By running heavy tyres? I know for a fact Nico Vouilloz runs lower pressures... www.pinkbike.com/u/mattwragg/blog/down-the-rabbithole-nico-vouilloz-on-bike-setup-and-design.html
  • 4 0
 I weight 220 (I am tall, not fat Smile )and run 22 and 24 PSI. I have never had a tire rip off.
  • 2 0
 Learn to ride a bmx.
  • 1 0
 @PB-J: what you mean
  • 1 0
 @HB208: Same size as you, had a front tire explode off the rim landing a step down. Thankfully managed to ride it out somehow. 24/28 with cushcore still works great and stays on the rim.
  • 1 0
 @aratzlaff159: My reply was a little curt so apologies for that, if you learn to ride bmx, especially with flat pedals you will almost certainly ride your Mtb with a lighter touch and generally be easier on equipment. A good option would be to get a jump/pump track Mtb and get your technique dialled on that.
  • 1 0
 Specialized with the wallet drop for the win
  • 2 2
 Another analogy to stir the pot. A ebike is like a walker for those who need it I’m not there yet lol!
  • 1 0
 That’s $18,000 CAD with tax.
  • 1 0
 Was ready to buy then priced just killed it... oh well Frown
  • 1 0
 13.000 Bucks...yea right, go F yourself Bike industry.
  • 1 0
 AMEN!
  • 1 0
 Do I still have to pay to have the firmware updated?
  • 2 4
 I feel happy the bike is so expensive (and so it my bank account), guess I will be keeping my Turbo Levo Comp 2020 for another year and wait until the technology drops to the Comp level Smile
  • 1 0
 $16’300 plus tax CAD. The new benchmark eh?!
  • 4 6
 Anyone seeing a trend in the prices? Get your ebike now before they cost > $20,000!

People hated on the early ebike adopters, but karma's a bitch!! now you have to eat your words while emptying your bank account!
  • 4 2
 nope
  • 3 2
 Oh my I want the orange one, but not at 15k
  • 2 0
 Bosch is better
  • 1 0
 Since hearing rumors, my popcorn has been ready since early this am!
  • 1 0
 Even before the 10-20% price increase that is imminent
  • 2 1
 Did you hear about the new ebike? You wind it up and it stinks.
  • 3 2
 For when dentists still want their bike to cost more than their car
  • 1 0
 Makes my new evil Calling £2.5k frame even more value for money......
  • 2 0
 $15,000..............
  • 2 1
 Bottom Bash guard is a piece of shit!!!!
  • 2 1
 What happened? First BOOST, now this?
  • 1 0
 When Code RSC's with a 200 and 220 rotor don't have enough powerlol
  • 2 1
 I wonder how much if the $15k is profit
  • 3 0
 `bout $8k?
  • 2 0
 Bout tree-fiddy!
  • 1 0
 Soon to come: 36mo bike financing and zero % rates.
  • 3 2
 Nobody buy anything from specialized, let them now understand us!
  • 3 1
 Absolutely not.
  • 2 1
 $13,000???? Boo this company.
  • 2 1
 Why carbon???
Seems like companies have stopped making metal frames.
  • 1 1
 Glad it's not just me with that observation. So glad for people like Commencal who refuse to build bikes out of carbon
  • 4 3
 it's called inflation people, get used to it.
  • 1 0
 Sorry rippinrob, it has nothing to do with inflation. I's idiots who will buy these plastic bicycles that allow these thieves to demand such a price. The jokes on you.
  • 2 0
 @two2pedal: The dollar has depreciated about 10% in the last 12 months so yeah...there is definitely some impact from inflation on the latest pricing. Unless you think that previously Specialized was just leaving a lot of profit on the table for no reason?
  • 1 0
 And he didn’t even get to ride the good one!
  • 1 0
 You can get two Propain Ekano's with nice build for this money...
  • 1 0
 Would LOVE to know the markup on one of these.......
  • 1 1
 What is known about tuning possibilities of the new motor? Is it still derestrictable with a 3rd party app?
  • 1 0
 Surely a 'Benchmark' can't cost that much?!?!?
  • 2 0
 13 K?? Dafuqoutahere
  • 1 0
 Pathetic pricing. Period.
  • 1 0
 S Works Turbo Level SL is $19399.00 can according to the Web site....
  • 2 0
 Available Summer 2025
  • 1 0
 "...Price: $13,000 USD.." wuahahahahaha....
  • 1 1
 I can buy a brand new car for that much. MTB prices are a joke. A top end bike should cost no more than five grand.
  • 1 1
 I’d like to vote that I dislike major brands pushing ebikes. I think this is wrong. Just making my opinion PB official.
  • 1 0
 Perfect dentists bike! I would love to have a go though...
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the share.
  • 5 7
 I’d like to see statistics on the number of these bikes which actually sell for $13k. I’d wager the vast majority are sold at a much lower price point.
  • 14 0
 Doubtful. Plenty of people just walk into a bike shop with a credit card, and Specialized dealers are not likely to give deals for fear of losing their dealer license. Also, with inventory so low, even actual industry insiders aren't getting deals on a lot of bike brands these days.
  • 3 2
 @Lokirides: I read @ryan83 's comment a little differently than you did. My interpretation of what he was saying is that he bets the majority of models being sold are not the $13k model, but rather other models that come in at a lower price point, which I would imagine to be the case. More Camrys sell than Ferraris.

That said, I also understand your point about big discounts not being had with these bikes in the near future.
  • 5 0
 Considering how many top end ebikes I see on the trails in the Bay Area and seeing how all my local bike shops can't keep any ebikes in stock, I'd say people are actually paying full price. Specialized aren't dummies, they price their bikes they way they do because people are willing to pay.
  • 1 0
 @neologisticzand: That is the lowest model
  • 1 0
 @mixmastamikal: Yes, that is correct. I should have been more clear that I was talking generically about e-bikes, of which not all cost quite that much.
  • 2 0
 My local Specialized dealer usually has one or two of these jaw dropping models, and then when I come back, they're gone. But the majority are in the $7-$8,000 range, which is still pretty f*cking crazy for a toy bike.
  • 3 0
 @TacosMcGee: It is seriously crazy. I am surprised to see kids on ebikes int he bay area. Always Santa Cruz too. At UC there are just a ton of them.
  • 3 1
 @rcrocha: Same here, I'm in South Orange County, seems like everyone but me has an E-Bike in one form or another, 12 year old kids on $6500 bikes is what really rubs me the wrong way.
  • 3 2
 Pathetic pricing.
  • 1 0
 I just bought one
  • 1 0
 @grizwald: glad for you. it is a great bike! but I just can't believe the prices nowadays. but anyway. this ship has sailed!
  • 1 0
 @robmarini-jet: of course, I didn’t buy the S-Works model…that pricing is crazy. Specialized did release many lower models to fit everyone’s stretched budget…including mine.
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