Review: The 2022 Specialized Turbo Levo is the New Benchmark
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.
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
• 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
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.
 | 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. |
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]()
![2021 Specialized Turbo Levo]()
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]()
![2021 Specialized Turbo Levo]()
![2021 Specialized Turbo Levo]()
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.
The mode selector is unobtrusive and easy to use.
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.
The charging port is hidden behind two hatches to keep water from sneaking in.
There's plenty of clearance for a 2.6" tire.
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]()
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.
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.
| 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 | |
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.
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
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
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]()
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.
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.
Specialized Levo
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.
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]()
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.
Pros
+ Very quiet motor & excellent display
+ Super smooth power delivery
+ Adjustable geometry
Cons
- There's really only one – the price.
Pinkbike's Take
| Specialized 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. |
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
Must Read This Week
Plus theyre.getting 2x the dh.
They're buying orbeas for @$6k
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).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I would gladly sacrifice ride time to be part of a real trail crew that helped keep the trails maintained.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Me too. The funniest thing this week....:-)
Ebikers and Vintage bikers want the same thing.
E Bikers just get 3 times as much. Hmmmm maybe 4x.
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.
powersports.honda.com/off-road/trail/crf450x/build
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.
Based on past new bike releases, aesthetics will matter more than performance.
That's where they belong, tourism and streets.
"Motorized" transport vehicles have always been banned from public trails and paths and such.
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!
I’d say it’s more the quantity of laps that cause erosion than the bike.
think of guitars electric uses an amp and acoustic doesn't..
"mostly bike snobs say it though"
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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
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.
RideWrap's made your Turbo Levo a Tailored Protection Kit
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?
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...
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.
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.
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....
God damn.
Cost- Just over $10K. Weight - 22 lbs.
Not really apples to apples with this bike, but still... $10K for single speed hardtail!!???
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?
store.pivotcycles.com/en/bike-les-singlespeed-1
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.
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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.
No one who's rich ever utters the words "FIRE"
"Fat FIRE" is just....being rich?
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.
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?
@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.
edit: made a mistake, it's 6k with the carbon wheelset, under 5k with stans flow ex3 wheels.
My broke ass is not looking to drop 13 grand on a bike.
In that time I’ve bought 2 Insurgents, a Ripley LS, a Capra 29, an SB5.5, a road bike and now my Highlander.
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.
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
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).
when you see your credit card bill you'll soon bloody remember.
The Bad: The bashguard is the electric motor.
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.
I'm curious if this type of financing is seen much if at all in Europe and Canada?
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.
@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.
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.
Kind of a shame, it was a cool bike..
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.
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..
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.
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.
Rich folks who are busy earning dollars and not loitering around PB comments area.
Dentist: *Takes deep inhale* Hold my nitrous tank
Anyone else hear about the reliability/longevity of these motors?
Would love to know how they compare to the shimano - primarily in the reliability
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.
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.
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
This almost makes me want an ebike.... Almost.
"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.
*remembers specialized released a 1k carbon balance bike*
Specialized made the first e-MTB that looked good IMO. The price is a con, but 49lbs is OK? :/
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.
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.
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
Vernon is a nice place. I liked the few days I spent there.
guess ill sell my dirt bikes and analog bikes. problem solved! moto time!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
IMHO
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
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.
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 !!!
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).
#f*ckspecialized
($16330.53 CAD) Yikes!
www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachments/dsc00132-jpg.1171009
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.
Also, still makes motorbikes look like a good value ????
Same motor and battery also???
Specialized need some fresh blood in the design team with forward thinking to where ebikes are heading.
MSRP $14,395
So much for ‘I can get a new motorcycle for that’
Even if I had the money, I wouldn’t give my business to the big S for this reason alone.
What a joke, Pinkbike.
(and free advertising thanks to you guys!; well done)
www.ktm.com/en-ca/models/mx/4-stroke/ktm-450-sx-f-factoryedition2021.html
Here's what Specialized says you should expect - my numbers were similar: www.pinkbike.com/photo/20327408.
Just use the creditcard above your other creditcard, to pay for the creditcard bill you use to buy your new Levo (well, it's basically still the banks Levo until you pay your creditcard bill with just another creditcard).
Any creditcards left?
Oh, talking bikes here.
I think it's awesome, state of the art and new features always cost money (should I remind you what that iPhone costs you have in your hand reading my comment given the fact you could do on a 100$ phone as well..?)
PB indicated the "CONS" as per above review:
"There's really only one – the price."
Enough said!
Dermatologist: Hold my beer.
For a “Pro” model only.
How good a dentist to you even have to be?
plus tax
On chain reaction NZ website
For that money you could buy a brand new Mx bike & a used van to ferry it around !
Specialized: 50lbs and $13,000 bike
guys....ummmmmm