The Levo is still a benchmark and future classic. I have mine almost 3 years and have put >4k miles on it (one motor replaced). It can do almost anything out the box, but it becomes truly special when you fit it with a cascade link and a long travel shock, which puts the rear travel at 165mm and progression >30%. Fit that with a 180mm fork up front and it becomes magical! A DH bike with a smooth powerful motor, and stable yet very playful, corner ripping monster. The brose motor imho is still the motor to beat in terms of torque, smoothness of power delivery and how quiet it is. I have a brand new Cannondale Moterra SL as my other bike and even though the Tlevo is 3 years old it's still miles better than the brand new top of the line Cannondale. Spec knocked it out the park with the Gen 3 levo!
@ the motor died after 3k miles and specialized replaced it under warranty in about a week. I bought a new battery after about a year and half for big shuttle days and both batteries are working great!
@@Alex_Abdullayev wow! Big shuttle days?? Man, I went eco mode - 5 hours 6500 feet of climbing and 43 miles in the mountains. I couldn’t imagine doing another battery. 😂. I was wiped. How far do you go? Unless you’re using trail the whole time and it’s eating at your battery life. How heavy is the carrying a 2nd battery?
@ I live in Washington state where we have monster climbs that provide incredible descents. All very close to the parking lot. I turbo up on the fire road and then bomb back down, rinse and repeat. Some days it's a whole day of this which needs another battery (I leave in the car for when it's time to change). On those days it's >20miles and 14k feet of descending, at least. I actually just purchased a third 700wh battery haha I wouldn't dream of carrying that huge thing with me that sounds miserable. I ride downhill.
I'm 12 months into my Levo ownership (first ebike). I can honestly say its been a great experience (3km), but better than the bike has been the after safe service of my local Specialized store, one battery problem and it was a same day replacement no questioms asked.
@@SR104 we also have some excellent Spesh service centres here. The knock on affect of so many unreliable motors turned out to be an excellent support network
After much contemplation, anxiety (lol) and potential fire sale on selling my Levo for the Amflow I concluded something really important on my bike quiver. I have a Levo and Orbea Rise first generation. Upon thinking, sell both, then buy one Amflow... I really thought it out. A ride on the Rise yesterday really made me appreciate it so much more. The local loop I have here in California is a launch from my doorstep, and the choice of a 18 mile loop with 3900 ft of climbing or 8 mile loop with 2k climbing that I can loop the top section twice. More fire road and straight forward cross country riding. There will be no advantage with a MORE power bike like the Amflow nor full fat of the Levo. With the length of the loops locally I find a simple pleasure in putting some work into the Rise, and find with some slight modifications such as the Cascade link, that it's the perfect bike #1. It requires a bit more work but that the exact point. I was all smiles and what's the point of selling it used for some crappy resale. Note to self. Thank God I did not sell it, and actually appreciate it much more! Now Levo point. With a Cascade link, and now a Grip X 38, and TRP brakes, I'm ready to reintroduce myself to the Levo. It's a different bike, and ready for brawling in the Demo Forest of Santa Cruz. The same trails you all rode during the introduction of the Grip X Fork. It looked really great. My point with the Levo is that I don't have to worry about the Brose motor cause my local shop in Scotts Valley has been stellar in warranty of these motors, and it's also not a deal breaker if you need to replace the belt say past warranty. I'm guessing it's the price of ownership. Just ride the darn thing and HARD! One can get 3 laps at Demo Forest., say 25 miles, 4k climbing, and 3 plus hours of pure joy. The Levo needs a different set of riding skills past the Rise, and that's ok with me and I feel it's a more like riding my snowboard. There are powder days, and groomer days. Two type of riding, and love that it never gets boring. I'm more focused on the bike set up, suspension set up, cockpit, and yes, actually becoming a better rider, Oh tires too, So, the LEVO is just fine with me. And I need to be thankful I can afford both, but should also challenge myself to become a better rider. Yes, someday I will replace both the Rise and the Levo, but not til I become a better rider, and a more educated rider who can appreciate just how much goes into these bikes today. Finally, I hope the Bike Studio keeps up the excellent work!
@@stevefior11 wow! Amazingly detailed comment. Very much welcomed here. And great to hear you have had some great experiences in Santa Cruz. I spent a long time on the Levo SL and Kenevo SL and thought I’d found my perfect bike, then I discovered the Turbo Levo. It took me a few rides to get the hang of it but I’ve absolutely loved the experience. If gravity riding is your focus and you don’t mind a workout the KSL is still my favourite
@@TheBikeStudio Now begins the amazing "keep up with technology game". Please keep the awesome videos coming as your reviews seem more genuine than purely sponsored. It would be a great video to cover the real world experience of owners keeping their e-bikes running and what one should consider when purchasing a bike. Kindly like what sorta maintenance and upkeep is needed and considered when purchasing a bike. In my case, the LBS has been stellar with replacement Brose motors on hand. What does one do when it's mail order? Again, keep up the great work.
Great review 👍🏼had my S Works for two and a half years now, absolutely love it, I upgraded the fork to 170mm and was running a Push ElevenSix coil but bottom out was an issue flat landings etc, a few months ago I fitted the cascade LT link with a Vivid air shock and it’s completely transformed it, so plush with a bottomless feeling. A lot of friends have ridden the Levo and all comment on how well it handles compared to theirs. Still a bike that holds up against anything else👌🏼
Levo owner so you could call me biased but I don’t think you could say the geometry is out date like you said at the beginning. In stock high 442 chainstays and 64.5 head angle is still fairly modern day. Switch to low the chain stays are 447 with 64 angle. Then you have the ability to adjust the headset even further to 63 with the adjustable headset cup. The S-Sizing is still relevant, at a 6.1 went for an S5 and it’s beautiful but I do like a longer bike. Starting to sound like a specialized marketing manager now but it is this ability to customise the bike which has kept the Levo relevant since its realise in 2021
I agree with you and probably should have rephrased that bit. I would say the frame design is ageing purely because it remains largely unchanged for so many years. The geo adjustment is ahead of its time
the frame design has started to age because it’s not specialized new signature look (Levo Sl 2 & stumpjumper 15 no side strut)and like you mentioned the bulbous motor area, however there is so much talk about how much sleeker the CX performance is but when it tilted like on the Whyte e160/180, moustache Game, Norco Range VLT 2024 they also have the bulbous motor design.
Had a Levo for a year now, coming from the Kenevo SL. As soon as I got it I bought the long link from Cascade. Don’t really need th extra travel, but the progression on jumps is really sweet! The bike ride really well and whilst there are bikes out there that do certain things better the Levo is the perfect package of a bit of everything in my opinion.
I have two bikes a lightweight Focus jam2 drifter carbo which I bought in the Covid days 2021 and in all, honestly I did not realise what it was, the focus is is the daily runner. I bought a my Levo comp alloy last November it’s taken some time to get it set up. At £3700 it was a total bargain and omg I absolutely love it.
Owned one for 3 years now, agree with almost everything you said. Run mine at 170/160mm for most of that time the sloppy rear end is really annoying even at 160/150. If I bought again I would have avoided this style of clevis linkage all together and gone with something like the Santacruz Vala, or the Transition options with simple linkages as these provide a solid rear, would be my choice or maybe a kenevo sl so long as the power and more importantly battery is suitable. Geometry is fine it just isn't really an enduro bike, feels more at home on berms than it does taking big hits.
I love my Levo Comp Carbon. Will keep using it for the long 5+ hour rides. Amazing. However, I can see me buying a 2nd ebike down the road. Lighter and more nimble - and have more of the feel of my Trek Top Fuel analogue. The Comp Carbon is super heavy. But don’t get me wrong, it has been an amazing experience! It’s a keeper. Will just need another one down the road. 😝 I wonder if these e-bikes will ever get closer to 16 kilos?
@ I think the lightest I have seen is 18.83 (41 pounds) so far (no pedals). Anyone seen lighter? I mean for any ebike. I agree the full fat will probably always be 20kg - I’m talking any ebike that can get a good 25 miles in on trail mode but is under 40 pounds. Maybe you cover just full e-bikes? Levo SL. 18.83 kg (41 lb, 8.2 oz) Weight Size S4
I have the 2022 Levo pro. I stuffed a 29 wheel in the rear (long cs position). Most beneficial was the cascade components link. (Shorter travel one) This brought the travel to 160. I’m considering a 170 air spring and a gripx or grip x2 drop in damper.But I’m concerned that a fork upgrade will make the shock feel worse (I don’t really like it). But I’m in skiing mode now so I’m leaning towards replacing my system carving sl ski.
If I were specialized I’d keep the Levo as a trail bike. But steepen the seat tube, lengthen the rear center and full 29. I would also recommend shorter cranks or a higher BB. Now the kenevo should get a more substantial upgrade: steepen seat tube. Mullet with option for 29. 180/190 travel. Adjustable HT. Longer rear center. Shorter cranks. Longer seatposts for both. DH casing tires out the box for both bikes please. Bottle mount range extenders for both bikes (or larger batteries/or both). Let’s face it these bikes are best when run in turbo full time. I had a Gen 1 turbo Levo st that got stolen a year ago. I wish I still had it as I liked it much more than the Gen 3. It was 120/140 and ride much better than the Gen 3. And it had better geometry for trail so you could carve flat corners.
@@TheBikeStudio Tried full 27.5 on mine turbo levo and I felt more effort is needed on the climbs. Will keep using mullet too. Thank you for the answer!
Easily the most unreliable bike my friends have ever had. Constantly having tcu issues and charge port issues, the levos are in the shop every week. You obviously got lucky with yours.
The Levo is still a benchmark and future classic. I have mine almost 3 years and have put >4k miles on it (one motor replaced).
It can do almost anything out the box, but it becomes truly special when you fit it with a cascade link and a long travel shock, which puts the rear travel at 165mm and progression >30%. Fit that with a 180mm fork up front and it becomes magical! A DH bike with a smooth powerful motor, and stable yet very playful, corner ripping monster.
The brose motor imho is still the motor to beat in terms of torque, smoothness of power delivery and how quiet it is.
I have a brand new Cannondale Moterra SL as my other bike and even though the Tlevo is 3 years old it's still miles better than the brand new top of the line Cannondale. Spec knocked it out the park with the Gen 3 levo!
Great to hear you’ve had such a good experience. Yours sounds like a proper weapon!
Why did you need to replace the motor? How about the battery?
@ the motor died after 3k miles and specialized replaced it under warranty in about a week. I bought a new battery after about a year and half for big shuttle days and both batteries are working great!
@@Alex_Abdullayev wow! Big shuttle days?? Man, I went eco mode - 5 hours 6500 feet of climbing and 43 miles in the mountains. I couldn’t imagine doing another battery. 😂. I was wiped. How far do you go? Unless you’re using trail the whole time and it’s eating at your battery life. How heavy is the carrying a 2nd battery?
@ I live in Washington state where we have monster climbs that provide incredible descents. All very close to the parking lot. I turbo up on the fire road and then bomb back down, rinse and repeat. Some days it's a whole day of this which needs another battery (I leave in the car for when it's time to change). On those days it's >20miles and 14k feet of descending, at least.
I actually just purchased a third 700wh battery haha
I wouldn't dream of carrying that huge thing with me that sounds miserable. I ride downhill.
I'm 12 months into my Levo ownership (first ebike). I can honestly say its been a great experience (3km), but better than the bike has been the after safe service of my local Specialized store, one battery problem and it was a same day replacement no questioms asked.
@@SR104 we also have some excellent Spesh service centres here. The knock on affect of so many unreliable motors turned out to be an excellent support network
What was the battery issue?
After much contemplation, anxiety (lol) and potential fire sale on selling my Levo for the Amflow I concluded something really important on my bike quiver. I have a Levo and Orbea Rise first generation. Upon thinking, sell both, then buy one Amflow... I really thought it out. A ride on the Rise yesterday really made me appreciate it so much more. The local loop I have here in California is a launch from my doorstep, and the choice of a 18 mile loop with 3900 ft of climbing or 8 mile loop with 2k climbing that I can loop the top section twice. More fire road and straight forward cross country riding. There will be no advantage with a MORE power bike like the Amflow nor full fat of the Levo. With the length of the loops locally I find a simple pleasure in putting some work into the Rise, and find with some slight modifications such as the Cascade link, that it's the perfect bike #1. It requires a bit more work but that the exact point. I was all smiles and what's the point of selling it used for some crappy resale. Note to self. Thank God I did not sell it, and actually appreciate it much more! Now Levo point. With a Cascade link, and now a Grip X 38, and TRP brakes, I'm ready to reintroduce myself to the Levo. It's a different bike, and ready for brawling in the Demo Forest of Santa Cruz. The same trails you all rode during the introduction of the Grip X Fork. It looked really great. My point with the Levo is that I don't have to worry about the Brose motor cause my local shop in Scotts Valley has been stellar in warranty of these motors, and it's also not a deal breaker if you need to replace the belt say past warranty. I'm guessing it's the price of ownership. Just ride the darn thing and HARD! One can get 3 laps at Demo Forest., say 25 miles, 4k climbing, and 3 plus hours of pure joy. The Levo needs a different set of riding skills past the Rise, and that's ok with me and I feel it's a more like riding my snowboard. There are powder days, and groomer days. Two type of riding, and love that it never gets boring. I'm more focused on the bike set up, suspension set up, cockpit, and yes, actually becoming a better rider, Oh tires too, So, the LEVO is just fine with me. And I need to be thankful I can afford both, but should also challenge myself to become a better rider. Yes, someday I will replace both the Rise and the Levo, but not til I become a better rider, and a more educated rider who can appreciate just how much goes into these bikes today. Finally, I hope the Bike Studio keeps up the excellent work!
@@stevefior11 wow! Amazingly detailed comment. Very much welcomed here. And great to hear you have had some great experiences in Santa Cruz. I spent a long time on the Levo SL and Kenevo SL and thought I’d found my perfect bike, then I discovered the Turbo Levo. It took me a few rides to get the hang of it but I’ve absolutely loved the experience. If gravity riding is your focus and you don’t mind a workout the KSL is still my favourite
@@TheBikeStudio Now begins the amazing "keep up with technology game". Please keep the awesome videos coming as your reviews seem more genuine than purely sponsored. It would be a great video to cover the real world experience of owners keeping their e-bikes running and what one should consider when purchasing a bike. Kindly like what sorta maintenance and upkeep is needed and considered when purchasing a bike. In my case, the LBS has been stellar with replacement Brose motors on hand. What does one do when it's mail order? Again, keep up the great work.
Great review 👍🏼had my S Works for two and a half years now, absolutely love it, I upgraded the fork to 170mm and was running a Push ElevenSix coil but bottom out was an issue flat landings etc, a few months ago I fitted the cascade LT link with a Vivid air shock and it’s completely transformed it, so plush with a bottomless feeling. A lot of friends have ridden the Levo and all comment on how well it handles compared to theirs. Still a bike that holds up against anything else👌🏼
Levo owner so you could call me biased but I don’t think you could say the geometry is out date like you said at the beginning.
In stock high 442 chainstays and 64.5 head angle is still fairly modern day. Switch to low the chain stays are 447 with 64 angle.
Then you have the ability to adjust the headset even further to 63 with the adjustable headset cup.
The S-Sizing is still relevant, at a 6.1 went for an S5 and it’s beautiful but I do like a longer bike.
Starting to sound like a specialized marketing manager now but it is this ability to customise the bike which has kept the Levo relevant since its realise in 2021
I agree with you and probably should have rephrased that bit. I would say the frame design is ageing purely because it remains largely unchanged for so many years. The geo adjustment is ahead of its time
the frame design has started to age because it’s not specialized new signature look (Levo Sl 2 & stumpjumper 15 no side strut)and like you mentioned the bulbous motor area, however there is so much talk about how much sleeker the CX performance is but when it tilted like on the Whyte e160/180, moustache Game, Norco Range VLT 2024 they also have the bulbous motor design.
Had a Levo for a year now, coming from the Kenevo SL. As soon as I got it I bought the long link from Cascade. Don’t really need th extra travel, but the progression on jumps is really sweet! The bike ride really well and whilst there are bikes out there that do certain things better the Levo is the perfect package of a bit of everything in my opinion.
Great to hear you’ve enjoyed yours so much 👍
Had my Levo sl 18 months 1k miles so pleased I chose Specialized. !!
Strangely a very different bike to the Turbo Levo. The SL is a great bit of kit as well though
I returned my turbo levo for a Orbea Wild Mteam and havent looked back. The Wild is crazy!
Glad you found the bike for you 👊
I have two bikes a lightweight Focus jam2 drifter carbo which I bought in the Covid days 2021 and in all, honestly I did not realise what it was, the focus is is the daily runner.
I bought a my Levo comp alloy last November it’s taken some time to get it set up. At £3700 it was a total bargain and omg I absolutely love it.
Proper bargain. Fair play 👊
I've owned the Gen 2 and gen 3 turbo levo and I ride in the wet and muddy south wales valleys.
Wishing you all the best 🧞♂️
Owned one for 3 years now, agree with almost everything you said. Run mine at 170/160mm for most of that time the sloppy rear end is really annoying even at 160/150. If I bought again I would have avoided this style of clevis linkage all together and gone with something like the Santacruz Vala, or the Transition options with simple linkages as these provide a solid rear, would be my choice or maybe a kenevo sl so long as the power and more importantly battery is suitable.
Geometry is fine it just isn't really an enduro bike, feels more at home on berms than it does taking big hits.
I love my Levo Comp Carbon. Will keep using it for the long 5+ hour rides. Amazing. However, I can see me buying a 2nd ebike down the road. Lighter and more nimble - and have more of the feel of my Trek Top Fuel analogue. The Comp Carbon is super heavy. But don’t get me wrong, it has been an amazing experience! It’s a keeper. Will just need another one down the road. 😝 I wonder if these e-bikes will ever get closer to 16 kilos?
@@gainknowledgeandinsight I doubt it. 20kg for full fat will likely the holy grail for big hitting e-bikes years into the future
@ I think the lightest I have seen is 18.83 (41 pounds) so far (no pedals). Anyone seen lighter? I mean for any ebike. I agree the full fat will probably always be 20kg - I’m talking any ebike that can get a good 25 miles in on trail mode but is under 40 pounds. Maybe you cover just full e-bikes?
Levo SL.
18.83 kg (41 lb, 8.2 oz)
Weight Size
S4
I have the 2022 Levo pro. I stuffed a 29 wheel in the rear (long cs position). Most beneficial was the cascade components link. (Shorter travel one) This brought the travel to 160. I’m considering a 170 air spring and a gripx or grip x2 drop in damper.But I’m concerned that a fork upgrade will make the shock feel worse (I don’t really like it). But I’m in skiing mode now so I’m leaning towards replacing my system carving sl ski.
If you’re a lighter rider get the grip x2. You won’t regret it
If I were specialized I’d keep the Levo as a trail bike. But steepen the seat tube, lengthen the rear center and full 29. I would also recommend shorter cranks or a higher BB. Now the kenevo should get a more substantial upgrade: steepen seat tube. Mullet with option for 29. 180/190 travel. Adjustable HT. Longer rear center. Shorter cranks. Longer seatposts for both. DH casing tires out the box for both bikes please. Bottle mount range extenders for both bikes (or larger batteries/or both). Let’s face it these bikes are best when run in turbo full time.
I had a Gen 1 turbo Levo st that got stolen a year ago. I wish I still had it as I liked it much more than the Gen 3. It was 120/140 and ride much better than the Gen 3. And it had better geometry for trail so you could carve flat corners.
All excellent suggestions. Looking forward to whatever comes next from Spesh
Nice review, thanks for sharing. Could you tell whether the wheel set upgrade is stll mullet or full 29”
Still full mullet. Suits the bike perfectly
@@TheBikeStudio Tried full 27.5 on mine turbo levo and I felt more effort is needed on the climbs. Will keep using mullet too. Thank you for the answer!
Its weird that fox won't warranty their coils on the Levo, but Rock Shox are happy their coils are good.
Maybe I’ll follow up on that one as it hadn’t crossed my mind before 👍
When is the new Levo coming out?
🤷♂️
By February
Power delivery and range is still above the new Amflow.
Range yes, but power?
Not peak power. But the way the assist is delivered if that makes sense.
Aging relic?
I mean it’s hardly new
With specialized you have spend big bank to get a decently specked bike.
With the current discounts they’re becoming a lot more competitively priced. And it is true, you often get what you pay for
That battery cover is rubbish……looks like it was designed for a milk carton….similar quality too….other than that no complaints
Will never buy one,for one reason,they only do mullets! I want a full 29 er! Not a stupid mullet!
Easily the most unreliable bike my friends have ever had. Constantly having tcu issues and charge port issues, the levos are in the shop every week. You obviously got lucky with yours.
Have heard many similar stories. A real shame for those owners, as you say I’ve been lucky so far
Some have issues, but many,many more have none🤷♂️
Never had an issue and after Riding a Canyon Strive:On this year I want to go back to a T Levo next year.
Our friend was happy to replace her Norco Sight VLT with a 23 Turbo Levo Comp. We've had 3 years of reliable riding on ours. 6000km on our 22
The Revive is trash - never heard this before.... I think it is worth to mention that the Brose motor will be noisy after a few month of riding.
Revive is fine, when the preassure is right and Not all Brose Motors become noisy. I am on my third one 😂.
My motor is still silent, dropper still shit
Brose is most unreliable motor. Specialized fanclub switching over to Bosch ebikes.
They have improved significantly but yes. They’ve got a bad reputation
Carbon bar? no thanks.
Why?