Specialized Levo SL Review - Vital's SL eMTB Test Sessions

Specialized was one of the first brands to venture into the lightweight e-bike segment, with the first generation Levo SL back in 2020. When the second generation Levo SL debuted last year, Specialized came out swinging again, offering a more powerful motor, relaxed geometry, an updated frame design, and trail-rated components.
Highlights
FACT 11m carbon frame
150mm rear wheel travel // 160mm fork (150mm fork on size S1)
Horst link suspension design
Mixed-wheel or dual 29-inch
Turbo SL 1.2 motor with 320 watts of power / 50 Nm of torque
320 Wh battery
160 Wh Range Extender sold separately (included with S-Works build and Frameset)
MasterMind Turbo Control Unit
Adjustable head tube angle and bottom bracket height
Six sizes (S1-S6)
Four build kits and Frameset options
Verified weight (size S5 Pro Build, no pedals): 41.6 lbs (18.8 kg)
MSRP $8,000-$15,000 USD ($12,000 as tested, Pro Build)
Thanks to these brands for supporting the test!
Tannus Armour Inserts - tannusamerica.com/products/ta...
Feedback Sports - feedbacksports.com
Maxxis Tires - www.maxxis.com/us/tires/bicyc...
Read our SL E-MTB Test Sessions article - www.vitalmtb.com/features/vit...
More mountain bike news and reviews - www.vitalmtb.com
#ebike #emtb

[@moosicman101]

great analysis. tried most of these bikes and everything you say is spot on.
ended up going with the levo sl expert largely for its fun factor. makes me want to get out.

[@BikingBadwithTC]

1.2 motor, just as 1.1 motor is by Mahle

[@josemiguelbermudez6324]

The alloy Levo sl just came out. More affordable

[@mitchtolhurst2213]

What about the KSL1.2?

[@mikes.8305]

I think it’s kind of a dude because it’s the same damn bike with a new motor. No mullet flip chip, hi seat tube with poor saddle clearance. It’s a killer bike but it could have used some updates other than just the motor.

[@testtesttesttesttest884]

The kSL has the worst seat tube insertion I’ve seen on any mtb

[@Rubblechops]

Tested one. Motor npise going up so whiney. Just really grated. Not sure it was louder than say the Bosch SX which i also tried. Just an awful sound!

[@derSebov]

One reason for me to go from a highly customized Gen1 Levo SL Mullet to a Heckler SL custom. Stealth design and quiet. But the overall more refined system: app, motor, bike is clearly the Levo SL.