2020 Specialized Kenevo Review - BEST DH EMTB??

#ebike #emtb
Riders in this Episode
I test the New Specialized Kenevo for a day with some mates in Adelaide.
If any of you would like to rent a ebike from www.willride.com he is offering the viewers some great deals. give him a call and mention Sams Bikes.
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[@MrScrofulous]

I've had mine since November, and I freaking love it !! Might have crashed a few times, no damage, super tough, agree it drags you into a whole new comfort zone. Who gives a rats about price ? It's just freaking amazing......the coolest bike I've ever owned.

[@SamsBikes]

Haha you love it!!! I’m glad keep riding mate

[@riverrat4712]

I wish they would re-release this model again every once in a while. I love my 21 Expert. Its just a solid bike you can jump on and go right out of the box. I purchased mine right in the mix of Covid. Sams Bike channel is awesome! ;)

[@SDmountainbiker]

Just added this beast to my stable. Think it will compliment my YT Decoy Custom Shred/Elite and Yeti 160e. Appreciate Sam's honest and objective feedback. Was a big factor in helping me choose this bike. For me, it's a niche bike that scratches a certain itch. Price point on this sled was very reasonable and incurred some additional expense to switch out components to customize to my liking (Magura MT7 brakes, Rockshox AXS Dropper Post, Deity stem/SQ Lab bars and Ergon SM Enduro Comp saddle). Fortunately in San Diego California we get to ride year round and will be going on maiden ride ~week. Keep up the great reviews/information videos. Happy Trails and New Year!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate I really appreciate your feedback and congrats on the new ebike it’s a beast!

[@iamgeneric1888]

If you look at the spec on the Comp it is arguably better than the budget Decoy. The Comp comes stock with a better fork that doesn't need upgrading, suitable weight tyres for an E bike, a great performing coil shock which also doesn't need upgrading. Seat post is solid and reliable. Same brakes and similar range from the battery. Yes there are some motor issues on some bikes which is hopefully getting sorted now with a better belt. Weight wise the Comp with proper tyres and a coil shock in S4 with flat pedals is 23.6kg.

[@SamsBikes]

Very good point... for me the Comp would be the way to go.. thanks for watching

[@TeeS0815]

Hey Sam, again a really nice review of a quite good bike. Personally i own the turbo levo 2020 and i am really satisfied with the rig. I can fully agree with all your arguments and feelings about how the motor behaves. Keep on doing such nice reviews and creating entertaining and informational content! best regards

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks rider that means lot stet safe out there

[@da12641]

The Kenevo feels very similar to my YT Tues, except the Kenevo climbs like a beast too. Great honest review, keep it up Sam.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate

[@legyvanmaster]

Very good video again, nice job Sam! I ride my Kenevo expert 2021 since may 2021 and is is a real monster. It is strong, powerfull, very occurate on trails....best bike for dh/enduro riders.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate! It’s a beast but I say the Levo Gen 3 has the edge for me now!

[@PackedandReadyFranco]

u show the comp with the air shock the expert has the coil shock trust me i want a 700 watt comp but cant spend 8k

[@johnmorrison27]

Kenevo is an amazing piece of kit, jack of all trades master of most 👍👍👍

[@ebikesmile2743]

Great video! Thanks Sam for sharing in "eBike Smile eMTB Community" fb group. I've not had a go on the Kenevo, but LOVE the Levo I've been riding since 2017!

[@SamsBikes]

im glad you liked it... its a beast of a bike I hope all is well..

[@zahrnheath8308]

Getting this for Maldon, Abomb, Hero, Derby and NZ. Keeping the Camber for all mountain Enduro XC and back country. We are very happy Together don’t want to ride shebike in these trails. This bike seems perfect for me to progress my riding to bigger stuff. Plus self shuttle......

[@zahrnheath8308]

GIVE ME THIS BIKE NOW! I decided to get this already but your video is great and no doubt in my mind now thanks. I’m long time rider. Started free ride and XC many years ago. And ride some DH but not big for years and XC and mainly Enduro and back country for years. But lately have really been progressing rapidly with bigger features so I need to get this bike before snap my Camber.

[@SamsBikes]

Haha good luck finding one but once you do you will love it!

[@nortondlcl]

For my every day ride it’s the best out of the box in U.S market, would be the perfect bike with 29lnch front wheel

[@SamsBikes]

glad your loving it..

[@fzr1000981]

Wild FS for me, cheaper, don't trust Brose motors

[@Swaggerlot]

Downside is that with the current low value of the Pacific Peso, its $13000!!! Great bike though... I'm still getting to know me Levo, but it continues to surprise me on every ride as I explore that bit harder.

[@Warby0]

Great video Sam ! Stepping it up wit the editing 👍 definitely agree with the 25 km limit after riding the levo SL. Keep safe... luckily riding isn’t banned yet in adelaide 😅😳

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks champ yep let’s try and get out next week for ohh Wednesday night ?

[@tatofolch3727]

Hey pal, nice review! Just got my new kenevo expert for three weeks now, and I fully agree with you. Don’t have a decoy to compare, but it was my second choice. Regards from Madrid, Spain!!

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks for the feedback it’s always nice to know people agree with me. I just say it how I feel it on the bike in go on feel more than anything! Stay safe rider and thanks for the comment

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks for the feedback it’s always nice to know people agree with me. I just say it how I feel it on the bike in go on feel more than anything! Stay safe rider and thanks for the comment

[@alex1231235]

Great vid Sam! I had a 2020 Kenevo and LOVED it! I called it a motorcycle 'lite'. Have since picked up an SL and find it a better daily and rides just like an MTB. Cheers!

[@SamsBikes]

Oh nice mate I’m planning on renting the SL next. Thanks for watching

[@alex1231235]

@@SamsBikes Can't wait to hear what you think. I recommend doing some climbing without any assist. Does it better than my MTB!!

[@SamsBikes]

@@alex1231235 sounds like a plan.. I hope to rent it for 3 days so fully test it out.

[@thefreedomaddiction9639]

Pretty good review. I own one and it’s a weapon/freight train. Love it on the DH but the levo is the one for day to day riding🤘ridden both a lot and it take the levo just for the fun.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks champ yep I kinda feel the Levo would be a better day to day bike but still loved the kenevo

[@MrScrofulous]

@@SamsBikes Honestly, the Kenevo is such an easy ride, it works for me in all terrain. My wife has a Levo too, and I tested it, very nice bike, but the Kenevo has an evil, reckless edge that just makes it way more appealing to me. That big fork has rescued me a few times too.

[@SamsBikes]

@@MrScrofulous hahahaha yep totally mate.. its a monster truck

[@miguelcastro5597]

Another great video Sam. Congrats! you're building an amazing e-bike channel with lots of valuable information. Would also love to see more videos about other products like protection gear and other related content. Keep sending cheers

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Miguel, thanks mate that means a lot.... great idea i'll do that for my next video.. I have about 5 already shot so it will be a few weeks.. but any question on gear just hit me up.

[@miguelcastro5597]

@@SamsBikes great! I'm into buying a new helmet and knee pads would love to know your thoughts on Full Face helmets... IXS FF trigger, Fox Proframe, Bell Super Dh, to name a few. Regarding knee pads, how about ION K-PACT, POC Joint VPD 2.0 and IXS Flow. Any tips?

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate I use a bell super dh that I just broke in my last crash amazing helmet but I think I’ll go with a giro switchblade next time to try it out! As far as pads go I used shin and knee pads from race face and they are great had for 3 years and still going hard I also just bought a soft shell full body amore from O’Neil and it’s amazing. Don’t forget to get some good shoes. I run five ten hell cats and freerider pros

[@miguelcastro5597]

@@SamsBikes yeah I got my feet covered with 510 Freerider Pro. Thanks for letting me know your protection. I will Def. take a look at it! Thanks again and see you in your next video 🤟cheers mate

[@laurinjoelschafhausen]

Hey Sam. Interesting how much of what you say applies to my 2020 Levo. I feel so save on it and it is so fast. I call it, because of the motor, the muscle bike. It is such a brute. Nice review, keep up the good content and stay safe.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks champ!!! I’m defo going to test a Levo soon I think the kenevo was a little over kill for me, I’m thinking a high spec Levo might be my next bike !

[@laurinjoelschafhausen]

@@SamsBikes it is so fast that it is scary. But not on the downhill but later checking times on Strava. 😱😅 I bough the carbon one in the mint colourway. Best and worse decisions in 2020 so far. Since I work in the event industry as a sound engineer and are defacto unemployed. But hey, I have a nice bike, let's shred until the apocalypse.

[@SamsBikes]

@@laurinjoelschafhausen Yea I don't think ill be buying as new bike in 2020.. Im a photographer and just lost all my contracts for 2020 so bring on youtube and riding as long as we can in oz. Take is easy mate we will get through this it will just take some time.

[@fredericsmets750]

Hi Sam, Thanks for this great review! I decided to go for the Kenevo. I have 2 questions: 1. Comp or Expert? Is it worth the upgrade? 2. Size? S3, S4, S5? I am 184 cm and my weight is 75 kg. I like to go downhill as much as possible and I like to keep it playful. Unfortunally nobody in my surroundings owns a Kenevo and the local dealers are sold out. Thanks in advance for the tips! Cheers, Fré 🤙

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Frederic thanks for the kind words, the Kenevo is a beast of a ebike and a lot of fun. I was riding the S3 which felt fine maybe a little on the small side and I'm 183. I think you could ride any of them maybe go for the S4 the S5 will be very big.

[@emtbtrailrider539]

About time & yes it is

[@Clarkie0070]

I do like the style of Big Ken,I'm not sure why more e-bikes dont come with duel crown forks on there big hitter bikes , even if I could afford this thing I would find it pretty hard to fork out $11k NZ or there abouts for a alloy frame, GX 11spd. spec wise the big battery and fork are bonus points and I;m sure it rides like a beast in the rough. I thought they would have the motor sorted for 2020 but hearing people still killing them,one guy lost engine in less than 3 weeks, Specialized would destroy the E market if that motor was reliable, has great torque and pretty quite. Another option could be buy a different brand big hitter and put a boxxer on it save a few pennys and have a higher spec bike. Good review thanks for sharing

[@Dano71R]

Hi Sam, I was about to go to the specialized dealer after considering the bike and then all hell broke loose with the coronavirus! Have to wait now and hope for the best. The price is steep but maybe when the stores and shops reopen could get a good deal.. after a test ride.. Stay safe Sam.

[@SamsBikes]

Dano defo test all you can! Everything bike has it’s pros and cons and if your buying in a bike shop then test everything! I think the Levo might be a better option unless you reallly want to hang it out

[@stuartdummkoph128]

Don’t do it. The motor will shit itself at least three times a year. Just moved to a Trek Rail after two years of pain with a Kenevo

[@Dano71R]

@@stuartdummkoph128 hello, thanks for letting me know. So I should stick with Bosch or Shimano? More reliable/proven?

[@megane230f1]

Shimano motor is far more reliable and tuneable than a brose s mag, i have had my bike with the shimano motor for 2 years and had zero problems, I have read multiple postings on individuals that own levos, and thee amount of people having multiple motor replacements is unbelievable, 1 said they had had 5 motor replacements, another had decided to get shot of the bike after 2 motors and bought a shimano driven motor, 9 times out of 10 it is belt related issues, i have had my shimano motor de restricted for about 6 months, it is tuneable via an app, As for that brose s mag, i bet it would last even less if you put a planet 3 ring on it to de restrict it, i really dont see many who have bought levos or kenevos bigging them up on social media, Just those given them to test ride or those that are sponsored, i do like the look of levos and kenevos, good looking bikes, but in reality, looking past that exterior look, they are overrated, overpriced and badly specced usually ridden by old blokes with a good pension 😂

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks for the information, I’m not a paid or sponsored rider I just say it how I see it! I loved the brose on the test, since posting a few people have said the same about the motors so there is a clear problem there! But I need to tell you my mates who ride shimano mostly I’ve seen a few motors replaced in the last 6 months nothing bullet proof when we ride them like enduro bikes!

[@Swaggerlot]

Good report Same. I'm smelling a lot of rumour and BS with the post above. Too many shills on the internet. Have read nothing like this guys relates about Brose motors

[@lazyboy9016]

Black mamba of trails ! 🐍

[@AirProFork]

Let me know if you would like to test an Airprofork.com bashguard for your Levo!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate but I don’t have a Levo!

[@sergiojm01]

When you can do a review of the Devinic AC?

[@SamsBikes]

when you do a instagram post asking them to send me a bike. Super strange the bike companies still won't send me bikes.

[@stevehercules3574]

Hi Sam out of the yt decroy and the kenevo which is bigger and better .

[@SamsBikes]

Mate it really depends on what you want to do? Dh as fast as you can ? Kenevo, dh fast play more on the bike, jump ect decoy. I personally like the decoy more but I’m not about out right speed if that’s what you want go for the big Kenevo

[@stevehercules3574]

Hi Sam thank for the reply I just need the bike foe everyday ride prices do not matter need comfort and I am a big guy and you are the best respect trust Sam.

[@SamsBikes]

Ok I think there is a perfect bike for everyone and love to help! I say go for the kenevo it’s a super rad bike it’s a big bike can handle a lot and if your a biggish guy I think you will like this bike! It respect some strength little guys will be a passenger on the monster truck

[@stevehercules3574]

Cool thank Sam I will definitely get a kenevo and I am going to keep watching until my new comes trust Sam massive one.

[@SamsBikes]

Sweet you will love it!! Send us a photo of your ripping the trails

[@thealohahour3234]

Fuck yeah great vid mate - getting better with each one.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate so you still tire kicking or going to get a Emtb

[@MsKingpinTattoo]

Yeah how’s the time to be thinking of EmTbs’s - team no work lol.

[@MsKingpinTattoo]

Yeah how’s the time to be thinking of EmTbs’s - team no work lol.

[@stuartdummkoph128]

I have a 2018 Kenevo. Really good bike but people need a really good relationship with their LBS because the motors blow up regularly. The 2020 motor is slightly worse than the old one

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks for watching I have heard this in the past but I can’t comment on it never happened to me! It’s kinda scary what happens when your 2 years warranty is over!? How many motors you been trough !?

[@stuartdummkoph128]

Sam’s Bikes I’m on my 6th motor in two years. You can buy a motor after the warranty and get another two years on it. Spesh can’t keep that up. Hence why the Levo SL has no belt

[@stuartdummkoph128]

It’s not just me. Lots of Spesh bikes around me. All had multiple breaks

[@SamsBikes]

@@stuartdummkoph128 mate thanks for the heads up 6th new motors in 2 years that's mental what's the down time like each time?

[@Dano71R]

Wow, what a pain in the ars! It's like buying a Audi a the motor is from Dacia.

[@gbrewin9295]

Sweet video Sam, quick question I’m going to order one tomorrow & what size would you recommend for me @ 185 tall 85kg?

[@SamsBikes]

Dude can you test the s3 and s4? What you riding at the moment?! What’s your style!?

[@thefreedomaddiction9639]

Test ride them for sure. It a lot of money to lay out and get it wrong as I did. I’m 182 85kg and got the s3 but I find it to big. So it’s really up to the rider!!!

[@gbrewin9295]

I just got the s4 as there is no where to test one out around🤞hope it’s perfect

[@gbrewin9295]

Will be my first bike so I have know clue

[@bedetorrance5437]

@@gbrewin9295 did it fit?

[@amw4736]

I recently had the opportunity to ride a speicalized E-MB not the Kenevo but the older generation. I must say I don't get it. The bike is heavy, the motor in tight technical pulses, so when you have flat pedals and are slowing to navigate a tight turn the bike "jumps" or does little mini lunges forward underneath you. Your weight naturally moves slightly on the pedals which causes the motor to "pulse". I felt like I was fighting the bike. Sure on the flat it is fun and fast. Maybe E-Mountain Biking is just not for me. However for over 8k in cost I think the whole thing is really totally ridiculous. Just my opinion. If you have an E-MB and love it hey great! Just get out if you can right now and enjoy the ride. The point is to have fun no matter what you ride...Cheers!

[@punawarrior9070]

Hi everyone, is there a new kenevo expert for 2021

[@Jcscoob]

Hey Sam...diggin your videos. I’m in the game for a Emtb, torn between the Giant Reign and Kenevo, help hahah btw, I’m 5.6

[@SamsBikes]

Helllo rider you have come to the right place, ok why are you thinking about these two bikes? Are you strong ? These are big ebikes and take a lot of man power to move then around I think personally you might get more out of a lighter 27 or mullet bike like a Merida e160, canyon spectral, decoy, those few extra kgs do add up and for smaller riders I would be going for something defo 27 or mullet and lighter.

[@zwingler]

Aside from the review, serious question, how do you deal with your lazy eye ? I also have a lazy eye and people look at me funny and it actually sorta bothers me. Any tips ?

[@SamsBikes]

Hey champ, I actually didn’t know I had a lazy eye haha I asked my wife today and she said you kinda do. Well I just say everyone is different and as long as I can see on there trails I’m happy. Try and not worry about it only small minds give people shit about this stuff. Keep riding

[@zwingler]

@@SamsBikes Yeah i guess that does make sense. I will keep this in mind. Thanks Sam.

[@testing316]

What pedals are those you have on it?

[@SamsBikes]

Crank brothers I think?! They put them on in the shop for me.

[@johnnyboy1586]

The latest shimano ep8 has 85 nm now.also browse motor not very reliable

[@SamsBikes]

you might want to check the update on the ep8 6 month delay

[@joshmarks3954]

I want a Marin alpine trail e2 which has a ep8 motor, good buy do you think?

[@PackedandReadyFranco]

only the expert has the 700 watt battery an its 8k usd the comp is the one everyone is buying its under 6 grand no one can afford the expert unless ur rich its like owning a rolex lol

[@benmackproductions3085]

back in Adl ie Radalaide?

[@SamsBikes]

Ben yes mate I’m back!!! For like 2months what ebike you riding

[@benmackproductions3085]

@@SamsBikes Im on a Merida one twenty

[@benmackproductions3085]

I see you were in WillRide... I did this vid for him when he started the tours kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXa1e5eLmLSChNE

[@SamsBikes]

BENMACK productions lovely work mate! Well I’m renting the SL maybe this weekend if you keen for a Spain one of the days maybe bring your drone haha

[@benmackproductions3085]

email me at [e-mail]

[@davidcart28]

But how dose it compare to the decoy

[@SamsBikes]

did you watch the video? I think the Decoy is a better bike for enduro but Kenevo is DH monster !

[@davidcart28]

@@SamsBikes no mate but i’m on it thanks ( stay safe. )

[@user-mu4cg6yk5r]

Yeah I wanna ride a bike and not have to put much effort in..

[@SamsBikes]

just saying it how it is.. easy fast bike to ride like a lot the new DH rigs..

[@Theworldisforent]

Couple of aussie kangaroos on the trail

[@SamsBikes]

Yep haha great day out

[@MichelleTorres-iq7sm]

Hey you subbed to the wrong channel I’m using my moms channel to ask you just look up sams bike channel and it will pop up

[@SamsBikes]

Your channel is named Sams bike ?! Oh cool send me the link I can’t find it

[@MichelleTorres-iq7sm]

Ok

[@MichelleTorres-iq7sm]

It’s sams bike channel with the channel part

[@MichelleTorres-iq7sm]

I just uploaded a video the thumb nail says sams bike channel

[@mattx4253]

The fact they think they can sell you a alu frame for this money with such a bad spec is a joke. Well corona is about to hit them with a dose of reality as the global recession brings pricing reality home with a big bang

[@SamsBikes]

Yea but if I’m honest if you did a blind test I mean you count see if you were riding on the kenevo with will fox or more basic suspension about 80% of riders couldn’t tell including me. It’s a great bike but not the best value

[@mattx4253]

@@SamsBikes the low end parts and own brand junk is just to make more money from each sale. They think they can get away with it so they do it. Spesh use crappy caste parts which are weaker than billet. It's just not acceptable but half spesh buyers couldnt tell you which is the front of a bike or the back

[@SamsBikes]

@@mattx4253 yea I agree... its disappointing the build but the bike rides well...

[@mattx4253]

@@SamsBikes that kinda makes it worse. I'd hate to want one and pay for what it comes with. Since YT ate opening a uk service centre and store i doubt I'll look at spesh again

[@SamsBikes]

@@mattx4253 cool when and where is the service centre opening?

[@Shauny808]

“Listen to your governments advice” probably the worst health advice I’ve ever heard.

[@SamsBikes]

yep each to their own...

[@GTLTSlost]

Nothing but blown motors. Wouldnt touch a Specialized EMTB, ever! Sorry!

[@SamsBikes]

Yea mate that’s was some people are saying! I can’t say never happened to me