2022 Specialized Levo SL Review | Heavier, But All The Better For It

[@esdubya]

The way you dance around the elephant in the room is amazing, that is that the price went up by about 2.5k to 15k. Bonkers

[@yengsabio5315]

To a biker like me who does not have this luxury & privilege to test & experience new bikes first hand, watching test reviews are already a source of immense information & 'sense'/'feel' of how these new bikes work & if they are fit for our needs. Your channel is beneficial to us new entrants to MTB. Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #KeepBiking

[@Bigred10101]

Yeah for 15k and with that pretty mid range spec I couldn't justify buying it no matter how well it rides, espically with how competitive the ebike space is too

[@spuddo123]

$15K is crazy for a bike with mid range components, absolutely bonkers

[@megane230f1]

specialized reminds me of that cheap t shirt thats been de tagged and a designer name put on and people pay 500 uk pounds for them

[@nitraM321]

you can get a Orbea Rise LTD< with all the upgrades you want, a lighter bike, and far less expensive, Specialized have lost their minds, who do they think they are ?

[@chrishurley5711]

@@nitraM321 a brand with one of the best after market support services on offer? Large established dealer network? Innovative in-house R&D department pushing the industry forward? Some of the sweetest ebike integration available? Proven sales? …

[@HarryKuloh]

@@chrishurley5711 incorrect. Not for 15k.

[@chrishurley5711]

@@HarryKuloh not sure I understand but 15k is pretty much the same as the Orbea price (here in Aus). Specialized mantra is innovate or die, and they are one of the most innovative brands, look at all their in house components. They recoup the cost of that innovation through the price tags of the bike. Some brands cost more! This is nothing extra ordinary. But people saying 15k is a crazy price and then saying a Rise mLtd at 17k is a better bargain seems laughable.

[@variniataylor1494]

I own this bike and it’s unbelievably good. I have owned a Giant Trance E and was very unsure about going backwards in the battery size and motor output, but the SL kicks it’s arse in a lot of areas. I’ve ridden the Bosch Gen 4 in a Focus Jam and EP8 in a Merida and think this is perfect for where I ride. Yeah I was sceptical about the spec for the price, but even in COVID times managed a good deal with a great shop. Highly recommend you get on one before knocking it and the best thing, Specialized do demo bikes at a lot of their dealers so you can test ride them pre purchase.

[@jaymesdw]

I have one as well and put Ibis/stans S35 carbon rims with I9 hubs on (which lightened the bike up and gives unbelievable corner grip). I have the 22 Levo SL Expert Carbon. I think I paid $9400 out the door and it is by far the best bike I have ever owned. There will be plenty of used examples coming to market in the next few years. It is as expensive as my KTM 300 xcw 2021 ($10200 OTD), but it is truly the best MTB I have ever ridden(will absolutely change your ride experience). I think they are changing the model quite a bit in 23, so folks may want to wait and see how the 23 ends up(I know but cant disclose, big changes). This bike is worth every penny and there is really nothing that comes close right now. Feels like a regular mountain bike, handles the downs with exceptional prowess, and just enough power to add 10-20 miles to your standard ride. Range extender works well and the suspension is exceptional as well. If a person can afford one they will not be disappointed.

[@jaymesdw]

I also bought one of the first batches of this bike before the price increases. Timing was good...my wife actually bought it for me as a BDAY present. Made me weepy she would do something so kind. I sold my Ibis Ripley V4 and gave my wife the cash to help on the purchase(after putting the Stans S35 on the Levo SL...pain in the ass conversion but worth it).

[@stianjohansen8857]

Have Levo Sl Aluminium 2021, and is crazy happy with it :) Climbs like a goat, and like a train down.

[@erich8258]

As always, the best mtb reviews on youtube.

[@tamasvarga67]

The pricing is insane… but I’m sure Specialized marketing department has a great justification for it. I wonder if they will ever run out of dentists and lawyers because I cannot imagine regular people buying it for this much.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Yes! I simply do not understand this!

[@tjp8663]

15k littered with mid spec parts. Covid tax and brand tax in full effect 🤑

[@jaymesdw]

I agree...luckily got mine for $9400 OTD and not sure I would have paid over $12k. That is getting out of reach for most buyers. I thought $9400 was borderline foolish tbh.

[@86309]

Cmon 2022 Fox Float X is what they should have spec’ed it with.

[@thorcat7769]

Why would they put 29 inch wagon wheels on a light e-bike? I thought the point of less heavy e-bikes was to enhance the poppiness and trail maneuverability of the bike to make it more like riding a regular mountain bike. I like jumping and popping off trail features and it is a lot easier, for me at least, to do that on 27.5 bikes. E-bike manufacturers have gone 29 inch crazy. Great review, by the way.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

I own a 2020 levo SL expert and can't understand under any circumstances the price increase! These bikes were ridiculous ly priced already!! My bike came with a Fox 34 which was upgraded for a 36 at a cost of about $900.00. The rear shock upgraded to float X for about $550.00! That's about $1500.00. Also I'm sure Specialized doesn't pay MSRP 😂 Why is this bike 15k?!? It doesn't even come with carbon hoops anymore!!! I love Specialized.. I own 4, but this is beyond ludicrous!! Perhaps it's time to move to Orbea. Great bikes at a better price range.

[@wss327]

Nice review. I love my Levo but should I trade in for the SL? I rarely ever use the Turbo mode... less than 1 min in the past 3 weeks of riding. My split between Off/Eco/Trail is about 15/40/45. I'm 58 years old, 174 & 70 kg and feel the Turbo Levo is heavy, more than a handful (I'm a beginner MTB'er)... maybe the SL is a better fit because I like to ride to power and get in a good workout on each ride... Most of my rides are about 60 km and 3 ~ 4 hours max so the SL battery should be sufficient. Maybe wait until 2023 model year and the engine noise will improve because I like to pedal at 80 ~ 95 cadence...?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Cheers mate! Sounds like you'd be a good candidate for the Levo SL - if you're spending most of your time in the Eco assist settings, then a lighter weight e-MTB is likely going to meet your needs in terms of power. I also really like the handling of these lighter bikes, and they're just easier to deal with on an everyday basis. [Wil]

[@wss327]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin I'm seriously considering the SL but people say it is less stable, but more fun. But the motor is whiny at higher cadence. I'm old and new to MTB... not sure what is best, quiet is good, stability is good, but crazy as it may be, I feel the Levo is over powered for me... can there ever be too much power? My FTP is 3.5 w/kg and VO2Max estimated at 50... not great but for my age, I'll take it. Getting a good workout is an important part of each ride.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Have you checked out the new Trek Fuel EXe? I've been riding that bike over the past couple of months and really enjoying it. More progressive geometry and suspension compared to the Levo SL, with a much quieter motor. It's still pretty light too at around 18.5kg. Here's our review if you fancy checking it out; kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfTgIuIpbmakK8 [Wil]

[@wss327]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin I would love to but unfortunately where I live, the choices for bikes and eMTB is very limited and for distance and excellence in service... the Specialized dealer is pretty much the best in our city. One sense, I'm very lucky but another sense... limited.

[@borjastick]

Great review thanks but I am now confused and need some of your golden advice please. I rode (car park test only) a Turbo Levo standard aluminium today. First time ride on a emtb. I was mighty impressed. I am an old geezer who has ridden weekly on all manner of bikes for well over 30 years. I now feel I need to get an emtb. I live in rural France and ride mainly tracks and trails, old railway tracks and some gravel cross country as well the mucky farm tracks we have loads of here. I don't do any aggressive downhill stuff and don't do hours in the saddle. Normally I will ride for a couple of hours. So do I go for this bike you have reviewed and save about 1000 euros or get the full Monty but not have enough money to heat the house next winter?

[@strutstipher]

First thing I did with mine was got rid of the Code RS brakes, rubbish! At some point I'll replace the wheels as well. I preferred the SL to the Orbea Rise, thought the SL motor was more zippy although it slower on the steep stuff but the SL overall is a better ride in my opinion.

[@jaymesdw]

I put the Ibis/Stans S35 carbon on with I9 Hubs (had those on a Ripley and swapped them over when I sold the Ripley - Ripley buyer got the specialized rims). Got a stellar deal on the Stans and the wider footprint with slightly better hub performance is a huge improvement.

[@strutstipher]

@@jaymesdw I replaced them with Enve AM30 with industry nine hubs, just had to be done.

[@jimji2774]

Wish they would just keep it this light and put out full power. That would be best of both worlds. Does a 38lb ebike with 35 nm really give you advantage over a 25 lb regular mbike anyway ?

[@86309]

Slack seat tube leads to saddles jammed all the way forward ….

[@sluette]

Confusion! The bike is the 2021 model and you are pointing out the improvements compared to the 2020 model, right?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey there Stefan! The 2021 Levo SLs arrived quite late in the season here in Australia, so Specialized is actually carrying them over into the 2022 model year. I guess it's all a bit topsy-turvy with current bike shortages and production delays! [Wil]

[@jonnycarroll9531]

I'd really like the see a slighty more powerful motor like the rise has, and for goodness sake a wireless controller on the handlebar. Lastly, a easier way to remove the battery.

[@cpm4317]

Crazy prices here.. paid Eur 6k for expert carbon. Good deal.

[@terrylyons6210]

$15k? Just no!

[@mattgross4004]

Or buy one good quality acoustic and one good e-bike for the same money.

[@stevedzurilla2436]

Damn. My Orbea Rise M10 with Fox 36 Grip 2, DPX2, XT 8120 brakes and Next carbon bars was a steal at 8k. Even still at $ 8600 after the price increase.

[@e_mtb]

It's AUD, not USD, think that's not clear to everyone, but still extremely pricey 😁

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hmm, you might be talking a different currency Steve? The Orbea Rise M10 we tested a few months ago has an RRP of $13,999 AUD. So it's around $1,200 cheaper compared to the Levo SL Expert tested in this video ($15,200 AUD). Having tested both bikes on the same trails and performed the same battery range test, we've put together a detailed comparison between the two bikes in the full review, which you may be interested in: flowmountainbike.com/tests/specialized-levo-sl-expert-review-2022/ Hope that helps explain Steve! [Wil]

[@Liisjak]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin They're both on sale now. Orbea Rise M10 for 6.7k and Spec. Expert Carbon for 7k....and I've been bashing my head on a wall for the past few weeks as to what to buy lol

[@Kendubious]

Don't understand how your updated bike comes in with the same weight as last years model that has a fox 34 fork. I have this same bike and it weighs about 19.5 kilos.

[@my7thlyf]

I keep looking at it in the video and the top tube angle looks more like the one on a regular levo or a stumpjumer evo rather than the one on the levo sl as shown at the specialized website...?

[@jimbo4203]

You can get a levo or sl for 5000 in the states, mines aluminium and i really like it , i wish it had 50 nm though

[@carloallais4119]

tks for mention wide wide pedal axel.... i realized that too late !!! and everyone was look at me as an idiot....

[@Coerced]

I'm starting to lose my frame of reference with so many long travel bikes with massive wheelbases and slack HTA being called playful, nimble and agile. Can we have some objective competitive comparisons between different style bikes? For example: which bike you can bunnyhop highest on, crush a rockgarden fastest on, make it through a tight slalom section fastest on, manages to get furthest on a slight uphill rhythm section without a chain installed, which is the highest drop/huck you're willing to take per bike etc? All things you can actually measure. Take bikes out of different categories or, if you wanna go radical, make this a standard part of every bike review. I'm lost.

[@CyberPain1991]

Fast with a smooth ride

[@mariov5181]

Nice review. Can you share what size volume spacer the bike came with, and what size did you ended up switching to. I am finding my Levo SL is using more travel than it should for the type of trails. Thanks.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Cheers Mario! Our Levo SL Expert came fitted with a 0.6³ volume spacer fitted inside the DPX2 shock. I upsized to the 0.86³ volume spacer, which made a big difference to the overall ride quality, and also drastically reduced bottom-out events. Highly recommended! [Wil]

[@jaymesdw]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin This is good to know. So did this give a more plush feel on rougher trails or just better bottoming resistance with a firmer ride? I would be looking for best possibly plush as we don't jump too often (mostly just fast and steep single track).

[@northlands3229]

Este es el nuevo Levo Sl 2022? , esta bicicleta se vende en Europa desde Febrero 2021

[@johnf3326]

4-5kg lighter? At what price! And less power, smaller battery. A little bit of dieting would easy save that weight! Sorry I just don't think these silly prices justify any of the specs.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Yep - the Levo SL Expert we tested came in at 17.84kg, which is quite a bit lighter than the Levo Pro we reviewed earlier this year (22.06kg). Bear in mind the Levo Pro sells for a lot more and it features a higher end build kit, with carbon wheels, bars and cranks. So the weight difference will be greater to the comparable Levo Expert. [Wil]

[@mattstevens1320]

Orbea Rise M10 now looks like the better bike, specialized really need to bring out the next model as this is the same as the 2021 model yes it had fox 36 ect

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey there Matt! We've actually tested the Orbea Rise M10, and have provided a detailed comparison between the two bikes in the full review if you fancy checking it out; flowmountainbike.com/tests/specialized-levo-sl-expert-review-2022/

[@SoliiD]

Amateur question here. is this bike good enough for mostly road rides ? i have a really bad back (3hernia's) and currently i own a Turbo levo comp HT i mainly ride on the road but when i go offroad it always hurts my back because i get tired and my posture gets bad. i hope that the full sus helps with the bad slams when i go offroad so im thinking about the full sus idk for sure. maybe im not sporty enough yet? tips are always welcome guys! where i live the turbo levo HT is about 3500 euro and the turbo levo SL comp is currently at 4500 euro. Cheers

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey Chesney! Absolutely - I think in your position, a full suspension e-MTB makes a lot of sense. It'll be significantly more comfortable to ride, as the rear suspension will help to absorb impacts that you'd otherwise feel through your back. The stock riding position is quite comfortable, though you may want to look at fitting a higher-rise handlebar to help elevate your riding position further and straighten out your lower back. I wouldn't worry about being 'sporty' or not - at the end of the day, it's important to get the bike that you enjoy riding and suits your needs! If you're looking for a more 'utilitarian' option, Specialized has just launched a new full suspension e-MTB called the Tero X: www.specialized.com/au/en/turbo-tero-x-6-0/p/200356?color=323882-200356 That bike is aimed at more all-round riding, and it comes with lights, mudguards and pannier racks for carrying extra loads. You might not need all that stuff, but it could be worth a look. Hope that helps mate, though just yell out if you've got any other questions! [Wil]

[@paulj6152]

Do you know why there is No Mastermind On The Top Tube Like The Kenevo SL.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Hey there Paul! As we mentioned in the review, we suspect the MasterMind TCU display will be coming on the next generation Levo SL, though Specialized isn't giving away any details just yet. Time will tell! [Wil]

[@mrluverluvermanshabber417]

This is a 2021 spec expert SL in the Uk 🤔

[@Mockle07]

That’s what I was thinking!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

The new Levo SLs arrived quite late in the season here in Australia, so Specialized is actually carrying it over into the 2022 model year. I guess it's all a bit topsy-turvy with current bike shortages and production delays! [Wil]

[@JC-un4bg]

Do you guys have the ridiculous 16mph cap on assistance that we have here in Europe…… I mean uk . I can ride my bike down a hill a 30mph . I won’t be buying one till they up it

[@nitraM321]

on your web site you say that the Rise is heavier, that is simply not true, my Rise LTD, but with a Fox 36, quad piston brakes, DHF and DHR || tires weighs exactly 17 kilos, a LOT lighter than that Levo SL, and it's less expensive, more powerful, and for 10k i got two range extenders with it, and it can (i wouldn't do it) be derestricted back to 85nm, i guess you are comparing the M10 to a high end SL wich just isn't fair you should compare the Rise from the same price category.

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

Yep, the Orbea Rise we tested is definitely heavier Martijn; Specialized Levo SL Expert - 17.84kg Orbea Rise M10 - 18.54kg Both are Medium-size test bikes and weighed with the same set of scales in my home workshop. Both weighed without pedals and with the tyres setup tubeless and with no inserts. As mentioned in the review, the Orbea Rise M10 does come standard with lightweight tyres. So if we fitted the same tyres on both bikes, the weight difference would be even greater, with the Rise M10 being around 1 kilo heavier. This is despite the Orbea Rise M10 coming with some higher-end components, like the carbon handlebars and Race Face Turbine R wheelset. Hope that helps explain Martijn, though just shout out if you've got any questions mate! [Wil]

[@nitraM321]

@@FlowMountainBikeKZbin yes but you didn't test the LTD, i have one, its far less than 17 kilos, and when upgraded to a fox 36 its exactly 17 kilos with my HT ME03T pedals and quad piston brakes ! 17 !!, your comparison is unfair the M10 is second to cheapest model, there are two lighter models and none of them costs more than 10k !!

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

It's actually a pretty fair comparison, since the price of the Orbea Rise M10 ($13,999 AUD) is quite close to the Specialized Levo SL Expert ($15,200 AUD).

[@colinbooky1150]

This is the new one? Where is the new display?

[@FlowMountainBikeYouTube]

There's no MasterMind TCU display for the Levo SL just yet - we expect that'll be integrated into the next generation model, but we've not heard a peep out of Specialized as to when that might eventuate. [Wil]

[@BH-cy9tb]

Holy crap for 15 grand everything should be carbon and components should be top tier. What a ripoff. I think the Orbea rise is way better not that much heavier and twice the power. Specialized missed the mark on this one.

[@jamesbike6265]

15k 🤣 just buy a motobike.

[@TeamCykelhold]

Stupid price, just get an Orbea Rise. Better performance and better price.

[@coreymclernon]

What the fuck is a frother?

[@scottjameseaton5503]

Nope . No power at all. Only good if you ride solo

[@Mardegente2024]

Buy a S-works Stumpjumper and invest the rest of the money! LOL

[@jesushernandez-db6uy]

*Very easy to use and empty.*

[@eugenux]

I would choose Orbea Rise Hydro H10.. upgrade the spec a little, making the bike a little lighter than stock and that's it!, perfect bike for real mtb-ers. those heavy animals aka *full power electrics*.. those are not bikes, do not feel like bikes on the trail, do not behave like bikes on the trail. Those who say they do are either kidding themselves or just trying to justify the reason for choosing such a big power motor.

[@Mockle07]

Jesus, entitled/opinionated much?! 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[@eugenux]

@@Mockle07 Jesus, no, "he said hey Zeus!" having said that, all those who pretend to be mtb-ers while riding 24-28-or more kgs electrics can try a different sport, I don't mind... something with electric mopeds, if they like them so much.

[@Mockle07]

@@eugenux What difference does it make to you what other people enjoy? Some might enjoy the descending side but don’t like/aren’t fit enough for the up hills. Some might enjoy putting effort in and simply going faster/further within a specific time. Some may have injuries that make riding normal MTB difficult. How does any of that affect you? Do you think the same about people who ride DH bikes and have to get chair lifts or get in the back of a truck/van to get up the hill? Why be so whiney about something just because you don’t like it? You’re already saying you would have an ebike, maybe you already have one… even a light ebike is different from a normal MTB but you somehow think that having 60nm of torque is ok but 85/90 is cheating?! 😂 A properly spec’d Rise is still over 19kg and a Levo is about 22/23kg. ‘Different’ doesn’t have to be ‘wrong’, grow up a bit 👍🏻

[@aussieemtb6757]

No clue mate