2023 Specialized Levo SL - Dissected Series

[@rodrigopages1054]

best thing is no cable integration at the headtube!!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

They've done a good job there for sure.

[@youling1997]

But with that code rsc the cable looks so unnatural

[@KreshoMTB]

Absolutley agreed, worst invetion to get on bike is that cable integration headset 🫣

[@ryanmichels2981]

I haven’t tried any yet, but this new batch of 50nm/60nm lightweight e-bikes i think would be the sweet spot between feeling like a normal bike and not being too heavy but still having that boost. Excited to see another new one to add to the fuel ex-e, pivot shuttle sl, orbea, etc

[@bostondye3736]

As a loving owner of a 22 stumpy evo. And in the market for an emtb... I'm so glad I have fought the urge to buy a levo with the sales going on. Thanks boys! 🤘

[@TheLoamWolf]

Heck yeah!! You’re gonna be stoked!

[@bostondye3736]

@The Loam Wolf any idea on availability time frame?

[@TheLoamWolf]

S-works and Comp Carbon versions are available now I believe. With S-Works LTD, S-Works frame-only, and Pro model still TBD.

[@captnhuffy]

Excellent. Thanks for the awesome update. The technical review, point by point, with ride impressions, is what makes Loam Wolf my go-to channel!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you, appreciate the kind words!

[@SamsBikes]

great first look guys. I can't wait to get mine.

[@evangoff4363]

Rode one of these yesterday in Rotorua. It blew my mind how good this bike is.

[@SFBayLaser]

Great seeing all the good riding in Montara!

[@franzkarl1297]

All the Levo reviews dropped at the exact same time!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Just when Specialized lifted their embargo!

[@perspectivedetective2703]

Conspiracy, much?

[@kangsterizer]

these specific switchbacks feel tight even on my regular trail bike haha.. specially the sandy bit on the back trails

[@rstrakovsky]

As a current Levo SL owner, this looks pretty bitching. All the changes I hoped they'd make to an already fantastic platform. Like the new design language too, the asymmetrical frame was cool and had a nice run, but this looks bang on up to date. Specialized is killing it!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Exactly what we thought too!

[@pho_bowler]

Except for the battery. They could have saved a lot of weight w/ the new battery tech out. Instead they want to charge max dollars for old battery technology.

[@koho]

@@pho_bowler What is this new magic battery technology?

[@flippy66]

@@koho It's not magic, it's just more up to date. Instead they are using an old battery. The fact that they haven't used one of the removable options is bizarre, and alienates anyone who has to put their bike on a roof rack, whereas anything with a TQ or Fazua system can do so.

[@border304]

Just need to slum it with my old full fat Levo

[@thewrx2600]

would be nice if there could be an NVH "noise" comparison of the levo sl 1.1 vs 1.2, and really cool if could also include the alloy and carbon as they each have different acoustics.

[@alexthemtbr]

So new layup for the front triangle per size… but the same layup and chainstay length on every size? Cause the front end is the only thing that effects ride quality? Asking for a friend…

[@Roaming50]

As a 60NM Orbea Rise owner on the eMTB side and a 35NM Specialized Creo on the eGravel/road side it is nice to see Specialized finally get into the 50/60 NM mid spot; but the battery size I think is weak. I usually ride my Rise in the 47NM setting but use that with a 540Wh battery. It would be interesting to see how the Levo SL lasts at 50NM with only a 320Wh battery...

[@adampalma3765]

Well said. Also, the new Giant Trance Elite comes with a 400wh battery and gives the option of 85nm if wanted plus a 250wh range extender and is considerably cheaper. Not impressed by this bike at all

[@flippy66]

The Fuel Exe only has a 360wh battery.

[@flippy66]

@@adampalma3765 That's a full power ebike, so obviously it's going to have more power and a bigger battery. You should compare apples to applies.

[@adampalma3765]

@@flippy66 its actually a lightweight ebike knackers that can also give full power. The full power Trance weighs 25kg, the top of the range Trance elite has a claimed weight of 18.8 kg while the top of the range Levo has a claimed weight of 17.7 kg. For an extra 1kg or so I know which bike i'd rather have. I hope your not one of those wankers that only ride Specialized bikes and think you're a know it all

[@Tobinhotherealone]

You can buy Range extender and have 160WH+

[@redleaderone8429]

still lovin my 2019 expert

[@BikeFixIT]

Competition will help us all. I think the Trek EXE must have drive them to make upgrades

[@eBikerHowie]

Loving the new clean face and hair look. Nice vid. Glad to see the torque upgrade. It's about time.

[@rudik5496]

OMG! You look so much younger without the beard! And yes… good bike review! :-)

[@TheLoamWolf]

Haha, mom is that you? When did you learn how to use KZbin? Haha. Jk thanks!

[@joaomc1952]

Support or assistance is expressed as a percentage (20%, 50%, etc). My question is: percentage of what? Of the total motor power, limited by the peak power? Or of the rider power applied to pedals? Appreciate any light on this.

[@luissebastianmoura3974]

Hi guys you didn’t cover a really important issue for turbo/boost mode lovers, how much less range do you have compared to the old 2x Levo, cause they have the same batteries 320 right? Thanks!

[@streddaz]

@@markwebster243 Only in turbo though, in the lower it uses no more battery than the old SL.

[@border304]

It ships at 80% so it's the same as the old one I think.

[@russgordon5399]

What is the weight? Love my Turbo Levo Gen 3 Expert but it’s heavy. Would love to see a 2023 Turbo Levo SL vs Gen 3 Turbo Levo comparison. I’m only 145lbs and the new SL might provide enough power, suspension, and range for me.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Our S-Works S4 test bike weighs in at 39.2 lbs. We just might have to do that, good idea!

[@russgordon5399]

@@TheLoamWolf Would also like to see your roundup of "light" e-MTBs such as the new Levo SL, Orbea Rise, Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite, Transition Relay, Pivot Shuttle SL, Trek Fuel EXE, Scott Lumen eRide, etc. Curious if the ride feel of these is significantly different (as in lighter) than full powered e-MTBs such as the Turbo Levo.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We are working on it. We have some of those bikes already, and should be getting the Giant and Relay here soon too.

[@Richardsumilang]

Mr Loam Wolf, what waist pack were you using on your ride? Looks sweet.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's from our friends at Paladin, not sure if it's available yet or not, but it's similar to their Cloud Chaser hip pack: paladin33.com/products/cloud-chaser-hip-pack

[@taylorklein2378]

PACIFICA!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Amazing spot!!

[@kenetics1344]

Is the seatpost insertion improved at all from the previous version?

[@BDiHaze]

Appreciate the review. After riding would you keep mullet setup with 27.5 or make it full 29er? Thanks

[@phillippedege4853]

Great video! but I need to know honestly, is this bike much better than the previous SL which I had before ??? Is there really more power ? I currently ride the Orbea Rise H15 and I am 190 Lbs ?

[@IIISentorIII]

It's a 16k Bike they test for free, and it's presented by the top marketing guy from Specialized. So what do you think ;)

[@paulshanks6645]

Robert recently rode the Forestal Siryon, would be interested to hear how they compare being similar weight, power and battery capacity. I’m a fellow Scot, based in Aberdeen-shire with some amazing natural trails in the area.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Robert here. Forestal motor has more grunt to it and the Siryon is more capable for super aggressive descending. But the Specialized takes the cake on range, motor noise, agility and light weight. Both killer bikes but the Siryon is considerably more “enduro” compared to the more trail focused Levo.

[@carloscanales8512]

Is it possible to swap to coil (rear shock)? Has it been tried?

[@mongkeefee5576]

My biggest question is: With the dimension similarities between the SL1.1 and 1.2, can the motor be swapped between frames? I'd love to drop the 1.2 into my KSL.

[@jim6335]

@TheLoamWolf how was the bike on the climb up the fire road to the top of Crack? Did it have enough power?

[@mikeweston8134]

Are you going to share your suspension tune? Thanks!!!

[@markelliot6710]

How does it ride down hill compared to a kenevo SL?

[@byronswogger]

I have been wanting one of these mid power bikes, to sell my levo Pro for. But none have peeked my interest enough, until this. I know you also have a levo Pro, if you only had 1 bike would you sell the levo Pro for this?

[@emtbtrailrider539]

Can they update the old firmware on the older Levo SL s so we can get the 50 nm of torque?

[@SB-xu8pi]

Just get the new s-works one.

[@emtbtrailrider539]

@@SB-xu8pi give me the money 💰 I like my old version just wished it had 50 nm of torque like the new one and it wud be perfect 👍

[@TheLoamWolf]

No, the motor internals have changed too.

[@gregoryflinn3577]

@@emtbtrailrider539 … apparently it more or less does already, so you actually mean ‘more’ ;-)

[@cherylparrish1179]

4'10 to 4'll on S1? I am 5'3 and S1 perfect for me. :)

[@stueym199]

Very interested in the new sram brakes, my levo and kenevo both have trp.

[@TheLoamWolf]

They only look different, no perceivable performance difference so far.

[@roddas26]

Wish they had gone Rockshox suspension on that sworks bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

There’s a “LTD” version with Rock Shox

[@markwebster243]

What’s the size of the rotors? As everyone seems to go up a size and makes a considerable difference to breaking.

[@TheLoamWolf]

200/200 on all models and sizes

[@user-ii7ef5ob2q]

Drewl ❤

[@jbatlanta]

OK. Why aren't they available to buy from Specialized?? It's Spring 2024....😢

[@juliusevola8806]

Will the new Levo SL motor fit in a Kenevo SL?

[@mdsaccount]

This or new 2023 Orbea rise? I'm having a tough time choosing

[@TheLoamWolf]

We would lean toward the new Rise, especially since you can upgrade to a 540wh battery. But both bikes have their own pros and cons.

[@eduardoegea6732]

Soooo for us lusting over a Kenevo SL, should we wait?

[@TheLoamWolf]

We would. We haven't heard any rumors about a new Kenevo SL yet, but it has to be only a matter of time.

[@eduardoegea6732]

@@TheLoamWolf i would think so. Although the levo SL was older wasn't it? The kenevo SL is only a year old.

[@yanchia9242]

More torque is burn the battery quicker?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Typically, yes. So it may be worthwhile to use the lower power modes or microtune more often to conserve energy. But nice to have the option for more torque when you need it.

[@tomac7]

How does it compare to the tq Motor?

[@abelramos8652]

Yeah men the first motor was silly. It’s ok not all need a full power but men we need some noticeable assistance there 😂

[@koho]

Did yiou ever ride it? I own one, and it is more than adequate, and well worth the weight savings and amazing downhill. I'd never trade it for a "full power": bike. Still, looking like I want to update!

[@streddaz]

@@koho I agree. The old SL would make a pretty average fitness rider be able to keep up with a pro XC rider on a steady gradient an absolutely smoke them on a really steep climb. It’s plenty for most people.

[@koho]

@@streddaz I ride it regularly, and can self-shuttle 1300 m climbs to technical single track (Santa Barbara)

[@mtquiocho]

I have the 2022 S Works SL, can I upgrade the motor?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Unfortunately not.

[@flippy66]

Such a pity you can't remove the battery.

[@420mtbrider]

can i trade in my 2020 turbo sl for this one? PLEASE?!?!?

[@arthurgouvy]

A new kenevo sl is it coming ?

[@blakkpatron]

Will it only be available in s-works and pro spec?

[@TheLoamWolf]

There is also a Comp Carbon build, priced at $8k and an S-Works frame only for $8k. Time will tell if/when we see alloy versions.

[@blakkpatron]

@@TheLoamWolf isn't the s-works frame the same exact frame as the comp carbon? Sound like buying the comp and selling the components you don't want would be better?

[@gregoryflinn3577]

Wow, Specialized were **not originally** prioritizing motor noise for the new model? … who told them not to?

[@MatthewTafoya]

I heard the motor in the video, and it sounds the same as SL1.1

[@streddaz]

@@MatthewTafoya no, it’s definitely quieter.

[@karlosxzy]

Can't wait to see my dentist riding one of these!

[@mrtanner2010]

How ridiculous would it be to run a 27.5 wheel in the front? Asking for my 5’0” wife that struggles with handlebars in her chest on her current S1 SJ Evo.. thanks in advance!

[@DM-fj8wv]

My wife has very long arms and short legs, we're running 27.5 front, 29 rear. So far, so good.

[@Chris-bg8mk]

Motors are measured in Watts. Batteries are measured in WattHours, not Watts.

[@robvanduren761]

Im still amazed that these corporate thieves can steal your money so easily. Price is a joke. When my 4 year old emtb dies it will NOT be replaced

[@streddaz]

So you are not going to buy any bike? All the high end bikes are expensive regardless of being an Ebike or not.

[@ddsgardening7437]

How many $$$ ?

[@TheLoamWolf]

All of the money. The S-Works here is $14,000 ($15,000 for the S-Works LTD with Flight Attendant). With the Comp Carbon at $8,000. They will have a Pro model coming out but price is still TBD.

[@glynnb6572]

Before anyone says the same old shit. It's not about what money I have or don't. The Min price for ANY of these "bikes" in Australia is 16000aus$. The sworks turbo levo is 22500 😂 It's fucking ridiculous.

[@mtb_3930]

The comp is $11900 which is not that bad for a sick carbon ebike. If you want cheaper get a reign or a marin

[@cedriccinqmars3516]

Weight?

[@TheLoamWolf]

The one we have, S4 S-Works, weighs in at 39.2 lbs / 17.78 kg.

[@dsimpson42]

@@TheLoamWolf What tires did you have for that weight? Stock trail ones or Big Betty/Mary SuperTrail or SuperGravity?

[@TheLoamWolf]

That's with the stock 29x2.3" Butcher GridTrail T9 / 27.5x2.3" Eliminator GridGravity T7/T9

[@jasonemmett1837]

What was the date you guys were there?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Couple days before Sea Otter.

[@jasonemmett1837]

I was gonna say if you’re still up here hit Sly Park in Pollock Pines. Dirt should be great this week!

[@HarryKuloh]

​@@jasonemmett1837uh, that's kind of a gigantic 4.5hr drive each way, from pacifica to tahoe...

[@jasonemmett1837]

I’m in the middle and work in the bay so I can hit a lot of options I have to drive to my rides

[@allywood96]

Over $20,000 AUD 😂 wtf. That is all.

[@ShutUpSceneKid69]

Would ya mind sending me one for free? 🤣

[@porroco]

What they should do is over power the kenevo, because the biggest mistake was making and enduro bike a SL.

[@streddaz]

Are you talking about the Kenevo SL? What is wrong with making a lightweight enduro bike? If it rides like the Enduro but gets you up the hill easily, what’s not to like?

[@porroco]

@@streddaz that most of the enduro bike are full power ebikes like sc bullit yeti 160e husky scott.

[@streddaz]

@@porroco that doesn’t mean they have to be 💁🏼‍♂️ You do know Specialized also make a full powered Kenevo if you want it?

[@ryanmichels2981]

I don’t like the specialized S sizing system. When you have to refer to a chart or ask the bike shop what size a large is, it kind of defeats the point. If you have some extra sizes, call them medium, medium-large, large, etc

[@phillipmaloney5364]

What an odd thing to be upset about

[@ryanmichels2981]

@@phillipmaloney5364 oh yes I’m obviously SO upset about it, lol.

[@831Links]

.........$14,000 bike.

[@janeblogs324]

Who's dumb idea was it to film with the light behind you?

[@darkness789]

I could care less about the bike I miss the mile and crack so much

[@vaughanboyce3702]

Way to overpriced, the competition has caught up and overtaken arrogant Specialized.

[@koho]

Bwahaha! They'll have a $5.5k version, and overtaken ...? Ummm, no.

[@fzr1000981]

What's your favorite brand or top 3

[@Rojopo]

I have the 2022 Kenevo SL, can I upgrade the motor?

[@TheLoamWolf]

No, unfortunately not.