Specialized Levo SL vs Turbo Levo - Which is FASTER?!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Which would you choose? Levo SL vs Turbo Levo?

[@minowak]

There is only one proper answer: Both :D

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I dont know about any new Levo for this year. They refreshed the colours / spec in September 2019 so quite recent really!

[@iGoCam]

Considering the price, 2 Turbo Levos then.

[@ChupacabraOffroad]

Seems like the SL is the bridge for us guys that are fit and want more of a traditional MTB experience, I love the planted feel of the big Levo, but would probably buy an SL, being that it's my first eMTB.

[@TheBikePilot]

@@ChupacabraOffroad I think you are the main target market for the bike. I think if your already fit for biking or even generally fit this bike will put a huuuuuge smile on your face. It's just the kick in the butt you need up the hills.

[@HarryMugfordTV]

Can we just take a minute to appreciate the sheer amount of effort Rob took to make this video!! 🙌👍

[@Jwmbike14]

Having ridden both and owning a Levo SL Sworks, I feel like this was a great review. MOST reviews are extremely biased simply stating a lack of power. The SL appeals mostly to your long time cyclist who will enjoy a nimble bike. My analogy is that the SL handles like a 2-stroke dirt bike. It has power but you have to find it. You need to keep the rpm and shift regularly to stay in the power band. The Levo is so torquey you can get away with anything. Its your 4 stroke.

[@huntergable9029]

Great analogy, but your must have not ridden a new TPI 300 2 stoke they are as light as a MTB and power everywhere!

[@chadsmith7059]

This is the perfect analogy, exactly how I described making the decision. It's just a different type of riding. I got the SL because it felt like a legit mountain bike with some assist. The Levo Turbo felt like handling a dirt bike.

[@Mcfc2Rich]

Can you spend the same amount of time at a MTB centre on an SL as you can on a Levo? I'm enjoying bike parks more nowadays....the SL sounds like it'd be better for this?

[@Jwmbike14]

@@Mcfc2Rich Time and range will always be a product of how much assist you need, and how much elevation you climb. So that's a very hard question to answer. The bright side is the Levo SL and Kenevo SL both utilize range extenders, so theoretically if you swing by your vehicle and you had multiple range extenders you could just keep going.

[@Mcfc2Rich]

@@Jwmbike14 what are these bikes like to jump mate? I'm close to buying a Kenevo SL or Levo SL as I want an eMTB that can jump better than my current one. Had a quick test ride today and it seems like it'd be perfect.

[@malcolmsmit5243]

Rob, great job as always, very neat bike. OK, here are some facts, I weighed a large S works Levo SL with the range extender. It was 41.18LBs and when I rode it it felt very light and using Turbo felt like it had aboue 40% of the power of my 2019 43LB with S works tail, cranks, wheels light chain ring and cassette. Ti pedals-bolts, modified carbon comp fox 36 etc. Turbo Levo with a 500 WH battery and all tools. An S works 2019 Levo is 44LBs with a 500WH battery 45.6 with a 700WH. So if you weigh 180LBs like me 223 Lbs total verses 221LBs total weight combined. This makes you less than 1% lighter with an exposed battery, no water bottle cage, 20 less WHs 40% of the power, smaller brake calipers, rotors, tires, wheels, 34 verses 36 fox fork as on my bike. and no potential to carry 40% more juice, no need to buy or deal with charging 2 batteries. The 48 volt systems efficiency is awesome, I'm not sure of the actual % of the benefit this provides. It seams like Specialized claims the weight of an SL founder small without RE battery to Standard Levo Comp huge $ gap etc..

[@Runnenshjorne]

Thanks for a great show! Just got my Turbo Levo Comp, and had my first ride on it yesterday. I’m loving it!

[@davidfisher]

Thanks, Rob. The SL is getting so much closer to an efficient, lighter-weight performer that gives you just what you need and not much more. And it does that in a package that doesn’t scream e-bike. I’m nibbling hard...

[@TShirtDriving]

You should test how difficult it is to pedal with the motors off (simulates you running out of range and have to pedal home or to the car). As well as travel mode on the SL with the main battery out and just the range extender hooked up and see how far you can go. If someone where to fly by plane.

[@myideas8548]

I have ridden both. This review is spot on. I bought a new (mullet) Levo and after a while, sold it and got the Kenevo SL (same motor/battery as the Levo SL). I find that in the steep, rough and challenging trails of Santa Cruz, CA, the lighter bike is just more fun for me. That said, I have some friends who are better than me who ride the big Levo and can stuff in into any section of trail (probably relying on their extra skill and needing to put a lot more muscle in to throw the bike around). For me the lighter bike is way more fun even though at my weight it's a bit underpowered. That said, I can keep up with my friends that are 20 years younger and 60 pounds lighter on their regular bikes. Levels the playing field and I'm loving my bike. The Levo SL was also very nice but not as fun for me on the steeper/rougher trails. The Kenevo SL is a lightweight e-enduro bike, where the Levo SL is a lightweight e-trail bike. I need more travel, so the Kenevo SL it is..

[@defenseandsafety]

Great video Rob! Loved the comparison and contrast between the Levo and SL. Thanks! The SL is amazing and kudos to Specialized for coming out with it. I'm happy sticking with my regular 2020 Turbo Levo Comp.

[@wsl5585]

Thank you for the review. Helps to decide between the two. I will wait a little longer to buy one. Want to see if any hitches or glitches with SL battery and/or motor. Waited this long to see reduced motor weight and a better battery in the Turbo.

[@andrewvizir4099]

What a great review. Thorough and really well done. It's helped me a ton on making a more informed decision on what basically seems like a downpayment on a house.

[@thewarr10r1]

Another great vid Rob, really good comparison between the two considering the variables between them.. ✌🏻✌🏻

[@FunGoingFast]

Amazing video. Thank you for taking the time and energy to do that.

[@vincef7487]

Gotta LUV when a review video answers every question you had in mind! 👍🏽‼️

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Glad I could help!

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I need both + the new Santa Cruz you correctly predicted... I must say another great, informative and entertaining review Looking forward to the Santa Cruz review

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

I'd really like to see: Turbo Levo vs. Levo SL vs. Stumpjumper. Maybe a timed 1 mile climb/decent.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Love that idea!

[@gdsgoaltending]

@@RobRidesEMTB Great video, love the idea of the SL, but if you were to guess, how far behind would a regular Stumpy be?

[@Rene-Hernandez]

Exactly what I was going to ask / post!

[@dirtrocksandtrees]

Non SL levo wins up and down. At least with me riding them. Weight is your friend on descents. And the long chainstays make that bike a serious descender

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Stumpjumper all the way.

[@glennolsen7418]

Great review Rob! I only wish you compared the Levo in trail mode instead of boost. I’ve heard that the Levo in trail and the SL in boost are very similar in feel and im curious to hear if the both have similar range even though the SL has a smaller battery.

[@mxracer78]

I’ve ridden both bikes doing exactly that, SL in Boost and Levo in Trail. The SL wins due to the lighter feeling and nimbleness of handling.

[@timsaiet5403]

Good job Rob, video was great really helpful.

[@borjastick]

I tested both and found the Turbo Levo far too powerful for my needs and my fitness levels. I went ahead and bought the Levo SL Comp and love it to bits. I hardly ever use Turbo mode, maybe for 5-10 minutes in an hour's ride, perhaps less. If you are fit and a regular rider the smaller battery and power output is plenty. You just need to change gear more often and keep the pedaling in the sweet spot power output range. This is easy to find and use because you hear it as well as feel it. I am astonished at the quality of this bike and find that I do in fact now ride harder than before because the hills can be attacked instead of submitted to. Thus my ride efficiency is improved as are my average speeds and I therefore pedal more revolutions in an hour or two than I ever did before. Great fun, a game changer for me and exciting every time I ride it.

[@artolavonen1444]

Greetings from Finland and thanks for the awesome videos and the channel you've got! Mainly because of the reviews you have done and comments on them, I bought myself a 2020 Turbo Levo Comp with an upgraded Fox fork....and for my wife 2020 Turbo Levo. They have been really great bikes to ride! :D Keep up the good work!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Cheers Arto!

[@jemen1709]

Awesome comparison, thank you so much. I will get my SL soon. Greetings from E-MTB Austria ;-)

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks! Enjoy the SL when you get it!

[@dogday3048]

Great review, pretty much answered everything I needed to know.

[@CrotZari]

Your videos gets more and more professional! Great work! As if I did not already lust for a specialized bike! Having a heart condition, the Levo is the one I would choose.

[@thenipper78]

I love my Levo. Would like to try the Levo SL. I suspect it remains a case of n+1

[@tommyian4984]

Hey Rob, First off, great channel, well done, very informative. If I can put in my 10 pence worth as a new SL owner. I've been watching the e-bike scene on you tube since being locked down in France on April 30th for the first Covid 19 lock-down. Finishing the lockdown I started back at work where 1 of my clients had purchased himself a turbo levo so my interest was further pushed. That & the fact I was working opposite Chamonix's (Mont Blanc, France) Specialised dealer Zero G (I feel I must give them a plug as any rider needing assistance whilst in town will always receive a warm welcome here). As a teenager I rode road bikes, as was the family tradition. Some 30 years later I still ride for fun & fitness but not in the manner I did as a teen ! What I do find here is that having ridden bikes for a long time I'm used to riding with a specific cadence & just to jump the dialogue briefly when I trialed the levo sl I found the cadence of the motor at my perfect rate. I found it helped you to mentally keep the correct cadence, using the gears to keep the legs turning correctly. I borrowed a levo sl test bike for a session (turbo levo sl comp carbon 2020), Zero g have a whole host of levo's/sl's on test & took it to what was going to be my test track. I live at 350m, there's a tram with a walking path runs from my home town up to the nid d'aigle (the Eagle's nest) on the West face of Mont Blanc. I used to (20 years back) ride a muscle bike (velo musculaire, what French call a regular bike) up the track to St. Gervais 600m so an elevation of 250m. Not a lot but a 1.2km constant uphill awkward section. I figured of the two bikes I'd try the sl first & if I could make this climb then I'd review from there. I waltzed the climb, it was a breeze, & in trail mode, not needing to run to turbo. I continued going up ( and we're talking Mont Blanc massif here so it's about as "big mountain" as you can get) past St. Gervais & up to le Bettex (1,400m), so a total single track continuous climb of 1,150m. I haven't climbed that far in forever ! I could have gone further but didn't want to ride all the way back down with jelly legs so stopped at that point. I returned the bike after lunch, Tim asked me if I then wanted to take the turbo levo out for a blast so I could see/feel the difference between the two bikes. I'm like "nope, that's fine thanks, that levo sl has more than enough assistance power for my needs for the next 10 years at least & having just ridden for 3 hours over 1,000m with the power assist off at many points I don't see the need for more power". I've not tried the turbo levo so cannot comment on it but just before the 2nd nationwide French lockdown (1km exercise limit) I spanked a small fortune purchasing a turbo levo sl comp carbon 2021 (forest green is amazing with the graphite layers blazing through). I've not had the chance to ride the bike properly, but it's even better than the test bike (I guess as it's brand new all the bearings are lubed up perfectly. It rides just like a regular full sus bike, on the flat there's no need to use the assist, it rolls perfectly & feels like a superb machine, I feel very fortunate to be able to have this bike. As for my first ride comments, one major thing that I've not seen on any channel regarding assist bikes, especially for us guys that fell off the trail due to that one problem, KNEE'S ! I stopped climbing due to my knee's being a bit worked out & feeling like they were blowing through the front of my knee caps ! The power assist means that vital last 15-20% knee busting push can be looked after by the assist & that's what got me sold on the bike within the first 30 minutes. I don't see it as cheating if my alternative on a regular bike was to stay on the flatter area's. I got more exercise on that test run than I've had in the last 5 years or so on a bike, if it gets me out more & I'm exercising then that's a good thing !

[@ChupacabraOffroad]

Amazing content and video production Rob!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks :-)

[@radoslawbiernacki]

Best video about those two!

[@sw9506]

Rob, It's an all great review on the Levo's you've done. Isn't the mission control app just as important to these bikes too in the way it manages the motor?. Would like if you can review the app and show what makes these specialized bikes ahead of the game and it's competitors and what the different settings and the new updates on the app are able to achieve. The app is very clever but not many people highlight the true functionality of it which plays a very important role to these specialized e bikes, including the Creo.

[@mtnmnky9894]

I have the 2019 kenevo and have ridden it hard for the last year ( belt blew, and currently getting warranty). Demo'd an SL. First ride UP my trails I was like "F#@k this thing", but when I got down and home, I was grinning. Couldn't stop thinking about it. So nimble compared to the kenevo and able to pop like nothing. Next ride swapped back and forth with another 2019 kenevo and the difference is huge. The SL excells on tight, technical, rolling terrain with it's short wheelbase and lighter weight, and I got an incredible work out. Long story short, I bought the SL. It's the perfect complement to the kenevo if you can have both. Big mountain rides with nasty terrain, still kenevo. Back up bike/ training rides and just fun, SL. Battery range is about the same with the 504wh battery. One other thing to consider is the new SL motor which does not have a belt to fail. If I had to choose one between the 3, the regular levo makes the most sense as an all arounder.

[@mattx4253]

It's so much easier to lift above your head because your pockets are no longer weighed down with 11 grand of pound notes. Brilliant

[@casasjt]

Hey Rob... new to your channel, but catching up quickly with past vids.. I’ve been riding a Rad Rover for 4 years now and it time to upgrade big time.. thanks for honest a thorough reviews .. could you and in approximate costs in dollars to the review.. thanks and keep them coming.. John from Monterey, CA .. approximately 3 miles from Sea Otter Classic at Laguna Seca

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hey John, thanks! For sure I will start adding this in description 👍

[@geofflewis6914]

Just ordered the SL 2021 model - I want a bit of assistance uphill and I want to extend my ride distance (most I do is 23-31 miles). I’m not a full shredder as I’m 58 but reasonably fit. I did think of buying the Turbo Levo or Whyte 160 as I already have a hard tail 629 2016 ( which has been fantastic but needs new sram cassette and there nine in UK - so making use of cycle scheme to purchase) . Just on battery / motor ... Dave at Lakeview Risca told me they probably get 90 Turbo Levo battery faults a week ( maybe he said day) on warranties but hasn’t yet had any issues with any of the SL 1.1 or the battery. Fingers crossed. I know Specialized have a good warranty as a friend with the Kinevo and a Levo Turbo has motors both go after 2 months and five months. Great video / keep up the good work !🚲

[@Ninjamstrboy]

really good review! great camera work.

[@minowak]

I was looking forward to this video. Good job. Thanks.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hope it helps!

[@pierresiepka5210]

Thanks Rob for this video. I tested a few times the levo with the help of my local dealer. And i'd like to put my feet on the new SL's pedals to see if it's the same feeling as my current stumpjumper. Sometimes, i just need a little boost (an extra help) on the trails to get to the top of a difficult climb. So maybe the SL would be a better choice than the "fat" levo. Cheers and keep on the good stuff. It's always a pleasure to watch your channel.

[@TheBikePilot]

I think you will enjoy the SL..

[@nando_en_bici]

Great video Rob. I think it’ll be a wiser decision if we wait until new 2021 Turbo Levo is out. Now I am curious about Specialized’s development for both bikes during the following years. In 5 years we’ll probably have the fusion of two philosophies!!🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jannegarvik7023]

Great video! On the 1st test, your pedalling rate is much fast on the SL. Why not using a higher gear and same spm, as on the Turbo Levo?

[@manuelferrarazzo]

Both great ebikes! Nice test, very clear explanation, thank you!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Thanks Manuel!

[@mikekay213]

Looking forward to a similar comparison of the turbo SL vs the Ezesty. You were not as enthusiastic of the similar lighter Ezesty maybe initial differences?

[@twba1977]

I think it's more down to getting a free bike to use each year. I got told by Rob that the ezesty isnt a real EMTB as it was far too underpowered. This was on the forum. 60nm on the faz vs 35mm on the SL.....

[@RobRidesEMTB]

twba1977 I’m getting a Fazua bike to do a direct comparison. The eZesty doesn’t fee anyway near as powerful as the SL. But I want to do some direct tests.

[@mikekay213]

Hope the SL rides well like a normal bike without the motor.

[@tamasvarga67]

@@mikekay213 Yeah... like a 18-19kg normal bike :)

[@biketothetop]

Nice video Rob. I know you said this was not a scientific video, but it would have been nice if you did get more scientific than you did by keeping track of the elapsed time on the first challenge, the hill climb. I noted the elapsed KZbin video time for the Turbo Levo, e.t. was 3:11 - 2:45= :26 seconds, but SL e.t. caption stated in the video was 10:25. Obviously the data is not suitable for comparison. I think to address my point. The best thing to do would be to pick a single specific trail segment for both bikes, then climb it and descend it and provide the e.t. results for both up/down-- only then we can decide. Ultimately, it's kind of silly to make the comparison in terms of e.t. anyway because its more about overall effort for a particular ride day.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

10.25 was just the time it took between the Levo finishing and the SL finishing 👍

[@biketothetop]

@@RobRidesEMTB Ok, thanks... thus for the climb the SL was 10 seconds slower and the DH it 8 seconds faster, so SL was 2 seconds slower than Turbo Levo overall. So the takeaway is that 1." the turbo levo is you, but faster" and 2. "the SL is you, but only a tiny bit faster"!!! :-)

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Ha! Could put it like that yes!!

[@MR-hb9xk]

Would be very interesting to repeat this test three years later with all the development in light weight e-bikes.

[@sitchad]

I love my Turbo Levo Expert both on climbs and down hill runs. I am sure the SL is a great bike as well but as a heavier rider I want the extra power and larger battery. Full disclosure my wife and I own 8 Specialized bikes, road and mountain so maybe I am bias.

[@martinsalharriso2cou]

Really interesting comparison. I was surprised how much faster you were on the SL going downhill. When I swapped from a YT Capra Pro Race to a 2019 Kenevo I was within 2weeks faster on every single downhill track in the Surrey Hills due to the increased confidence and planted feel of the MUCH heavier bike!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

That’s trail had about 4-5 180 degree switchbacks that the Levo was tough to swing round. With more practice I’m sure I could have got it much closer!

[@windwalker4342]

Love your channel Rob! I’d love to see a review of the new Trek Rail if you get a chance.

[@UrbFoxFact]

what i really wanted to see was you lifting the levo above your head. mine seems to get heavier as i age.

[@snappyfish]

03:37 where can I order one of those side stands 😃⚡

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Can confirm its a very rare South African stick!

[@snappyfish]

@@RobRidesEMTB 😁

[@jonowinter]

Definitely going to test one of these. Think it time to start seriously thinking about changing my current Levo.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

If you want a test give me a shout can go for a ride 👍👍

[@jonowinter]

That would be great. Be good to get out for a pedal soon 👍🏻

[@RobRidesEMTB]

@@jonowinter Cool - let me know if you want to ride in the surrey hills one afternoon...

[@earlteigrob9211]

Great Video!!! Thank you👍. Do you notice when you tap out the motor on the SL? I imagine the Turbo Levo in eco or trail mode gives a more consistent linear assist on a steep technical climb. ???

[@HiFiDiariesTV]

the SL Requires a faster cadence to get assistance than the Levo does.

[@JoseCastillo-cn4dc]

Great video. As soon i can I will demo the SL and buy it.

[@seantaylormtb7170]

Great series of vids again Rob. Still think you’re a lucky *&£^$£ being out there testing new bikes :-). I wonder if the SL motor/tech will find it’s way onto a Kenevo!! I’m lucky enough to have a Turbo Levo and a Canyon Torque for bike parks, more enduro type rides and it strikes me the smaller motor more playful bike suits that type of riding more than big long days where all 3 modes on the Levo are perhaps more useful??

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I think we will see this new motor on more bikes 🤞

[@shaynewilliams727]

Nailed another Excellent video. Your description is spot on... I have both also!

[@TheBikePilot]

shayne williams Shayne your balling all over the place 🤘🤘

[@schweizer99]

well, when listening to the downhill comment, I‘d say that it would have been a much closer call had the turbo levo expert the same fox 36 fork and damper like the levo sl s-works. I switched from rockshox to fox on my 2019 turbo levo expert this year and the difference is huge! Otherwise nice review, and which one you choose really depends on everyone‘s personal preference. Its weight versus max power. Both great bikes catering for different audiences.

[@codygocam]

Great Job!!! Thank YOU!

[@NBMBC40]

Another great video Rob nice one. I really want to have a go on an SL but I think my 2020 Kenevo is better suited all round to me and the riding I do.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I am also partial to the Kenevo! Its a very capable emtb..

[@NBMBC40]

@@RobRidesEMTB I'm 6'2" and about 16.5 stone so not a small bloke and getting near the big 50 now, for me it's about technical natrual tracks and great single track getting to the top is a means to an end for me. But I would like an SL for maybe the summer need to get a demo on one from Rich at Race Co were I got my Kenevo from. You and Jon need to come over to the FOD when it dries out a bit there are so many great off piste natural descents that even test the Kenevo and rider.

[@TheBikePilot]

Nathan Clements Defo heading over there soon mate..! I hear there’s some great stuff there..

[@ericjenson8]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@michaelsangster5673]

Great video, I rode a turbo levo and loved it, going to demo a sl and see how they compare. The specialized website says they can both ride for 5 hours, how much range / time did you get out of the SL? Im leaning more towards the SL, the lighter nimble feel sounds better.

[@TedKidd]

8:00 similar range with range extender

[@normancooke1589]

Hi Rob. That hill looked pretty steep! I bet if you rode the Big Bike in Trail (bout 66%) power the times would be almost the same. I have a Carbon Stumpy and a Merida 900E Bike. I would love my stumpy to have some power like the SL. Having ridden both my bikes a lot I think SL on full power would be the same as my Merida E Bike on full Trail power. That is plenty enough power for me and mostly where I ride it or Eco. On a moderate climb I often ride Full boost takes 3.30 and full trail 3.50. only 10% slower. You only really need full turbo on very steep when you still have traction. Great videos look forward to more tests, maybe like my examples.!!

[@mattrohr1266]

next time get a full power S works with a 500WH battery. against an expert SL with the range extender, and then put both on a scale. ) That would be more fair. The difference in weight is not that much, especially when you consider the suspension brakes and tires. As always you did a really great job in this comparison. I think it would be interesting to swap the suspension brakes and tires and wheels from the bikes and test them again. No one else would do it, and it would be interesting.

[@PaulIzbicki]

Awesome video Rob but I'm still torn between them. I'm a average fit middle-aged guy who likes the tight technical downhill stuff but spends half my time on 2 -3 hour cross country trails with (fitter) friends on standard bikes. Any thoughts which you'd go for? I found couldn't get my head around the Kenevo, loved the Levo (feels like my current 29er) and had a short ride on the SL (before the Sydney heavens opened) and liked the feel.

[@ludmilpan]

How are you recording this? Look really great :)

[@Mcfc2Rich]

What a place to do a review btw 👊

[@motoadveBackcountry182]

Something I like to do with the Turbo Levo is climb technical challenging trails, its amazing what it can do, no way the SL will make those climbs, for descends I am faster and have all my PR in the Levo compared to my regular Mt bike, probably the SL will be even faster, some day we will have a Levo that is light and powerful at the same time, I am guessing not too far in the future, will wait for that one in the meantime.

[@tomyboy1]

Great comparison Rob. 😃 But I must say, there is not 5 kg difference right? When you compare S-Works to S-works, you are probably looking at 3kg and something. Here you have the expert model Levo and SL Expert would also be heavier than this SL S-works. Would be interesting, if you could do in the future, exact weight difference, between same models. 👍🏽

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Sure :-) S-Works Levo weight 20.8 KG with 700 battery that it comes with so just under 4 kg difference

[@davespiff6417]

2019 levo with 27.5+ & carbon rims 👍 Give it a try if you get a chance

[@993mike]

The issue with the Range Extender is that it eats up a good amount of the weight advantage of the SL. I think the smart play if you already own a Levo is to wait for a version two SL with maybe a little more power and range, and hopefully a quieter motor as these things are much louder than a Levo. Also, the S-Works Levo would have been a better matchup, IMO.

[@TheBikePilot]

It’s no louder just a different pitch. That may frustrate some. It’s a new noise you get used to. You can take range extenders put them in a hedge loop around and Chuck the range extender back on to get home. Various options :)

[@lucapedrana7750]

Hi Rob, congratulations on your videos! Imagine a bicycle to which you can replace the engine with the most advanced and powerful versions. Doesn't this already happen for batteries? Why not do it with the engine? what do you think? Greetings from Italy!

[@JCBsite]

Great video Rob, thanks so much for your reviews. I have a 2018 Levo, 23,7 kg, and I'm thinking on switching to the Levo SL. I have this configuration: ECO 10%, TRAIL 40% and TURBO, witch I rarely use, 100%. I ride 90% of the time in ECO and TRAIL. Do you think a configuration on the Levo SL like this: ECO 30% TRAIL 60% and TURBO 100% could be similar to my ECO and TRAIL 2018 LEVO (full power TURBO a side because is not comparable)?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I'd say that Trail on your Levo at 40% would be *roughly* 220 watts. The SL will give you up to 240 watts but in Turbo mode. So yes. they would be similarly matched in power. The SL has some advantages over efficiency too. Its quite difficult to compare but I'd think that you should feel they are in a similar level of power delivery.

[@jevgeniardassov]

Hi Rob. Like I said in my last comment, seriously considering SL as my first e-bike coming from years of grunting myself. My local trails are mostly flowy single-track, highest peak in homecountry is only 314 meters. What would You recommend? Others in the band are on Focuses and Levos, but I like the idea of transforming e-bike into normal bike if necessary. I believe would be very poor at it...

[@Esteb858]

The Turbo Levo SL is the Mazda Miata of E-bikes. Less power but lighter and more nimble.

[@TheBikePilot]

I like to think of it as an Ariel Atom.. :)

[@brumtownvloggers]

nice one rob. really enjoyed this video. I'm torn between these 2 bikes. i really love the look of the SL it almost looks like a normal full sus bike. for me tho I'm a 45-year-old big-boned guy. that wants to use my bike for so many different applications. i think you're a very rich man if u can have a bike for downhills and trails and a bike for the road. i want to use my bike to ride to work. go out with the kids. take it to Cannock chase or bike park wales and have a great day. i currently have a cube reaction 2019 front suspension bike. do i stick with and live with the trail fails or go with levo. will it play ball on the roads ??

[@missioncanyonsantabarbara5412]

Great video, thank you! I am on the fence on weather to venture into e-bike or get a stumpy. I would love to see that timed climb with a stump jumper as well. I would also love to see that timed climb with the Levo SL with out the motor, so if you got stuck how would it be? I have a 20 year old Mt bike and need to get back into it. I was thinking Stumpy for the next 10 years then go e-bike but I have some friends saying venture into e-bike now. Really so many questions. I will have to rent some bikes before I buy I think.

[@peterwestaway2256]

Great Video, Thank you. Is the weight difference of 4kgs approximately maintained in the base models of both the standard Levo and Levo SL. Models demonstrated by most seem to be the upper ones.

[@soul2310]

the turbo levo 2021 looks pretty good so far^^

[@fabricec.5454]

Hi Rob, excellent review thanks! I'm currently using a Turbo Levo for which I need up to 45% of the maximum assistance of the bike. In other words I am riding most of the time Eco (25% - 35%) and sometimes Trail (35% - 45%) Taking that into account do you think a Turbo SL will provide this range of assistance ? Many thanks for your help.

[@ftoure]

Hello Rob excellent work. what do you recommend between the turbo levo and the focus sam2 6.9

[@gerrystroobants1654]

Very informative review Rob. With my Levo SWorks now I can adjust the wheel diameter and get support up to about 29 km / hour. Is this also the case with the SL or can the wheel diameter not be adjusted and is the SL therefore really limited to 25 km / hour? Cheers from Belgium.

[@madogblue]

I rode a Levo SL, and a Levo Comp carbon and Carbon Expert today. I ended up buying the discounted Comp carbon 2019 leftover in bright red. I have a Haibike fatbike with yamaha motor. I am spoiled by the right now power of my Haibike and while the SL was lighter. I enjoyed riding the Turbo Levo more, especially in the hill climbs. The SL just didnt offer enough power in the big climbs for me.

[@gaspcreativeltd533]

Rob, great video and sorry to be late to the EMTB party needing a push in the right direction from a master. I am about to purchase my first EMTB. I tested the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp today and then straight away tested the Turbo Levo Comp, both bikes were excellent to ride and very similar however the weight of the SL is so much better but the power on the Turbo Levo leaves me wondering what happens when I am out riding with my group as they have the larger torque bikes will I get left behind or faced to leave the ride early? The range is not so much of an issue as you pointed out on your other videos. Wondered if you could help out and get me to my goal of buying one.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Cheers! Depends. If they are on Turbo you’ll be left behind on steep hills. And also depends on the length of the climbs. But in the Surrey Hills (not that steep / long climbs) I can keep up with full power.

[@gaspcreativeltd533]

Have you switched to the SL from you turbo Levo?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes

[@Clarkie0070]

Hi Rob, any chance you can get your hands on a Trek Rail and do your thing, really hard to find a decent review on this bike. Cheers Shane

[@darinbechervaise8914]

Hi Rob. I really enjoyed your short comparison of these 2 bikes. I have been an avid mountain biker for 20 years now and told myself many times I would never get an EMTB. Well I tried a few of them at a recent mountain bike show and I think its time to change my opinion. I was very impressed with the Specialized bikes but Im having a hard time choosing which bike best suits my needs. I ride mostly cross country trails, some single track stuff and do moderate climbs only because the mountains here are < 900M. I must say I enjoy rough cross country riding and I like to ride fast :) So that said is would the Turbo Levo or Levo SL be better suited for me. If Im going to drop $10K dollars on a bike I want to get it right. Thanks Darin B, Montreal Canada

[@randyrusnak8577]

Any chance you could let us know what settings on the LEVO App should be set at on a LEVO , that would approximate the same power settings that the SL has. Give us a reference in how power of the two motors would compare.

[@finlaypeel7019]

I have a 6fattie carbon levo old model with ohlins and i love it!

[@madogblue]

What a great review. You talked about the SL keeping up battery wise with the Levo, but you didn't say what mode you mostly rode on. You you briefly discuss that please

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Good point. SL was mostly Turbo and some trail. Levo mostly Trail.

[@madogblue]

@@RobRidesEMTB Thanks. Going to test ride both today. I have a powerful Haibike Fatbike now. I do love how it rios up the hills. Here in the northeast U.S. The rides are shorter singletrack, but some short steep hills

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Jeff A. Cool! Me me know how you get on

[@madogblue]

@@RobRidesEMTB I bought a leftover 2019 Turbo Levo Comp Carbon. Just had to have the power.....

[@randyrusnak8577]

Hey Rob... I'm 60 and a bit heavy. But I ride a lot but wouldn't consider myself a " super fit" rider or Zoomer as we call the guys that blast around in my bike club. The group I ride with are a bit slower but keep a decent pace and still pound out the miles. I was always that guy that everyone had to wait on when climbing hills (I have limited lung capacity so I huff and puff a lot, but recover very quickly). I would fall behind everyone else on longer rides and hated being "that guy" everyone had to wait on. I bought a LEVO and enjoy it. So nice to be able to keep up, not to mention to get to the top and still be able to talk. But find myself rarely using the Turbo mode and almost feel like the bikes power is almost going to waste since I don't use Turbo that much. I currently ride 60% of my time in Eco and 35% in Trail with the last bit using Turbo on steep climbs most of my buddies end up pushing up. I feel the SL may be better suited for me, but I'm also concerned that going "down" in motor size I may not like the SL. I know that the LEVO doesn't feel like I work much at all while riding. No place around me has a demo. What are your thoughts on what you think I'd be better off on? Thanks in advance.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi Randy. This is a tough one. The SL definitely makes you work for it. You ride with pedal bikes or ebikers?

[@wsl5585]

I'm 68 and one of those riders everyone had to wait for but they were 20 years younger. Highly likely you would be maximizing the power on the SL. When Rob did that short burst climb in turbo mode the SL was a few seconds slower than the Turbo. Trade off is exerting more effort. On a long sustained climb you may be in turbo mode while on the flats, rollers or short steep climbs in trail mode. Otherwise, if guys in your ride group got e-bikes keep the Turbo. You may be spending less time in eco and more in trail/turbo.

[@TheBikePilot]

You can try one at your local Spesh dealer..?

[@skidensportsgraham5247]

@@TheBikePilot Nope, no one has one around me. Maybe in the future. I'll hold off for now till I can ride one. Thanks.

[@bencooper7944]

We get it you like Specialized. Need some reviews of other bikes and that aren't 10k.

[@merlinfenet9348]

Ben Cooper mondraker level vs Crafty ...

[@vincef7487]

Got my Levo for 5k 😁

[@blakkpatron]

He's all about that paid promotion

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi Ben. Have some stuff coming in the next 2 weeks that is exactly that.

[@peterward8135]

How about the new cheap Santa Cruz Heckler 😂😂😂

[@alexsanier4847]

Nice comparative thank you keep riding . Hope one day we will ride together

[@enricobononi8655]

Nice video and comparison but I would appreciate a more technical range test between the two. Very tempted by the SL but concerned that most likely you will need the battery extender

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I have my demo bike in the UK and am making a range test video 👍

[@enricobononi8655]

@@RobRidesEMTB fantastic!! looking forward to see the results!

[@slickrock1371]

Excellent comparo on some fun looking trails in S. Africa. Is this all from the same trip? With all the riding you've done on electrics, maybe you can address my theory with the motor, and to eliminate the effing derailleur; how workable do you think a 3-5 (for less weight) speed internal geared rear hub would cover your gearing needs?

[@TheBikePilot]

Slick Rock not enough IMHO. Have been with guys on 8 speed cassettes and still left wanting. Rolhoff do a an integrated hub on the Nicolai but haven’t ridden it. It’s apparently too heavy and causing spoke issues but I think that’s the next iteration of gearing for sure..

[@slickrock1371]

@@TheBikePilot Yeah, I knew the Rohloff would be too heavy for the application we're talking about that's why I wondered if you could get by with fewer gears. I'm getting a Zerode because I'm ready to lose the dangling. weak link in the drivetrain.

[@TheBikePilot]

Slick Rock let us know how you get on with it 😁

[@AvnerFironMTBGuide]

Are you aware of noise when using coil as rear shock?

[@rocknscottn]

Nice video, believe it's answered a lot of questions for people. One I have, does the range extender work with the standard turbo Levo?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

No it doesn’t work - they run on different voltages and use different connectors :-)

[@rocknscottn]

Ahh I see, thank you.

[@Extremegaz25]

Rob do you know of a inherent wear problem with the brose motor on the levo because my friend in the uk has had 3 new motors on warranty?

[@hughieross]

Hey Rob. I am 100KGs and have ripped through 500 watt hour batteries on other bikes in about 2 hours. I like to ride bikes parks like Cannock, as well as getting out over places like Exmoor. I always like to ride hard - never really go out for social rides or just cruising around. Which one would you recommend?

[@rjames9833]

Rob are you making a vid with how the motor sound comparing the two? My local buke shop still dont have the SL for demo. I was gonna get the levo expert which I've been testing out but now the SL's weight and nimbleness is preventing me to get the levo. Thanks in advance man!

[@guillermolagos3681]

Hi Rob, great video, I am getting the SL because it hits the sweet spot of what I’m looking for but I can only afford the comp version and I’m a bit concerned about some of the components, if I was going to upgrade bit by bit what would be your recommendations? Fork, tires, breaks, would you go for a fox 36, how was the 34? Thanks

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi. If you want to save weight biggest area will be wheels. I find the Fox 34 are OK for general trail riding to be honest. Brakes are Code R, they are good enough. It really depends on how hard you ride though!

[@markswinney8335]

Rob. Looking for a review on the Trek Rail

[@idoalon501]

How powerful are the modes (eco, trail, turbo) on the SL compare to the Levo's modes?

[@mattx4253]

Meanwhile sam pilgrim is throwing around a 10 ton haibike like it's nothing and doing jumps and manuals down mountains

[@abbele]

You have to test levo sl s works against levo s works the suspensions are quite different

[@kkazemi689]

Thank you so much for all your content Rob! Do you know what is the largest Cog that can be fitted to the Crankset for Levo or the Levo SL. Turbo Levo Comp seems to come with 32T and the SL 30T. Have upgraded this at all?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

36t on Levo and 32t Renthal on the SL

[@kkazemi689]

@@RobRidesEMTB Thanks Rob for all your great video and help. I think this tips the scales towards the Levo for me on paper not having riden either.