I Rode This EMTB until it DIED! Specialized Levo SL RANGE TEST

[@SamsBikes]

Legend Riders I hope everyone is doing well.... and I hope you like my Extreme range test on the Levo SL. Like always got a question just ask.

[@federaldelii]

Hi Sam 👋🏻 very nice reviews you’re making here 👏🏻👏🏻. One thing you should add , during the ride Please say that the mode you are riding turbo/trail/eco. Thanks.

[@atdotcom64]

Have the 2021 turbo levo. Love it. Ride my hilly raw forested trails that are empty of mtn bikers. Steep and rough trails but isolated and just out the back door. Got a 2023 SL to take to single track. Gives the analog ride with non ebike friends and I can pull my 8 year old grandson up long grinds on his 24” rip rock expert. Wife rides the Levo and me the SL when we’re going out on casual forest rides together. Great bikes!

[@br5380]

Rode my KSL Gen 1 yesterday with some full-power biked friends. With the extender I managed 39 miles & 5,700ft of elevation, had 11% left. It was quite claggy and running Michelin Wild Enduro's. 80kg rider.

[@tadge74]

Really can't decide between this SL and a full fat... Been watching all reviews for past 3 weeks😮

[@SamsBikes]

It’s pretty simple who do you ride with? If you ride on your own then if you want a more natural feeling and less km get the SL if you ride with a group then you need to have the same as them SL in full powered really doesn’t work

[@tadge74]

@@SamsBikes I have friends on SL and also full fat 🫣🫣

[@atdotcom64]

Get the levo and stay in trail only with SL riders?

[@tadge74]

@@atdotcom64 I went for full fat in the end. Test rode SL and only got 22 miles and it was harder work obviously but slower. Bike felt more natural but at the end of the day, I'm buying an Ebike so I want the power and range. I can always turn power back but cant add to the SL unless carrying extender's. Specialized should have put a larger battery in in the first place in my opinion. Also so many SL for sale 2nd hand. Guess those people have stopped trying to justify their purchase and realised the SL doesn't give them what they want. In some places they may be ok but in the crap mud/slop in UK perhaps not

[@mh-dt4hm]

Good test and surprisingly a good range. Take care and don´t crash that much, we are not 20 years old anymore. The time to heal broken bones is increasing a lot.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate I know I was impressed with the range! And yes I know crashing sucks I normally don’t crash much

[@mitchelmckay3651]

Just wanna say i love your videos, best out there. Your a Top G!!! and God Bless to you.

[@SamsBikes]

LEGEND RIDERS thanks for that sometimes its hard to keep making this content but these messages really help.

[@wss327]

Nice review! Love my SL Gen2. Like you said, so close to an analog bike. To and from the trails, the motor is off and in the hills, Trail mode is more than sufficient and we have some pretty steep climbs. And yes… the jury is still out on the Code brakes…

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks for the comments! I’m so in love with this bike but it has taken some time to learn to ride a light ebike again it’s actually harder to go fast on it you need more skill to keep it planted!

[@wss327]

Totally agree. You’re review is spot on! I thought the Levo was fun, the SL is another level. As well, my riding skills improved much faster because I can do the up and downs many more times as compared to doing the same laps on an analog bike.

[@teqai]

On the other end, I do 50km with 1200m elevation with the Levo SL Gen 2 with 35% support, 50% peak settings (beefed up eco mode) and get home with 40% battery left from the main battery + range extender (or in Specialized terms 60/150%). I'm 70kg and fairly fit. 35% support gives you 60% of the watts you put into the bike on top from the motor, which means I'm riding at almost 300W total power output but my heart rate averages 120-ish bpm. Riding like that is basically on the lower end of endurance training while going at the speed of threshold intervals or above, if that makes sense. I generally prefer lower support percentages because once you go over the 25kph limit the illusion of superhuman rider strength breaks down as you immediately experience the true drag of the system when the motor shuts off.

[@OffRoadCycling]

I am planning to get this bike and will be using it/riding like you describe here. What is your average cadence because as you know that effects how much power the motor put out for all settings? Is it correct the SL does not have a Acceleration or Shuttle setting? Thank you for any additional input!

[@SamsBikes]

@OffRoadCycling hey mate I normally ride at around 80-90 rpm and yes your right you have less tunning options on the SLs but you don’t need it! Maybe check out my deep dive on the SL 1.2 motor video I dropped last week

[@teqai]

@@OffRoadCyclingWhat Sam said. I can't find the watts vs cadence graph anymore, but if I remember correctly the motor's assistance plateaus at cadences between 80-100 rpm. I tend to naturally ride 90'ish on my bikes. If you're above 80, I wouldn't worry about it.

[@OffRoadCycling]

@@teqai same here from my findings - cadence is very best at 80 according to recent specialized data but the graph shows from 80 to even 100 it provides great efficiency. I remember the old days with my Computrainer and how pedaling in perfect circles using their on screen software called spin scan, you could see how efficient you were creating more watts with less effort.

[@davidchkhartishvili9845]

I got on microtune: 27.8 Km, 1385 m elevation, battery used - 77% without extender (weight 82 kg)

[@SamsBikes]

Nice work mate that’s impressive

[@user-tr8dl4fb3q]

Sam when u do the 29er test can u leave the range extender off until the battery is flat so we can see how far u get on just the battery, cheers from oz

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate I’ll do my best to get this test done

[@deanfenner1]

Good stuff as always Sam .

[@ktech4246]

Thanks for the great review and video. I have a general question how much drag is there on the motor once you go pass the speed limiter? Typically what kind of top speeds you can sustain post the motor assist without killing your legs? I've got a focus thron2 which is a heavy bike and once the motor kicks out you can feel it so thinking seriously about the levo SL

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate the SL1.2 motor is amazing off or over limited I think 🤔 that the EP801 are the best two over the limitor

[@ktech4246]

@@SamsBikes Thanks for the reply really appreciate it. Any suggestions on etmb that use the EP801?

[@deanfenner1]

How about a graph Sam comparing all the bikes you’ve range tested , super lights and full powered, would be interesting

[@SamsBikes]

Yo Deano good idea I’ll get Bea working on that for the next range test

[@brigittelemieux6948]

Hi Sam, I could have a super deal on a Kenevo SL s-works 2023 motor 1,1, I bike at Mont Ste-Anne (MSA) . So the vertical drop is about 700m on an non steep access road that circle the mountain for 2,5 km.My question for you is: would this bike be powerfull enough to climb thé mountain More than one time in the same day? 1’m a 60 years old good Xc-trail rider since 37 years, but still working and sometimes tired. Thank’s a lot! I lurn a lot watching your vidéo! Have you ever come to see the World Cup at MSA? It is a must ! Bye 😊

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks for the kind words and would love to come to MSA one day! Ok range it’s so hard to talk about but I’f your fit you should be able to get around 1400-1600 meters out of the Kenevo SL and range is extender. I can normally do 1000m without the range extender and I’m not very fit haha! 😂 ask the bike shop if you can rent one for the day and try it! Also take advantage of micro tune a great way to monitor you battery ussage.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

I just want that motor on my gen 1😂 Gonna make it happen one way or another! I get just over 726 meters of climbing on my main battery on full power. Im a big dude at 6'2" & about 225 lbs. I have 2 extenders for my bigger climbing rides. Truly Love the bike! But would love a bigger or better main battery for more range without needing extenders . That slightly bigger motor too😅

[@user-lk7cd9ux6p]

Great review thanks Sam! What iPhone mount are you using?

[@rickmeister2]

Nice review again Sam, any thoughts on the new vs old app?

[@cgmoon3097]

Great review! I'm riding the Gen 1 and would like to step up to the Gen 2 soon. Do you think they will release a Alloy version?

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate! Im not sure they will release a alloy maybe like they did with the gen 1 I’m just not sure

[@leonbeale7105]

Hey Sam, did you ever try the 29 rear in this bike, really interested in your thoughts

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I’ll be doing it very soon mate

[@aquainversion]

Hi Sam, which rides faster downhill between the Levo and the SL? Is the SL faster above the threshold? Great vid by the way 👍

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate good question 🙋‍♀️ I’m not really sure I feel the Levo is faster but that only because I’ve done like 3000km on it! Give me a few more weeks and I’ll let you know

[@bikemad]

Hey sam did yu answer this question?​@SamsBikes

[@lozetchells9164]

I'd love to try one but i suspect I'd miss my full fat Levo's range, although not it's power

[@user-lk7cd9ux6p]

Hey Sam, sorry another question. I riding in the Alps this Summer and have a lot of riding to do and am trying to decide whether to take my Levo Turbo SL. Day one is approx 30miles and 1,500m. I'm 85kgs. Would you still go with 50% support and 100% PP? Have you trried the SmartAssist feature, which manages the battery automatically? Thanks man

[@p3tr313]

Im running 50+ km rides in the mountains with 2k climbed meters with my Levo SL and still getting back home with 20% battery left. frankly, Im still yet to use the range extender :D. I have 90kg and relatively fit, so I use the Turbo mode only for really steep climbs or when tried as hell. less powerful motor works perfectly with smaller battery and the bike itself is much lighter

[@xpdirect66]

What is the part number for 165mm crank arm for this bike. Mine came with 170mm. Thanks Joe

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Joe I’m not sure maybe check with your local dealer but make sure you tell them it’s a 1.2 motor because the fitting is different

[@melch1]

ebikes are just not ready to be so light. 800m elevation is atrocious, maybe impressive for such a small battery but I have pretty much never ridden for less than two hour, I would be coming back with a dead battery every single time. The only reasonable option seem to be the occam with 540wh battery.

[@davefreeman9347]

Sam great test and format would love to see a range test on the Trek Fuel EXe and how it compares to the Levo SL on another note it doesn’t seem that long we would be describing a 150/160mm travel bike as a enduro bike crazy how things have moved along 😮

[@BSE75]

hi sam, can you test 29er in the back on this bike ? edit ah you said it you will do thx

[@SamsBikes]

Yes mate going to test it in the 29 setting and also with the mullet but with the 29 flip chip

[@BSE75]

@@SamsBikes looking forward to it

[@nachsk8carpediem503]

What geometry have you been riding with, angle and flip chip?

[@williammehling3135]

If you need the range extender just buy the regular Turbo levo and not the sl. Defeating the purpose of getting the sl

[@Sympatikus1]

Still 4kg difference and also riding the SL without motor is more natural without resistance

[@williammehling3135]

@@Sympatikus1 lets be real. No ones rides these without the motor on somewhat lol

[@Sympatikus1]

@@williammehling3135 but the range is similar only difference is the speed in a technical terrain.

[@andrewrivera4029]

I got the Canyon Torque ON mullet with the 900 Whr battery and 85 Nm motor and I’ve done a 34 mile 2000ft climb 7500ft decent 6.0 hrs (Palisades Plunge) and I couldn’t kill the battery! Also did a 34 mile 2900ft climb 6900ft descent (Monarch Crest trail) 4:18 hrs still couldn’t kill the battery.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Bike weights are very different.😉

[@andrewrivera4029]

@@LuisManuelHdez yea, that doesn’t bother me.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

I could get pretty good range out of my levo sl with the extenders. I have 2 for my really big rides, They're very light weight. I prefer the maneuverability of the lighter bikes.

[@andrewrivera4029]

@@LuisManuelHdez “could”, my e-bike can.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

@andrewrivera4029 🤣🤣 so can mine! And mine is not a tank!🤣

[@aarons6210]

Hi Sam, I'd just like to know one thing. If you could have only one bike to ride, and you had to choose between the Levo and the Levo SL, which would you personally choose? Thanks.

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Arron that’s the million dollar question 🙋‍♂️ haha who you riding with? If my friends has SL or I’m riding on my own 100% SL but most of my friends have full powered so I think I would go a Levo

[@wss327]

Sorry to jump in… I had the Levo and traded it in for the SL and love the SL. Much depends on your weight, skill level, FTP and type of riding you do. I weigh 70 kg, intermediate rider, I like to ride to power meaning, I track my power output on my Wahoo and with the Levo, I felt like I was the passenger because it just felt heavy but super stable and planted and it wanted to blast down any hill straight on. With the SL, it is more lively, fun and engaging. I was the driver. At a nearby flow trail with the SL I can get 1,300 meters of vertical with 10% battery remaining.

[@SamsBikes]

Mate you jump away, that’s what I love about the channel so much knowledge totally agree with you. Arron if you were in madrid I would let you ride both because that really is the right way to know if your a SL or Levo rider

[@jramagge4967]

I'm currently in the same boat and can't decide if to go for the levo or levo sl. Living in the south of Spain and have a Transition Spire which I ride all the time and will keep for rides with my friends on analogue bikes and going to the bike park. I have a pretty high fitness level, so i think the 50n will be enough, and would prefer the lighter more playful bike as I love to play around and jump. The only thing that has me in two minds is if the SL would have enough range to do big day missions when I go up to Sierra Nevada/ Pyrynees.

[@wss327]

@@jramagge4967as you say your fitness level is good then it will depend mostly how how much steep vertical meters you plan to do. For example, i go to this flow trail near me, it’s about 15 km away and 250 meters vertical to get there. I’ll ride the SL in analog mode all the way and then do 1000 meters vertical at the trail in a mix of off, eco or trail modes. I had the Levo last year but never did this ride with it but I estimate I’ll probably get something similar but with motor always in eco or trail modes and not have as much fun on the trail.

[@coenmtb]

Dit you ride the whole time in Turbo?

[@SamsBikes]

Yes mate

[@lee.j7077]

Hi how was power on the new Bosch compared to the specialised?

[@piotrsmolarz2629]

I think that I would be good, if You add avr. power to the stats.

[@FuturePerfectContinuous]

Mahle motor? No brose?

[@jonathanvasquez9604]

Still less motor power.

[@10Filip]

I hoped you ride it till it actually died, you just got an empty battery.

[@GiovanniCorsa]

First!

[@SamsBikes]

haha thanks legend rider.

[@frankdepasquale8715]

So I have the gen 1 and gen 2 just did a long ride with my gen 2 I stud with the full power bikes no problem dur I do like my gen 1 better