KENEVO SL 29" vs Mullet - 350KM REVIEW OF THE SPECIALIZED SUPER ENDURO EBIKE

[@gophop]

Wheelbase isn't affected by the wheel size. It's measured at the axles. The contact points are directly under each axle. Measuring contact patch length is dubious, as it's altered by tire size and the tire pressure. What you're feeling is less gyroscopic stability with a smaller wheel. And the weight shift to the rear, which makes it easier to lift and relocate the front.

[@rudik5496]

Sam… your vids are SO good! I’ve now watched it for a 3rd time! :-) (just hitting all my questions of someone who wants to buy a lightweight!)

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate anymore questions just ask

[@scotttuttle1478]

Putting a 2.6in tire on the rear of the mullet with help prevent pedal strikes as well.

[@The.JZA.]

When a bike frame is designed to be a mullet, the chain stays are shorter which shortens the wheelbase. If you measure between the centre of the contact patches of the front and rear wheels, changing the rear from 29 to 27 doesn't change the length. The chainstay needs to be shorter to tuck that smaller wheel closer in to the cranks. Also putting a 27.5 wheel on a 29er ebike will mess up your speedometer i.e. it'll read high which means your assisted top speed will be reduced and your odometer will read high as well. Great video nevertheless and interesting test.

[@SamsBikes]

I hear you bro but everyone asked and it actually wasnt bad as a mullet but defo need 160 cranks.

[@The.JZA.]

@@SamsBikes Yeah man, worth doing it for an experiment. Maybe Specialized has a mullet Enduro SL in the works for next year. Yes I called it an Enduro because that's what it really is :P

[@dag681]

Rode a KSL with 160’s- only way to go. The only thing about ALL MTB or EMTB tests is they are about two things- how they peddle uphill to get to ....the downhill. I’m riding a derestricted Kenevo like a motorcycle- thru the woods up and down in trees and corners, as well. NO EMTB works right the way I’m riding, without derestriction. If I could not hack it, I’d stay on a regular MTB, for the low weight. As it is, my Kenevo is the most fun I’ve had on two wheels since being a pro Mx rider.

[@dag681]

@CC the 160 is crank length- I gave the 2022 KSL and good run on trails and jumps. It really gets off the ground easily. The problem I have with it is that in transitions, up and down, it is gutless-no torque. It’s fine if you start to shuttle up a long run and just plug away. As far as suspension take all you can get. I use all of my 180mm on my 2019 Kenevo. I think these SL’s both Levo and Kenevo are aimed at first time EMTB riders. If you’ve ridden 560 watts, the 240 watts is pretty lame. Time will tell if the SL’s are actually a mistake in marketing.

[@dag681]

@CC Also rode the Levo SL and Levo Turbo. The mullet set up is way better than 29 at both ends.

[@dag681]

@CC My derestricted Kenevo is like riding a 450mx compared to a 250mx. And as far as reliability, apparently 1 out of 4 of these Brose powered bikes are trouble free. Hacking mine made it better in every way possible, with zero issues. Until they make a 40-42 pound Turbo Kenevo of Levo,, I’m not switching.

[@dag681]

@CC Right -the Gen 1 SL is a Specialized motor. It’s a great bike. But for my riding style, underpowered. My bike is set up with 27.5 and 3.0 Purgatory tires set at about 20-22 pound pressure.

[@scotttuttle1478]

What’s the mullet BB height?

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

8 years ago, I first made a couple "mullet" ( I still call it a 96er) on a Rocky Mountain 90sl Carbon and a Santa Cruz Carbon Blur XC, both 26"ers to fix similar problems. That was the bottom bracket was too low and the head angle on both was too steep. We were getting huge amounts of pedal strike on both bikes. On the XC the problem was so bad I got 13 strikes on a section I had previously got zero. I even threw me off from a strike. Remember these had 26" wheels stock. I put a 29 on both bikes on the front. At first I thought the head angle would be too slack , but both were steeper than current mtb's. Neither of us has any interest in big air so mostly dark blue XC to light DH riding with lots of tight stuff. The Rocky Mountain went from a bike the my partner really didn't like riding to her preferred bike. On a blind test swapping front wheels, on an up and back section of track and she was faster both ways! Down by 45secs in 10 minutes. The XC was transformed completely. The ridiculous "European" steering was made so much easier turning and the ability to change line was very much better. And no more pedal strike. Both are gone now, but I still have an old 26"er Santa Cruz LTC2 that has a 29" front wheel. Again that had older steeper head angle became a slacker more contemporary head angle, again with a better ground clearance. Just changed it to a 27.5 rear but lost a bit agility in corners. Your comment about the rear breaking free in corners. The brake/wheel diameter ratio changes and locks up easier if you keep the bigger rear disc. If you change to a smaller wheel your should try fitting a smaller rear disc. Most bikes have rear discs that are too big for the traction anyway. Sally went to Emtb which is why I am here. She liked the mullet setup so much that her first Specialized turbo Levo was mulletted ( was one of the 29/27.5 frames) with a 29 fr/27.5 rear. Her new Giant emtb is 29" only.

[@SamsBikes]

Wow the pioneer great work mate and thanks for the detailed thoughts defo might try a smaller disc

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@SamsBikes With 26inch rear wheel and xc ( non race) tyres I actually run 140mm disc. Canm still lock it up. The bigger tyres on Sally's Giant emtb runs a 160mm . Same was on the Specialized Turbo Levo. I think with the DH tyres you run you probably may have to go no smaller than a 180mm because of the rotating mass.

[@joelkatz8654]

Have the levo SL and thinking about getting KSL or Gen 3 levo. Would love another video focused on that. BTW try the oneup dropper for the KSL - has a very short insertion and might work better. Also travel can be adjusted.

[@SamsBikes]

Good idea Joel! I’ll defo dona detailed video on the 3 bikes. And defo worth a look on the dropper I’m actually ok but anyone shorter that wants to ride the s4 will be in trouble.

[@CMneilB]

Amazing reviews Sam, I love your enthusiastic straight talk You persuaded me to buy a Kenevo SL. Hope it's OK to ask a question, your testing was a year ago, so maybe you changed the way you're running now. My 275 DHR 2 [Mary front] means my BB drops more like 11mm - less the 6mm rise achieved by adjusting the BB to "high" - so only 5mm overall. Head angle slackens by 0.5 yes 160 cranks do seem a good idea, did you try some? You wrote: " Hey mate right now on the Kenevo SL I’m running 2.6 magic marry, soft with trail casing and on the back a big Betty in 2.4, soft in gravity casing and I’m happy with that. The mullet drops about 3mm bb height it seems when you go from the low setting in the 29er original set up to the mullet in the high setting. " If you did any more KSL "mullet" development - I was wondering what head cup you settled on when running a 27.5 rear ? Thanks again for the great informative videos

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Neil if you have Facebook or Instagram send a private message there and I’ll send you back some detailed on the set up! Thanks champ

[@1111TerryD]

The wheel base (axel to axel) is the same with both wheels. The rear gets lower with the 27.5, which obviously changes bb ht and both head and seat tube angles. It seems like the size of the wheel (by itself) should not change anything.

[@gimmick_8269]

I totally agree with you! But apparently nobody else notices the error in the mullet explanation!?

[@Derestricted1]

Unless you are super tall, (where 29 is ok) Mullet is always better for longer travel eMTB's. 29er's are just annoying as you always buzz your ass when you are not super tall, and as you say they are also way more agile. I find them more fun and better to jump too. Specialized should have sold this bike with Mullet as standard like the regular Levo.

[@LevoRider]

I do like going back and watching your bike reviews. Right now I am looking at 3 bikes as my next ride. Kenevo Expert, Rocky Mtn Altitude C 70 and the Pole Voima. Leaning towards the RM but I have buddies who swear by the Specialized brand. Looking for a bit of a smasher compared to my trail bike.

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks mate! Yep all good bikes I’m testing the Rocky Mountain in a few weeks so I’ll let you know

[@stueym199]

Sam my previous comment I should have stated, I've turned my levo expert into a mullet. Started with a 2.5 on the rear ,then fitted a 2.8 eddie current, she's smooth as now.

[@funkymonkey1198]

Awesome video. I have a 29er hybrid for general riding and mullet emtb so was interesting and agree with your general findings

[@davidgoff7120]

Would love it if you could do a range and power comparison between the mullet and 29er set up on the ksl. Interested in how much it changes with the wheel size. Love your channel, you do an amazing job of presenting information that other channels don’t touch on as much. Cheers from the mountains of West Virginia.🚵‍♂️

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate I personally don’t think the range would change much maybe 5%

[@chevistar87]

Why would range be affected ? The dealer can change the wheel size in mission control to keep speed and distance correct

[@davidgoff7120]

@@chevistar87 the range can be affected by both the wheel and tire weight, and the different total diameter. I don’t think it would have a drastic effect, but I know on evs the size and weight of wheels can vary range by up to 50 miles.

[@martonso]

hi sam, is converting the kenevo sl bike into a mullet allowed by specialized or is it a modification without technical approval from the brand?

[@Spencer_Bikes]

Any idea if the WRP link for the Enduro would fit on the Kenevo?

[@nevh7707]

Great video, Sam. Not sure about the mullet set-up. I have purchased the last YT Decoy 29 Core 4 (due by end of Nov - madness). Can´t wait for it. Where is this bike park, BTW? El Escorial? i must try this route when my new toy arrives. Thanks!

[@steveg56]

Hey Sam. Would you recommend the S Works over the Expert on the Kenevo SL? $4K seems like a big add so leaning towards the expert. Any thoughts on why I would reconsider the S Works. I have the money for either, just having a hard time justifying the extra hard earned cash. thanks in advance

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Steve lots to say on this subject maybe send me a message on Instagram or Facebook and I’ll Send you back a voice message thanks 🙏

[@Mcfc2Rich]

what size tyres are they Sam?

[@paulcass6484]

Hi Sam,do you think it would be possible to run 27.5 front and rear on the kenevo sl or will there be a ridiculous amount of pedal strikes?thanks for the top videos and keep them coming

[@matiasvelgarlic7203]

Sam, try Levo gen3 29front, 29rear and let us know :-)

[@SamsBikes]

I really don’t think it fits but I’ll try

[@Altrezia]

Hey. What did you have to change to mullet the bike? I've just got an SL and unsure what I need to do (flip-chip/headset wise) to stick the 650b on the back. Thanks

[@tinman8888]

Mate when you went the mullet, did you happen to try it with the steep head set cup to counteract the BB drop. I am thinking it may have come back to around the same geo as 29 rear and the middle or standard HT angle?

[@SamsBikes]

I don’t t think changing the head Angle will do much but you could try it! Definitely get 160 cranks

[@tinman8888]

Any rumours on a Levo SL upgrade to the 'S' sizing and general update or a Levo Evo SL. It must be due for one. It's nearly the only bike in the range running the old sizing and pretty much as it first come out. Levo Evo SL would be the 💣

[@esdrehtsich9289]

Sam you really do the best and most honest tests since day 1 !! Would you also take the Kenevo SL if you are only 1-2 times a year in the bikepark ? I have the feeling that the Levo SL gives me not the confidence I need on some faster trails….. but I only tested it one day…..

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate! Have you watched my levo vs kenevo SL video? I personally love the Levo SL the kenevo is amazing but you need to really ride it hard to get it to come alive

[@esdrehtsich9289]

@@SamsBikes yes I did. I know because of your videos that you really like real enduro bikes and I am the same. But I think you ride much more often in bikeparks than I do. I will wait till you get an Orbea Rise to test 😉.

[@strutstipher]

Just added the Kenevo SL to my garage, only ridden it twice. Peddle strike all the time but as a bike to go over jumpy terrain and for going down the steep stuff really pleased. Sam, do you think the motor with the software upgrade has a little more go than the Levo SL?

[@alex1231235]

I've found it doesn't have more 'go' but it is smoother and quieter!

[@jhyoo110]

You are a lucky guy. Question: Which bike in your current steed are you drawn to the most if you want to go out and just ride without concern for filming or making content.

[@SamsBikes]

Kenevo SL is absolute beast

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Hi Sam! Great video as always! Did you feel overstretched due to the fact the Kvo SL is a big bike? Also, if the Knvo SL is only for bike parks and aggressive riding and the Levo SL is for trail riding, what is the Levo Gen 3 for? I like the Knvo SL but if it were full power, that would be awesome! Just look at that new Norco Range with a 900wh battery or the new Giant e reign+ with a 750wh battery, both long travel bikes. We shall have new entry long travel bikes before the closing of 2021 and the selection will be a tough task! Cheers!

[@gaud1977]

Hello Sam, the S3 size come with 165mm crank. Do yo think its short enough for mullet setup ?

[@SamsBikes]

Maybe I would still like 160 on it

[@michaelgoodwin593]

This video will determine my next bike purchase. This mulleted or a Levo expert.

[@cheres79]

Awesome video! I was looking forward for someone to do this topic. I'm your same stature. Was the 32 mm stem enough for you to feel you are on the right size? Or would you have prefereed and S3 with a longer stem?

[@robertyates9973]

I’m really liking the SL. Not tried the KSL yet. Rotwild E375 looks like a nice bike. Sam any chance you might get one to try?

[@stueym199]

Your on the money Sam, I've fitted 155mm Hope ebike cranks to my levo 2020. Definitely a great idea no more timing your pedal strokes.

[@gottarex]

Have you tried switching the headset cups when running the Kenevo SL to a more steeper HA?

[@DJNocrime]

Hi Sam, thanks for your video. I just bought the Kenevo SL and would like to complete the Mullet conversion as well. What settings have you changed after the smaller wheel on the geometry? Flipchip High or Low? Other changes? Greetings and thanks, Tobias

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate thanks for the kind words, so first off order some 160mm cranks I really is important for a safe ride I feel. Them you will need yo go in the high setting at the back and the middle to steep head tube angel test Both and see how they feel. That’s about it enjoy bro and let me know how you get on!

[@DJNocrime]

@@SamsBikes Hi Sam, thanks for your quick reply and tips. This helps me a lot to tune the bike perfectly. All the best and best regards from Germany

[@scotttuttle1478]

Big question: What is the BB height as a mullet in the high setting?

[@SamsBikes]

Didn’t a measure it in the video?

[@scotttuttle1478]

@@SamsBikes 30cm to the bottom of the chainring in mullet?

[@scotttuttle1478]

@@SamsBikes 2.4in tire in the rear on mullet?

[@CMneilB]

Sam wrote earlier: "right now on the Kenevo SL I’m running 🏃‍♀ 2.6 magic marry, soft with trail casing and on the back a big Betty in 2.4, soft in gravity casing and I’m happy with that. The mullet drops about 3mm bb height it seems when you go from the low setting in the 29er original set up to the mullet in the high setting.

[@59trevski]

Couple of questions, what Magic Mary’s you running size and type. Also mullet, how many mm does the mullet drop the bike? Your 60m pedals will give you 10m. Do you keep the bike in the high settings for mullet. Last I ride my Levo in trail at 55% with 100% assistant. Where would that be on the sl motor. Great vid as always Sam 🤘

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate right now on the Kenevo SL I’m running 🏃‍♀️ 2.6 magic marry, soft with trail casing and on the back a big Betty in 2.4, soft in gravity casing and I’m happy with that. The mullet drops about 3mm bb height it seems when you go from the low setting in the 29er original set up to the mullet in the high setting. I think In your current setting on your levo you would be in turbo on the kenevo SL I recommend to everyone thinking of a SL go test one it’s different I love it but it’s not for everyone.

[@christianrasmuss]

Hi Sam. When changing to mullet setup, do you change anything in the settings on the TCU? In Europe the motor cuts out at 25 km/h and since this is controlled by the rear wheel rpm, this will become a bigger issue!

[@SamsBikes]

That’s a very good point mate! I didn’t but I think you can

[@rezenclowd3]

@@SamsBikes There is nowhere in the app Mission control nor the TCU to do this. You would have to take it to a dealer to change....sadly.

[@ix12]

can you adjust the handlebar height? I'm not much of a bike connoisseur, I have one from the 90s that costed ~$100 and could do that, and recently bought one that's more expensive than my car and it peeves me that the handlebar is too low and my back hurts bc of the uncomfortable position

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Full power kenevo frame style like sl kenevo 😁

[@SamsBikes]

Let’s see

[@declanbrady1383]

Great videos Sam! Made me buy the Kenevo SL last year and thinking of mulleting it now. Can’t get 160 mm cranks anywhere for the SL, are there any you would recommend?

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks bro! Yep check out this NZ company doing 160 called Forx I’m testing them right now! Amazing quality super stiff

[@declanbrady1383]

@@SamsBikes Amazing! Thanks Sam, these are exactly what I was looking for but couldn’t find them anywhere. I went ahead and ordered a pair so let’s see how they work out. Pretty impressed that shipping to Ireland is free! Thanks again 🙏

[@gerardodominguezcalderon1869]

hey "rider" are you using a torch or a hydra hub on your full fat e-bikes?

[@cheres79]

What about tyre size when going mullet? Maybe a bigger tyre? Or same 2.3? Would apreciate because I want to try it soon.

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate don’t go any smaller than 2.5 I was running 2.6 I think 2.8 might of been better with 170mm cranks

[@cheres79]

@@SamsBikes I just got my 160 cranks 😁 thanks for the advice. I'm glad I asked you

[@Phalanx_84]

Never going to be a 29er for me. My old bike was mulleted, mullet is great but I'm seriously enjoying my Torque.On which is 27.5

[@vickisharp6959]

The suspension of Kenevo sounds quiet on those smooth flowing trails. How well does it do on rougher trails. Does this bike soak up ruff bumps better than all other ebikes.

[@SamsBikes]

Smooth Flow trails ? Haha 😂 GoPro never shows the truth! The KSL is the best suspension I have ever used you float over the big stuff!

[@alexlolitacabaret]

Hi dude, i m 1,71 tall Which size do you think is better for me?

[@SamsBikes]

What’s your style? You want it to be super planted or more playful

[@alex1231235]

Hey Sam! Do you reckon you prefer the Kenevo or the Kenevo SL?

[@SamsBikes]

Alex 100% the kenevo sl is better than the Kenevo for me but I like to pedal

[@alex1231235]

@@SamsBikes Thanks Sam! I love to pedal as well. I've had both and do miss the plush Boxxer fork and coil. Curious what the upcoming full fat Kenevo will be!

[@SamsBikes]

Dude the Kenevo SL is so plush I love how I float over stuff as for the new stuff I have zero idea!

[@alex1231235]

@@SamsBikes I think I have some more work in dialing the suspension. The one bike I am super curious about is the Forestal Hydra. Any chance you'll be able to demo one?

[@mtb_3930]

Hi Sam. With mullet the speed restrictor will bee changed. Do you know if you get this reset back to the factory speed for the different speed?

[@mtb_3930]

Yes you can. In the app or at a shop

[@Josh.s.smith88]

Hi mate. Are you still running it in a mullet? Picking mine up next week and tempted to just mullet it.

[@SamsBikes]

Na it’s better as a 29er don’t do it with these cranks get 155 or 160 please you will crash with 170 and a mullet set up

[@scotttuttle1478]

What’s the mullet BB height?

[@andrewevans9514]

will be intrigued 😀

[@D00manic]

Hi Sam, what bike park is this?

[@SamsBikes]

This is La Pinnila in Madrid pretty cool part that is open 9 months of the year.

[@jonnybrown5715]

i have a spare 27.5 wheel and was going to try this out, you said you left the head angle the same, did you change any other geometry settings at the back end, the speeded up video means i didnt see that part :-(

[@jonnybrown5715]

helps if i paid attention, you cover this at 3:19!

[@SamsBikes]

Haha 😂 yep I thought I did!

[@Mcfc2Rich]

What would be better for bikeparks and jumps sam?

[@SamsBikes]

I think mullet but definitely need 160 cranks

[@Mcfc2Rich]

@@SamsBikes nice one mate. Got the 160s already 👌🏼

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

One up dropper sits lower than anything 👍👍check it out lowest stack

[@SamsBikes]

Very good idea

[@brenton5336]

What bike park is this?

[@SamsBikes]

It’s la Pinilla in madrid

[@mtb_3930]

Sam. The s3 has 165 cranks. Can I keep 165 with mullet or must go to 160??

[@SamsBikes]

Give it a go but I feel 160 will be better

[@mtb_3930]

Hi Sam. I've gone the one up dropper and 160 cranks. It's soo good. The one up dropper means my seat is about 30mm lower and yeah. It's so much better as a bike

[@SamsBikes]

Sweet bro glad to hear! I’ll try a mullet this holiday

[@mtb_3930]

Sam. Can you get 155 cranks to fit the Kenevo SL gen 1? If yes, which brand are they?

[@SamsBikes]

@mtb_3930 mate I think you can only get 160 and I’m using Forx they rock ask Steve for a 20% discount and free shipping tell him you know me

[@marcusbacahui4168]

What do you think about putting a fox 40 on the Kenevo sl? Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

[@alexlamy1271]

Really good bike ..

[@sdigsy4414]

👍😁

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks 🙏

[@michaeledwards5241]

The rear linkage is stopping a good bike from becoming a fantastic bike

[@mathewmccabe7175]

How so?

[@michaeledwards5241]

@@mathewmccabe7175 it interferes with the seatpost length and and doesn't allow you to get a decent size dropper post in. Don't forget that this is based on the Demo and you don't need a dropper post on a dh bike. I have the S4 size and I could run a 200mm post but you can't get it to drop low enough. Even on my 175mm post the cable is kinking too much and it's affecting how it works.

[@deancarlyle7431]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@michaeledwards5241]

Nice bike but needed the motor from the Orbea Rise. ,

[@SamsBikes]

I still need to test the Orbea