Specialized Kenevo SL 2022 - Long Term Review

[@SamsBikes]

Let's GO Riders this one has been loads of work I hope you like it!!!!!

[@Животсизкуственастава]

You are one of my favorite emtb riders

[@emtbtrailrider539]

Good review, Full Powered eMTB for me 😜 I wud definitely consider it if it had at least 50 nm of torque and bigger battery

[@kburn]

I am in the privileged position of having a tl and a Ksl. The ksl has made me fitter and it is, to quote Sam, a ‘masterpiece’. The ksl makes you fitter and propels itself downhill. The levo let’s you maintain regular riding with that additional help. Truly a fantastic bike.

[@Bearded_Mountain_Biker]

I've been on the 2021 Levo SL (thanks a lot to you for your excellent reviews on it). It's the best bike I've ever owned! Living on the west coast of Canada, riding more up and down than in a bike park, this bike shines! Thanks for all your reviews!

[@SamsBikes]

Glad you enjoy it, YES mate the Levo SL is one of my favourite bikes of all time.

[@jameshumphreys1936]

I bought the Evil Kanevo SL from a buddy with just 45 charge sequences. Spot on review Sam and this bike is definitely a smashing shredster on the trails where I live in Oregon.

[@SamsBikes]

Hey James congrats on the new whip mate yep the Kenevo SL is a beast

[@ribinrobin8925]

Love the honesty at end of the video Sam. So many riders (myself included) have had the sl platform, and though it’s amazing on your own, it’s just not enough for riding with FF friends. I’m a fit guy and it was hard and just not as fun, annoying my friends with the longer climb times etc. I’ve heard rumours around the new levo sl of 50nm motor, maybe this will be the game changer!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Rider, I bloody love the SL platform but not when your riding with full powered ebikes. I haven’t heard anything from the horses mouth but I’ve also heard the rumors so let’s see.

[@aknmtbr]

I was contemplating the Levo SL but ordered an orbea rise h15 once it was released. I’m bumping the fork to 160 and keeping the 140 in the rear. 540 watt battery, 60nm, and 20kg!

[@Marcin-je9tm]

I would do the same But the battery is non removable easily

[@adriankey]

What a great review and I really really appreciate your honest opinion on yours final conclusion. It’s all very clear and makes our decision much simpler to make. Thanks.

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate these bikes are a lot of money and we really need to know! I love the kenevo it’s a beast definitely a great second bike for me!

[@democraticunderground5665]

Nice review, mate. Thanks the the overview. It was informative and super helpful.

[@SamsBikes]

Glad I could help mate it really is a fantastic bike for the right rider!

[@mk3driftmotion]

People who say you will be "over-biked" on a Kenevo, are usually riding something that is "under-biked", and they have no idea what they are missing out on! I am riding a Kenevo Expert with 180 rear, and a 203mm Fox40, and it eats up any trail with ease!!

[@SamsBikes]

WOW that sounds like a beast send me a photos... [e-mail]

[@rickbault1221]

Great work mate! Could be the most thorough bike review video I've seen.

[@johnglynn7795]

Evening SAM, TGIF after a long day of work. Appreciate the Kenevo overview and our candid conversations today. Cloudy skies tomorrow brother on the trails. Jg

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks John enjoy Madrid bro and go eat in that restaurant its epic.

[@mkaj27]

Thanks Sam! Great review, as always! :)

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks mate!

[@AJ-kx8rj]

Got my KSL SW yesterday and will enjoy my first ride on 1-st january in 2023.)

[@celineferdinand6944]

how is the power? I've been reading it is lacking in torque compared to the regular models.

[@AJ-kx8rj]

@@celineferdinand6944 for my taste it’s enough. Exactly what I wanted after my experience with the Kenevo 1.st gen which was for me more an light-e moped instead of MTB. Way too heavy and not playful like KSL. Also, you can move the KSL also up without the e-support. Try the same with the heavy regular e bike should your battery be empty one day. ;)

[@celineferdinand6944]

@@AJ-kx8rj Thanks. I had to read your last 2 sentences 3 or 4 times. I could not understand what you meant. I think I understand now, though. You mean that you can peddle the Kenevo SL up hill without battery power, but the regular Kenevo is a lot heavier, making it difficult to ride up hill without the batter power. I live in Japan. Only the SL models are sold in Japan. Max speed in Japan is 24 km/h for e-bicycles, according to Japanese law. So Japan does not sell the regular Levo and Kenevo models, only the SL (Super Light) models. I was worried that I might not like the Kenevo SL model due to the power being only about 1/2 of what the regular Kenevo model has.

[@AJ-kx8rj]

@@celineferdinand6944 sorry for my chaotic previous post. And you understood everything correctly. Anyway, I definitely would recommend the SL range instead of an „regular E-Bike“ because of well known facts. I bought the sl with two extender batteries and i‘m absolutely happy with the overall performance.With maximum torque you can climb some pretty steep trails and it feels like 8kg. XC Hardtail. Even lighter. But you still have to pedal and it's not like regular e-bikes, where it's very easy.

[@celineferdinand6944]

@@AJ-kx8rj Thanks for the information. I have one more question: Do you use the 2 extender batteries at the same time, or is one just a back up for when the other extender battery is empty? I ask, because I thought that there was just 1 place to plug in the extender battery (it looks like a water bottle and fits into the bracket on the lower part of the frame). I looked at the extender battery in Japan, and it costs around US $440. If I buy the Kenevo SL, I will also buy an extender battery, also.

[@roddas26]

Got my KSL set up mullet, 170mm ZEB up front and a Katsumi coil out back. Carbon Roval hoops. ENVE bars and Diety 35mm stem. It's made me fall in love with riding again.

[@SamsBikes]

sounds epic...

[@maeso34]

Thanks for the comment. I’ve got the chance to get a ksl comp with either the original fox hybrid 36 front fork or the zeb r 38mm at 190 set up. Could give any advise on this, please?

[@roddas26]

@@maeso34 For me the 170 ZEB is perfect. But with all the geo adjustment on the bike you can probably make 190 feel ok. Might be a little to much depends on what you are riding trail wise. Cbeers

[@kevinmortimer1883]

excellent review Sam. objective and honest. i agree its a great visual feast of a bike too

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks bro loads of work went into this one! I love it, it’s amazing but I don’t think I would buy it over a levo!

[@rudik5496]

I’m surprised there’s not more “half fat” mtb coming out… still a very limited selection. And agree with your comment: the Specialized motor could Really do with 10-15NM increase…

[@jamo2565]

Nice video, can you chat the battery to a bigger Wh?

[@nine2130]

Hi Sam! I recently bought KSL Expert (Gray - not yellow :P ), do you recommend getting Magic Merry instead of Butcher T9? I am trail solo rider, with smaller jumps. My previous Levo Gen2 had EDDY CURRENT 2,8 and if felt great downhill but it was draining my battery faster uphill. And what thickness do you recommend for KSL? Are 2,6 too big?

[@scottmo31]

Great show. Be good to see more THOK MIG V2. Upgrades.

[@sirktm]

Thanks Dude , I dig your reviews , thanks Bro 👍

[@SamsBikes]

I appreciate that mate..

[@Asiatic83]

Great videos Sam! I would be interested in a video to see your opinion on the KSL with 160 cranks

[@mtbchronicles]

Nice review Sam! I've always been on an analog bike and will be purchasing my first eBike soon. The KSL almost seems like the perfect bike for me, but I wish Specialized would have gone with just a bit more power. A 42ish lb. 50nm eBike would have been perfect! Do you feel bike companies will be making bikes in that range soon?

[@shawnmabey9806]

Ditto for me. Looking to make the transition to light eMTB. I just turned 57 and I’m 6’1” and would really like to see more options in the middle range of power. I’m looking at KSL, LSL and the Orbea Rise. Just wish the Rise was 160mm front and back.

[@rezenclowd3]

Personally even turbo with the full assist is too much. I have my eco at 10/20, trail at 40/60 and turbo at 60/80 in the app. I keep turning it down to be honest, makes it feel much more natural for tech, yet gets me further up.

[@jordanmackay3568]

Selling my Giga this time next year and getting this. Just need to get my mates to get them too

[@RAFSmartSam]

I have the orbea rise with 60nm perfect in every way.

[@Rnegade944]

I picked up my KSL Comp last night from Will Ride! Been testing then for a few weeks and I'm hooked. Will go well next to my Levo and Fuse

[@SamsBikes]

Good choice mate its a sweet bike for the right rider.

[@JoseCastillo-cn4dc]

very good review thanks

[@rudik5496]

Great review!

[@SamsBikes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@antoniolatorre6047]

Sam did you felt it was needed to replace the code brakes for Magura? I have a Levo full power and cannot handle optimally without Magura brakes?

[@thim8009]

Man, that's a sweet bike, but it needs the power and range like the rise. I just sold my levo sl expert and got a Gen 3 comp alloy. I took the extra cash and got a 170mm Fox 38 performance elite for it. Fortunately for me, I've been riding Sram brakes since they were avids. Guess we will see how the float x does. If I want more then I will have to hunt for a float x2.

[@SamsBikes]

enjoy mate... let me know how you get on with the Fox X I actually really like it.

[@davidhendrycks3115]

Sam how does the battery come out of the frame ?

[@strutstipher]

Bought a yellow expert and had to change the rims. They were sh-ubbish, second ride bent the rim, I I've now put on Enve rims with Industry 9 hubs and like you changed to Magura MT7's.

[@marekkremen852]

Hi, Im 178-179 cm, what size would you recommend? I tried S3 which was comfy, tried also S4 with shorter stem. This bike will be driven occaionaly also by my wife who is 175 cm tall. Normally I would go for S3 but many people/reviews say "size up, use shorter stem" so I´m really confused now....Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@miguelnavarro2571]

Hey Sam, proud owner of the same S-Works KSL here! Great review mate, but did want to pick your brain on a few things - 1) You mentioned having gone with Specialized's suspension calculator. Did you feel like the rebound was too slow? If I follow their recommendations for my weight (220 lbs) the rear shock moves like molasses 2) Did you mess with shorter cranks? Because of the dropper insertion problem I'm considering tinkering with shorter cranks to offset the need to keep pulling the post out to obtain optimal pedaling geo 3) On certain B-roll shots I've noticed you have the Magura 2 piece rotors. What size rotors are you running F/R and are you experiencing any rubbing out back? Long time follower and love the channel. Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work Sam! Cheers 🍻

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Miguel thanks for the kind words mate 1. No mate I actually like a slow rebound fro jumping so I normally slow it down. 2. I really wanted to put shorter cranks on but never got around to it. 3. I'm running 220 front and 203 back and no rubbing Thanks champ enjoy your beast.

[@rcferlic6992]

Nice review Sam. Can you tell your suspension setup? I have S5 S-works KSL. Thanks

[@SamsBikes]

its pretty hard to share Suspension because it really is for me... but here you go. Kenevo SL X2 225PSI 30% = 20.1 HSC 10 clicks = +5 LSC 18 clicks = +4 HSR 8 clicks +2 LSR 16 click = +6 Fox 38 83PSI 25% sag = 43.75 HSC 8 clicks= +4 LSC 16 clicks = +3 HSR 8 clicks = +6 LSR 16 clicks = +7 Tire front gravity casing 23PSI Rear 26PSI

[@rcferlic6992]

@@SamsBikes big thanks Sam. This setup is from close?

[@gingerb36]

If only you could fit an ep8 or similar motor, then I’d be tempted

[@davidgibbs6438]

Mate great review, I’m on the levo sl and Kenevo and I’m looking at upgrading. My question can you out perform both the Kenevo and Kenevo sl on the gen 3 levo?

[@SamsBikes]

thanks for the kind words mate.... 100% the Kenevo SL is the fastest bike I have ridden then the Kenevo then the Levo Gen 3.. The Levo Gen is magic not sure how they have done it but it rides way lighter than the 22kg it feels very different to the Kenevo closer to a SL feeling.

[@davidgibbs6438]

I’ve ordered a Kenevo but with all positive reviews on the gen 3 levo I’m not sure.

[@mesupersteezy]

hey Sam you tried the 2022 Kenevo expert yet ?

[@SamsBikes]

The full powered? Yes tried in 2020 same frame same geometry as the 2022 great bike I think I like the Levo more but

[@mesupersteezy]

@@SamsBikes ok just asking as I was thinking of tricking out the expert mainly changing it out to a 29 on a single crown with the option of remounting the 27s on the triple for park weekends mainly because of the initial reviews of the geometry but now you have put a question on that…what are you seeing in the Levo that takes you there ? Is the weight?

[@celineferdinand6944]

They only sell the SL models in Japan, not the regular models. So it's only the Levo SL or Kenovo SL. I'm about 6.2 and 110 kg. So I'm a big guy. I wonder if this Kenevo SL is going to be powerful enough for me.

[@chrissinclair3136]

im 178 and a ride an S4 Enduro and love the sizing. I think if I had the $$ for a kenevo id maybe go down to s3

[@laurenprincehouse]

A World of Difference

[@LeFloSound]

Hey. What do you think about the magic Mary + big Betty combination as super gravity version in 2,6“ on the Kenevo SL?

[@SamsBikes]

Hey mate I go magic marry ultra soft 2.4 front and gravity casing magic marry soft 2.4 back it’s seems the best set up for me! Big Betty is good I just find better edge grip on the MM

[@paulomoreira3147]

Does this bike,does trail tracks?OR IS a pain in mellow trails?How many km's ?

[@SamsBikes]

It’s a good enduro bike not bad as trail but the Levo SL is better trail bike!

[@TomB1236]

I am 5'7, do you think S4 would be too big?

[@SamsBikes]

Yes go for a s3

[@TomB1236]

@@SamsBikes thank you!!!

[@Mcfc2Rich]

Your KSL has gold on the virtual display 😱 can I get that?

[@markd7972]

Clamped on the top tube on a carbon frame

[@freespirit21372]

Im 5 ft tall will i fit this bike?

[@ENDUROIBIZA]

Did you prefer sl or siryon?

[@SamsBikes]

KSL hands down

[@superpaulsuper]

only 1500m on a 700wh battery?? something must be wrong as I do that on 500wh and I suck at cycing

[@SamsBikes]

That’s an extreme range test I do on all Motors so we can have a base line!

[@superpaulsuper]

@@SamsBikes I watch it again and I take my comment back. In fact you said 80 km and 1500 elevation. I do about 30 km 1500 on a 500wh

[@ringtoolDRIVER]

I don't believe that the Kenevo_SL in this configuration weigths only 18 kg. From my experience it should more 19,5Kg with pedals.

[@SamsBikes]

to be honest I havent weighed it

[@br5380]

@@SamsBikes WTAF? Presumably you didn’t actually measure any of the geometry you quoted either?

[@TheNandis67]

it is a great bike but it is a hell of a money.

[@chickenclips]

I should have bought one of these over my commie meta SX.... Fekking EP8 garbage