Specialized Kenevo SL Review: eMTB In Disguise | 2021 Summer Field Test

[@theonlymob]

Jason is an international treasure! He must be protected at all costs.

[@Alex-md6bu]

Someone want to tell that to pinkbike.... I'm not sure there is anything protective about doing all the Huck to flats they subject him to!!

[@ianmcmillan1333]

No BS from Praxis in their response. Fair play to them, these things can happen.

[@Phonophobia]

As someone who sells these bikes: Much appreciated indeed.

[@markwilson7013]

Do the carbon cranks only come on the S-Works?

[@Alex-md6bu]

@@markwilson7013 because they are an expensive way of saving not that much weight in a place on the bike where it makes less effect...... Brands will add value before marginal gains

[@andrewcockburn7484]

They basically said: it's was either made wrong or damaged before the test. I understand it's difficult to tell but would they have warranteed it for a customer?

[@Alex-md6bu]

@@andrewcockburn7484 as someone who works in the business it's disappointing to see, I have seen many a failures claimed they would be covered by warranty in reviews that do not get covered for customers in the real world. This is very difficult to prove one way or another but has reprocussions for the customer at the other end..

[@craigfrazee902]

Yikes, really glad Jason is okay. I respect the response from the crank manufacturer but wow that sure is some nightmare fuel. Better to happen in a paved lot with slo-mo than a 30mph jumpline...Has anyone ever seen an AL crank arm fail that catastrophically?

[@pdbaeta]

I had alloy that bent but that failure only comes on carbon it sucks, I ride the enduro 2020 carbon frame but components all alloy

[@jacobjanuary6666]

I’ve snapped alloy/steel cranks in half as well as my brother but that was bmx days.

[@BalamTryba]

i've seen hollowforged cranks split at the seam once and plenty of snapped cast cranks (although most of these were cracked for a long time before snapping)

[@th_js]

Everything will break at some point, but I've seen too many carbon cranks break to ever consider running them, unless it's a road bike. I somewhat like to be alive and I do not want to increase the risk of dying to save a few grams on the handlebar or cranks.

[@th_js]

@@RdspeedshopAuSTAYFAST But that's road stuff.

[@alstar300]

I've owned a Scott Ransom eRide 920, Orbea Rise H15, Gen 2 and Gen 3 Levos both alloy and carbon, Bulls Evo and a Trek EXe... ridden Trek Rails, Norco Sights, Mondraker Level R and YT Decoy.... This Kenevo SL if for me, the best one I have ever ridden. It is truly a motorized Specialized Enduro in capability but just enough power to erase most of the weight. So it feels and rides very close to an analog. I don't wish it had more power, but if I could have anything from my other bikes then I do like how quiet the Trek EXe was but it was vastly less capable.

[@timberknuckle8281]

This was a great review. Interesting at the end, when after the pros/cons, still rated as possibly best all rounder. Found you guys gave an honest and informative perspective. Cheers bruvs

[@jamble7k]

that's crazy the crank broke on the flat test..... imagine if you were in the mountains!!!!

[@bonfusious]

Would it really be that hard to put the metric weights on the screen when ever pounds are mentioned?

[@bill8791]

These bike prices are getting out of control. I'd love to understand a breakdown of costs and their margins because you can buy new cars cheaper than this.

[@Alex-md6bu]

Guarantee that is never going to happen haha

[@ChunkyCheeseBurglar]

I love how these pinkbike guys justify the crazy prices too…

[@Mockle07]

@@ChunkyCheeseBurglar They literally say they can’t justify the cost. Henry even said on another recent video he couldn’t justify a 10k bike.

[@Mockle07]

You can buy a car for less than you can spend on some watches... pointless comparison.

[@HarryKuloh]

@@Mockle07 looks like we got a price queen doofus who has spent 10k on a bike 😄😂

[@IronX77]

15k. Sounds good to me. Another root canal sir?

[@brucemacneil]

I have not managed to break the Praxis cranks on my e-bikes. 3 years on. Seems Henry wanted to move to Canada - Squamish - makes sense. My Kenevo rocks - and the new SL looks tempting.

[@OurCognitiveSurplus]

SL is life. A fitter person on an SL will keep up with a less fit person on a full fat, or close enough

[@Alex-md6bu]

I have a friend who went chasing some of his buddy's with e bikes on his downcountry bike and when the e bikers ran out of juice he went for another lap.... There is no substitute for fitness

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Outside of the insane pricing, the Kenevo SL hits lots of my wants in a e-bike. I am absolutely not looking for a 50+ lb tub of lard regardless of the extra power offered. However the conversation is moot in my area, as e-bikes are not allowed on any of the good trail systems.

[@ricktan5663]

Not allowed on trails... why is that stopping you? I have not seen that stop any of the e-bike riders in the trails that I ride EVEN though it is explicitly stated that e-bikes are not allowed. Its not like there are park rangers enforcing the regulations. Most of them are on fire-watch duty anyway.

[@superawesomefuntimego]

@@ricktan5663 Yeah it does not stop them. I choose not to participate in the douche-baggery because I prefer to not contribute to breaking the rules and potentially setting mountain biking back in my region for all riders just for my own selfishness.

[@smonnyfy]

Speaking of the 50+ lb tub of lard, you can see the cable disconnecting in the huck to flat

[@Primoz.r]

This is not 6-bar suspension, it's a standard horst link with a two piece linkage driving the shock. Remove the shock and the scissor links driving it and the suspension moves exactly the same as it would with the shock there. With the Yeti (a true 6-bar suspension system) removing any of the links will make the system flop in the wind - even removing the dogbone will cause the lower link, chainstays and seatstays to move around.

[@acarp4766]

that's why I'd rather ride a horse kink with a two piece linkage lol

[@RobHill00]

Just ordered the SL comp, got AXS on my old bike so that will be going on the SL, can’t wait to get out on it!😬

[@shemshem9998]

Quick question, why dont all ebikes have the option to buy smaller and lighter batteries (for E bikes with batteries you can take out of course)? That would allow you to make the heavy bikes lighter in compensation for lower range, this way you can just choose the right battery for the range and get the best weight too.

[@shemshem9998]

If I where to get a E bike for myself, I would def go for the SL, I have ridden some of those big e bikes, and I hated them so much, to the point that they are so bad downhill thst I'd rather do one lap on a normal bike instead of doing 5 on a E bike. But the SL might seem light enough to give it a proper try

[@youtubeviewer9523]

sorry man, but they are actually much faster... they roll faster and plough through chunk like a dh bike

[@shemshem9998]

@@youtubeviewer9523 yea that's true and I agree with that, and in a general just has way better suspension feel due to the extra weight. but sorry man, trails are usually not in a straight line and require you to actively load and deload the bike, and often it's not the straight-line speed that wins the race, its carrying speed through the corners, something that e-bikes are far worse at, plus have you ever tried a bunny hop challenge with an e-bike vs a regular bike? because i have, i go from about 50cm to something like 25. and like I've said, I've ridden both, I've ridden them on double black flow/jump lines, EWS trails, world cup DH trails, and the enduro versions of those bikes are faster than the E-bike versions, especially when you consider that the average speed is above 25km/h, at which point the motor stops the pedal assist. they are harder to handle, take more energy, you don't get as much out of them when you pump, jump, and turn, and harder to control through the corner and to slow down. so if e-bikes were faster downhill just because of their ability to plow through stuff, how come we don't see 20+kg downhill bikes as the norm in world cups? because they are slower. i also know pro riders who've ridden both on the same races, specifically the megavalance, and they too say that e-bikes are slower on those. but regardless of speed, they are just less fun down, they are not as playful and responsive as the normal bikes, with the normal ones I pump out of corners, bunny hop, manual, nose bonk, roost, etc through the entire trail, with e-bikes I find myself fighting the bike more than enjoying it.

[@nebnollock5198]

Saw one of these things at my local trails only a week or two after it came out, if I had to have an ebike this would be it but the price is mental

[@chrisbilsborrow9329]

This to me is the game changer of e bikes and just general enduro style riding. I am not really a fan of e bikes but after having a go on a levo sl recently, the low weight is what makes it appealing. Don't want to try and stop a 24/25kg bike down a steep hill, they just don't ride well. Wish more manufactures would look at a smaller light weight motor and battery setup. Not interested in flying back up the fire road at 100mph just want a bit of assistance to make it easier.

[@matthewlaw8268]

Wasnt keen on the Kenevo SL when I test rode one, bought a Trek Rail 9.8 instead.

[@andreaclaudiothony5597]

I had the same issue with the praxis carbon cranks on my s-works turbo levo on a small table in the bikepark. Praxis was so kind to replace it fast, but i think the cranks are just not made and strong enough for enduro or bikepark riding.

[@therealphilistein]

Their cranks aren’t great in any iteration. I took the carbon ones straight off as they’re not to be trusted. I’ve bent two of their aluminium crank arms - no issues since I put some Hope cranks on.

[@SiWos100]

They actually released the Kenevo sl Comp version a couple of weeks ago. So the Bike starts at 7.5k not 10k

[@gaud1977]

Already ordered one ☝️

[@chickenclips]

It's 9k. Not 7.5 Big whoop

[@gaud1977]

@@chickenclips you’re right 9K

[@chickenclips]

@@gaud1977 lol

[@DRSpalding]

Damn, I hope Jason hasn't messed up *another* ankle, or was this the same one he messed up a few years back? In any case, that did look like it hurt!

[@rolux4853]

Shit, this really scares me and I question continuing my praxis of hucking staircases with my carbon cranks

[@spuddo123]

That's gotta be the worst email a bike component manufacturer can receive - failure of a component in a bike magazine test

[@joer5023]

I can't believe there is no mention of the poor dropper post insertion 😮 that is a huge issue for descending and setting the right saddle height

[@shanesmith1]

Love how example and fact based these reviews have been. Gotta say though, have a hard time hearing Henry. Maybe needs a better mic?

[@SP-ss4uo]

Its a shame you only choose 3 ep8 motors and a lightweight Emtb. No bosch or brose motors. Dont you have Rocky Mountain up the road aswell

[@TheDavidjakeson]

Pretty honest answer from Praxis, I think...

[@rickybarker4023]

The people sending 15k on a bike has too much money. Don’t mind spending 6k on a normal bike but it’s getting crazy , Henry is a realist

[@kearnsmalcolm]

I have used many different cranks over the years and broken most of them. Being a test bike who knows how long they have been on the bike for, where the cranks have come from, and how have they been treated? I can say I have used PRAXIS cranks for a while now, even on some of my prototypes with no issues to date.

[@VadikRamm]

The saddest thing of it all is that 2022 Specialized Levo has also a very low amount of rear triangle failure which breaks in half while riding light trails. I'm wondering what are the latest trends in manufacturing products out of carbon.

[@nunyobizkneez]

well done series, but $15k USD for this bike? G.T.F.O.H Specialized.......NO Ebike is worth more than $8k...EVER...and thats a stretch in and of itself.....

[@crikmtb5338]

I think one of my friends are buying those I’ve ridden one and it’s amazing

[@tractionmountainbiking7023]

I’d love to know what life those cranks had prior? I’m a 94kg rider and have been rocking praxis crank for quite a few years trouble free.

[@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.

[@lopon12]

At the end of the day is it worth 15000gs?

[@ribinrobin8925]

When did Henry join pinkbike? Thought he was gmbn

[@thesupernad]

Kenevo would be great for someone that cant keep up with their friends on regular bikes but doesn't want all the power of a full e bike.

[@thesupernad]

Also axs shifter isnt made to work with the match maker clamp, it comes with a clamp that's further away from the bars.

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

Totally, but it's also good for those who want to just have one bike. Like one of the commenters said above, with it being so tunable and having the technology of setting your heart rate and having the bike work off of it, plus the lightness and responsiveness of the DH bike.. It's kind of hard to justify buying multiple bikes. Not saying anyone should or needs to, but if you need the money and can only have one bike. This checks almost all the lists.. I like my Levo but I wanna get the Kenevo SL.. I love the lightweight feeling of my Trance.. but also don't want to put my max effort of the descents. (personally) everyone is looking for something different in a bike.

[@feldybikes]

No climb test? Wondering how much less than the high octane e bikes.

[@piciu256]

It's a lot lighter, but less powerfull, while the others are limited to 250 watts, this is 200 if I remember correctly, if you assume a 20% lighter rider than average, could he theoretically keep up with the big bikes on a fireroad climb? (discounting range ofc.)

[@nasromilano8109]

What size is the rear wheel axle?

[@TeddyParker]

I think the range extender is just for people who are throwing on a hydration backpack and doing a long day anyway. Not defending decisions on a 15k bike at all, just saying they made this bike for a niche. And that niche is people wanting to do shorter more aggressive rides on a lighter bike with a motor. And it's pretty clear that the niche works. Especially so long as it remains a niche, and other brands aren't quite cutting it on the scales. The only shame is that it's too loud to trick the authorities. Here in Los Angeles e-MTBs are starting to be banned left and right. Due to over use of trails/trail maintenance. If there was a way to turn off the motor and not have an obvious noise come from it, this would be the Southern California trust fund baby's go-to bike...

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

I haven't had any issues in San Diego/OC/Riverside what so ever. I mean I just don't see how they eat up trails.. they aren't throttle controlled and you're just as likely to spin out on lose stuff without the assistance. I do see that more people will be on the trails though, but I can't see how that would lead to them being banned... Like banning Nikes from the trails cause they made hiking more popular and accessible. lol.

[@KiwiInGermanyMTB]

For 15k id want titanium cranks ha

[@discmotoslots]

that was gnarly ankle kinkage!

[@Ryan_Burney]

remember to replace your carbon cranks after every rock strike kids! lol. so only 20 times per year.

[@ThunderousProduction]

Aluminum cranks would make it cheaper and not such a safety hazard. If a rock strike unnoticed in testing can remove full crank integrity then i'd say that crank design needs to kick the bucket, break an ankle you get the point.

[@brennanbeltrano295]

Ha! My coil-sprung 2020 Enduro comp with dh casing tires weights 41lbs!

[@mindless4426]

In my experience the motor sound disappears after some 2 thousand kilometers which you get in quite fast. For the expert model they could have put in a GX drivetrain and up the rear shock to factory. Hubs have has side play out of the box. 60mm Stem? come on... Got a super super deal on the bike because no sane person would pay 11K for that. If you derestrict it can help achieve god speed on some mellower and blocked descents.

[@vtecmossy]

So 15k for a kenevo Or 11, 800 on a 2022 Honda crf 450 Hmmm seems i am getting a dirt bike 😂😁

[@ewan3928]

course some lil jdm fanboy would say that

[@ihatefsi]

@@ewan3928 bro if coils get an e bike of dirt bike I’d pick the dirt bike all day

[@vtecmossy]

@@ewan3928 Dame ur names so terrible I best not slag it seem like a 2000 snowflake name

[@ewan3928]

@@vtecmossy think im a snowflake ? funny

[@klstrucker930419]

How much does Jason weigh?

[@deeplato5647]

*BLOWIN' SMOKE out of my Big Hairy PRAXIS*

[@59trevski]

Think you would just get the Yeti 🤔

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

I buy a lot of bikes. I have and enduro with axs and 38 factory, enve wheels…basically everything. I would never spend 15k when other bikes aren’t that much difference for $8000

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

@@pauljenningslikesbikes very cool. I will give it a shot. It definitely helps if your buddies ride SL’s as well.

[@pinoyurbantactical3374]

Big bike small battery and price almost the same as the bigger power? its pathetic excellent reviews!😀👍👍

[@strutstipher]

I bought the Expert and buckled the Roval like putty rear wheel straight away (third ride) and am now awaiting a new set of non Roval wheels. While its in the shop I'll get the brakes upgraded to Shimano. Other than that I like the bike, but didn't expect the extra expense.

[@Chakma20022]

Price range

[@adderall4449]

I'm finding it harder and harder trying to justify why bikes are so expensive to customers, puts many people off

[@vomErsten]

Until people stop buying them at these prices, the trend will only continue.

[@alextokmakoff6521]

Damn praxis not a good look

[@absolutemtb6696]

Ho knows that intro song?

[@clum84]

The man has ankles of steel.....thankfully not carbon!

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

The Levo SL comp is 6500. The Kenevo will go down. The comp is 9k as it is. A regular good bike is 5-8k. What is crazy is non ebikes bing 4k+.. Shit the lowest Trance model from Giant is 3k after taxes.. That is the LOWEST full suspension trail bike you can get...

[@TheBen418]

this bike is made for old ripper that want to keep up with young guys with regular bike! it's what i do! lol

[@ethansumsion4225]

Woah!! Guess I’m selling my kidney now

[@dkbaxxus]

same crank crack happend on my 2022 S-Works Levo, ended with a separated shoulder. and specialized give a shit about!

[@stevenschiff808]

I do not hear my EP8 noise anymore, I am use to it and it does not bother me at all.

[@vtecmossy]

What 🤔Sorry I couldn't hear u over the rattles from my motor 😁😂

[@Mcfc2Rich]

Wish you'd review the basic models. I know specialized offer the best but even you lot wouldn't be buying that S works

[@JogBird]

the basic model is $10k

[@Mcfc2Rich]

@@JogBird £7k I've got one

[@ChunkyCheeseBurglar]

Praxis cranks are trash…

[@therealphilistein]

Absolutely. Especially the carbon ones. At least the aluminium ones just bend. Forums are full of Levo SL owners that have snapped Praxis crabon cranks. Not to be trusted.

[@kangsterizer]

"mike, which kind of dentist is this bike most suited for?"

[@gorishokgo5825]

10 k bike with bs cranks :)))) lol

[@sjaan7370]

Carbon fails again... f-carbon! That said, I have carbon headset spacers 😁

[@minhthang0811]

Great bike , rides smooth kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L I added a bigger spring loaded seat to it . Takes a bit of adjusting cables to get brakes and shifting to perfect . I've owned quite a few bikes in the past that were absolutely uncomfortable to ride and they always ended up as garage wall decor . I'm not seeing that with this one. It's pretty light I've only ridden it a few miles but I like it . As for the pedals falling off in the other reviews , the pedal arms are aluminum along with the pedal studs look to be also . I would not overtighten them. I can see it would be very easy to overtighten them and strip the threads right off . All in all I think it's pretty good quality besides the aluminum pedal thing .

[@kaseyburlingham2861]

Carbon always breaks!

[@esdubya]

Con these drop in price like a 3rd world currency. I’ve seen specialized ebikes for sale on the second hand market for less than half the price of new not even year old.

[@zmiller1840]

They will all go this way, no one will want to pay $6,000+ for a used bike that they will have to replace a $1,000-2,000 battery. Meanwhile new ones will come down in price as they become more common. Early adopters better make it a keeper.

[@Riley880]

Orbea Rise comes in at 36lbs upgraded at around 10k$ that is a true unicorn e bike.

[@rodrigopages1054]

Completely different bike dude that’s a trail ebike

[@Riley880]

@@rodrigopages1054 You can get it with long travel suspension, and a coil fork

[@rodrigopages1054]

@@Riley880 you'll still not get the same downhill performance out of that orbea vs what you'd get with the kenevo SL tho...

[@HaveFunBikes]

TIME CLIBING, WITHOUT POWER!! but full weight.

[@jkm8089]

Orbea Rise much better motor and very well rounded..and cheaper

[@gaud1977]

but the rise is more of a trail bike than an enduro bike.

[@jkm8089]

@@gaud1977 Agreed, but was referencing all around point as with fox 36, DPX2 and decent geo, to me a great all around choice. Can also mullet with coil as well. All good bikes for different people.

[@cdwag23]

Haha who needs water when you have a range extender

[@OktaFierce]

What happened to the crank? Carbon happened, again. Stop buying that junk.

[@mathewhumvee]

So a 3-5K bike and another 10k in electronic. Got it

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

It's probably more like $150 in electronics, $250 in batteries, $100 in certification for the motor, and the rest is simply markup.

[@Mockle07]

The suspension and drivetrain alone retail for over 4k, add in about 2k for wheels and tyres plus brakes, AXS dropper and all other components etc. and your at over 8k before you even start talking about frame, battery or motor 🙄

[@kylelanning5856]

Disgusting. The supposed highest performance bike parts can't handle people actually riding them. Of course there's little warranties. The middle aged dentists buying these obviously don't ride them how they're advertised.

[@ponchopunch2348]

trigger warning

[@richardromero6722]

So expensive!! What a waste of money

[@MrSmoothasf]

That chain is slapping the floor 😂 beautiful looking bike but I'm not spending that money

[@maximilianlanik7343]

Sometimes i felt like These 3 Guys cant Stand eachother...

[@celynjones4958]

Now release a non-dentist version 👍🏻

[@gaud1977]

There is a Comp version for 7500 usd

[@chickenclips]

@@gaud1977 9k!!!!

[@celynjones4958]

@@gaud1977 Comp = Dentist's assistant

[@gaud1977]

@@celynjones4958 hahahaha

[@_Vicarious]

I really don't get this bike. Compared to a normal bike, you add a weak motor that only balances out the added weight = a normal bike that cost more.

[@gregorygriffin6358]

Pole

[@basicwrc]

That looked nasty

[@luizfishing7438]

Redicilous pricing. Specialized is making 10k profit out of it from idiots buying this bike that’s for sure.

[@Mockle07]

10k profit! 😂😂🤦🏼‍♂️

[@MrGogogordo]

Praxis stuff SUCKS!

[@eBikerHowie]

For goodness sake Henry... SPEAK UP AND SPEAK CLEARLY!

[@ryansmith7974]

He's doing just fine. If you have a problem make sure to send a shit sandwich not this double negative bs. Layer your comment positive/negative/positive. Thanks for being you, don't be a dick, you have a point.

[@joshhansen556]

Third

[@Nono-us6zg]

im early