Specialized Levo SL First Impressions

On a recent visit to the Tweed Valley, I accidentally stumbled upon a Specialized Levo SL demo day.
I had been really interested in this bike ever since it was released as I genuinely think it may very well be one of the most pivotal bikes in recent year and could very well change mountain biking forever.
I urge people to go out and get a go on one if you get the chance, even if you hate Ebikes, I still think you should try one as it may just change your mind👍
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[@McTrailRider]

Filmed before the lockdown.

[@richardalexander7964]

Glad you said because you did mention coronervirus in the video which did raise questions?!!

[@pcarts232]

@@richardalexander7964 what on earth has a virus got to do with riding in a forest 🌳? You obviously STILL think this fake pandemic hoax created by the elite is ACTUALLY TRUE? Seriously take a look at yourself.. do you feel unwell ? No thought not

[@billderas3420]

Love my Levo SL. At 72, I don't downhill like you these days. But, with only Level 1 assistance from my SL, I easily survive the uphills to be able to ride consecutive days...makes me feel like 35 again...LOL

[@McTrailRider]

That’s what it’s all about Bill! Good to hear that you’re still out enjoying yourself💪👌

[@charcoalmallow]

Hey man! Were you consistently biking from 35 to 71? Curiously about of you get stronger as you constantly ride or will decline because of age

[@shaynewilliams727]

Good honest feedback! I feel exactly as you do about the SL. I purchased mine on the day it was first released and I honestly was having buyers remorse until I rode it for the first time I was afraid that coming from my Shimano E8000 I would miss the raw power as I consider myself pretty far out of shape. But to my surprise after my first ride that was 18 miles and over 1000' of climb I had around 30% battery without range extender left. I was getting exact same with my Shimano w/504WH bike. After many rides now... I would not prefer another bike over the Levo SL. Absolutely love the bike! Great video sir.

[@McTrailRider]

That’s good to hear, especially from an owner 👍 I reckon you just go a little bit slower and in 2/3 gears easier on the SL compared to a regular e bike on the climbs and that’s about it 👍 Everywhere rode the SL feels very much like a regular bike which is seriously impressive 👍

[@JoshJaneiro777]

You post these every time I’m about to go to bed (I’m in California) and it’s almost become a ritual for me to watch these and go right to sleep hahah. Love it man, keep up the great work!

[@McTrailRider]

Sweet dreams Josh 😜 Is difficult to figure out the ideal release time when there are people all round the world that watch 🤔

[@TAZMON20]

The Glentress Hotel is a real gem, stayed for 3 nights in September 2019, Alex, Murray and their team were sensational serving top food, hospitality and fabulously chilled Guinness, secure bike storage, tools and a jet wash are free to use, highly recommended.

[@McTrailRider]

100% agreed Gavin 👍 Such an excellent place to stay and dine, with a fantastic atmosphere 👌

[@zammo25]

"If the competitions is fun, I've won". Never really wanted an e-bike til I saw the SL.....now I'm thinking of body parts I don't need which I can sell to fund one. Great video and awesome line about winning fun.

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Alex, glad you get my humour 👍

[@TheSoldkall]

Best review of the SL so far, I will go for the SL now, due to medical conditions I need some help to keep up with my friends. Only concerned about the power is enough, but I see that it will, cheers!

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you found it useful. Is a great machine and I hope you enjoy it if you do go for one👍

[@PentagonalAntiprism]

Awesome review! Love the honesty and the fact that you still like it as an owner of a fully powered one makes me go out and buy one! :D

[@streddaz]

The Ebikes are getting to the stage now where I would seriously consider one myself.

[@McTrailRider]

Agreed, the speed that they have developed is really impressive 👍

[@philvella7536]

Thanks for the detailed and comprehensive review 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you

[@terrybarker4373]

Thanks for this demo as I'm on the fence with an ebike but I am looking towards the levo and that just looked fun

[@GuyKesTV]

I was worried when you were going to start talking about bike while you were riding them and do me out of a job 🤣 Nice work mate 👌🏻

[@McTrailRider]

Even if I tried to do the same as you, I would still have the problem of not having a clue what I’m talking about 🤦🏼‍♂️😆

[@GuyKesTV]

@@McTrailRider 🤣 I just make it up as I go along but don't tell anyone.....

[@darcyphillips70]

Brilliant, a really objective and balanced review... eBike snobbery is slowly diminishing I think and there’s room for everyone. I’m just mostly envious when I’m climbing and an eBike wafts passed me 😅

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Darcy. I think your right, more and more people are getting what e bikes are all about now. I’ve been passed many a time e bikes when I’m on my regular bike and it is a little bit soul destroying 😆

[@derekcomer4858]

Thank you for a fabulous review, I’m about to try one of these as it seems to be spot on for a first ebike.

[@McTrailRider]

Spot on indeed 👌

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Great review, really well ridden. I’ve got the 2020 Levo comp which is probably the best all rounder, but, increasingly I’m thinking if I was buying again I’d at least have to try the SL as I do like the idea of a noticeably lighter bike

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Marcus, it’s definitely a bike that needs to be demo’ed to be fully understood. I’m sure you’re Levo comp will do you just fine for a long time though👍

[@peterclarke3990]

Blimey, I’m still riding a hard tail! I’m so far behind technology, I don’t think I’ll ever catch up! Love this vid though Andrew, and have to admit, if I ever upgraded, then an e-bike seems to be the way to go. Less effort, more miles for sure. Still riding road on a Specialized Roubaix. Not sure if I will ever go electric there, but the way things are going, who knows. Take care out there my friend!

[@McTrailRider]

Do whatever makes you happy mate, that’s all that really matters at the end of the day 👍

[@mudmuncher90]

Thank you for the review I ordered one today my first e bike 😀

[@McTrailRider]

Nice! Enjoy man👍

[@brianblessedsbeard]

Been riding a base carbon model SL for a couple of months now. Swapped the fork for a 36 160mm straight away though as I thought it would suite my preferred riding better. Have managed a few 40 milers with around 5k feet climbing (no range extender, yet!) due to it pedalling so well (for an ebike) that you can turn the engine off on the flats and dh's. Overall I prefer the handling of the lighter weight compared to the Canyon Spectral On i have been using previously, it just feels more like a bike than a motorbike. Interesting times ahead for ebikes now that they are evolving!

[@McTrailRider]

You’ve went down the same I that I would take re the SL👍 Good to hear about the range and your experience.

[@chrisfontaine6221]

Epic stuff, has deff been my dream bike since it came out.

[@McTrailRider]

Mine too, the perfect do it all bike in my opinion

[@jimji2774]

Just a beautiful day for riding somewhere in the UK I presume ? I just purchased a Bulls Wildflow SL with the newer Fazua motor and am looking forward to putting it through some paces when our cold weather subsides. It should be in the same category as the Levo SL but with a little more power similar to the Orbea which is another option. I love how they handle on the pavement similar to a regular mt bike. Narrower tires as well make it turn lighter.

[@McTrailRider]

Weather was ok, but we can definitely get it better. The Fazua system is really interesting to me and I previously looked at getting a bike with it.

[@richthegasman]

Awesome vid mate, nice to see you back. I’m interested in one of these and will get it demod round hamsterley when lockdowns over. I traded my turbo levo in for a mega tower as I was sick of it braking down, multiple motors and connectors and not even water damage .looks so far the SL motor is more durable than the brose. I never had more than 80% assist, but I found the weight a hindrance at places like goodie/thornieelee .

[@McTrailRider]

Reliability has yet to be proven on the SL, but it does seem that they have spent a lot of time and resources on this new motor, so here’s hoping 🤞 I do think that this bike is what your after though.

[@tycojewel7979]

Crazy trails there. But such a helpful review for me here in New Mexico. Thank you.

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you found this helpful 😊

[@RodQTNZ]

Great vid. Expensive but put on XTR brakes, fox 36’s, AXS and 27.5 wheels. It’s now perfect. Starting riding again on the Levo a year ago at over 50, now riding almost every day and pimped SL the go to bike. Just enough power and almost a normal bike on the way down. Use the fat bike only on big climbs. Riding natural bike much more now too.

[@McTrailRider]

It would be great if they sold a frame/battery/motor package as I think many people would change a few parts over like yourself.

[@Extremegaz25]

Demo'd both the sl first and then the full power levo and loved them both, still riding my 19 capra and considering an EBIKE in 21. I liked the low weight on the sl and it wasn't much different to a conventional bike.

[@McTrailRider]

I agree with what you’re saying man, the sl is great for taking the edge of the climbs and helping you go that bit faster👍

[@donaldmaclean4918]

Good fun day out Andrew - enjoyed the bike a great deal

[@McTrailRider]

It sure was Donald 👍 Hopefully see you again soon mate.

[@donaldmaclean4918]

McTrail Rider - absolutely! Roll on end of lockdown

[@seantaylormtb7170]

Great vid again Andrew. I have the 2018 Levo carbon and a regular bike (lucky man with understanding wife!!!), as comment below both are great and have their place. I am wondering if Spesh will put the SL kit/tech into a Kenevo for next yr!! A lighter long-travel bike would be amazing i recon

[@McTrailRider]

Surely they will use the same tech for the Kenevo, that would be awesome 🤞

[@2508Nivag]

Great video mate, I’m riding a 2019 Kenevo which being fair is probably a bit more bike than I need 180 travel etc. I am however remarkably unfit so would worry the reduced power might leave me a bit behind on climbs abut then less weight etc. Defo try one if there are more demo days later in the year and I scoop a lottery win. Side note: Man I miss Glentress just now, can’t wait to get back.

[@McTrailRider]

With the SL I found that I could go just as easy as a full power e bike, but I would be going slower and pushing an easier gear. I know that may sound stupid, but it shows that the motor has some substance behind it. Glentress is awesome 👍

[@barrymccluskey4616]

Brilliant video as always mate bikes looked fun to expensive for me 😢😢

[@McTrailRider]

There’s no getting round the price tag, that’s for sure.

[@Killswitch73]

@@McTrailRider nobody pays full price for a specialized , ive managed to get 12% off the bike and extender from local dealer in carlisle even though they are 35 miles from me .could get 15% if traveled but im going to go with nearest to me . hopefully they look after me .

[@daboo2]

Helpful review. Thanks.

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you enjoyed it Dale 👍

[@ShawnBox]

Thanks for showing some uphill that was not a gravel road. Most of these eBike vids are basically riding up a fire road and then the downhill. Let's be honest, most 2K+ bikes are going to surpass the average riders skillset, so the downhill capabilities of a Levo or Heckler or Rail are going to cover 90% of riders. The technical UPHILL is where people struggle (asthma, age, fitness). Thanks again for showing some "real" trail ups.

[@russc5269]

Yeah I've noticed that specialised seem to use very short reach numbers compared to others. I'm only 5ft 8 and a bit inches lol and both hardtail and fullsus have 470 reach. I demoed a bike same manufacturer one frame size down and I didn't feel safe. Felt very on top of the bike. Nice vid, I can't wait to be able to get out and ride again. Weather been so good lately in the UK.

[@McTrailRider]

They are a bit shorter, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing on a regular e bike as the weight has less leverage on you. Weather has been frustratingly good since lockdown 😔

[@Speedtrip3]

Brillient....love yir vids man...at just a kick n the arse of 62yrs you have re sparked ma interest. Must get rid of those two 26 inchers in ma shed and get one of these Levo's. Im just concerned how much of an issue they might become, you know! like now drones are an issue ect once the masses get their hauns on them. got tae get a e bike.

[@McTrailRider]

Definitely get one 👍 Drones can be an issue if misused. E bikes are only an issue if you meet someone that doesn’t like them, off which there are getting less and less👍

[@HallMarc_Trails]

Looks like a decent option, i've nothing against ebikes, i've even been tempted on the occasions i've rode one, a luxury i can't afford at the moment, i would love one as an alternative, maybe one day 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Cost us often the barrier with e bikes to be fair. I wouldn’t have a regular e bike as my only bike but I would consider the SL.

[@slimacyt9883]

I find it cool that in your fort william with bkxc you said he inspired you but you inspired me 👍

[@McTrailRider]

That’s awesome to hear man 😊

[@crldnlc]

I Purchased the turbo SL carbon… I love it I’ve ridin it twice but now I am recovering from Covid LOL almost there

[@McTrailRider]

I wish you a full recovery man, and a whole load of fun on this amazing bike 👍

[@bjrnarkvalen7475]

Great video Andrew. Bought the Levo S-works 2nd gen at the end of the season, last year. Its such a awsome bike. Im not sure what I would choose if I had to choose now the SL is on the market. But I think id stick with my regular Levo, since I had some narly rides on snow this winter and the extra power from the Levo had been awsome to have. Cant wait for the snow to disapear though. (live in Norway)

[@McTrailRider]

Regular Levo would probably be best for snowy conditions right enough, plus you can run larger tyres too, which would help further. P.s Norway is beautiful 😍

[@paulmorris7682]

Great vid. Been seriously considering one of these, after a few of my mates have bought Levo's. Bought a Levo for my wife so she could keep up with me, but now she smokes me on the hills, lol. SL could be perfect for me

[@McTrailRider]

I had that same problem when my girlfriend got one, there’s no cheap way out 😬

[@davideadie2872]

I like the look of this bike for sure. Have the generation 2 levo and prefer it to previous ebikes but still miss the feel of normal bikes on the descents. This bike might hit the sweet spot. I hope that a more enduro orientated bike like this becomes available soon. Perhaps some of the better value brands will follow suit with this kind of half way house bike such as YT or canyon.

[@McTrailRider]

This bike is paving the way for future e bikes, and I like the way they are going 👍 This bike sounds like exactly what you are after, just maybe not at a desirable price.

[@brianbathgate4944]

Awesome vid man! I’ve got a 2019 Levo Comp and love it (now that I’ve changed the brakes, wheels, tyres, bars, stem and fork :-). Lucky to have a Nomad too, but using the Levo more... just all round fun. Reckon I’ll keep both for few years and wait for ebikes to hit the 15kg mark before changing ... will only be a matter of time.

[@McTrailRider]

Sounds like you’ve got the best of both worlds Brian 👍 Not sure if they will ever get to 15kg but you never know.

[@brianbathgate4944]

Yeah - most of my biking mates are still riding analogue so I’m ebiking solo. Reckon you’d sell the Deviate and the Levo and replace both with a SL? Personal choice I guess but I like both... horses for courses :-)

[@McTrailRider]

The Deviate isn’t mine to sell tbh. I would definitely sell my Levo to get one of these, but there is a slight money gap between what I’d get for mine and what I need to get the SL. I do have the new Deviate Highlander coming though, I’m sure that will keep me very happy 😊

[@brianbathgate4944]

Awesome. It’s an interesting point tho - the SL looks braw, I think it’s trying to be that perfect one bike... if you can use it fine without power you could use it socially with analogue mates... I’ve tried that with my full fat Levo and it doesn’t really work.

[@peterbeer4746]

Last year sold my haibike mainly because of the weight and it was like a tank when battery ran out, so went back to a normal bike which I love riding , but now some brands are making lighter e bikes with smaller engines and batteries looks like I may get another one in the near future and hopefully price will come down a bit , great vid.......

[@McTrailRider]

Those Haibike’s are definitely at the higher end of the weight scale😬 Take the price out of the equation and I think the Levo sl may be the ideal bike for you 👍

[@peterbeer4746]

McTrail Rider yeah looks like a great bike I liked the review that Rob did on his channel , hopefully they will come down in price, but will definitely have to get a demo day on one sometime

[@peeejayz]

Had my SL for nearly 2 months now. Totally love the SL, I think its perfect for everything, Only reason I'd want something more is if I was shuttling.

[@McTrailRider]

Good to hear positive feedback from somebody who bought one 👍

[@cncskn]

Why cant you shuttle with the SL?

[@montyjcm]

Have one. Love it! All the reasons I originally wanted an ebike. I found on my standard ebike (kenevo) that I dialed the power back anyways. So, this is more ideal for me at least. I am sure future generations will be more on trend in terms of geo (Enduro SL anyone...??), but it's pretty awesome

[@McTrailRider]

Good to hear 👍 Enduro SL would be awesome 👌

[@brewt1mer]

I did consider this bike but ended up getting the turbo levo comp which is awesome..

[@McTrailRider]

Couldn’t go to far wrong either way to be honest 👍

[@adambcvg]

They're a very interesting thing. Cut off is like hitting a wall on my Canyon, the 22kg weight is very hard work. Just need to get the price to a more realistic point.

[@McTrailRider]

At the moment we are paying for the R&D work that Specialized have put in. The price will come down with time👍

[@cncskn]

i tested the levo SL, the cut of is really smooth and you dont even notice it. With the epower turned off it nearly pedals as easy as my 12.6 kg 29hardtail. I really loved the SL feeling and the idea that a less heavy and less powerful ebikes could change the game. For me less power against more power with way more weight.

[@bikerdhill]

great first impressions video, I never rode an e-bike, perhaps I should try one, would like the assist for when the climbs give me jelly legs, and would need a bit assistance up the hill, lol

[@McTrailRider]

Scratch the itch man 👍 It may very well be the best decision you make! But then again, maybe not, only one way to know though.

[@Killswitch73]

I've just sold my Kenevo expert bud . I m ordering the Comp carbon SL with extender. will be parting it out with all the stuff off my stumpy custom thats got carbon wheels , full AXS , XTR 4 pots , Lyrik Ultimates and Ultimate coil shock . my only problem is sticking the magnet to my wheels on the direct mount DT swiss 240s hub .

[@McTrailRider]

Sounds like it’s going to be an awesome machine 👌 but yeah, that hub may cause you some issues with the sensor 😬

[@Killswitch73]

@@McTrailRider Sorted the Hub/magnet problem out ..= Planet3 with lockring . 2 birds with 1 stone .. my bike is at the shop in carlisle but they are waiting on the extender ..cant wait !!

[@5492sparky]

Interesting look at the SL Andrew. I've got the Gen 2 Levo along with my regular bike and think both are awesome and both have their place. I understand the Levo SL but personally for the cost of it I would go full Levo.

[@McTrailRider]

I am in a similar position to you, except my Levo is a bit long in the tooth 😜 I do agree to a certain extent. The Levo SL would be ideal as a one bike does all machine though, in my opinion.

[@AniiMaL_EU]

Do it! Get an eBike! First time I tried one was 2 weeks ago and it was an entry level Cube Acid HT and it blew my mind, I was a hater of eBikes at the start of the day and when offered a go I laughed and said no, however after the 5th time I was asked I buckled! Tried it and I've never looked back! Sold my bike within the week then ended up selling my 2nd bikes too 😭 but then I got myself a 2017 Levo, sold that to get a Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp 2020, best choice EVER! Ask your friend for a go or just accept the break of riding an eBike, it will change your life! DO IT!!!

[@McTrailRider]

Your preaching to the choir mate, had an Ebike for a few years now, I love em 👍

[@jgrange6705]

Great video mate.👌 Love glentress but it's been a while since I've been.

[@McTrailRider]

It’s a fantastic trail centre, plenty of excellent trails for all abilities👌

[@scotlandmyhome7484]

Love my SL, game changer for an old wanna be and more than enough power👍

[@deadagain9227]

Great Video, really enjoyed it. I wonder how the battery will hold up on heavier riders though, I understand that the motor uses less power so battery capacity is relative, but this may have different results for heavier riders compared to the full fat. I am 6ft 6 and about 18 stone and ride a 2019 levo comp carbon with a 700w battery. I did a weekend in wales just before the lockdown kicked in and burned through 90% of the battery in just over 20 miles with just over 3000ft of climb. I can get about 35 - 40 on normal local trails without the climbing. I never went in a higher mode than trail with default assistance settings. I ride a zesty as well, and would maybe like to do the "1 bike fits all" like you said, but I am thinking with my weight, the battery will run down very quickly if I even look at any hillwork, on normal trails I am sure it will be fine. When I come to change in a couple of years, I think I will give 1 a test ride to see.

[@McTrailRider]

You raise a good point man. The battery may be an issue for your situation right enough but there may be a way round it, albeit an expensive one. Specialized sell a 160wh range extender that fits into the bottle cage and only weigh 1kg. With two of them, (one in the backpack) your range would be doubled.

[@deadagain9227]

McTrail Rider , yeah but I wouldn’t like the aesthetics with a bottle cage battery, i just couldn’t live with it ! Shouldn’t bother me I know but it would cause some sort of OCD meltdown on me 😂

[@McTrailRider]

Dead Again I get it mate, I’m similar, I could do it but I would much rather clean aesthetics. In that case then, I don’t think the SL would work for you at the moment.

[@deadagain9227]

McTrail Rider I agree, I still struggle with the whole side arm design 😂....maybe on the next model I will look at it. I might try the ezesty as that is similar and I think you can throw a spare battery in your backpack. I really like the YT decoy but don’t fancy having to send it overseas for any issues....Specialized are hard to beat when it comes to aftercare

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Great Stuff 👌 buddy 😜🚴 for me Can't beat A Ebike my days off pushing Up the hill's are Over lol 🚴 would rather have fun gowing Up two lol look like you all enjoyed the ride out 🚴👌😜

[@McTrailRider]

You get it Taffy 👍 Twice the fun!

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

@@McTrailRider 😎👌👌👌

[@RichiesGreatOutdoors]

Hi Taffy, would you use a E.bike for bikepacking? As looking to do some on my channel but never used a E.bike.

[@martinhayes5087]

Roughly how long was that ride then? I was considering going for one of these, but went for a cube Stereo Hybrid action team instead, because spec against cost was a no brainer! Glad to have you back posting videos!

[@McTrailRider]

I annoyingly forgot to record this ride on Strava, but I remember someone saying that we had done over 18 miles and over 3000ft of climbing. I had about 25% left after without using a range extender and kept it in trail mode most of the time with turbo on the odd occasion.

[@martinhayes5087]

@@McTrailRider impressive! didn't think it would still provide that much range. Thanks for the reply and look after yourself 😊👍

[@stephemf]

great vid - thanks

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks for watching

[@biketothetop]

After having a 2019 turbo levo my buddy bought the SL and then decided it wasn't for him and traded it in to get a 2020 turbo levo. I guess SL didn't have enough power for him in Switzerland. It seems if I have conventional MTB and my 2019 Turbo levo expert, I wouldn't be happy with an SL unless I had plenty of money to throw around for a third bike, but something won't get used then.

[@McTrailRider]

I think your buddy may have become accustomed to the full power of the Levo. I can be hard to then adjust to the relatively low power of the SL afterwards. In your case, where you ride both e bikes and regular bikes, you wouldn’t have the same problem. However, you also don’t have a need for one for the same reason. For me, the SL would be the perfect one bike does all solution, but I can’t justify it just now, as I am lucky enough to have a full power Levo and a regular bike.

[@SF-wr4zn]

A couple of guys passed me on these climbing Glenlivet about a month ago. I had to double-take the bikes and said to the boys that either i was having a super slow day or these boys were on super stealth e-bikes...thankfully the latter was true. Definitely would consider one but it would worry me that riding one would compromise my overall fitness??

[@McTrailRider]

The integration on these bikes is fantastic, as you know it’s hard to tell that they are even e bikes. The fitness is totally up to you, you can set the assistance to whatever level you want depending on how your feeling or how much time you have. Overall fitness may very well go up, as you will almost certainly end up riding more often and then further when you do 👍

[@SF-wr4zn]

McTrail Rider that’s exactly what I’m thinking ...it’s all relative! You’re probably going to use the same amount of effort on the e-bike at the end of the day but you’ll just be able go further with the assist....win win 👍🏻👍🏻

[@bamboo1078]

Great review. Where are these trails they look great ?

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude, these trails are all in Glentress, just outside the town of Peebles.

[@RCMTB]

Cool test ;) 👏

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks

[@malcoms.3272]

imo cheeting is when you try and pull a fast one,no pun intended. i'm not that fit now so i can't wait for my levo to keep up with my oh so young, 40ish, mates.

[@McTrailRider]

😆 you get it 👍

[@everthingmtb8198]

Why so much hate for ebikes? I have both an ebike and normal bike, I still ride both as I feel you get different experience from each...this bike looks like something in the middle..

[@McTrailRider]

I’ve no idea to be honest, I think most people that don’t like them also haven’t tried them. This bike seems to be an ideal compromise 👌

[@benhinett]

What did you think to the 34 fork? I've heard a few comments about it being a little flexi

[@McTrailRider]

I didn’t have any issues with the flex on the fork but we were riding fairly easy trails at a sensible speed. I did find the fork show to react though, even set wide open. For that reason, I would probably change it for something better.

[@tomriley_bike]

Looking at getting one of these - how tall are you?

[@McTrailRider]

I’m 6’1

[@thekerryman]

@@McTrailRider You went for the XL not the Large?

[@onawave]

are these the same trails that lewis Buchanan rides?

[@McTrailRider]

Lewis does most of his riding around the corner in Innerleithen, but I’m sure he will ride Glentress too.

[@onawave]

@@McTrailRider between yourself and lewis, it actually makes me want to ride Scotland. trails look like fun.

[@McTrailRider]

Brook Ferguson good to hear Brook👍 We do have some great riding here 👌

[@pb2125]

What maintenance is need on the motor ?

[@McTrailRider]

No idea, still very new so hard to know. It’s a sealed unit and waterproof so should be good. If you do have any problems, I’m sure Specialised will look after you well. They have a good reputation for customer service👍

[@Oldfatbeerman]

Specialized have never been a good value for money option here in Oz . Not a chance I'll trade my Norco VLT2 for one anytime soon .

[@McTrailRider]

They are definitely on the expensive side of things.

[@lggc4952]

where is this place? thanks!

[@McTrailRider]

Glentress in the tweed valley.

[@lggc4952]

@@McTrailRider ohh in the north, how cold! Hahah 😅😅

[@tedgreaves5428]

Gan On Greg Lad

[@McTrailRider]

👍

[@chrissinclair3136]

miss glentress

[@McTrailRider]

Me too

[@mackellarboy7]

Do I get this bike for the 600th like 😂

[@davidmitchell2766]

Half a ebike is still a half for the same cost 😉

[@McTrailRider]

Half on paper maybe, every bit as fun as a full power ebike and somehow every bit as fun as a regular bike in reality, well, for me anyway.

[@Paulmtb]

Half the bike / Twice the cost.

[@McTrailRider]

You should try one

[@Paulmtb]

Going to be getting the Whyte e150s next Yr when they go down in price.. Wife would kill me / Divorce me if I even looked at that..

[@boneheadmck]

One more comment about ebikes. Amongst my friends, the first ebikes were for partners of riders who like MTBing but don’t like the grind. Those guys are now loving riding with their partners for the first time in years. Now it’s the gravity riders who are getting ebikes because they want to be able to do more laps in areas that don’t have uplift. As you say, they are here to stay and people should just accept them, even if they don’t want to ride them themselves.

[@McTrailRider]

Preaching to the choir here Frank 👍

[@boneheadmck]

Interesting to hear your SRAM comments. I’ve ridden three versions of SRAM on three different bikes and have never had a problem with them being noisy. Strange.

[@McTrailRider]

I’ve only used a couple of SRAM brakes that didn’t make a noise. To be fair though, it’s when the conditions are cold and wet, but that’s quite a lot😜