Specialized Mastermind TCU work with older Gen 2 Levo, SL, Kenevo? - New bike computer compatible?

2022 Gen 3 Levo Mastermind TCU bike computer work with Levo, Levo SL and Kenevo? Check our compatibility test and review here. If you have a Levo SL extender battery installed, it displays 150% for battery level. Check out the mountain bikes and e-mtbs at Jenson USA - alnk.to/gKJjeJk

[@Swaggerlot]

Cool, you've answered the first question that came to mind when I first saw the Levo 3 reviews.

[@MtbrVideos]

Glad I could help! This is key information right now and it's good to be clear so the current customer is more informed.

[@mcicutto]

Your RC Car videos are great ND that carries over to the MTB world as well. Thanks

[@21SpielSatsSieg21]

Would buy this instantly for my 2020Expert! Really really cool feature!

[@sapyproducts]

That’s great. I’m glad it’s compatible. I think it’s something I would get to upgrade if my current one stopped working… if the price isn’t ridiculous though. Thanks for sharing!

[@georgenorco]

Earned my sub with this one - thank you for your experimentation and sharing!

[@MtbrVideos]

Thanks for the sub! Yes, we aim to deliver some insight.

[@Combat556]

I have a 2019 Carbon comp Levo, and I will happily upgrade when available.

[@oscarsosa4609]

This is great news. I will upgrade if price is reasonable. I just got a based model 2021 and that new TCU looks like a great addition.

[@MtbrVideos]

Right? Makes the Levos more competitive! The TCU is really awesome to use. Not obtrusive but all the dat is there when needed.

[@thepalmpilot3g]

I really hope they offer this officially and make it a thing. Thanks for the video

[@LUEO103X]

I'm purchasing a 2022 Turbo Levo Comp Alloy, and it does not come with the TCU-2 Mastermind Controller; however, I will replace the stock controller when they become available. I would put the max amount I'm willing to spend at $600.00, I'm not sure it would be worth it to spend more than that. Great video! Thank you!

[@motodirthead]

Thank you for testing this. I would definitely pay $200 to upgrade.

[@MtbrVideos]

For sure, at that price, most Levo owners will get it.

[@williammitchell6921]

Thanks for the great info. I have an gen 2 levo sl. I don't see the Mastermind available for sale yet. I'll check with my LBS. In the meantime, my Garmin Edge 830 gives my my battery remaining info as a % down to one degree. The Garmin also talks to my AXS derailleur and tells me what gear I'm in and tells me what time it is, of course. It does not however tell my my AXS battery remaining. But it does give me a "critically low" battery level warning.

[@jesmor3]

Did you find out how to buy the mastermind spare part?

[@jackcoul3713]

Thanks for the info Francis, as always you do great videos. I would defiantly pay $200.00 for this upgrade for my Levels

[@MtbrVideos]

Right on. We're hoping for that price as well.

[@MrBradbury001]

smashed the TC1 today, although i was able to glue it back together it would be nice to replace it with this new switch and display, fingers crossed it isn't too much more expensive than the current switch.

[@robertshorey3426]

When I saw your video 3 years ago I was excited. Now these devices are finally available. Can you update your video to show how to install and update these devices to operate on LEVOs and Creos would be useful.

[@richardcastillejos2534]

Hey, it’s the RC car guy! So cool!

[@seattlevkk]

Thanks for posting. You made my day. I hope it will be $300 or less. Above seems like too much. While not as nice for sure I have a TCD which pairs with my HR monitor and kinda works. However, I'm sure they will improve this with new software. I've heard rumors of anti-theft protection for example. So that's an advantage that the bike stays new for a while with latest features ( like a Tesla :) ).

[@MtbrVideos]

Yup. We hear this pairs with an HRM. It's not perfect and viewing position is not ideal but the fact that it's bulletproof and in a a protected position is key. Always charged too and displays so many ebike specific info!

[@billderas3420]

Fantastic news Francis. I was wondering about this myself. One thing to still be determined is if the Mastermind TCU can also monitor the optional 160wh supplemental battery on the Levo and Creo SL models. Maybe it would show 150% for that dual battery setup when fully charged. Many thanks again for being the Mad Scientist!

[@pe3117]

Nice question 👍

[@MtbrVideos]

Let me test that right now.

[@Brad-jf6uq]

Any updates on the SL second battery compatibility. Thanks!

[@MtbrVideos]

Ok, it works with the SL Extender battery. It displays 150% and works down from there.

[@billderas3420]

@@MtbrVideos Francis, My hero! Thanks again for being the Mad Scientist! LOL

[@terptv710]

Great news, will have to get it obviously, the kenevo will look the business ✌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@MtbrVideos]

Right? The Kenevo with the Marzocchi suspension is already one of the best values around. This will polish it off.

[@terptv710]

@@MtbrVideos I'm well happy with it got it in September and just hit 1k km Went for the comp fined the 500wh is more than enough for a downhill session. Triple clamps makes switch backs more difficult the marzocchi is basically the fox performance, as you say great bang for buck, the bomber cr coil is still holding up aswell. I've done loads of upgrades and many more planned I'll just add this to the list. 🤘🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@robnelson4869]

Great video! Thank you 🙏 I’m riding a 2021 levo comp and am in the process of purchasing a 27.5 rear rim. Have you mullet a 2021 yet?

[@FireTwo]

This item has since gone on back order with Specialized thanks to this video 😅

[@MtbrVideos]

There was simply no way to keep this secret as this is on FB groups and forums post this info and every shop and bike owner with a Gen3 Levo has access to trying this.

[@FireTwo]

@@MtbrVideos Don’t suppose you got a part number

[@jglezmar]

Thanks for the info and nice video! One question; what about the SN info of the bike and all the info regarding the odo. It is not stored in the original TCU? Can you still see that through the Mission Control?

[@adampalka1245]

This is really cool. If the pricepoint is not to high (150 / 200 € ) i would buy one for my levo sl

[@pedros.6809]

Well TCU Version1 is about 170 Euro,...... if they ever sell Version2 to us, its propably double that price... webshop.bestbike.de/us/specialized-my19-levo-fsr-turbo-connect-unit-kit.html

[@MtbrVideos]

We appreciate your input. That is indeed a good target price.

[@goride365]

So could this just replace the gen 3 levo comp alloy tcu without the screen? Thanks for the stellar vids!

[@blackflys999]

I love this part, 200$ is the best price to buy 👍🏽

[@stratos9914]

Great videao! I was looking for these info since while ago! I have the 2020 Turbo Levo SL S-works. Can I upgrade? Where can I find the new tcu? Thx a lot!!

[@Charles-iu8xz]

Hello Francis 😊we like your specialized videos here in Lytham st.Annes Lancashire on the Levo and kenevo do you think the tcu would work with my 2019 kenevo if I could retro fit it to my top tube it’s got the newer brose motor and harnesss. Also you Seam to be clued up can you think of any way to have a twist throttle as well. I’ve geared up my front chain ring and deretricted it it feels like it could be geared up more I’ve been considering a hub gear system with no derailleur probably enviolo with the auto change and override giving unlimited ratios etc. would a range extender give me more power as well as range. I think it would be one awesome build!!

[@kulas_baki4133]

Can you do a video on your levo sl using the gen 3 TCU riding? Im curious to see if the software is compatible. That would be intresting

[@rod2emmaus]

Great video Francis! Specialized is the Ferrari of Mountain Bikes

[@MtbrVideos]

They're not exclusive like Ferrari but they've managed to create a premium line called S-Works. Their ebikes are some of the best because they started about 10 years ago and they have an independent engineering team in Switzerland that is free to think, evolve and produce innovative products.

[@llewellynrossouw5584]

Very good video and nice to know this.Please be so kind to test this on the creo sl expert model for me or any creo sl model.Wonder if it will work on them.Thx

[@woodpecker6452]

I did not find where to add screens and data points on mission control, the manual was not helpful please help

[@Esteb858]

My Garmin 530 displays my Shimano Steps ebike battery in percentage along with many other data points like cadence, speed, power mode and also real time percentage of assistance the motor is providing.

[@MtbrVideos]

Cool. For Specialized, Garmin only displays Mode and battery level. The Mastermind can also display range, range trend, motor mode on every screen, rider power and motor power in watts.

[@Esteb858]

@@MtbrVideos yeah the Garmin provides estimated range that varies between power modes and recalculates as the ride goes on depending on how much power you’re using along with the terrain you’re riding. I also have my Sram AXS derailleur connected to my Garmin to display what gear I’m in. I have the main screen displaying battery percentage, power mode, real time motor assistance percentage, derailleur gear indicator, speed and heart rate. I have my second screen showing me all the other data sets like distance, elevation, range, cadence, time duration, average speed, blah blah blah. There’s so much data it can get overwhelming lol

[@lambertoangeli6321]

Really great news!!! Thanks a lot for this video that gives me so much hope because it is the first thing I thought when I saw the presentation of the new Turbo Levo 2022 3rd generation! Being able to upgrade my new Turbo Levo Comp M5 2021 with the MisterMind TCU 2.0 would be awesome! But I would like to ask a few questions: 1) Is it enough to just unplug the two connectors of the old TCU and plug in the connectors of the new MisterMind TCU 2.0 or do I need to do something else (e.g. reset, configuration, etc.)? 2) Do we already know the part number of the replacement part? 3) When will Specialized release this spare part? And will it be sold directly and only by Specialized or will we have to look for it only through online retailers? 4) Will it also be available in Europe? Thank you very much!!!

[@MtbrVideos]

Hallelujah indeed!

[@MarbellaGardens]

Thanks

[@MtbrVideos]

Welcome

[@mcridr08]

I would definitely be interested. The $200 range and if it works with my 2021 Turbo Levo Comp.

[@MtbrVideos]

Same here!

[@ivanapapic4158]

Does it work with turbo levo comp 2021?

[@renes747]

I just talked to Specialized support as I’m looking at buying a Levo Turbo Comp Alloy. Surprisingly, for $9k CDN, it doesn’t have the mastermind. Seems like a big fail. I asked them If I could upgrade and they said they are aware that people have done it, but said future updates could brick the bike. I don’t know if that was a threat or a warning. But doing this comes with risk.

[@1975supermike]

Bad news is its not sold separately ? Still watching lol

[@JC-hh6uz]

Thanks for the video. I called Specialized and they told me TCU2 is not compatible with my 2021 Turbo Levo Comp.

[@MtbrVideos]

It is not sold and not supported yet.

[@JC-hh6uz]

@@MtbrVideos Thank you 🤙🏽

[@mimo98]

Good video and good news

[@MtbrVideos]

Yes it is. We all deserve a little.

[@markzuelke9319]

A friend of mine tried it in his 2019 levo. It wouldn't work riding it, it went into limp mode.. only way to update software was if you owned a newer Levo to use that bike. Then swapTCU back to older levo.

[@thewelshwonder1965]

It’s not backwards compatible, I’ve asked at my local specialised dealer and the actual tcu is linked to the bike’s serial number, has anyone seen one for sale that’s not on a gen 3 bike? I very much doubt it

[@thim8009]

I'm interested, but Maybe next year might get a comp if they are to much money then might mullet mine shorten chainstays swap to cascade link throw on a coil and look into mastermind. I would like to swap motor and tcu when my motor gets enough miles.

[@MtbrVideos]

Good plan.

[@Surfcentertarifa2014]

defo would go for 300€ max... nice update !

[@MtbrVideos]

Backwards compatibility is a rare but welcome surprise these days.

[@rednekroketsci]

I talked to my local Specialized Shop and they said this swap is not an option. Seems like they may be locking this out with software.

[@qfx125]

Hi there where do you buy the gen 3 tcu display from as I’ve got 2021 bike but want new display

[@atompilot9179]

Any chance you have any updates on the Mastermind TCU availability? Thanks

[@sdigsy4414]

Awesome news 👍

[@MtbrVideos]

Cause we all deserve some.

[@TheOrangep7]

It’s a great idea from specialized and cheap too. it’s coming in at only £2500.

[@Luke-qy8db]

I’m told by Specialized this will not work / is not supported. Please can you update with anyone that has it working reliably?

[@anthonytomich4975]

Tried and received a change component update and would not allow new tcu

[@sodadavide]

So where can I buy this product?

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Great video. Do you know if the 2022 motor will fit in the 2020 turbo Levo Comp?

[@MtbrVideos]

We have no doubt that it will. Whether Specialized allows it or not is to be determined.

[@luigidimarco9347]

Ok... quindi nel video , è stato smontato da una 2022 e provato ?

[@d.bruceday1274]

Great video. Any further updates now we are in 2023 on doing this swap? I have a 2022 Turbo Levo Comp Alloy and would love to upgrade to the Mastermind TCU. Specialized still seems to be denying this is possible, also saying a swap would void the warranty and future firmware updates could lock the Mastermind TCU from working on bikes with Serial #s not made for the Mastermind? A couple of other questions 1) in doing this swap did u find that there was full functionality in the phone software? For example could you setup the different Mastermind screens using your phone after you did the swap? How did u update your phone functionality which would hv been different with the original TCU to match the new Mastermind TCU? 2). The original TCU requires a battery change when the battery dies. The Mastermind TCU does not require a battery. My understanding is that the Mastermind TCU works off the main motor battery in the bike? In doing the swap was there any wiring modifications or did the swap of the Mastermind TCU wiring match that of the wiring of the original TCU? 3) Was any functionality of the Mastermind TCU limited in any way from a Mastermind TCU that comes with one of the factory installed higher level more recent Specialized bikes? For example you illustrated that in startup an error message comes up stating component swap. Is there anything else functionality or software wise or anyway that might be different from one of the bikes that comes with a factory installed Mastermind unit? 4) Do you know where it might be possible to get a Mastermind TCU today and how much they would go for if I wanted to get one? Thks again for a great video.

[@tcolley]

All great questions but it’s clear this won’t be happening. Even if it was logical from an opportunity perspective (it’s not) the risk and liability they would inherit is a dealbreaker

[@c99pnn]

I tried to swap it to a 23 Levo carbon. 2 min swap. No issues. Everything works. Just the warning screen at startup remains.

[@Nandox7]

Is it available now to purchase? Can't find it.

[@thee-bikeandacousticrider]

Does anyone know if this will work on the Creo's? My original TCU has failed and the shop said it will work?

[@ericmin7645]

is that a canyon spectral ON: 9 in the back i see? @ 6:17???

[@carl_thunder]

So this upgrade will work on the 2020 Turbo Levo SL Comp?

[@matthewnorwell5353]

are the mastermind displays available now? thank you

[@srsj410]

I put it on a Kenevo 2021, and works, but dont change Screen.

[@sodadavide]

it's possible ti install on turbo levo 2020?

[@V8LC100]

Is this available yet and how much is it?

[@theyreallnamedgeorge6997]

SOOOOO where or how can you buy it??

[@fuellerr]

Does anyone know if these are for sale I've been looking and can't find anything

[@cayleprice]

Can anyone confirm that they have updated to the Mastermind on the new Levo Comp Alloy?

[@vin374]

I’d buy it

[@MtbrVideos]

Same.

[@Genovese777]

Great Job, man!!!, you've covered one of the questions of "old" Levo owners)), however would be great to know if deristrictor(speed limiter lift device) like levociraptor will also be functioning paired with that pretty toy?)

[@MtbrVideos]

Levociraptor? What a cool name. We'll probably not cover deristrictors though.

[@francescoferri9783]

Someone knows the spare code numbers of the part ? I can't find it on the web

[@paulscarbro8167]

Will the new TCU work with previous versions of the Turbo Vado SL 5? According to their website, it doesn't!

[@marcioantoniofracaroli5273]

can you tell if this TCU works on turbo levo 2022? and where can i buy it?

[@riccmy3354]

I can install it in the specialized turbo levo SL?

[@javiercolon2274]

You know if this works on Turbo Levo 2019?

[@soul2310]

Any news about this? i heard it wont be backwards compatible anymore due a firmware update.

[@toolboxwars605]

Can confirm it's now not backwards compatible...

[@mrjapanimeniac]

what about the motor unit? .If i break another Bose unit can i replace it with the new motor and casing? ....price wise for the display can not surpass a Garmin unit or Wahoo, unless maps are available. If payment to replace the whole motor area is an option i would pay ....definitely! with all that protection is worth it

[@MtbrVideos]

Very good question. We've asked Specialized the same question. the improvements done on the Gen3 motor would be good for a Gen2 warranty as well.

[@__marshie]

My Garmin gives me all this already and its a free garmin app. Computer is in a much better position to view when riding as well.

[@pe3117]

I have a Garmin too...but I love how the new display looks and my Bike is 2021 brand new

[@MtbrVideos]

Cool! The Mastermind can also display range, range trend, motor mode on every screen, rider power and motor power in watts. And the mastermind turns itself on, is always charged and is controlled by buttons near the grip.

[@__marshie]

And is unnecessary and I’m guessing expensive.

[@georgenorco]

@@__marshie Necessary for those that are interested in having additional information about their ride metrics. Unnecessary for those that don't. I remember a day when folks called e-bikes unnecessary since most folks have a perfectly good set of legs on them. (:

[@juancarlosc.c.8565]

Where can I get this mastermind?

[@mikebeattie976]

Will it work on a creo

[@kirbyclone3293]

The 2022 base and comp models finally came out. Unfortunately, they do NOT come with the new computer. I am so disappointed! You have to get at least the comp carbon to get the new computer……

[@tll39564]

Is it compatible with the Vado SL 4.0?

[@CABEZAS50]

Where I can buy this new display ???

[@devinallen2815]

So now the other big question: will the gen3 motor work in my 2019 Levo? In other words, when my motor dies like most have done, will they replace it with the newer motor?

[@MtbrVideos]

That is a good question. We asked Specialized about it and we'll see. They're constrained by inventories and supplies on hand we suspect.

[@thehybridoffroader]

silly question since he's just doing this swap....duhh

[@damronatkins1542]

I think $150-$200 would it be fair. Need Specialized to endorse the upgrade as my 2020 Levo falls into the extended 4-year warranty.

[@MtbrVideos]

It would be cool if they gave you one of these after your motor fails and is replaced.

[@srrtbb]

Es, I'd pay $100 for this diaplay. There's a company in Australia by the name velociraptor. Is a hack tcu master and it is insane from what I read. But is $350 aud, but seem worth it for what it does!!!

[@TheFridaysnight]

Blevo app already does this and more ,and gives you a map and records where you have been .

[@vin374]

Who wants to keep a 1k phone on the bars?

[@MtbrVideos]

We have Blevo and although good info, this is seamless and part of the bike, controlled by the existing bar buttons.

[@walterwanabe]

Hope the battery has fantastic longevity because it looks like the whole unit must be replaced when the battery will no longer take a charge.

[@MtbrVideos]

Battery has about 1000 full charge cycles before it experiences a big degradation in performance. When it's due for replacement, only the battery needs to be replaced and no other component.

[@johnstroh7075]

The battery can be removed. 10-15 minute job

[@benedikthofmeister6070]

Is there a new button pod for the handlebars needed? How can it display altimeters???

[@MtbrVideos]

No new button needed since there is an extra button already on top of the Levo remote. Altitude is calculated since it has a very good pressure sensor like those found in the best cyclometers with Altimeters. Only weakness of these systems is weather storms come in and significantly change ambient air pressure.

[@markusburkhardt5105]

Is there a way to buy the TCU?

[@byronswogger]

Our specialized rep in Utah said they will be releasing a firmware update to make it uncompatible with 2.1 motors. But if you get a 2.2 motor into a Gen 2 levo I don't see how they could lock that out.

[@21SpielSatsSieg21]

Why should they lock that out?

[@aint4ever]

@@21SpielSatsSieg21 Because they want you to buy a new bike not upgrade the old one!

[@David-qu3jz]

Hello, where can I get one ?

[@anoopkatti528]

Hi Francis is there a video how to install the gen 3 TCU? I have the 2019 turbo levo

[@toolboxwars605]

I'd love to see how he got it to work

[@antoniolatorre6047]

not clear though how did you switch from microtuning screens? can you explain further details? (i would assume the actual handlebar command will swith only modes Eco,Trail, Turbo

[@MtbrVideos]

To enter and exit microtune mode, press the '+' button for more than 2 seconds. From there on, - and + adjust in 10% increments.

[@antoniolatorre6047]

@@MtbrVideos awesome, thanks

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

I just bought a Turbo Levo Carbon (old TCU) and found a Mastermind TCU for sale from a member of mtbr and bought it. I’m trying to get it to work, but having issues. I got it to turn on but it says it needs an update before riding (turtle icon). I can’t do anything because I try and sync it with my Mission Control and it says Connection Error. I wonder if it confuses my Mission Control because I already registered my old TCU? I’m guessing the mastermind needs updating, the question is, if I can’t synch it to my Mission Control, how do I update it? Can I some how update it thru the USB-C port, or something the dealer needs to do? And they probably aren’t going to be happy that I am running this unit, since technically is not available yet

[@MrBradbury001]

Did you find a solution to this? I have the same issue. Seems like all the video's swop the mastermind from a working bike into an older bike. I'm thinking you need to install a new mastermind into a newer bike to initialize the mastermind. My bikes from 2020.

[@CaviDS]

the other question is if I do not have mission control on can it send data to Strava?

[@MtbrVideos]

That would be a no. You don't start/stop a ride with it like a Wahoo.

[@tomfeld]

The price for the old „regular“ one is even 169€ in Europe... so I think we don’t have to think about below 300€...

[@MtbrVideos]

Great data point. Thank you very much.

[@pe3117]

Hi! mastermind is gonna work with my Turbo Creo SL? My TCU has 2 buttons and Mastermind only 1...I think that’s if it works I need the handlebar control too. 🤔 I dont care about the price...if it works I want it

[@MtbrVideos]

You would need that third button to paginate if you want more than one screen of info

[@friendlyneighbourhoodmtb7961]

quick question if i may. did it work just like plug and play or did you have to play around with the firmware? ive heard from some bike shops that specialized dont want you to upgrade it and / or blocked it with the firmware. any info on that? much appreciated! love the vids!

[@brianwilson1145]

Did you ever find out?

[@friendlyneighbourhoodmtb7961]

@@brianwilson1145 yeah. as to date, it wont work, sadly. specialized doesnt allow it, even it would work. they made sure of it with their firmware.

[@c99pnn]

I know It works on the gen3 Levos. Not the older afaik. Not the SL.

[@dowroa]

For pricing - So, let's just be realistic that this is nothing more powerful than a RasberryPi - 75 USD at high end. A high end GPU is 600+ USD. This would be a custom ASCII. However, they will have quantity... but China shipping problems. If they make it reasonable, for what it is considering the current market, then yes, I would upgrade my Levo SL. Same will hold for the motors, as and if they semantically version those and make those minor-update compatible. Thank you, Specialized!

[@MtbrVideos]

Yeah, the pulled a real coup here.! Screen is colored and it's Gorilla Glass solid. Love that it's integrated and always charged and controlled by a button near the grips.

[@carleichler6070]

Can you update the motor drive belt on my gen 2 levo to the new improved belt?

[@MtbrVideos]

We don't have the official word yet but we don't see why not. It's the same motor and battery system.

[@grundy1973]

With the recent firmware update, can anyone confirm if the mastermind can be fitted to the 2022 levo alloy comp?

[@gtjack9]

Did you ever find out?

[@tcolley]

@@gtjack9 don’t count on it

[@eddieandrino8472]

@@tcolley well that’s not helpful 😂 why do you say that?

[@c99pnn]

I can’t confirm that. Can only confirm it for 23 Levo carbon. Works great, except the warning screen at startup.

[@tsvetandimitrov9237]

Why dont you try to set up your motor via the app..It doesn't work until you swap the TCU with the original one ;)

[@murchman0]

So why did Specialized put out that it wouldn't work on the Gen 2 or the SL?

[@MtbrVideos]

It's not a supported product yet. I'm sure messaging is difficult since they would want to protect inventories of this TCU for Gen3 replacements first.

[@CaviDS]

did you have to change the button pod on the handlebars?

[@MtbrVideos]

No. There is another button on top of the remote used to paginate between screens.