The Best Emtb of the 2022 Shootout Goes to...

#emtbreview #bestemtb #emtbshootout Are you wondering what the best eMTB is for your style of riding? Our best eMTB 2022 Shootout puts 13 of the leading eMTBs to the test on a variety of different trails, and we put ourselves in the shoes of the consumer to see which bike is best for your terrain, desired ride feel, and let's be honest, we wanted to find the best eMTB of 2022!
We take your comments seriously, and after two years of winter test sessions, we moved our eBike shootout to a much greener destination with more trees than cacti. Last fall we drove around looking for potential locations that would offer a wide variety of terrain, welcome eBikes and would be a ton of fun to visit. That place turned out to be Knoxville, Tennessee, I mean how can you say no when Knoxville’s mayor, Indya Kincannon, is a mountain biker that’s helping to facilitate the ever-growing network of awesome trails and infrastructure for MTBs and eMTBs alike!
Enough, let's talk about the bikes. We tested and reviewed 13 mountain eBikes throughout the past year to find the best eMTB of 2022. with over 945 miles under our tires, eight riders, and a handful of broken parts, crashes, and bear sightings. We finally have our winners!
Be sure to visit our website for the full write up and lots of great photos.
theloamwolf.com/2022/06/02/20...
CHAPTERS
0:00 | Intro Montage presented by Catalyst CBD
1:13 | Trail Category Start / Canyon Spectral:On
5:13 | Norco Sight VLT C1
8:43 | Santa Cruz Heckler
12:13 | Specialized Turbo Levo
16:35 | Trek Rail 9.9
20:43 | Intermission - Drag Race
21:10 | Enduro Category Start / Cube Stereo Hybrid 160
24:58 | Mondraker Level R
29:06 | Norco Range VLT C1
33:12 | Rocky Mountain Altitude Poweplay
36:38 | SCOR 4060 Z LT
40:19 | Scott Ransom eRide
43:18 | Yeti 160E T1
46:05 | YT Decoy MX
48:52 | Trail eMTB Winners
50:41 | Enduro eMTB Winners
52:25 | Thank You to all this year’s sponsors | Closing
Huge thank you to this year’s sponsors:
Catalyst CBD | bit.ly/3PmW9L8 (Use Loamwolf15) for 15% off
FOX Racing | bit.ly/3L7iMQA
Schwalbe Tires | bit.ly/3N8jqyC
Bontrager Shoes | bit.ly/3wc356r
G-Form Protection | bit.ly/3MdhGE5
Velocirax | bit.ly/3FKn27y
DYEDBRO | bit.ly/38nFMh4
Get your Loam Wolf gear here:
store.theloamwolf.com/
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[@allthepizzainmybelly1302]

Thanks everyone! Incredible work and production. Quick question. I'm only 5'8" but have gotten very used/enjoy the 460-470ish reach on my medium trail 429 and firebird. Any insight on going with the large vs medium Scott 920?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Then extra weight and long chain stays will also come into play on handling stability, and fun factor… but, everyone has their own preferences and some folks like long bikes.

[@charlesrichmond4414]

This level of content continues to elevate the professional review platform. You guys are the authority on emtbs.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Wow thank you very much Charles!! Really appreciate the kind words. We worked our asses off to make this as beneficial to our viewers as possible. So thanks!

[@Mockle07]

Yep, I have said this for three years straight now. Next level ✊🏻

[@abelramos8983]

Pros? They are pretty underground thats why we love them 😁

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

I agree, the North American version of EMBN/GMBN. Which would be awesome if they did some cross over stuff!

[@vathanasong]

Love the reviews boys! Keep up the good work and thank you for showing the capabilities and fun of ebikes.

[@86309]

So great you guys! Well done- Exhaustive test and we loved it all. Thank you!

[@b_bullish6700]

Thank you gentlemen for doing all the hard work that most of us just don't have the opportunity to do. Really appreciate all your thoughtful insights. I realize how difficult it must be to smash top of the line E-bikes on great trails all daylong but it is awesome knowing we're getting feedback from guys who also truly enjoy the sport.

[@pinoypridemtb]

Thank you guys for all the time and effort in doing this EMTB shoutout. Excellent video. You guys deserve more subs.

[@steve4296]

Well done fellas. Yup, I have to agree this is some of the best content on EMTB’s available. I really enjoyed the format as well as the info. I was smiling the whole time, as I own a 2022 Levo Expert 😀. I’ve owned the bike since the beginning of January and have racked up a lot of miles. I have it in the high position out back and the slack position up front and it’s a beast in the fast chunk. The bike does it all, and does it all “really “ well. Cheers from Vancouver Island Canada 🍻.

[@DizzyBone3030]

Love this channel, you guys just do it right. From the shots, the guys and team, to the bikes. Hope you guys continue to grow and blow up!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you Chris! We’re a small rider owned show, so word of mouth and reposts from our awesome fans like you help us out! Thanks for reposting or sharing!

[@briangarner]

Great work fellas!!!!!! Loved the whole E-Bike series!!!

[@tsalesto]

Kudos for the Loam Wolf crew. This series was excellent with loads of great information and entertainment too.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Much appreciated!! Glad it was helpful and enjoyable.

[@marklopez5267]

The Loam Wolf crew does it again! Such top notch quality with all of these EMTB shootout videos. Just wanted to say thanks for the great info and content. The way you guys embrace the EMTB category is refreshing and as someone who is in the market for their first EMTB, these shootout videos are a valuable resource. I thought I had my heart set on the Levo, but now I'm really considering that Scott E-Ransom! 🤔 thanks again for awesome content!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much for the kind words! Your feedback is exactly why we put the effort into these that we do.

[@NotTheLarryDavid]

Fantastic stuff!!! Thanks for your thoughtful reviews!

[@bmaclaps]

Great series on all these bikes. Really opened my eyes up to the Scott.

[@PaulMoody]

reassuring to hear my emtb choice of the Levo Turbo was the best choice (I say choice, but mid 2021 I was pretty lucky to find the Levo build I wanted in stock locally). 1500 miles of gnarly Vermont rooty rocky trail miles and zero issues. Amazing bike

[@JoeSzilagy]

Me too, if it's the Redwood (I think it's called) colour. A friend told me that a lot of great Ebikes and Emountain bikes will not be available for a couple of more years yet, because of the supply chain issues! Being a guitarist, same thing with some the best U.S. Fender Strats!

[@Lee-ic2yn]

That brose motor though

[@ziggy_rampage]

iv been waiting awhile for this episode! well done lads, great content as usual. a few surprises in there, that's for sure.

[@zenopf]

Awesome guys, great job 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@hoff482]

Great info guys. Thank you so much for putting this on. Great content. Thanks for sharing.

[@hanselsanjuan8003]

Thank you so much, as always loved the videos. Unfortunately I will have to wait another year for the Nxt Shootout

[@TheAngryHusky]

Good job fellas. My fav MTB channel lately

[@ianswayne7296]

The Scott, sounds like I can’t go wrong. Absolutely inspiring watching you guys have so much fun.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much! Appreciate it

[@LevoRider]

Great reviews guys! Nice to see a “mid priced” eMTB hit all the right notes. Looking for a new bike Scott seems like a reasonably priced bike.

[@jimrichard5535]

Don't normally subscribe to KZbin channels but you guys deserve it - cling !. Fantastic comparison review where you get to see pluses and minuses and who each bike might be best for. Cudos !

[@mikesavicky503]

Awesome series guys! I enjoyed all the reviews and look forward to seeing next year’s shootout 🤙

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you

[@krismiller4955]

Such a good shootout. You guys crushed it. Comprehensive with different views and riding styles. I can’t imagine the time shooting, editing, arguing and riding to make a review this good. Thanks for dominating.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hahaha. You nailed it all around.

[@schaerem]

Excellent video, great information. Just watched this after purchasing a '22 Levo Carbon Comp and am even more excited to get out on the bike.

[@jasonbull179]

Great insights and analysis, very helpful considering the pain the bank account takes to jump on one of these. Wish the new Giant was in the mix, but considering all the supply issues, great variety on test.

[@jimji2774]

What a great comprehensive comparison review thanks much. Speciallized winning makes me think I will purchase one in the future but they need to get their relibility up just a bit as it was supposed to be fixed with this generation and your experience tells me it still needs more work. Now I am glad they didn't have any 2022 Trekj Rails in stock when I bought last years model a few months ago. I do wish you could adjust the power like the Levo is all.

[@johnvanmtb8775]

Always look forward to your Reviews 👍

[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Lots of work in these reviews and comparisons... Congratulations & Thanks! 👍

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks so much!

[@thim8009]

Nice job guys, look forward to this every year.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you

[@simonpage2941]

Absolutely superb Guys! Really enjoyed the build up to the final shoot out episode. Content is really informative & entertaining from proper riders. I look forward to my favourite brand as an Orange owner 🍊 maybe have as little more presence in North America & maybe make next year's test.... 😀 Keep up the good work fellas..... 💥👍

[@Jcool721]

Awesome discussion. In the Scott, get your party started :-)

[@stevechase6140]

I really enjoyed the format this year, fantastic job. Keep up the awesome work

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you!

[@craigbarlow3291]

Real Eye opener not ridden an ebike before but like the idea of been timed up and down..... looks like you were carrying good speed as it dried out.... Good luck for the ews

[@ernestrodrigues8030]

Diff views, from multiple riders diff riding styles, variation of rider weight, height and what not. The most helpful platform for us riders to take a pick. Brillaint🎉

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@ormondjosh]

This is the definitive series on eMTBs. Watching last year's series gave me the confidence to buy my Trek Rail 7. Love this.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks very much and glad you enjoyed it. Hope you’re loving your Rail too!

[@MoOutdoorsandReviews]

those bikes look sweet, great video, looks like a blast

[@cellphonenut]

Best discussion analysis and review I’ve ever watched great job guys great job

[@TheLoamWolf]

That’s so awesome to hear thank you!!

[@deanhenthorn8674]

Very thorough. Nice job gents.

[@abelramos8983]

im happy RM finally gets the podium and by still keep doing the things his own way.

[@DN4AGDX]

I love Scott bikes. My first real mountain bike was a Scott Vertigo comp and Scott Vertigo LSD. Great Vid!

[@miathemalinoisgsdx1320]

Great to see the high opinions of the Scott. Ive had a 910 e ransom since 2021 and love it. Despite being a 180 travel bike I am just as happy to ride it on the local canal tow paths with my dog as I am smashing down the steep rocky descents of the nearby hills. It's currently in the shop for a full invis re-wrap, and a full bearing check/ service. It is also being fitted out with Ohlins 38 M2 forks, a Ohlins coil shock and TRP brakes for little more reason than I can afford to bling it up a bit. That said I have always found the small bump sensitivity of the rear shock a bit harsh and the XT brakes seem low powered compared to the XTRs on my Scott Genius analog bike.

[@mitchfisher8387]

Excellent job Drew and crew. Great content!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you Mitch!

[@loudesorbo2742]

Great rundown! Wish there was a Specialized in the Enduro category... or, maybe you guys can do some more Super Light tests?!?

[@srrtbb]

After months of research, I bought 2023 cobalt blue levo comp alloy! Everything you read and heard is true about emtb!!! After 3 months of riding it, yeah is hard to go back to my analog bike even with the same travel.

[@sham8723]

Enjoyed the review series. Stoked to recognize most of my fav home trails on all the B-roll footage... rolling coal, windmill, snake rock, trail one, east ridge, mixtape, MR2, North/South Side, 100 proof, etc. etc.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Lucky to have such rad trails in your backyard!

[@dubblearr7622]

Great job guys

[@mr1982davies]

i have the exact bike you had on test the scott ransom eride 920 its an absolute amazing bike i run mine as a mullet set up it makes the bike an even better machine im so happy it scored so high up in your shoot out i was looking to possibly sell it next year and purchase the rocky mountain altitude power play but i mite hold on for another year with the ransom goat video and review

[@brianbass4971]

One of my favorite MTB videos of the year. Well done!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome to hear thank you!!

[@chipbirdiestone8815]

nicely dun enjoyed all of them. thanks....levo on order already.

[@stuartthomasson5027]

Great video series fellas. Very informative and entertaining. 🤘🏼

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you

[@RGAGS415]

Came out awesome! Need to get me a Scott and a Levo now!!

[@mlambert193]

Ransom eride is my first e bike and I thought wow e bikes are so good but didn't know the difference. Glad I bought what I did.

[@bruceberry7230]

I like that the 2022 winners were not sorted and picked prior to 2022. I hate it when people look at spec/what has changed and pick winners before the bikes/skis/fly rods have even really debuted. Good job putting in the effort to put these bikes through the paces on different terrain and locations to come up with this list!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@cedriccinqmars3516]

Got the ransom for about 8 months which here in Qc you can find them in dirt bike shops , I see now why !! Lol . Man that thing is fast two three mods on the 920 and your ready to go for way less money than other bikes. Keep up the great work guys. Maybe I’ll try out that Scor next will see 🤷‍♂️🤙

[@shaneward4065]

Awsome shootout test 👍 I would love your feed back on the pole voima.

[@IIISentorIII]

Me and my brother ride here in Switzerland Scott Genius and Scott Spark RC 2022. I'm 40 now and ride Scott bike my entire life. I highly recomment testing the new Scott Spark Trail or RC bike, when i rode it for the first time, it did blow my mind :). Thank you for this 55 Minute video, you guys put a hell of a lot work into this and it is highly appreciated! Cheers from Switzerland

[@MikaHakkinen83]

what kind of trails you ride on the Spark? been interested on that one

[@JCreole]

Again…great job thanks 👍

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much

[@mikeryan657]

Thanks! Your reviews helped me get off the fence and buy an Ebike. Just purchased the black version in the Expert Turbo Levo. Now if the rains would stop and trails open so I could get in my first ride! 🤨

[@TheLoamWolf]

Mike, thank you so much for your generosity. That is beyond kind and honestly means so much to our whole crew. We're stoked to hear you just got yourself a new bike, congrats! We'll do the anti-rain dance with you so you can get out and enjoy some great dirt!

[@andrewpm2]

I appreciate these kinds of reviews that have at least 5-6 dudes giving their input. Hard to argue against multiple shredders. Can't wait for the next review to include the Trek EXe, Orbea Wild, Ibis Oso, etc

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much Andrew!

[@linework11]

Great job wish i could be part of this amazing crew. great job on all the different content you informed us on.I have two Levo's and love them both,but on my new Turbo Levo pro having nothing but problems with the motor shutting off and having to reboot it or un-plug it to get it going again very frustrating. Local shop cant figure it out and Specialized is very hard to get ahold of they say, Bike is only 3 months old and has been an issue from the get go.Just thought you guys should know. Cheers keep up the great work.

[@johnh4650]

Most legit shootout crew out there......... THANK YOU!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!!

[@kmusic702]

Thanks!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you so much for your generosity. It means so much to our crew. Thank you! Drew

[@henryhester1897]

Best review ever. I’d go for the Scott. Present ebike 2016 Levo Expert mullet.

[@arnie2103]

You guys displaced pinkbike as my favorite review channel. The language you use is more direct and to the point. Keep the winning format.

[@TheLoamWolf]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 thank you very much.

[@juslookinatyas]

What he said 👌🏼

[@AB-NZ]

Fantastic series and loved the format guys. And the great synergy between you all. You obviously had a ball together. Brilliant stuff. The winners were pretty easy to predict from your individual assessments 🤔. Certainly had a big influence on my decision to order the Levo expert….. and cancel my order of the rail XT, all because of the sizing issue with me at 6ft 3 and a bit, and falling awkwardly between the L and XL. I confess to having some deeper residual concerns about motor reliability but at least I have a great Specialized dealer not too far away. Ciao Andrew

[@c0smic.Cha0s]

@Andrew B what was your ultimate takeaway on the sizing of those at your height? I am around half an inch or so taller than you and have also been trying to determine what sizing options would be best. Cheers!

[@AB-NZ]

@@c0smic.Cha0s hey Jeremy. Not sure whether you are talking about the Rail 9.8 or the Levo. And unfortunately I cannot give you a real life report as my S5 Levo is still two weeks away……apparently it landed in the country (NZ) this week; but who knows these days. Could be delayed yet again. You being taller than me (guessing 6ft4?), then for the Rail I think the XL would be the only way to go, though I’d put on a oneup 35mm long stem to reduce the effective reach. The size large would be way too small for you imo. But personally I would caution against the XL Rail if your tracks are tight steep and technical (like the ones I ride here in New Zealand) as it will feel like an articulated truck. It’s a BIG bike both for reach and wheelbase. However if you are into more open fast charge-on-through territory, then the XL Rail would be great. If however you are talking about the Levo, then you could either go for the S5 or S6. I went for the S5 and will keep the standard 50mm stem. This geometry will be best for my tracks and style of riding. The S6 would be a stretch too far (literally) for me, even if I put on a shorter stem. So again for you, it will depend on what trails you are mostly doing and your riding style/preferences. I think the S5 would be fine for you for reach (502mm in its std setting) but because you are taller me, then you would fit the S6 easier than me (and you could use a shorter stem). Sorry for the rather long rambling reply. It’s so complicated and depends so much on context….your height (and don’t forget associated body dimensions - torso v leg length), riding style/preferences, and the types of trails you do. Certainly has done my head in over the last few months! Ciao Andrew.

[@pooger7778]

I just bought a Levo happy to see it’s so highly recommended

[@MysticalDragon73]

Thank you for such an enjoyable video. I personally loved the round robin format. Hearing the experiences from the various riders and their interactions with each other was a win win. I'm 49, 6'2 and 280lbs. I am out of shape and I've not ridden in 30 years since my time in college in Eugene Oregon. Back then I rode mostly paved trails, with some off road trails but nothing too extreme. Both were enjoyable in their own regards. It was a great area for riding and scenery. I'm now in ohio, but hopefully will be in southern TN this year. I don't expect to be bombing down super rough trails, rock faces etc. I certainly don't plan on doing races or jumps anytime soon. I don't heal like i used to. I've got a Marin rift zone XR on order currently. I'd not considered an ebike as I hadn't understood them. Now that I'm looking at them more the more intrigued i am with them, especially class one bikes. The price of many of them is a concern, not to mention capabilities far beyond what I expect to need or use. However this video has shown me several that look to be interesting to explore more. Especially the scott and the specialized levo. Though the reports of so many having problems with the levo motor is a concern.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much! We appreciate the feedback.

[@darrensmith9182]

Very well done great show

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@TXX279]

Specialized motor sound is the belt going out, mine did the same thing before it failed not long after. Luckily Specialized customer service / warranty is top notch with great turnaround times. Suprised they're still having that issue, latest motors were supposed to have upgraded belt drives for that specific issue. My new motor good so far.

[@RIDEON909]

Great video!Awesome review!Im 5’11 170lbs and just test rode the scott ransom in a medium and it felt comfortable and playful ,didn’t feel small but haven’t had a chance to sit on a large yet.Was curious if I would be happier on a large?

[@barryzeeman68]

Thank you guys for such a good review and the great job y’all do. I need a little help making a decision quickly because as you know these bikes don’t last long and I have a line on a yeti 160 but after your review I’m a little concerned that it might be a little harsh for me . I’m 60 years old and an experience intermediate rider I still want to go a little bigger so I’m looking for a bigger bike I have an Orbea Rise Mteam now. But I’m not a full on race all the time guy. This bike would be for bigger and hopefully longer rides . A bit of a concern with the shimano. What I want to know is did you try the rear shock chip in the 35% and play with the clickers to get a more plush ride? My other option I’m working on is to buy a Levi S works frame And build the bike to be a little more Enduro by adding the cascade components extra travel link may be there long travel link to convert it to a 170 160/165 rear. Could y’all please let me know and advise that you think. Thanks

[@Lee-ic2yn]

I'm glad I bought the rail 7 instead of the carbon one, the new geo seems to be a backwards step

[@motoxfreak16]

I thought I was a little biased, but as it comes out I was not. I own the 2022 Levo Expert with the long shock cascade link and extended the front fork to 170 and TRP downhill brakes and its all I have ever dreamed of. I do miss the power of my 2020 Levo. As it turns out 5nm makes a pretty big difference. GREAT REVIEWS

[@twowheelpilot]

2020/2022 same motor. Or have I missed something? I have owned all the models too. I'm curious as to that you mean. They are all listed as 90nm apart from the Gen1 motor at 85nm.

[@ElectricBikeJournal]

What a round up!

[@grundy1973]

Great work guys. Have any of you ridden the levo comp or levo comp alloy? I’m undecided on a Rail 9 aluminum, or levo comp

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Great shootout!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you!

[@clearadvantagecleaningsyst152]

I’m looking to purchase my first bike. Very helpful, Thank you

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrTgrasshopper]

Good review! I wish the Giant reight E would have been in that review. They have a completely new bike this years.

[@baggedmonster]

That’s what i was wondering! Where GIANT??

[@bbarker5766]

I knew the Levo would take the trail category but I was kind of back n forth with the Rocky Mountain and the Scott Ransom for the enduro pick at least until you talked about the Ransom then it was a dead giveaway. When I rode an older RM Altitude PP there were 2 things I didn't like however those have been fixed and now I need to ride an E-Ransom however er I am leaning to the Scott because of price point mostly. Thanks guys great shootout and discussion!!

[@sparksfly369]

I’ve been seriously considering the Altitude for a while and had a chance to demo one a few weeks ago. It was a great bike. Not very poppy, but plush and confidence inspiring. All that said, after these reviews, I think I will go for the Ransom. I like the electronics of the RM, but I think I prefer the Bosch motor.

[@kodj06]

Nice video guys 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾 Could you compare the Scott Ranson eride 920/910 with the Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL Expert ?

[@99MrJ99]

Its too bad you guys had a lackluster run on the norco range. I was told when I bought it to check/tighten all the bolts before every ride for the first couple weeks. After that they pretty much have remained tight. zero issues with motor or batterys, a lot of those issues people have are due to user error or lack of knowledge on troubleshooting a loose wire or whatever. Probably the most sendy dh oriented ebike on the market, absolutely love it. Great reviews on all the bikes!

[@Djrblocks360]

Great reviews! I have the 22 canyon spectral on cf7...honestly...I picked this bike over the levo because of the price and geo.

[@Paul-ku1qs]

Great review! I’m a Knoxville native and ran into Rob towards the end of the shootout at South Coast Pizza and he hinted that the Levo might take the win. I’ve had my 22 Expert for a few months and it’s awesome! About to install some TRP DH-Evos to complete the package. On a side note what tool carrier/strap are you guys using? Cheers!

[@julesharman6427]

A great review guys…your your relaxed, experienced and varied riding styles comes across well. I’ve taken my 2021 Kenevo Turbo and customised it using offset shock bushings and differing sized wheels turning it into a form of 180 travel Levo. The Kenevo Turbo accepts a 29 rear wheel with plenty of clearance due to the longer CS but balanced as I run a S5 sized frame being 6’3”. This custom Kenevo/Lenevo Turbo running 29/29 is one of the best handling bikes I’ve ever had with or without motor; I’ve had a few over many years. It’s very flexible as can run mullet; just change flip chip / offset to keep BB height, HA and ST angles in check. However the 29/29 as an all mountain bike is hard to beat. It handles all terrain with aplomb. You simply don’t feel it’s 23.5kg weight (700wh battery). The 29 180 Zeb suits the bike so well. The air shock (with a bit more volume in spacer) sticks rear wheel to the ground like a coil when needed but loads up very well to pop and jump. The reach, head and seat angles, BB height etc mean it’s as at home on DH gnar as it is doing all mountain rides. I wonder if Spesh will blend the Gen 3 Levo and Kenevo Turbo into a new Kenevo Turbo ? A new Kenevo Turbo has to run 29/29 or a Mullet ? The kinematics of the FSR with “wing” are fantastic. It worked on the Evo, works on the Levo and works on the Kenevo Turbo. Spesh would be mad to stop it …or will they develop a bigger travel Gen4 Levo ? What do you guys think ? Keep turning out the great group reviews. Enjoy

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome feedback and sounds like you’ve got a dialed rig there! Sounds like you could be on track for some future bike ideas. Thanks for watching.

[@julesharman6427]

@@TheLoamWolf cheers guys. I've always experimented with rig setup to suit my needs, within the original framework of the bike design. More tweak than totally redesign. What I've found with Spesh is their bikes are suited to various setups. Starting tinkering on an older 2014 Enduro 29 non ebike by going mullet and took it from there. The 29/29 180 Kenevo is literally a destroyer of trails yet retails a fun feel much as you describe the Gen 3....All the best.

[@MTBScotland]

Cube is perfect for me. 27.5 is what I want. Geo is pretty spot on as well (for me in a M) and a bosch motor. 4.2K in the UK - I'll likely be getting the TM 750 version though.

[@tilenveznaver4254]

You can still put the 27.5 on specialized

[@davidfriesen8308]

@theloamwolf - where was the bullit for the shoot out? and how would it of stacked up in your opinion? Awesome review! Thanks!

[@aaronwaterman6982]

Got rid of my specialized because of that silly brose motor..3 motors ..and the wait was stupid long..grabbed a YT and haven't looked back!

[@EatDrinkBeMerry]

Ouch! It amazes me to see all of them looking the other way on an inferior motor. The bike is useless when the motor breaks continually.

[@NoelDanborg]

Great stuff guys! However, I'd like to know how an Orbea Rise would stack up against some of the more playfull trail bikes. It might not be a full-fat, but sounds to be pretty playfull according to previous content made by you🙌,

[@c0smic.Cha0s]

I agree! I was actually expecting some more commentary at least in comparison, as I see and hear so many good things about the Rise; however, I have yet to have a chance to even see one in person! Regardless, it's definitely looking like there are now some super solid contenders in this category as a whole and I expect there will be much, much more to come. I know some of the 'traditionalists' probably hate how fast/much this category is growing but, hey, you can't deny they are outrageously fun and do serve a purpose of actually getting more people on the trail, thus increasing exposure/trail building/etc., that wouldn't necessarily have the easiest time on a non-ebike platform (people with physical limitations and/or older age).

[@The.JZA.]

I weigh ~100kg (220Lb) without riding gear and I have a Commencal meta power SX race. It’s a fun bike but the Shimano ep8 just doesn’t have enough torque to keep me moving when going up steep hills. I end up slowing down and needing to downshift to the lowest or second lowest gear which means I am just crawling up the hill. Note I’m talking about very steep climbs, regular climbs are fine. My gf has a Bosch gen 4 and she’s just over half my weight so she can just fly up any hill easily. I am thinking about buying the Specialized Turbo Levo because I’ve heard that the motor is very torquey (as well as being a fantastic bike all around). I know it’s rated to 90Nm vs 85Nm for the EP8 and Bosch Gen 4 but numbers aren’t everything, it’s about how it delivers that torque. For example, the EP8 has 85Nm but only when you take off from a standstill or if you’re climbing a hill at very low cadence. In reality, once you’re moving it’s ~75Nm or less as you rise in cadence. Just wondering how the Specialized feels in comparison for a heavy rider on a steep hill. Any thoughts, comments, feedback would be realty appreciated. Also is the Specialized noticeably more torquey than the Bosch Gen 4 or are they about the same? The trek rail is also an option on the list but leaning towards the Levo because I really like Specialized bikes and I hope that the extra torque will help me on those very steep fire roads/trails.

[@sergiolandz6056]

Rocky mountain for the win ! They have the better price / performance than the rest, right now with their sale it blows the competition out the water. Go RM !! I'm in the process of getting a RM and i cannot wait for this summer.

[@Ddraig62SPD]

Awesome shootout guys! Great to see some real world opinions to cut through the marketing hype. Looks like a toss-up between the Levo & Ransom 🤔It's kinda weird 'coz the best long travel bike I ever rented was also a Ransom back in the early/mid 2000's for a week of 'chairlift' biking in the French Alps. Dang!! 👍 Sub'd.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks!

[@gabby07001]

Loving my Heckler ❤!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad to hear it!

[@aleszverca]

Hey guys nice recap. One question on the Spectral...Canyon states the frame is good for a 160mm fork. That option would be a good combo with a 9point8 Slack'r headset. Would it be possible( due to the internal cable routing trough the original headset to install the aftermarket Slack'r headset? Or is it impossible, I don't know how the cables are routed...are they passing the bearings from the outside or on the inside?

[@chadsugden411]

i would love to hear your thoughts on a REIGN E, FOCUS SAM 2 and SCOTT RANSOM e-bikes.... as they are at the top of my list for next year when i get an e bike for the days im time limmited

[@happydaysoutdoors4450]

My local shop has a bunch of Levos I got to try yesterday, none of them made noise, none of them 💯

[@EatDrinkBeMerry]

None of them… yet. 🤞 if you get one.

[@regularMattMatt]

Orbea wild should be part of the test. They just won first round of world enduro. Now looking hard at the spesh levo! Well done guys.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Trust us, we wanted to put the Wild in, as it was one of favorites a couple years ago, but Orbea didn't have any available despite best efforts.

[@mrd6093]

GREAT REVIEW GUYS I SPENT SOME GOOD AMOUNT OF TIME SEEING YOUR SHOW. I HAVE CURRENTLY A BIKE A YAMEE 750S ITS LIKE A OFF ROAD AND TRAIL HARD RIDE BIKE. BUT THE POTENTIAL INVESTMENT IM LOOKING FOR IS Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Carbon FOR THE OFF ROAD IN THE WOODS BIKE .BUT REALLY ALL THIS HOME REVIEW HELPS ME WHEN IM READY TO GO TO THE BIKE SHOP.

[@TheLoamWolf]

That is awesome! Thank you very much for watching and we hope it helps in your search for the next bike!

[@wm05eb]

Have you guys ridden the pole vioma? Curious to see where you guys would place it 👍🏼

[@stevechase6140]

Also wondering how the Scor 4060 short travel bike would have fared in this competition