The Best Specialized eBike Ever... One MASSIVE Problem!

This is an INCREDIBLE Bike, 180mm front and rear, Fox Factory 38, X2 Shock, huge travel, 23KG weight, 700Wh battery, a BEAST!!
One HUGE problem - Specialized DONT Make it!! Here's why I think its one of the best ebikes, EVER!
This Channel is supported by the following partners (and videos may include promotional products, including paid product placement) from:
Troy Lee Designs: troyleedesigns.co.uk/pages/bike
Peaty's Products. By Riders, For Riders: peatys.co.uk

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Been riding this a lot, 5 months now, and its a bike I HOPE specialized will make. 29er 180mm is so capable!! Aluminium,, 23.5 KG with a burly build, DD MaxxGrip Tyres, 700Wh Battery, Fox 38 - Flip Chip in HIGH, slack, stable, fast!

[@dodgechristopher]

Specialized claim the BB is 351 with 27.5. Substituting 29 wheels should raise this to 368?

[@terptv710]

You just need a set of HOPE shorter crank arms in black ✌🏼 Love my Kenevo it's a tank.....

[@RobRidesEMTB]

They also claim it’s 64.5 degrees with 27.5- but it’s way slacker than that !

[@antoniolatorre6047]

You clearly nail de geometry. Anyhow the SL Kenevo runs similarly but unfortunately has a lousy outdated low power motor. I hope they insert a similar technology based motor as the TQ with 60-80 Nm on an SL Kenevo and I’m done. Low weight and enough power.

[@ryancranston2563]

Our shop here in Western Colorado have built about 16 full 29 Kenevos, starting in 2019! We love them! Nice job explaining all the benefits!

[@bluestraycat]

Always love your custom builds Rob, your enthusiasm is making me want to get out and ride 🤟

[@simonlaland]

Love it!! I own a Levo Gen 2 and have never even considered a Kenevo because of the 27.5 wheels, fork and the weight. This could be my next Specialized E-bike.

[@mk3driftmotion]

My Kenevo is an aluminum frame with 27.5 f/r, upgraded with a Fox X2 with180 travel rear, 203mm travel Fox40 on the front with a 0.9" drop crown, S5 size. Amazing bike, really smooth power delivery, it jumps very nice and balanced, and its so much fun! I agree on the chainstay length, I am 6'2" and it feels much more stable and balanced with a longer length chainstay.

[@rpaltube]

Hey Rob great video! Sounds like my 2022 Scott Ransom… 29/29, 180/180mm, Bosch gen 4… I’m loving it. My Levo is gathering dust in the garage!

[@sdigsy4414]

I have the GEN 2 Kenevo Comp, been gradually upgrading parts. Absolutely LOVE IT. I'm now keen to try it in 29 version 👍

[@hmcdonnell23]

You have one of the nicest well organized bike studios on youtube compared to other channels I follow. Other creators should take notice.

[@brianbathgate4944]

Very interesting. I’m 5’10’ and a S4 on a normal build. Found my Gen 2 29er Levo like a monster truck, but in mullet it was perfect

[@andersonsridebikes]

I waited as patiently as I could for Specialized to release a full power Kenevo 29r front and rear. I gave up and purchased the new Pivot Shuttle LT and I love this bike! I have a feeling Specialized is going to release this bike soon.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Congrats for creating such a stunning project bike. Like the colour Co-ordination with the beany

[@The.JZA.]

I had a commencal meta power SX race and I found the 63 degree head angle to be so slack that it compromises front end grip and makes the bike feel like a bus. It's great if you are riding steep gnarly terrain but that is only like 25% of the trails I ride. I also ride a lot of windy singletrack and all sorts of other trails so for me, a more trail focused bike is better. I got the Mondraker Crafty R which is kinda like a trail bike that has been slightly stretched in reach and made tough like an enduro bike. Its fantastic and does anything and everything really really well. It's the best ebike I have ridden so far and I love it.

[@boblatkey7160]

I have heavily modified my GEN two levo and it is an absolute beast. And I have levociraptor installed so I can pedal the thing up to 33 miles an hour. New brakes and new coil suspension and a new drivetrain, it is so fun!

[@kurthoffmann9072]

Nice one Rob. Love your work and your videos. Everything you changed on the bike and how it rides is so similar to my Scott 910. My Scott is just a bit heavier

[@tingbase84]

I mulleted my kenevo last year and love it. Put a fox38 with 170mm and it only very slightly changed the geometry

[@arjenmulder9808]

Great idea to challenge manufacturers to follow Voima type of bikes, need more of that! Would love you to review the Haibike Nduro 7, maybe you can get your hands on it. Keep smashing it man.

[@BordsCycles]

my custom levo build is full 29, 170mm front and 157mm -ish back. absolutely love it

[@bostondye3736]

I'm a die hard viewer of your videos. And also a fellow tall rider (6'5") you should look into DMR stems. The 50mm stem has 10mm rise and 35mm stem a 5mm rise. You dont have to use as many spacers under the stem which also benefits the flex character of the front end. Also DMR makes great quality products 👌 thanks for the great quality content!

[@kingflynxi9420]

Yup, the defy50 is really good for getting more reach on a smaller or more nimble bike

[@G-MAN73]

you have nailed it I have always wanted that spec, Especially the BB. Much higher of the ground. LLLOVVE IT

[@jamesrouse1964]

Hi Rob, I'd love to see you ride the latest Norco range. It seems to already have the things you value such as chain stay length and focusing on centering the rider on the bike. I personally have one and think you should try one as would be interesting to see where you think it sits compared to the other bikes. Personally I think it's amazing.

[@markyboyclark]

Love you doing what feels good Rob. Companies do just go in directions because they 'think' that's what people want. Btw Santa Cruz make size specific chain stay lengths. I still don't even own an emtb but been watching your videos for years 🙂. Actually, little question, when did you last ride an analogue bike?

[@amiteldar8840]

I've built my own version of Kelevo based off Levo Gen3, with a Fox 38 170mm in the front and 165mm Ohlins in the rear (using the cascade LT link). The best ebike Ive ridden. So much confidence. I really hope they will offer this configuration to the public in the future

[@patrickfontaine4236]

Just did the same with a DPX2. Insane stability!!

[@emtbtrailrider539]

I did the same thing with mine, so good 😊

[@toniobr76]

29 on front?

[@amiteldar8840]

@@toniobr76 Yes, kept it mullet.

[@chrishesse3256]

I did the same, X2. So so smooth now

[@JSeg009]

I agree, I’ve had the YT Decoy, S-Works Kenevo SL and Regular Kenevo. I’ve built my Kenevo full 29er with a Fox 40 200mm. Been riding it for a year and by far my favorite e-bike I’ve ever ridden. Don’t see anything on the current market that I would replace it with. E-bikes have motors, why not have the most travel you can get

[@fzr1000981]

2023 Orbea Wild...cheaper too

[@datractor]

Hard to imagine a bike that's more fun than the levo, that kenevo looks epic!

[@nickjones5728]

Would be cool to see you do a build and review with the gen 3 carbon levo with the cascade long shock kit and a 170mm fork!

[@IDoBlues]

I'm in the process of converting my Orbea Rise from a 140/140 66 degree 29er to a 160/160 64 degree mullet. Can't wait!

[@mikerbwind]

Lots of things I like a bout your bike Rob............Fox x2 and Fox 38 definitely the top suspension platform, 29er front and back the best rolling stock except if you like to a floating back end! Long and slack cuts it for most mountain bike riding providing the rear end kinematics provide good drive as well as grip ( something you dont mention on this build). Higher rise bars! Yes totally agree. I dont understand why so many bikes have you bent double over the bars! 50mm for me every time! In essence I want the seat just a bout level with the bar rise when the seat is fully extended. The build you have created is very similar to my Whyte E180RS (2020) albeit I suspect your bike is better balanced front to back with a longer chainstay than the E180 and the E180 is of course 27.5 front and back. Ally frame, no stupid headset cabling or knock blocks. Well done!

[@luv2flypilot]

Hey Rob, working on converting my 2021 Kenevo now to a 29er w/ Fox 38 because of your video. I am just finishing up on a custom build of a new 2022 Levo Carbon Gen3 custom build and itching to ride it when this heavy rain goes away. I went with the new 2023 RockShox Zeb Ultimate 29, 44 Offset, 180mm fork with the new Buttercups up front and the Cascade Components Levo Long Shock Link Kit in the rear with a Fox Float X2 230x65mm, so I will be at 180/165 travel with rear shock progression increased from 20% to 35%. This Cascade long link does not change the bikes geometry but gives you 165mm rear travel and allows you to install a 29er in the rear so I will have all kinds of options to play with by changing the head tube angle cups as well as rear settings in low or high position. I am currently going to leave it and try it Mullet setup and it’s currently at 63º head tube angle right now with rear in High and the 180mm up front. If I need more clearance from pedal strikes I will change from 160mm to 155mm cranks or change the rear to a 29er, then put the rear in LOW position and change the headset cups to put me back to around my 64º sweet spot I like with higher BB clearance. Great video! Cheers 🤙 Bryon

[@EdgarSnowSki]

I just upgraded suspension on my levo comp 2022, fox 38 170mm and x2 makes a real difference, x2 is not bottoming out, and 38 is very precise, feels like another level. I like changeable geometry of levos, installed chip in steerer +1 to compensate 170mm increased slack. Now changing rear suspension link to 160mm will be another step. I like mullet in gnarly stuff when you need to go shift back and not to touch real wheel :) I amazing how gnarly the small place can be here in N Yorkshire called Stainburn :)

[@ADAM07R]

Hi Rob I turned my 2021 Kenevo into a mullet I ditched the duel crown on went a set of fox 38s . I actually found the original boxxer select to be way too linear . I had to run 5 volume spacers just to stop to stop bottom out but as a result the fork lost its supple feeling . Next was a fox float X2 and the combination of the fork the rear shock and a 29 is amazing I also ditched the original tyres which were like balloons in favour of a 2.4 from Michelin Dh 22 . This combination completely transformed the bike. It's a DH enduro weapon .

[@LastAphelion]

Aren't those tires super soft? As much as I'd love to try soft tires don't you have to replace them every few dozen rides? I've seen pics of the knobs worn down after just a couple runs and was told they can add like 50% resistance/halve the battery life

[@Chris_nandez]

Looking at doing the same? Did you have to change the front fork or can you make a 29er fit?

[@ADAM07R]

@@Chris_nandez Yes mate it's a 29r fork . Best Improvement you can make to your Kenevo.

[@ADAM07R]

@@LastAphelion yes indeed super soft. The only way you will wear them out every few dozen rides is if you ride on asphalt or concrete. Or continually skid the rear tyre . My tyres lasted months of continuous abuse on DH style riding . As for slow rolling yes. They are DH tires.

[@brycebigelow7448]

Hi Rob, I’m interested in buying a Kenevo and doing the mullet setup as well. Is there a flip chip to adjust the geometry? Also, is your 29” front with 180mm travel? Thanks!

[@mtbmadman011]

Sick build Rob!

[@ilidiofaria]

Hope to see test drive of this beast!!!

[@HempBike]

Awesome work Rob. Are we going to see a field test comparison with the Voima? That would be VERY interesting!

[@roddas26]

Had a gen 2 Kenevo expert with a 170mm ZEB set up mullet. That thing was fun, but my Kenevo SL set up mullet is was more nimble. And for me way more fun. 🎯

[@worldstallestmidget]

On my gen 2 levo I made it into the ultimate e bike. Over stroked the rear shock and added the cascade link to make ig 165 rear travel. Then added a 180 front fork! 29 front and rear! Already beat you to it!

[@allenjanes5976]

That's weird. I went the opposite direction. Put 27.5 plus on my levo SL. Made it way more manageable for me. Keep up the awesome videos

[@player1tv]

How tall are you?

[@allenjanes5976]

@@player1tv 5 ' 10"

[@mecorowa5642]

Levo gen3 as 29/29 is also an option😊. 2.4x29 Magic Mary works in low position.

[@mykp8]

OH Hell! Mulleted my 2020 right away when I got it. Zeb and CCDB Kitsuma. Love it but, looks like I'm about to full 29 it.

[@whatittakes5443]

Several guys in my group ride this exact setup and love it. But not having warranty on the Specialized is a nonstarter for me. When I owned a Levo I went through 3 engines. My LBS was so use to swapping Levo engines they had 10 in stock at all time and could do it in 24 hours.

[@julesharman6427]

Agree on all counts Rob....I bought my 2021 Kenevo with specific mission to mullet and then found a 29 fits in rear. Every comment you make is spot on. Ref Warranty...I've asked Spesh and they actually seem fairly relaxed about it all, amazingly. One of the best, if not the best MTBs I've ridden 'e' or not. Only issue is finding a strong enough 29 rear wheel to take the sheer abuse this bike is capable of. I ride both mullet...if in a steep environment and rocky like BPW and 29/29 for all mountain jaunts. As you say, it's simply awesome. But a version with Brose 2.1 and you have a 4 year warranty too What's not to like ? Oh and flip chip/offset bushing etc ? Nice one fella....this bike beats them all and Spesh seem to be focused on everything else...

[@luv2flypilot]

I have a 2021 as well and coming up on the 2 year mark in a few months. I did not realize the 2021 has a 4 year warranty. I knew the 2020 did. This is great to know. 🤙

[@julesharman6427]

@@luv2flypilot All Brose 2.1 have a 4 year warranty regardless of year. If replaced by a 2.2 4 years still holds. Specialized warranty is fantastic...plus if out of warranty they will support you with assisted purchase of a new motor resulting in costing less than a shock....

[@Toppleover]

Do you know if a 2.6 width 29er tire would fit on the back…?

[@julesharman6427]

@@Toppleover I’m running a MM 2.35 and still plenty of clearance so would say yes although the tyres I’m running (fab hillbilly up front) give great all year round traction. Still haven’t ridden an eeb I like better than this. Given you can buy in UK an Expert Kenevo Turbo for £5k that’s a bargain and allows budget to buy a Zeb 29 fork.

[@yetifanuk]

I also put a set of 29” 38’s (180mm) on my 2020, its the best bike i have ever owned. I ran it mullet in Morzine this year and back home run it 2.4 full 29” for the extra range. I fell that the extra front grip from the 29 up front helped in france. As i when for the S4 and this is slightly big (180cm height) but i loved the stability it gave the 2.6” 29” gave me good grip at the front without having to shift weight too far forward when cornering when it gets steep. Killer channel Rob.

[@Matt-oi8fq]

I’m the same height as you. Would you say a medium bike would be better to do a full 29er build with?

[@yetifanuk]

@@Matt-oi8fq they don’t do medium

[@yetifanuk]

@@Matt-oi8fq things have changed abit concerning with bike sizes. 20 years ago i would have said yes, but now not. I was between the s4and s3 i am pleased i went with the s4 as the wheel base at speed is unreal. You can do a lot with stem, saddle and bars to help you get the right feel. My advice if you are in between two sized, go higher not lower.

[@Matt-oi8fq]

@@yetifanuk thank you for the reply, I was thinking size4 as I’m used to bigger bikes, and I guess with the bigger wheels it will only raise the bike 17mm?

[@gsum1000]

Love the high BB height. Wish my Orbea Rise had the same.

[@pc.9008]

Looks sick with that head angle 👊

[@colefreakindavis]

Hey Rob, if you could only choose one emtb would this be the one? I have my eye on a few options and have watched almost all of your reviews. Keep up the good work!

[@MR-hb9xk]

Hi Rob, just found your channel and congratulations on great content! As someone who´s thinking of taking the plunge and going over to e-bikes, I would like it if you could comment on durability and technical issues with these bikes as well, since this is always hard to know...

[@TheBrokenMountainBiker]

Ive done a mullet conversion on my Kenevo now. But ive gone with a 190mm travel Zeb up front and im using a longer 65mm stroke Marzocchi Bomber air shock for 190mm of travel at the rear. To say its a bit of a weapon down a chunky, rough track is an understatement! Lol

[@dit4963]

Nice hack! I have the Kenevo in mullet, 2.6" rear tire and flip chip in high. Love it!

[@CHANNEL_PAB]

I’ve been looking for this answer, I’m in the process of doing this to my Kenevo, are you still running 180mm upfront?

[@dit4963]

@@CHANNEL_PAB No, 170 currently. But with the next fork service I will try the 180 airshaft. I don't feel the bike is too slack...

[@CHANNEL_PAB]

@@dit4963 thanks for the reply, the forks I have are 190mm and I’m afraid it’s going to be too slack. I will put it in the high position and try that, if not I will reduce them.

[@markcosens1]

Love my 2020 mullet kenevo. I still think it's the best ebike on the market and I've never owned a bike for so long. Them x2 shocks are hand grenades though.

[@samuelsirvon9044]

You should check up new Kellys Theos. Mullet set-up, 180mil travel a big motor.

[@br5380]

I recently bought a Kenevo SL, boy can it batter through stuff - 38’s are ace.

[@ccallure]

Brilliant video!

[@philhicks5818]

Love it Rob awesome looking bike , surprised it’s an s4 knowing how tall you are , think I would buy one if they made it

[@thecount1001]

very very nice. don't you just love that Nukeproof stem? i've got one in bronze and it's just so cool looking. 50mm Spank Vibrocore bar, just the ticket for a tall guy.

[@radicalturkey]

Wow. Can't believe it's so light as an alloy bike!

[@paukconuk]

Rob, it’s like your got in my head and extracted all of my opinions and requirements for an ebike, Spesh need to hire you mate, I wanted a Kenevo when I bought my Reign E+1 6 months ago, and if they sold this config Kenevo with a 630 battery I would have bought one

[@thedomesticsurvivalist]

excellent vid rob! That looks like everything i have wanted in an ebike. Can you say some words about the new Haibike Enduro 7? I have been looking everywhere for reviews but have seen none! it looks a very similar set up to the Specialized above, with a nice steep seat angle. Its also at an incredible price, I cant believe there is not more noise about it.

[@robrider838]

Looks good. Sounds like an OOTB 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay.

[@Viking7771]

Nice bike you built Rob!

[@artysa.blackwood4261]

I want to build the same, love the DH type ebikes, love the build. The slacker head anlge come from the single crown, the 38 at 180mm is around 10mm taller than the boxxer at 180mm. (axle to crown)

[@juliendufour4513]

this bike is awesome! Also the look of it! As a side question, how did you get your fox suspension with the logo in yellow??

[@duckdiver5549]

i snagged a kenevo expert because of your video! added factory X2 (65mm) and 38 (180mm) and did as mullet (in HIGH) and it's epic! much better vs. stock and rips past other eMTBs; including my bros in Levos. It truly is the ultimate eMTB! thank you!

[@rsanoian]

Have you had any issues with the Fox X2 230 x 65 and clearance? I just bought a 2022 Kenevo Expert and want to run an X2 and 38 in the front.

[@duckdiver5549]

@@rsanoian nope fits perfectly! I even have in high setting and link does not hit the seat tube nor come close. The rear travel is very linear so best to use as many volume reducers on the rear shock as you can to keep it from bottoming out on hard hits.

[@rsanoian]

@@duckdiver5549 Awesome that is great news, thank you so much!

[@duckdiver5549]

@@rsanoian i also converted it from mullet to 29'er the other day and 29'er is definitely better. its a beast that plows over everything. and it jumps so well; super predictable, easy and well balanced in the air.

[@rsanoian]

@@duckdiver5549 I have a really nice set of carbon wheels already from a previous emtb that are mullet. Might try a 29 in back after I get some hours on the bike but never liked my analog 29 er. Thanks for the info, I appreciate the help.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

What a fantastic bike. Especially for a full size person. Very interesting to see the weight at 23.5kg, seems to me there’s no need to exceed 24kgs

[@cameronmclaren9873]

Rob I’d be very interested to know what the BB height is at your sag point versus say your Trek Rail & also your BB to bar end height comparison. I personally believe bikes should measured at sag point, just makes more sense.

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Kenevo is awesome! Did you try the mullet configuration as well? Any info from Specialized for a new edition of this beast? Great job 👍!

[@tingbase84]

I think I will now be buying a rear 29" wheel for mine

[@Photoshopuzr]

top of the line mate, nice bike.

[@viniciussantana7221]

For the pedal delay you mention, try going to a 34t chainring.

[@johnherbert5919]

Thankyou for saying that chainstay length should be bike specific. I always look for for longer chainstays because I am tall.

[@anthonylau6691]

Sick build Rob! To add to the minimalist look, could you route the Specialized remote cable through the left port so it lines up with your rear brake cable? Enjoy this beast!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi Anthony, cheers! I already rerouted the brake cable to the right hand side port since filming this one! You're right, looks very clean!

[@anthonylau6691]

​@@RobRidesEMTB Can't wait till wireless brakes come out😂

[@massimorigato4310]

Hi rob, great build and very interesting solution, as usual your reviews are the best! One question: I own a turbo kenevo 2020 S2 size. Do you think a combination 27.5" at the rear and 29" at the front might be preferable for me as I'm 170cm tall ?

[@mickymouse42]

Brilliant vid. Absolutely love my Kenevo and have done since day 1. Would the conversion work for the first gen bikes?

[@user-sq4xp2zr8d]

Hi. Rob. I watched a good video. Awesome build. I want to build my turbo levo like this. What is the size of the rear x2 shock (210×55 -> ?)

[@Calispeedboi]

Higher bottom bracket actually turns better. Matt Beer wrote an article about it on pink bike

[@Hemsworthyclub]

Big love brother

[@SazanD1]

I have a 2019 kenevo on 3.0 wide wheels. The fat rubber soaks up so much of the impact that it is a dream to ride on rocks and roots at super low pressure. I love it but i don't understand why everyone seems to get irritated by the fact that i ride on fat wheels. Everyone seems to have an opinion as to why fat wheels suck without ever having tested it themselves.

[@rubbadubclub]

Running this as a mullet and its a savage

[@Magoo71]

Great review Rob on a bike you custom tuned from the ground up. Any idea of the $$ you have invested in building it? You really love those long travel bikes....to make up for your height I would guess! If I built one of these I would want a Mullet set up as I am not tall like you...I used to be be 5'11' but at my current 71 years, I've shrunk to 5'9". Thanks for the great review!

[@michaelassouline667]

Rob, smashing video as always, thanks! Did you try the Scott Ransom eRide? Or the Radon Deft? I would be very interested in your opinion as I'm the same height as you are, and these bikes are similar to the one you built. Both are 29ers, long and slack (although not 63 degrees slack), both have the Bosch motor, with the scott having a travel of 180/180 and the Radon 170/170.

[@Yan7001978]

Static stance profile looks epic, should be the name for it👌😄 Does the big S listen to that channel?😎

[@jonbleiker]

Great video as ever but I feel you hardly ever address the compromises in riding style for this type of bike. -hardest of all to manual/ wheelie/ bunnyhop. I’m 6’4 and definitely prefer the liveliness of a 27.5 rear and short as possible chainstays. Risk of turning everyone into passengers on their £10k skill compensating bikes… What’s wrong with travelling slower and picking lines better? Also when riding with slower mates/ on older/ shorter travel bikes you are going to be bored.. most people don’t live near big epic mountains and this is overkill for tight rooty woods. The numbers for red bull rampage show half of the riders on 26” rear…

[@vrhkrv4696]

As a shorter rider I'd prefer a mullet set up. But for that I'd probably need to use a 170mm 29''er fork right? - to get the same 63ish HTA. Or enough to balance it with a 2.6'' tire in the rear and 2.4'' in the front and 180mm fork? Thanks!

[@sauber8623]

Thanks so much for great upload! This video is truth about modern geometries and sizing 😢. If You are 160-170cm high You are extremely lucky becouse You an buy bike with correct geo. Longer riders, especially sub 190cm (like me) or more have bikes with inproportional enlarged front triangle causing lack of stability on jumps and grip on front wheel. Climbing ability is also nowhere, especially in natural, hard terrain like mountain hike trails. Size specific chainstays are must. Even changeable dropouts could be a good idea....and this Kenevo is best bike to buy looking for geo. If it will have normal rear shock mount (not pelvis which causing rear shock damages due to its lenght) it will be perfect bike. Even with that I think it's my jest bike.

[@AlexOdjas]

Great video! 👍 If you had only one bike, would you take Voima or Kenevo?

[@DavidPeake1]

Nice shot of the black 29er from emtbforum 😁

[@RobRidesEMTB]

🔥🔥

[@pigboss4135]

Hi there, I absolutely love your video on converting a Kenevo to a 29er, really boring question but after watching your report I am going to do the same to my 2022 Kenevo with some Rockshocks Zebs and was just wondering what crown race and bearings do I need to go from the stock Boxxers to the Zebs. Many thanks Matt

[@joelrunyan1608]

Just snagged a killer deal on a 38 and float x2 to build this exact bike

[@patricedesilets3393]

Hi Rob, really like your video by the way. I was wondering do you prefere the kenevo 29 over the Pole voila? If you do could you tell me why? It is probably a more expensive build compared to Pole voiva with no warranty.

[@elvislad]

Love your videos dude,love your no nonsense delivery....can I have a go on your pole! Erm how tall are you as you say you're a tall rider,I'm 6ft and due to being to old school for my own good!(edit 15.30 in u say how tall u are!) usually ride a medium but not even ridden a bike newer than an '17,on a 2016 escarpe at the mo,180mm yaris and a -2° angle headset . I like it but what do I know :-) I'm in N wales

[@Freeriderz666]

Riding the 29er Kenevo since late 2021... absolute best bike ever. As Rob says it rips through everything. I also can confirm that the air shock definitely suits the bike better. About the laggyness of the brose motor, yes it is true but i also trains your sense to ride fluently and look ahead. As long as you expect the delay it's not a real problem. Really would be interesting to see how low you can get the weight with a carbon frame... yet im kind of glad that it is aluminium and compared to other bikes the pricing is (or rather was back in 2020) not so over the top.

[@Emolokz]

Is the "lag" of the motor further behind the engagement of an 18 or 36 tooth engagement hub, for example?

[@Freeriderz666]

@@Emolokz Well you can alter the sensitivity via App but I recommend to stick to the lowest one because you also don't stress the belt that much. I would say 18 tooth is applicable in terms of lag. Hope that helps!

[@Emolokz]

@@Freeriderz666 just wanted to figure what would feel most similar. So as long as you can get it spinning at the hub from the chain (mechanically, using your own leg power) , the motor lag should catch up?

[@Freeriderz666]

@@Emolokz don't know what you mean by "motor lag catching up"? As soon as you pedal, you have a small moment of lag and after that there is no catching up as the motor is engaged, putting the power down

[@Emolokz]

@@Freeriderz666 that's kinda what I mean, will you feel the rear hub engage first, or the motor?

[@callumcopley6780]

Hi Robb .you would think specialized are working on a new kenevo. Either full 29 or mullet. Maybe tad lighter .gen 3 must be due soonish. Sounds great bike

[@georgepartsch2026]

Thanks, Rob! I think you just created my next bike😎 ha ha

[@geogiv]

Hi Rob! I wanted to do the same on my 2020 kenevo! Any special mods on the rear or you just fit a 29er? Btw it must be awesome setup!

[@jimfoster1724]

Beautiful build, Rob. What brand front fender are you running!

[@robertocalvo934]

Rob the tinkerer strikes again 🙌🙌 Awesome bike!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Can’t help it haha!

[@joelrunyan1608]

You can keep your warranty... just gotta keep the fork and 27.5 wheels and put them back on before you take it to the shop to get the warranty...

[@steveash8651]

Rob that is a cool build. What would you recommend for shorter and heavier riders? I would be more suited for an S2 with a typical reach around 450. Do you think there is any value for sticking with the 27.5 wheels and the stock suspension set up on the Kenevo Expert for me, ie do I need to ditch both the shock and fork to get the really plush ride?

[@rodent]

I don't want to upgrade from my '19 turbo levo cause there are no full 29er options now. the mullets can be converted to 29 in the rear but with narrower tires, so, not the same.

[@user-dw9ps2mt6c]

I have a kenevo sl with a Lyrik fork and it is by a country mile the best all round mtb I’ve ever owned or ridden. Came from gen 1 Sworks levo ( a panzer tank ) through a levo sl ( great but always felt a bit too far forward ) to this current Kenevo sl, so much more confident downhill. If I want a longer ride I take the spare battery, only possible upgrade for me would be the new more powerful motor in the current Kenevo sl 2, but the cost of change over is not worth it to me. If you don’t need the extra power or weight check the sl out.

[@gregm6709]

I have a 2022 alloy Levo (S4) and it does fit a 29” wheel in the back. I am running a Cascade LT link so that may make a difference, but I think it’d fit regardless.

[@jeffbond5062]

How close is the rear tire to the chain stay bridge? I love to hear more about this

[@gregm6709]

Tight-ish. An average volume 2.4 or 2.5 tire shouldn’t rub. Removed the spring and fully compressed the shock as well, no clearance issues.

[@xfortysd40]

Awesome build! You would think Spec would be doing a major overhaul of the Kenevo. Would love to see one based on the SL but full power! Hopefully one day!

[@MrHamncheez]

The Kenevo doesn't sell well, and there already is the Kenevo SL based on the Enduro suspension style. IDK what "based on the SL but full power" means, SL means super light, not full powered.

[@xfortysd40]

@@MrHamncheez ahh means based on the sl geo and suspension but full power, pretty straight forward.

[@collinellis3503]

@@MrHamncheez not sure how the kenevo doesnt sell well. its been sold out everywhere for most of the last few years

[@roddas26]

@@collinellis3503 compared to the Levo it's not a big seller for Specialized. 🤔

[@collinellis3503]

@@roddas26 the levo is probably the number 1 selling emtb on the market. so, if thats the argument no emtb sells well

[@camporeviews2613]

nice one rob