The MOST Capable EMTB??? 2022 Specialized Kenevo Expert Review ($5799 2023 sale model)

[@coldsteeloffroad]

I'm 40, 6'2" 218lbs riding an S4 & love to push. Been rippin' the KenEx in Hawaii for over a year now & here's my unsolicited input... 1. Dropper problem: I run a Fox Transfer @125mm & it gets low & works great because w/a motor, I don't need full leg extension for optimum power & it helps to keep your CG low, & is better for steep climbs. 2. Butcher tires: GREAT tires in T9 compound! Ran Maxxis for a couple years on a Trek Rail 5 eMTB & Specialized tires are now my go-to. Butcher, Eliminator & Hillbilly; all great & provide better traction than the Maxxis IMO. 3. Dual crown mobility: Unless navigating the TIGHTEST of turns, this is a non-issue. 95% of switchbacks it does fine. 4. Be aware that per FOX you CAN NOT RUN A FOX DHX2 COIL on this bike due to the long linkage fork design; high probability the shaft will snap causing loss of control... I have 1 & was about to install until FOX warned me (thankfully). I think there are other brands with a thicker O.D. shaft that can be run though (ask them). 5. If riding rocks, recommend an aluminum bash guard that can be found on EBay. I'm a plower & mine is HAMMERED, batt cover is mint though 👌🏻. 6. Brakes: Recommend Hope Tech4 V4 DH brakes & Hope rotors. Just amazing compared to the stockers & no issues thus far. 7. SUS: Boxxer & shock is good, but adjustability is limited if that's your thing. I'm a tinkerer & run FOX 40 reduced to 190mm & FLOAT X2. 40 provides more stiffness, Boxxer more comfort & flex. I LOVE this bike & bought an identical KenEx in S2 for my son! Check out some riding footage on my channel if interested & feel free to ask questions, anyone. Great vid my man 🤙🏻

[@LoamerMTB]

Aluminum bash guard is a great idea! Just cracked the plastic cover on my Kenevo.

[@ThinkMud]

I ordered one after watching this a few weeks ago plus a few other reviews. I've never even ridden an e-bike until today (when it finally came in!) and WOW! the motor is so smooth and the suspension is so comfortable. I have bad knees from some motorcycle crashes, bad back from power lifting in high school and car crashes and super out of shape now since normal mtn bikes hurt, running is out of the question and treadmills are boring lol. But this bike felt great today for the few miles I got to ride. Still a great workout for me (super hilly area I live in) but never hurt! I bought it mainly to get back in shape and have fun while doing it. I think this bike is perfect for heavier people and/or those with bad knees and backs, you don't have be a hard core down hiller or anything (yet). Hope this comment helps others in my boat that have been thinking about an eMTN bike but didn't know if they should jump on it.

[@LoamerMTB]

That’s awesome! Congrats on the new bike! Definitely could be a great option for someone with any joint or back issues who’s looking to ride mellower terrain. Hadn’t thought of that. I’ve gotten more fit from the ebike too. I just ride more now! So awesome.

[@jeffreese2251]

Good review… trails up that way look great. I will have to add that to my list to try. I got my Kenevo a few weeks ago after borrowing one from a friend to try it first. Hard to pass up the current sale price. A couple of my moto buddies also bought Kenevos in the last month. Regarding your dropper post… You can get it lower that you have it shown on your vid. Note that the lower bracket can be accessed with the shock attached but you will need to remove the rear shock to access the upper brackets that secure the cables for the dropper. Loosen the clamps and slide the cables… then retighten. I have mine set in the lowest position with an inch above the clamp. My buddy runs his seat taller at about 2.5 above the clamp. My only issue was pedal strikes. It took a bit of adjusting to spinning a higher cadence vs pushing a bigger gear like I do on my other bikes…. In normal trails, you can keep spinning and pick your uphill lines to avoid strikes. Some rutted out moto trails require creative line choices on climbs to maintain clearance. Per some other KZbinr’s recommendations,…I just bumped my fork from 180 to 200…. Cheaper option than building up a 29 for the front… plus I like the way the 27.5 handle and they are stronger that a 29ers. Riding it for the first time tomorrow. I would also recommend trying CushCores. Just like moto I think it helps dampen the trail chatter… and unlike normal MTB I think the additional weight is a positive on the EMTB… rim protection and added traction with lower PSI is a win win. Congrats on your new bike.

[@LoamerMTB]

That’s great to hear about the dropper. Unfortunately I can’t run the 180 any lower anyway due to pedaling seat height but good it’s an option. Now if I can finagle my 210 one up into the seatpost I’ll really be in business! Yeah pedal strikes can be brutal. Caught my foot under a downed sapling the other day and torque of motor pinned it pretty good. Painful. Let me know how you like the geo with the 200 mm Boxxer. I’m pretty happy with the current geo but a bit slacker might be fun for the steeps! Enjoy the bike! 🤘

[@jeffreese2251]

@@LoamerMTB The bump to 200 on the fork is good. I was more interested in a taller bottom bracket for less pedal strikes vs slacker geo. I also added Renthal riser bars and I am a fan!

[@joelrunyan1608]

Dual crowns are way stiffer front to back and the negative air chamber is massive. That's why theyre so awesome

[@LoamerMTB]

So good!

[@Dialed1]

This is an awesome review, very well done! I think you covered all the basses here. Such a good deal! It’s frustrating to find out you can’t get that dropper slammed. It’s interesting that bikes are still made with that kink in the frame preventing deep insertion! It’s also a safety risk if that dropper comes up unintentionally. Anyways sounds like it’s livable and with all the other great aspects about the bike it can be forgiven a bit.

[@LoamerMTB]

Awesome bike overall. Super disappointing about the dropper. Really negates some of the fun of having the 27.5 wheels since it’s hard to move around the bike as fluidly with the seat in the way. Don’t notice it much after a week or 2 so that’s good.

[@MTB_Corbin]

Nice review! Glad you pulled the trigger on the EMTB life 👍

[@LoamerMTB]

Yeah man we’ll have to ride the hogs somewhere soon 😂

[@wayneturley7814]

Great review thanks man👊🏻

[@Mascre-vu2xd]

Que ebike es mejor entre la Specialized kenevo expert y la intense tazer mx pro?

[@jeffw3234]

Great review. Thanks for sharing. I’m on the fence between this and a Levo comp alloy. They are about the same price with the sale. Decisions decisions…

[@LoamerMTB]

If you have some trails to justify the burly setup this bike is pretty dang fun! Tough choice. Good luck!

[@bradley3549]

Just ordered mine - first dual crown. Lots of folks suggested I swap for a single crown fork straight away - have you felt like the dual crown was a detriment in any scenarios - like tight switchbacks? Ahh, missed it at the 4:15 mark!

[@LoamerMTB]

If you have some gnarly trails I’d say keep the dual crown on and see how it feels. I love it! Haven’t really had any scenarios descending where it’s been an issue. Even the tight climbs are pretty clearable. Congrats on the bike!

[@bradley3549]

@@LoamerMTB Thanks for the feedback. Trails are certainly as gnarly as in this video, with some big air opportunities as well. So I'll probably see how I like it and go from there. Looking forward to not being completely pooped by the time I get to the top!

[@LoamerMTB]

You’ll love it then! Just sessioned a 1700’ descent last night for 3 laps dialing in lines feeling fresh each lap. Such a fun option. I’m preferring the Boxxer to my 38 on the DH style stuff. Super stiff. Like a shuttle with a light workout 😂

[@BryceLovesTech]

Can’t decide between this and the SL, I must be crazy cause I live in Ocala Florida but I love long travel bikes

[@LoamerMTB]

Long travel bikes are alot of fun!

[@bfranco1519]

Just be honest with yourself about where you ride and how long you ride when you make your decision, you’ll be fine.

[@bikerboy1993]

what do a type in2 websites for a rear shock as the eyelets are different ways on the rear shock for this bike

[@LoamerMTB]

Not sure. I’d call Specialized and ask or check with a local Spec dealer. Also make sure it’s approved so you don’t have it break on you. Coils are sketchy to run. Good luck!

[@juliendufour4513]

I have the same bike and really love it. I am thinking to convert it in mullet, what’re your thoughts on this?

[@LoamerMTB]

I like it just fine as is but I’ve heard people like it as a mullet!

[@MarshallStrider]

I'm also thinking about buying the Kenevo Expert or a Cannondale Moterra Neo LT.2. I got good prices on both, they are both pretty similar. The Cannondale has the Bosch motor and the bosch 750Wh battery. What do you think? You have any experience or comparison to the Bosch motor/battery? Thanks,

[@LoamerMTB]

I have only pedaled a Bosch motor for a few hundred feet but it felt pretty good. I think it was a bit louder than the Kenevo battery. Just checked out that Cannondale. Looks like good geo and the coil is a nice addition.

[@MarshallStrider]

@@LoamerMTB Do you have the S4 or the S5 and how tall are you? I'm not sure if I should go with S4 or S5. Thanks

[@LoamerMTB]

@@MarshallStriderS4 and I’m 6’.

[@brendansmith4136]

Hey, sorry if you mentioned it in the video, but how tall are you and what size did you get? Cheers!

[@LoamerMTB]

6’ and 160-165 lbs with riding gear.

[@LoamerMTB]

It’s an S4.

[@JaredHerdlevar]

Perfect place to test how capable a bike is 😆

[@LoamerMTB]

Seriously! I need to get back over there for those double blacks. Such a fun zone!

[@kahnny23]

I know that build came with an eagle 12 speed....What gear are you in while riding?

[@LoamerMTB]

Not sure offhand. I usually just pedal in whatever gear I can keep a good cadence in and put a bit of effort into.

[@kahnny23]

@@LoamerMTB what about the climb up the fire road? What gear were you using?

[@joelrunyan1608]

Just got mine Today

[@LoamerMTB]

Congrats! Ride it yet?

[@joelrunyan1608]

@LoamerMTB just around the block... bike shop is crappie. It's not setup for me yet... headed to ebike legal trails next weekend so. Ive got 8 days to set it up

[@joelrunyan1608]

Wanna ride it stock and then go mullet on it. But keep the boxxer. And occasionally run it 29 fr n rear. Sram rep hinted that u can do a lower swap and make it a 29er

[@LoamerMTB]

@@joelrunyan1608 Yeah mullet would be awesome!

[@joelrunyan1608]

Rode it in an E enduro race in Marquette Michigan over the weekend. Amazing. One big flaw I encountered. In super chunky trails? Or if you bash the bb? The charge door can pop open... which? Shuts the bike off. Happened luckily at the end of 1 race stage

[@lucasmosching8983]

Got a 2023 for 4300 🎉

[@LoamerMTB]

Congrats! Get the dual crown?

[@lucasmosching8983]

@@LoamerMTB jup! I own a Bio SC 5010 which is the complete opposit with super short chainstay and short travel, but when going for a Full Power Ebike i see no reason to not get the fattest one 😁

[@JwallzMTB]

dont ever sell this, best bike they made. and this is coming from someone who sold the levo to buy the kenevo

[@LoamerMTB]

Good to hear! It’s been a lot of fun.

[@keenankovacs]

Get the dual crown off it, the Kenevo's are known to crack at the headtube bc of the dual crowns. The ones with single crown don't crack. Whack of specialized not to acknowledge this, they are just trying to sell off all the dual crowns they bought for kenevos

[@LoamerMTB]

Really. I just looked around and can’t find anything about it on the pink bike forums or anywhere else. I also know a few people who have the dual crown build and no one has had issues. I know people have been breaking coil shocks from linkage design. How do you know about the forks?

[@keenankovacs]

@@LoamerMTB I work for a group of people affiliated with Specialized, a couple of our riding buddies are specialized team riders. Everyone of them on a Kenevo either switched to single crown, or ended up cracking the headtube. When we put an order in for a work fleet of Kenevo's, the team riders first words was to sell the dual crowns they came with and replace with single crown. It has to do with the crown races that sit in the headset cups. I also know a few people who bought them and ended up cracking from the dual crown. Just thought I'd say something.

[@LoamerMTB]

@@keenankovacs How badly are they failing? Like a visible crack or ripping off the bike?

[@keenankovacs]

Yeah It's a crack that develops on the lower end of the headtube. usually like a hairline fracture but still compromises the frame. I got a stern talking to at work because I jumped the new kenevo out of a skatepark before the fork was switched to a single crown, that was the first time I've heard about it. Sucks because Dual crown is so dope on an Ebike. Since then both Kenevo's we got have fox 38's. As far as I know specialized hasn't acknowledged it but I'm sure if it was to happen to yours it would be under warranty.

[@LoamerMTB]

@@keenankovacs Man that’s unfortunate to hear. That’s what really sets the Kenevo apart. Without the dual crown it’s not that special. Just checked the frame as I’ve been hearing a creak coming for the headset for a few months with no obvious cause. No crack yet! I’m gonna do some digging and ask around about this for sure. Good looking out. Thanks for heads up.