The Bad & Good - Specialized Turbo Levo SL Review | SL eMTB Roundup

#loamwolf #mtb
As one of the first players in the SL, lightweight eMTB category with their original Turbo Levo SL, Specialized is well versed in the lightweight electric bike game. However, the previous generation Specialized Levo SL quickly began to lose favor to similarly light systems that were able to produce more power and torque while also offering more capable geometry and spec. Earlier this year Specialized came back swinging with their new Levo SL equipped with the SL 1.2 motor, which we Dissected here. As one of the hottest bikes in the SL eBike world, we had to have the new 2024 Specialized Levo SL in the mix for our inaugural SL eMTB Shootout, and it turned out to be a pretty mixed bag of impressions for our crew.

This group review was made possible thanks to the amazing support of Schwalbe Tires and their brilliant new Tacky Chan tires, which we outfitted each and every bike with for a consistent test platform.

We’d also like to thank Ninja MTB and Glade Optics.

Our crew did plenty of testing around Central Oregon before heading down to one of our favorite places to ride, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Thanks for the hospitality Discover Klamath and the beautiful Running Y Resort.

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00:00 Introduction
00:44 Tech and Specs
02:06 Climbing Performance
04:44 Descending Performance
07:18 End Thoughts

#mountainbike #mountainbiking #enduromtb #ebike #specializedlevo

[r.w.]

I’m not getting this thing about the SL not being powerful enough. You buy an SL because you like the lighter weight and you only need the motor that gives you a small push up the hills and increase the distance you can ride. I choose the SL because it feels more like a regular bike, not a motorcycle.

[russgordon]

Looking forward to the round-up discussion. Sorting out the pros and cons of each bike and which is best for which trail conditions and riding styles will be a challenge. Each of these SL bikes have potential weaknesses. Keep up the great work!

[Lex-Rex]

Crazy how much these flagship models cost. Hell, even for a lower spec they are still priced crazy. Then again, pretty much everything these days are priced crazy LOL.

[michaeldevries]

Love this series!! In Minnesota we do not have big climbs so the SL bikes are perfect.

[welfebowyer]

I test rode the comp version of this bike in Rotorua, NZ and loved it. I have been looking for an SL E-bike that feels like a regular AM bike on the downs and takes a bit of the strain off the uphills, while still working for it. This bike feels amazing going down! Like I had owned it for months already. I mostly used it in eco and trail modes, then worked out the micro tune was awesome to get perfect amount of assist on each section. a big plus over other bikes with only 4 modes I think. I had no range extender, rode til I was dead for the day and my stats were 45km / 1, 300m elevation / 3.5 hrs (moving) My only negative was that i had 20% battery left on my last big climb, so thought I had timed it well, but the system started restricting my power to the point where I couldnt get up the hill and had to abort the run. Im hoping this was a setting in the app that can be adjusted. With a range extender I would have been able to use more trail / turbo mode for the day probably.

[rezenclowd]

I regularly ride my bike up Gibalter road in Santa Barbara for Tunnel and Cold Springs, you guys are probably familiar with the trails. 3200ft climb which is ~20mi loop (13.3mi up but it levels off 6.6mi 2600ft). I have detuned my bike but I use my detuned trail halfway to warmup, then turbo the rest of the way (40/60 and 60/80 tunes)

[topchoice]

Right about now I wish I had a e-bike you guys are making me want one more and more

[peakz]

Just picked up my new Levo sl comb carbon 2023 model today. I have a sl 2021 model to, and i will say the 23 model feels way better than the 21 model and u deffently feel the motor is stronger on the new one. Just bought the range extender to because i stil feel like the 320 battery should have been upgraded but i will take my first big trail on the new bike tomorrow 👍🍻

[testtesttesttesttest]

The fit and finish of this bike is beyond any of the other bikes tested.

[wss]

I have the 2023 Pro version and love it but then as I'm only an intermediate rider, anything this level will be great for me. That said, I had the full powered Levo before and it was too heavy and too much power meaning I often come home with 40 ~50 % of the battery left so that means I'm just lugging the battery around all day. With the SL I can get 3, 000 ft of vertical on one charge and I can get a great workout at the same time and come home with nearly zero battery. And I can control the bike better as the rider and not the passenger as I was with the Levo. Also the bike is light enough that I ride it with motor in off mode to and from the trail. Another great thing about the bike is the geometry flexibility as I am considering to covert it to a 29'er.

[thim]

Wonder how your score would be if that motor was in a kenevo sl? I'm looking for big travel enduro with assistance up hill, but still flickable.

[strutstipher]

I think the new SL is a little to powerful and subsequently rinses the battery. I've been riding mine 75 75 which seems plenty for most steep trails. I bought the S4 and feels a bit short on the steep tech. I've been thinking of moving the head cup to make it feel more stable on the steep, but great bike loves to jump.

[mikes.]

I have the comp and built up a sick bike for way cheaper. My motor is pretty quiet som I’m excited to try the heckler SL if that’s quieter I’ll be plenty happy. Levo SL shreds, but I agree value sucks. For SC laps more than enough power for me.

[LexZolnir]

oh excellent, you hit this one w/ some negs, love it.

[MrDavecore]

I wish they would have added a bigger internal battery in the 400 range. How would you stack against the Shuttle sl or heckler sl? Thanks

[jimm]

When I pick up my first “light” e-Bike, I anticipate putting effort into the climbs & etc. Nevertheless, I still think the Levo SL would give me range anxiety.

I know y’all ain’t VPP fans, but the Heckler SL you guys debuted a few days ago seems like it might be in my personal sweet spot.

[TheAngryHusky]

$14, 000 for a mid power with 320 battery. I have two Gen 3 Levos but Specialized won’t be seeing another dime from me with these prices.

[ryanlovin]

Did I spy a Kids Ride Shotgun headset spacer on there? I love their seat on an ebike and getting out with my kid on some singletrack!

[shirolee]

I would like to know which ebike you do recommend.

[Manu_Air]

Would be nice if you would blend in metric dimensions if you talk about weight, range, altitude and so on, it really gets tiresome to always compute it. You have a lot of non-US viewers ;-) love your channel!