Specialized Turbo Levo Review - Long Term Test of the New Gen 3 Levo

A little over a year ago we were hand delivered a new Gen 3 Specialized Turbo Levo ahead of a full day of filming and interviewing Specialized Bicycles employees for our Dissected Feature. Since that first sloppy and incredibly fun day, we’ve done our best to put as many miles, hours, and vertical feet on this bike as we could under as many riders as possible. As much as we wanted to rush a review of the Specialized Levo out in the name of Google Analytic rankings, we knew there was a need to put this bike through a thorough review process. We joined a few Facebook Levo Owners groups and forums and found that quite a few previous generation Levo owners had concerns over reliability. Since these bikes are no small investment, we felt it prudent to do our best to beat on this updated Specialized Levo and see if we developed any issues of our own. Let’s see how 14 months and 5 test riders have gotten along with the Gen 3 Turbo Levo.

THE DIRT
Ever since our first ride on the new Specialized Turbo Levo we were hooked. We had to do our best to hide the instant connection during our Dissected video as they are made with the support of the brands, but since then the feelings have only grown. It has pretty much become my go-to eMTB for testing new products, components and filming for our YouTube videos. In fact, aside from breaking the little plastic tab on the charge port door, the only thing this bike needs, badly, is a suspension service. Granted I did replace the SRAM brakes with a set of TRP DHR-EVO brakes, which are way more powerful and consistent than the OE spec.

While we have not been able to cause any failures, or other problems with the drive unit, battery or belt, it does seem like the motor has gotten a bit louder over time. In fact, even on hard days with 5,000-6,500-feet of very steep self-shuttles, we notice the unit seems to get louder as the day goes on and can slight drop in power, perhaps from the heat on the extended and steep climbs. Nevertheless, the bike is still fun, peppy and climbs like a goat. We will update as miles keep getting stacked on this bike if anything changes.

From a comfort and performance perspective, the Turbo Levo is a treat to ride. Whether it’s an all day mission or shredding hot laps, the Gen 3 Levo just feels right. Some may take issue with the 27.5-inch rear wheel, and yes, it lacks the rollover of a 29er while seated, or standing for that matter, but is more of an indication for who this bike is designed to please. Riders who want to push hard, corner quickly, enjoy a stiffer and snappy rear end will all enjoy the shortened rear end of the Turbo Levo. We’re big fans of mulleted eBikes, although we do agree there is a place for full 29ers in the realm.

When it comes to picking our favorite part about the new Specialized Levo, it’s hard to pick just one. We instantly feel at-home on the bike, but think the geo and suspension tune are huge factors in why we really enjoy this bike. It feels right in almost every single type of terrain and trail. And for the rare occasion it doesn’t feel quite right, a simple geo adjustment and you’re tuned up and ready to rip. Specialized absolutely nailed the suspension tune on the new Levo eMTB and we’re confident that because it can effortlessly blend planted stability with poppiness and snappiness when needed are why it’s one of our favorite eBikes on the market.

The Wolf’s Last Word
As we look one month into the future with our 4th Annual eBike Shootout looming, this is definitely a bike our crew has their eyes on for a top spot in the all-around category. We’ve done our best to put durability and reliability issues to the test regarding the belt and drive units and are happy to report we’ve not had any issues at all. Although it’s not quite as fast or powerful feeling as the EP8 in some situations and Bosch in most situations, it’s in the mix and has its own unique feel that we could describe as vanilla ice cream. Although I personally love a good vanilla, what I mean by that is, it has no major standouts when trying to describe power delivery or pedaling performance. I don’t see that as a bad thing because it means most riders will just get along fine without the polarizing traits some units have.

Overall Specialized have delivered a complete package of an eBike that is incredibly fun to ride, capable in all types of terrain and has become one of our most fought over test bikes. That being said, I’m sure glad we didn’t have to fork over $13,000 to buy it, cuz if we did I’d just have to hope the new, alloy versions ride almost as well since I’ve got bills to pay and diapers to buy. Price aside, this thing kicks ass.

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[DZig]

You guys produce great reviews, just sayin. Some may not like to sit through longer explanations, but for me, it is just what the doctor ordered. It gives you a chance to mention small details as well as the obvious, and I appreciate that. I just ordered the comp carbon from my local dealer, due in no small part to your (nearly) hour long MTB shootout video naming it the best overall! I did sub BTW! Thanks!

[marksigley]

I bought the Expert Turbo Levo last July. I've put just over 600 miles on it and agree completely with your review. It's an incredible machine. I too broke off the charging door and my local dealer replaced it under warranty. That's the only issue I have had with it. I swapped out the dropper for the AXS Reverb from my Niner; the Manic Fusion wasn't really up to the rest of the spec of the bike. I recently had a limb get caught in the rear mech and broke a spoke and did some other damage, so I took the leap and had the AXS shifting put on. What a great improvement. I absolutely love the bike and the customization that goes with it. I'm 59 years old and ride it mostly in the Eco mode. That still gives me a great workout without being totally spent and I can ride nearly 60 miles on a single charge. I initially had a hard time wrapping my head around spending over $10K for a bicycle, but I have no regrets. I ride way more often and for longer rides and that's what it's all about.

[bryanboldt]

One thing most reviews miss mentioning is the rider's power output data which can be displayed either on a Ant+ unit (ie: Garmin) or the new TCU display on the Levo. As a rider who actually pedals a lot, I like the option to see this data and verify my effort level with the built-in power meter.

I'm a 61 year old, ex-road racer and still pretty fit. IMO, if you like to ride (ie: pedal) like I do and only want some assist, there's no need for a full-on version. I demo'd a Levo for a few days and felt it was, pretty much like all full e-bikes, just too cumbersome and heavy to enjoy all round. It left me feeling beat up and sore especially from carrying through unrideable sections of trails (downed trees, etc). While the max torque was novel to experience, meh, I like to ride for the most part and really didn't like being on what felt more like a half bike half moto.

My decision went to the slightly underpowered SL, where it provides mostly adequate support for me (interestingly, it's enough for single track climbs but lacks the power for flying up fire roads in the same manner as the Levo). However, to me the SL feels like a regular Stumpy but with some assist. It'll probably be another decade, in my 70s, before I may be ready to ride a moto, err, Levo. I expect by then we'll see some really nice, light weight high torque options.

[natej]

How on earth do you guys only have 56K subscriber’s?!?
Wife and I took the plunge last week and bought a his and hers Turbo Levo. We are so stoked with them and happy to be getting in multiple laps on our favorite local PNW trails.

[rcbigdaddy]

I have had a Pro for almost a year and agree that the bike is all around awesome. No issues for me although I don't put the miles on that you guys do. I am 6'2" 195 lbs and 65 years old. S5 fits me perfect. I went full slack on the front and high in the back. Works well for me. I have been impressed with the battery life too. Power is nice and smooth and the bike does great at climbing steep challenging terrain. I am a huge fan of these bikes based on my own experience. Agree with your review 100%.

[davidkelley]

I've had a chance to ride a Levo Turbo and have a Pro on order. I completely agree with your conclusion. The bike feels great in most situations and it's hard to find something to take issue with. Thank you for the great content!

[cesarlomibao]

Awesome long term review! You have great content! My wallet is NOT that deep but I saved and sacrificed and bought the SWorks and have never looked back!! When I saw the 2022 model debut with the new geometry and control system, I had to have it. Again, awesome long term review. Keep up the great work.
Best Regards,
Cesar

[airzillarocks]

Avid rider for years, personally cannot justify such an expensive bicycle that costs as much a decent sport touring motorcycle - And more power, pun intended, to those that want to purchase such a bicycle whether outright or via personal loan, which I'm sure many are - Anyway, keep shredding on whatever makes ya happy, I do - Rock on... \m/

[captnhuffy]

Excellent opinion piece. Loam Wolf delivers again! Thank you! Thank you for touching so deeply on all the key areas. Suspension deserves all the attention you gave it. Double thanks for affirming sizing, keeping it in reference. Thanks on power delivery...
But, but, at some point we are going to need graphs comparing the different motors.. charts at least. Even if the graphs show a flat torque curves, the rate of change vs rpm (focusing on starting obviously) is important. And these graphs will also show the magnitude difference the various manufacture deliver. No small thing!
After all we are discussing motored bikes. Motor data matters!! Obviously this is NOT a fast deliverable. Certainly not... but within 3 years this should be nominally available within this price range. Cheaper bikes will hide this data, quality bikes will not.
Let's hold Specialized, Trek and the other big names to task on ***motor performance data*** I can think of one company that would love to set themselves up as the benchmark, and should supply great graphics Highest regards,
edit: YES, reliability and maintenance reports, and updates, are VITAL. thanks again!

[suhwateezea.]

Had a turbo levo comp for 2 years now. Incredible bike.

[somanysevens]

I just picked up a new Marin E2 for $5150 and this bike was 13K, such a huge gap in prices.

[ArtFalcon]

Nice review bro! I absolutely love my Levo!! And prices just dropped!!!

[JustDiesels]

I agree with your complaints on the battery door, and have nothing but good things to say about this bike during my ownership. The price sucks, but it's hands down the best all around bike I've been on. My favorite trait has to be the cornering. No bike has ever inspired as much confidence in turns as this one!

[Birdpoo]

I’m holding out for a much longer range: forget the fancy displays

[faceinthecrowd]

Bought a turbo Levo comp last summer, starting out this month for more as the mud season continues here in upstate NY. So far I have had no problems, nothing serious. Mine as a 2021, the charging port door does seem problematic. Three are times when my power shuts off and a tap on the charge door fixes the momentary power loss, I will engineer a solution. Bike does not enjoy functioning when it gets really dirty, gears etc. Shortened by bars up some, too many trees in the northeast.
So far…….really glad I choose the STLcomp.

[mxengineer]

Great overall long term video review on the Gen 3 Levo. You changed out wheels and brakes etc and maybe I missed it in the video but can you tell us the actual mileage you put on the motor/frame on this bike over the test period? Looking forward to the upcoming shootout!

[axc]

Heah, 15k S-Works Levo that the charge door has broke off 2x so far. Both on the trail. I should repeat, this is a $15k bike. What crap design/engineering. Oh, and the part is never in stock.

[jimji]

Nice review as usual. I have to say for how much these things cost I would have a hard time getting one with those ugly colors on the carbon frames. Might have to down grade to the Aluminum and would be nice to have a review of those models.

[martinschwartz]

Thanks for another great video. That was very informative.
Last September I was making a decision between buying a 2022 Levo and a 2022 Kenevo SL. I wasn't sure if the Kenevo SL was powerful enough for my 6'4", 300lbs frame, considering my 70-year-old muscles aren't as strong as they used to be. It seemed that the lighter Kenevo would be a better handler than the heavier Levo. Unfortunately, test riding a bike before ordering one is impossible these days. I was a bit put off by the motor reliability issues on the previous version of the Levo. I read one article that said the Mahle motor in the Kenevo SL is very reliable since it has double seals and doesn't use a belt drive.
I did decide to purchase the Kenevo SL. I am very happy with it except that I struggle up hills and into a stronger headwind. At my age, the full-powered Levo probably makes more sense. Can you comment on the Mahle motor's reliability?

[sepp]

really happy about this Review, i have bought my Expert a few days ago.