2023 Specialized Levo SL Review | The All-New Levo SL Resets The Benchmark For Lightweight e-MTBs

It was in early 2020 when the Specialized Levo SL made its thunderous debut. Purpose-built around a low-powered motor and a smaller battery, the Levo SL broke headlines thanks to its sleek looks and incredible sub-18kg weight. Sure, it wasn’t the first lightweight electric mountain bike on the market, but it was arguably the one to legitimise the category. Indeed it proved to be the catalyst for other lightweight e-MTBs like the Orbea Rise, Trek Fuel EXe, Pivot Shuttle SL and even Specialized’s own long-travel bruiser, the Kenevo SL.

While many other brands are yet to even arrive in this segment, Specialized is steaming ahead with the launch of the 2nd generation Levo SL. Promising more power, neater integration, improved handling and greater adjustability, there’s plenty of hype to live up to. So does it deliver? We’ve been testing the 2023 Specialized Levo SL to see how all the changes play out on the trail!

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Specialized Levo SL Review Contents

0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Specialized Levo SL Overview
2:15 - Specialized Levo SL Geometry & Sizing
3:01 - Specialized Levo SL Price & Specs
3:39 - Specialized Levo SL Weight
4:15 - Suspension Performance
5:22 - Handling
6:26 - SL 1.2 Motor
7:35 - Downsides
8:50 - Specialized Levo SL Range Testing
10:10 - Specialized Levo SL vs Trek Fuel EXe
10:26 - Flow's Verdict

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[clarkeol]

Flow does it again! After watching a few reviews back to back, you guys just do it so much better. You actually discuss every point that a rider and potential buyer would be interested in. Not to mention you aren't always reviewing the best model in the range, which makes your reviews far more relevant to the average joe. Top job!

[darinvandecar]

Another well articulated product review! You are as good as any bike reviewer on the internet!

[walnut]

Just ordered, I didn’t think I would ever buy an e-bike but this one got me. I average 250kms a week on my road bike, this is all about maximising the number of downhill runs 🤙

[skidaddledude]

One of the best reviews I have ever heard. Well done.
I am an advocate for longer chain stays it’s time the manufacturers gave more options.

[spinthatup]

Another amazing review Will, I get so excited when the little blue circle comes up next to FLOW MTB on here for a new video!

[ThunderStruckMTB]

Always so good Wil! I'm 55 and have no plans to buy an E bike anytime soon, but if and when I do it will be one of these lighter weight bikes and I can only imagine how much they will improve in the next 5-7 years when I might be in the market.... but hopefully not.

[bfranco]

Flow is holding it down! I prefer their/your take over many other online reviews

[andreileonidovich]

New level of review about bikes and not bikers. Thanks!

[AstronautKitty-wy]

We tested all of them. Don’t talk until you have ridden it. It really in a class of it own.

[stueym]

Excellent review mate, I had just ordered an s5 couple of hour before I watched your review.

[juancarlosducca]

Great review! Thank you. Hoping that specialized will put this motor to the lower priced SL bikes in the near future along with the TCU.

[darrylhausman-pkcq]

Excellent review, Will, that's gonna be my next bike

[landoctor]

Seems like a great upgrade. I'll be keeping my 2021 Levo SL for now.

[laforgevtt]

Très bonne présentation et bien complète.
Avec ta vidéo, on sait tout sur ce vélo.
Merci pour le partage.

[stueym]

Your comment on the float x for more aggressive riders, I have worked out the orange volume spacer is the go, pink one was to harsh, also I will be fitting my 2023 Zebs 170mm, have waited for this for 2 years.

[CAMHARTXP]

This new Specialized EVO sl and Giant Trance E Advance E+ a both options for those looking for a lighter enduro/trail style EMTB. Both are appealing due to the lighter weight. Coming off a Giant Trance X E+ 29er at almost 26kg, the weight savings are attractive. Any chance of a comparison of these two?

[tycojewel]

I have the original Levo SL comp. I mulleted it because I am short..5 ft 2 inches and found full 29 too high in situations where I needed a quick dismount. I did notice though that on one of my usual trails I could no longer clear an uphill ledge I previously could with the full 29 setup. So I am wondering if the 2023 SL in mullet in size equivalent to original small has more or the same clearance? It seemed from your review that clearance on rocky uphills might still pose a problem?

[jonnycarroll]

1. What is the crank situation? I see it's dub. Does that mean there is a spindle and a normal dub crankset fit in there? How would I upgrade it?

[christine]

Another Great review- thanks Wil! Which one is more fun? The levo or the SL? I own the levo expert and I am riding in eco mode most of the time. What do you think, will the sl in trail mode ride similar?

[bluensx]

What pedals were on this test bike? They look awesome, and very aggressive with good grip.