Specialized has revolutionised the e-mountainbike market with the Turbo Levo: The smart integration of the drive, no display, no frills. You could almost think you were standing in front of a "real" mountain bike. That's why the Levo has so many fans. However, it wasn't just the look that polarised people, the riding characteristics also trumped the competition.
There is no revolution for 2018, but rather an evolution: the Americans have fine-tuned details to make good things even better. The biggest innovation is undoubtedly the carbon frame. This should not only be significantly stiffer, but also save a lot of weight: According to Specialised the main frame is 40 percent stiffer than its aluminium counterpart and at the same time half a kilo lighter. The top-of-the-range S-Works model is said to have shed a whole 650 grams thanks to the carbon fibre rear triangle. The carbon fibre rear triangle is said to be 20 percent stiffer than its predecessor.
When the Turbo Levo was launched, the entire bike industry was in Plus fever. The Specialized rolled on massive 3-inch tyres. For more precise handling and better handling in the mud, the Americans now fit 2.8-inch tyres. To compensate for the resulting bottom bracket drop, Specialized has fitted a 150 millimetre fork instead of the 140 millimetre fork.
As usual with Specialized, the top model S-Works relies on exclusive Öhlins suspension. The other models feature a Rock Shox Pike suspension fork and a Monarch shock absorber. Specialized also installs more powerful brakes with 200 mm discs at the front and rear.
There's also an electronics update: the new control unit has a push aid for the first time, but remains inconspicuously small. The motor has been given both a hardware and software update and now delivers 15 per cent more power. At the same time, Specialized wants to have increased efficiency and thus prevent any heat problems. In addition, heat is now better distributed in the engine compartment and the new housing should dissipate it better to the outside. The new software should also provide even smoother support and better decoupling above the 25 km/h limit. The good news for all Levo riders: The new software can also be installed on the current engines.
Specialized has also taken on a pioneering role in networking with other devices: The motors could already be paired with mobile phones and Garmin, and now there is a Garmin app for the Fenix 5 watch. In addition, all ANT+ devices can now be paired. Specialized has also developed the "Infinite Tune" in close collaboration with two Swiss universities: The algorithm calculates how long I can ride in which support on my tour. You can also link the maximum support to your own performance.
