Specialized Levo SL Expert on test: New edition of the light classic: The Levo SL on the trail

The Specialized Levo SL is the latest interpretation of the ancestor of lightweight trail e-bikes. Like its predecessor, this bike has one main goal: trail fun. To achieve this, Specialized has opted for a moderate geometry with very short chainstays and a minimalist drive concept. Compared to its predecessor, however, the American company has upgraded both a little. The geometry is more modern, i.e. longer and slacker and therefore more downhill orientated. The suspension travel has also increased slightly compared to the first Levo SL. With 160/150 millimetres, the Specialized is positioned in the gap between trail and enduro and should therefore function as an all-rounder for all trail and downhill situations.

The weight of the Levo SL Expert remains pleasantly low at 18.2 kilos with a fully equipped bike suitable for downhill riding. There are hardly any lighter e-bikes in this suspension travel class, and certainly not for less than 10,000 euros. In terms of equipment, the Expert model of the Levo SL can confidently be described as the golden mean. It has everything you need for maximum riding fun, but without the exorbitant price of the S-Works model. Fox suspension with top damping technology, Code RSC brakes from Sram and the robust and smooth GX Eagle transmission.

The facts about the Specialised Levo SL Expert

• Motor: Specialised SL 1.2, 50 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 320 Wh (non-removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
• Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
• Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
• Price: 9900 Euro
• Weight: 18.2 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 143 kg (manufacturer's specification)
• Reach altitude¹: 1019 (+28)hm / 10 km/h

Specialised SL 1.2: The e-bike drive unit

The new generation of the SL engine has become more powerful, but the engine is still a minimalist. Pleasingly, the noise level has also been reduced. Compared to the whisper-quiet TQ HPR 50 or the more powerful Fazua Ride 60, however, the Specialized drive is still somewhat louder. The comparatively small 320 Wh battery is permanently installed in the down tube and there is an optional range extender (160 Wh) to increase the range. The customisable LCD display is particularly stylish and the simple remote lever for motor control is also impressive.

In our standardised range test, the Levo SL climbed 1019 metres in altitude with an average speed of 10 km/h at maximum support. This means that the Specialized drive unit pushes as hard as a TQ HPR 50 (Here's an overview of the bikes with TQ HPR 50). However, the TQ bikes with a 360 battery run out of breath much earlier on average - despite the nominally larger battery. The Specialized SL 1.2 apparently uses the energy quite efficiently. However, other light e-bikes, for example with Fazua Ride 60 or Bosch Performance SX, offer a significantly greater range reserve with their larger batteries. In an identical test scenario, Fazua bikes (430 Wh) reach an average of around 1300 metres in altitude at an average speed of approx. 12 km/h. (Here's an overview of the bikes with Fazua Ride 60!)

>> The Specialized SL 1.2 e-bike motor in a detailed test <<

>> Fazua, TQ, Specialized & Co in the test: 5 lightweight e-bike motors compared <<

For manual fans: The geometry

The chainstays and wheelbase of the Levo SL are very short for an E-MTB in this suspension travel class. An indication of manoeuvrable handling. The steering angle is moderately slack in the central position and can be significantly adjusted by +/-1 degree via bearing shells. The Levo SL comes in a particularly wide range of sizes. Six sizes from S1 to S6 and reach values between 405 and 525 mm are available. This means that both very small and really tall riders should be happy.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size S4)

• Seat tube length: 425 mm
• Wheelbase: 1240 mm
• Reach: 470 mm
• Stack: 635 mm
• Steering angle: 64.5 degrees
• Seat angle: 76.5 degrees
• Chainstay length: 432 mm

The equipment of the Specialised Levo SL Expert

Specialized's Expert equipment variant is traditionally a tip for demanding bikers. Although there is no bling-bling and super-precious highlights, everything that makes off-road riding fun is on board. Above all, the powerful Fox suspension is impressive, even if it doesn't have the shiny Kashima coating. Functionally, the Performance Elite parts with Grip2 damping are indistinguishable from the Factory suspension elements.

• Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance Elite / Float X Perf. Elite
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle Transmission, 12-speed
• Brakes: Sram Code RSC, 200/200 mm
• Wheels: Roval Traverse AL
• Tyres: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9, 29 x 2.3" / Eliminator Grid Trail T7, 27.5 x 2.3"
• Special features: Mini tool in the head tube; angled headset included; option for 29er rear wheel (flip chip); lifetime warranty

Practical test: How the Specialised Levo SL Expert

Light-footed and agile, these are the outstanding attributes of the Specialized Levo SL. No other e-MTB in this class combines riding fun and off-road qualities as skilfully as the Specialized. On the one hand, the bike is really easy to get onto the rear wheel and into the air, and on the other, the low weight of the bike and wheels makes it very lively. The plush suspension also gives the Levo SL a good dose of enduro qualities. The bike is also really fast and confident on demanding trails. The rear suspension sensitively absorbs small bumps. However, the suspension of the Levo SL remains confident even on rough bumps. The shock willingly releases the suspension travel, which provides a fluffy feel and generates a lot of traction. However, the end progression could be a tad firmer for rough trails and high speeds.

However, due to the short geometry, the pure smoothness on rough straights is not as high as on the best bikes in this suspension travel class. The Santa Cruz Heckler SL, which we were able to test in direct comparison with the Specialized, also belongs to the latter. If you're focussing on the high-speed qualities, you should firstly install the included bearing shell for a slacker head angle and secondly tend to go for the larger frame size. Both extend the wheelbase and thus increase the smoothness of the bike.

All in all, the Levo SL shines as a balanced and versatile downhill bike. However, you have to take it easy uphill on the lightweight Specialized. In addition to the subtle thrust of the SL 1.2 motor, the geometry with short rear triangle also sets limits on extreme climbs. A fit athlete is required for really difficult climbs, both in terms of riding technique and thigh strength. However, the overall package of the bike is really harmonious. Unfortunately, the motor is louder on the climbs than the more powerful Fazua Ride 60, but the Levo SL is pleasantly quiet on the descents.

EMTB evaluation of the Specialised Levo SL Expert

Strengths

• Balanced driving characteristics
• Light-footed and fun trail handling
• Strong chassis
• Light
• Variable chassis

Weaknesses

• Motor and battery power are limited
• Not an ace climber
• No exchangeable battery

The EMTB conclusion

When it comes to fun trail handling, the Levo SL is the benchmark. Riding fun is a top priority here. Whether it's a flowing trail or a rough descent, the Levo SL impressed us with its feel-good handling. The motor system belongs to the minimalist category - if you are looking for striking e-bike power, uphill strength or a full range, you are in the wrong place. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB Magazine

¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.