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Enduro, all-mountain bike or trail bike? The Specialized Turbo Levo wants to be able to do it all. With 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel and mullet tyres, it lands somewhere between the worlds, so to speak. Added to this is a multi-adjustable geometry that makes the e-bike adaptable to different preferences and areas of use. This much we can already reveal: The Specialized Turbo Levo really is an excellent trail all-rounder with a wide range of uses. Its strengths lie in the downhill. In addition, Specialized has managed to create a potent bike with a large 700cc battery and a good weight. At 22.8 kilos, it is one of the lightest E-MTBs in our large comparison.
The facts about the Specialized Turbo Levo Expert
- Motor: Brose Drive SMag, 90 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 700 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: MX, 29" front / 27.5" rear
- Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
- Price: 9600 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 22.78 kg (test bike in size S4, EMTB measurement)
Specialized Turbo Levo Expert: Frame, construction and its special features
The high-quality full carbon frame of the Specialized Turbo Levo is packed with extras. First and foremost is extensive geometry customisation. This is achieved via a flipchip on the chainstay as well as a separate bearing cup for the headset, which can be used to adjust the steering angle. The SWAT tool has been around for a long time - but is still a real added value. There is a small mini tool in the head tube that is always to hand on tour and in everyday life and simply makes life easier for bikers.
The e-bike drive of the Specialized Turbo Levo
Specialised traditionally installs the Brose motor in the Turbo Levo. The Americans garnish the Berlin drive with in-house software and a control unit and display that were also developed in-house. In terms of system integration, the drive is one of the most advanced on the market. The slim, razor-sharp Mastermind colour display in the top tube is second to none. Specialized was also a pioneer in the integration of the battery. Specialized were the first to sink the battery into the closed down tube from below. A design that is now used by many e-bike manufacturers. As a result, the system with a 700 mm battery remains quite light. The battery is slim, but long. It barely fits in a rucksack.
The geometry of the e-bike
The data on the Turbo Levo is not exactly what you would expect from an ultra-modern enduro bike. On paper, the e-bike looks almost tame. The reach is moderate and the steering angle of 64 to 64.5 degrees is slack, but by no means extreme. However, riders can make adjustments here, as the bike comes with a separate bearing shell for the headset. This allows the steering angle to be adjusted by + or - 1 degree. This allows both an extremely flat and a very moderate steering angle to be achieved. The very flat version makes sense if the E-MTB is trimmed as an enduro bike to excel on extreme high-speed passages. We recommend the very steep position to anyone who is only aiming for moderate terrain and is looking for the most agile handling possible. We really like the neutral position for all-round off-road use.
The chainstays are also customisable. At 442 or 448 millimetres, they tend to be on the short side in an e-bike comparison. The playfulness increases in the short version, but this makes the bike somewhat more difficult to control - especially on steep climbs.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size S4)
- Seat tube length: 418 mm
- Wheelbase: 1260 - 1268 mm
- Reach: 465 mm
- Stack: 645 mm
- Steering angle: 64 - 64.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 75.8 - 76.3 degrees
- Chainstay length: 442 - 448 mm
The features of the Specialized Turbo Levo Expert
Surprising: In the high-priced category of our comparison test of high-end bikes up to € 10,000, the full carbon bike from Specialized scores with the best spec and, in particular, the highest quality suspension for the money. This is not exactly the strength for which Specialized is known. The equipment on the Turbo Levo Expert is not only high-quality, but also very sensibly chosen. The high-quality Fox suspension (Performance Elite) in particular is a sensible investment. The wheels are light, the brakes are powerful and the tyres are grippy - so you can get straight into the trail fun.
Practical test: How the Specialized Turbo Levo Expert rides
On tour
Sit on it and feel good - that applies to the Specialized Turbo Levo, as it does to most Specialized bikes. The riding position is balanced, the contact points are comfortable and the cockpit is pleasant. On leisurely rides or on the approach to the trail, one factor stands out particularly positively: The background noise. This is because the Brose motor is significantly quieter than a Bosch or Shimano drive when the assistance level is low. Only at full power does the Brose also become louder. The range with the 700 battery is very good, but does not quite match that of Bosch bikes with a 750 power tube.
Uphill
On technical and steep climbs, the Specialized e-bike leaves a double-edged impression. The Turbo Levo needs to be actively steered uphill. On really steep steps, most other E-MTBs make it easier for their riders to stay on track. And this is true even in the long, more climbing chainstay setting. The Levo is not a self-propelled bike on which you can sit comfortably and simply pedal up steep sections. On the other hand, the strong traction on the rear wheel and the high-torque motor stand out positively. The stoic thrust of the Drive SMag lifts the bike over many a root step when the rider almost didn't think it was possible.
Downhill
Even in the neutral geometry setting, the Specialized speedster turns out to be a mini enduro bike. With a slack head angle, high-quality suspension elements including a thick Fox 38, a rear suspension that is easy to swallow and robust equipment, the Levo outperforms all competitors in our comparison test on rough descents. Only the Heckler from Santa Cruz and the Cube One55 are hot on the heels of the American. The nice thing about the Turbo Levo: despite its massive take-off qualities, the e-bike is not a sluggish battleship. It can be wagged over trails with relative ease and remains lively and agile thanks to the very light wheels. Another plus: Thanks to the rattle-free motor, it is one of the quietest e-MTBs in the comparison on descents. All in all, the bike is one of our absolute favourites when it comes to downhill performance. However, the Specialized really comes into its own for experienced riders with an active riding style.
The EMTB conclusion
The Specialized Turbo Levo is far from being a thing of the past. On the contrary: it is right at the forefront of the current high-end e-mountainbikes. If you are looking for a sporty e-bike for challenging descents and fun trail rides, the Turbo Levo is the perfect choice. The equipment is good in a market comparison and, above all, very practical. There are more uncomplicated e-bikes for uphill riding. Pleasantly quiet, both uphill and downhill.
Pro
- Trail experts: fun and safe at the same time
- Light
- Quiet both uphill and downhill
- Variable geometry with various adjustment options
- Harmonious equipment
Contra
- Demanding handling on difficult uphills
- Brose motor is considered vulnerable
Technical data and notes Specialized Turbo Levo Expert
Manufacturer information
- Price: 9600 Euro >> available here
- Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S1, S2, S3, S4 (tested size 42 cm), S5, S6 / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 22.78 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1792 (+43) hm
- Average speed: 14.1 km/h
- Front / rear suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Centre of gravity height: 522 mm
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 160 mm / 188 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 482 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Specialised 2.2 (Brose S Mag)
- Max. Torque³: 90 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: Specialised M3-700 / 3943 g / 1399 Euro
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle AXS
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-52
- Display: Specialised Master Mind TCU
- Permissible total weight³: 147.8 kg (125 kg payload)
- Fork / Shock: Fox Float Perf. Elite E-MTB / Fox Float X2 Perf. Elite
- Telescopic post: OneUp Dropper Post, 180 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code RS / 220 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: Roval Traverse Disc
- Tyres: Specialized Butcher GridTrail T9, 29 x 2.6; Eliminator GridTrail T7, 27.5 x 2.6
EMTB test rating⁵: 8.7 points - very good
¹The 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.
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
Manufacturer information
⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
