Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy: The new Levo SL in aluminium - now also affordable?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 20.03.2024
A good four years ago, Specialised launched the First generation Levo SL with the starting signal for the success of lightweight e-mountainbikes. Even today, the 17-kilo mark has barely been reached in the trail bike segment. The prices of the lightweight speedster are just as record-breaking. The Specialized presented the new edition of the Specialized Levo SL in 2023 with the S-Works version for a whopping € 14,000. The Comp version of the carbon bike is still quite expensive at 7900 euros. The Americans have now designed an aluminium frame based on the high-end model and have set themselves the goal of offering the Levo SL at a significantly lower price.
Of course, the aluminium model also has the innovations of the second generation on board. The asymmetrical strut in the main frame has given way to a classic design, as used on the aluminium model. brand new race bike Epic is used. And the update to the new SL 1.2 engine (Test of the Specialized SL 1.2 e-bike motor) inherits the Levo SL with aluminium frame. Here too, the 320 watt-hour battery is permanently installed in the down tube. The price is new. At 6600 euros, the Comp Alloy is 1300 euros cheaper than the previous entry-level model with carbon fibre chassis. Of course, this is still a considerable sum of money. A Specialized is rarely available at a bargain price, and here the Americans remain true to themselves.
The facts about the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.2
- Battery: 320 watt hours, permanently installed
- Optional: 160 Wh additional battery
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Flipchip: Optional 29er rear wheel possible
- Angled headset: steering angle adjustable by two degrees
- Price: 6600 Euro
- Weight: 20.2 kg (manufacturer's specification, size S4)
Of course, the aluminium frame is reflected in the weight. The bike in size S4 should weigh 20.2 kilos. At 17.8 kilos, the top model is 2.4 kilos lighter - but also more than twice as expensive. If you compare the weight of the aluminium bike with other light e-MTBs, there is little enthusiasm at first. However, considering the price, even these 20 kilos are still quite "light". Classic e-MTBs in this price and suspension travel class usually weigh between 24 and 26 kilos. The For example, we weighed the Full Power Levo with aluminium frame and 700-series battery at 24.6 kilos - and the Levo is traditionally one of the lightest power eMTBs. For comparison, here's the aluminium version of the Trek Fuel EXe (€ 6999), which we weighed at 20.6 kilos in size XL.
The e-drive of the Specialised Levo SL
With 50 Newton metres and 320 watts of power, the new edition of the Light motor from Specialized is said to offer 33 percent more power and 43 percent more torque than its predecessor. The increase in performance is also clearly noticeable. Nevertheless, the SL drive is still one of the minimalists in the Light class. In terms of performance, it is roughly on a par with the small TQ HPR 50, and in terms of weight, the two are virtually on a par at around 1.9 kilos. There are no lighter mid-motors on the market. Pleasing: In our tests, the Specialized system proved to be very efficient. With the small 320 battery, a decent range is possible.
The geometry of the new Levo SL
On the trail, the Levo SL is still one of our absolute favourites (Duel between the Levo SL and the Santa Cruz Heckler SL). Like no other light e-MTB, it combines good handling qualities with light-footed and agile handling. In addition to the strong suspension, this is due in particular to the balanced geometry. And this is not only successful, but also very variable. This means that the bike can be adapted particularly well to different preferences and areas of use. An angled headset allows the steering angle to be slackened or steepened by one degree from the neutral position. In addition, the 27.5" rear wheel can be bored out to 29 inches using a flip chip on the dropouts. Another variable: Six frame sizes, all with short seat tubes, ensure that every biker can choose the frame according to length.
The equipment of the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy
The equipment of the new entry-level model is more favourable than that of the lowest carbon version. But with solid Fox suspension, Specialized is far from reaching for the bottom shelf. As with all Levo SL models, a shock with a reservoir and a 36 mm fork are standard.
- Suspension fork/shock: Fox 36 Rythm / Float X Performance
- Gear system: Sram NX Eagle
- Brakes: Sram Code R
- Wheels: Specialized aluminium, 30 mm
- Tyres: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9, Eliminator Grid Trail T7
- Special features: Mini-tool in the headset
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
