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Update for the Specialized Levo SLGenie shock for the original light bike

Adrian Kaether

 · 31.10.2024

From S-Works to Öhlins to Alloy: this is the new model range of the Specialized Levo SL.
Photo: Specialized
Specialized is redesigning the Levo SL light e-bike for 2025. The motor and frame remain the same, but like the Stumpjumper, the Levo SL gets the new Genie shocks or a suspension system with steel springs from Öhlins. We provide an overview of the models.

The basic features of the Specialized Levo SL remain unchanged for 2025. This is no bad thing, as the light e-MTB from Specialized is still one of the best e-bikes on the market in terms of handling. This is also shown by our test duel against the Heckler SL from Santa Cruz. The engine also remains the same: The SL 1.2 still delivers 50 Newton metres and 280 watts of peak power and is powered by a battery with 320 watt hours. These are not record values, even in the light context. Compared to the first Levo SL, however, the drive has made significant progress in terms of performance and noise levels and is competitive on the market.

Specialised Levo SL: New equipment with Genie shock or Öhlins steel spring

New for 2025, however, is the equipment of the Levo SL models. Specialized's light bike will get the new Genie shock with double air chamber in all model variants. Specialised had developed this new damper for the first time with the new Stumpjumper (test here) was introduced. The more complex design with a significantly increased air volume is intended to provide a response behaviour at steel spring level. Thanks to the special Genie technology, the last 30 per cent of the stroke is nevertheless increasingly progressive in order to absorb hard impacts cleanly. The system also enables more detailed air chamber tuning using spacers for different spring travel ranges. In contrast to the Stumpjumper, the Levo SL also gets a Genie shock based on the Float X with reservoir for the first time.

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The Genie damper - shown here in cross-section - has two separate air chambers. When the damper compresses to the position marked by the red dots, the outer chamber is deactivated. This makes the damper more progressive.Photo: SpecializedThe Genie damper - shown here in cross-section - has two separate air chambers. When the damper compresses to the position marked by the red dots, the outer chamber is deactivated. This makes the damper more progressive.

The only alternative to the Fox suspension with Genie system: a model with heavy-duty equipment and a steel spring damper as well as a thick 38 mm fork from Öhlins. This bike is also the only model to come with Specialized's puncture-proof Gravity tyres at the front and rear. But the other Levo SL models now also come with Specialized's Gravity tyres ex works, at least at the rear. A sensible update, as the previous trail tyres saved weight but did not offer sufficient puncture protection, especially at the rear.

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At a glance: The new Specialized Levo SL models

The prices remain typical Specialized. The only aluminium model, the Levo SL Alloy, starts at 6600 euros, while the S-Works marks the upper end of the scale at 14,000 euros. For the heavy-duty model with Öhlins suspension, the Americans are calling for 9900 euros. There's also an S-Works frameset including Genie Factory shocks for an impressive 7,000 euros.

If you like customised bodies, the S-Works is also available as a frameset for a whopping 7000 euros.Photo: SpecializedIf you like customised bodies, the S-Works is also available as a frameset for a whopping 7000 euros.

Specialised Levo SL S-Works - 14,000 euros

  • Motor/battery: SL 1.2 / 360 Wh
  • Suspension: Fox 36 Factory X2 / Fox Float X Factory Genie
  • Gear system: Sram XX Transmission
  • Brake: Sram Maven Ultimate
  • Wheels: Specialised Traverse HD 240
  • Weight: 18.15 kg (size S4, manufacturer's specification)
You can't get more expensive: The S-Works is traditionally the top version at Specialized.Photo: SpecializedYou can't get more expensive: The S-Works is traditionally the top version at Specialized.

Specialised Levo SL Pro Carbon - 11,500 euros

  • Motor/battery: SL 1.2 / 360 Wh
  • Suspension: Fox 36 Factory X2 / Fox Float X Factory Genie
  • Gear system: Sram X0 Transmission
  • Brake: Sram Maven Silver
  • Wheels: Specialised Traverse HD 350
  • Weight: 18.15 kg (size S4, manufacturer's specification)
Factory suspension, transmission, carbon wheels: the Pro only differs from the S-Works in details, but is a whopping 2500 euros cheaper.Photo: SpecializedFactory suspension, transmission, carbon wheels: the Pro only differs from the S-Works in details, but is a whopping 2500 euros cheaper.

Specialised Levo Öhlins Coil - 9900 Euro

  • Motor/battery: SL 1.2 / 360 Wh
  • Suspension: Öhlins RXF 38 / TTX Coil Shock
  • Gear system: Sram GX Transmission
  • Brake: TRP DH-R Evo
  • Wheels: Specialised Traverse Alloy
  • Weight: 19.61 kg (size S4, manufacturer's specification)
With an Öhlins steel spring shock and 38 mm fork, the Levo SL is available for the first time in a particularly robust version.Photo: SpecializedWith an Öhlins steel spring shock and 38 mm fork, the Levo SL is available for the first time in a particularly robust version.

Specialised Levo SL Expert Carbon - 9600 Euro

  • Motor/battery: SL 1.2 / 360 Wh
  • Suspension: Fox 36 Perf. Elite X2 / Fox Float X Perf. Elite Genie
  • Gear system: Sram GX Transmission
  • Brake: Sram Maven Bronze
  • Wheels: Specialised Traverse Alloy
  • Weight: 18.98 kg (size S4, manufacturer's specification)
The Expert Carbon has the top suspension of the most expensive models, but also costs almost 10,000 euros. In addition to pink, it is also available in black with yellow accents.Photo: SpecializedThe Expert Carbon has the top suspension of the most expensive models, but also costs almost 10,000 euros. In addition to pink, it is also available in black with yellow accents.

Specialised Levo SL Comp Carbon - 7900 Euro

  • Motor/battery: SL 1.2 / 360 Wh
  • Suspension: Fox 36 Rhythm / Fox Float X Performance Genie
  • Gear system: Sram S1000 Transmission
  • Brake: Sram Maven Bronze
  • Wheels: Specialised Alloy
  • Weight: 19.11 kg (size S4, manufacturer's specification)
The Comp Carbon for 7900 euros is the cheapest model with the lightweight carbon frame.Photo: SpecializedThe Comp Carbon for 7900 euros is the cheapest model with the lightweight carbon frame.

Specialised Levo SL Comp Alloy - 6600 Euro

  • Motor/battery: SL 1.2 / 360 Wh
  • Suspension: Fox 36 Rhythm / Fox Float X Performance Genie
  • Gear system: Sram GX/Xo1 Eagle (mechanical)
  • Brake: Sram Maven Bronze
  • Wheels: Specialised Alloy
  • Weight: 20.26 kg (size S4, manufacturer's specification)
The Alloy for 6600 euros is the cheapest entry into the Levo SL range.Photo: SpecializedThe Alloy for 6600 euros is the cheapest entry into the Levo SL range.

Adrian Kaether

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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