A hefty price tag, but is it worth it?: A quick look at the Specialized Levo 4 Expert

​Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor

The Levo 4 Expert is one of the most capable full-power e-MTBs on the market. It really shines with its exceptional stability, particularly on challenging terrain. Uphill, the powerful, finely adjustable motor impresses; downhill, the superb suspension and the well-designed, highly adjustable geometry come into their own. Nevertheless, the familiar Specialized drawback remains: the Levo 4 Expert is expensive. For the asking price, many competitors now offer lighter bikes with at least equivalent spec and similarly strong riding characteristics. That said, Specialized continues to set the benchmark in terms of build quality, attention to detail and perceived quality.

To mark the launch just under a year ago, the development team left no stone unturned and designed the Turbo Levo power all-mountain bike from the ground up. The only features the Levo 4 has inherited from its predecessor are the 160-millimetre front suspension travel and 150-millimetre rear suspension travel. The frame, geometry, motor, battery, suspension and even the software have all been completely redesigned and meticulously fine-tuned to work together seamlessly.

Limited-power drivetrain for the Levo 4 Expert

Specialized offers two different motor variants for the Levo 4, depending on the model. The top-of-the-range S-Works model, priced at 14,500 euros, is powered by the exclusive S-Works 3.1 motor. It delivers 111 Nm of torque and a peak power output of 850 watts.

The Comp, Expert and Pro carbon models, positioned below these, are fitted with the Specialized 3.1 motor. With 105 Nm of torque and a peak power output of 810 watts, it is, on paper, slightly less powerful.

However, our real-world tests show that the S-Works motor’s superior performance figures are primarily a way of distinguishing it from the top-of-the-range model and serve mainly as an additional incentive to buy the top-of-the-range model. On the trail, however, the differences are barely noticeable.

Built to last and robustly equipped

For power, Specialized fits an 840 Wh battery as standard, which is designed to provide sufficient power even on long tours or alpine trail adventures. Those looking to save weight can opt for the 600 Wh battery instead, reducing the total weight by around 1.2 kilograms. Both batteries are secured with a screw and are removed from the side of the down tube. Removing the battery also reveals the SWAT accessory bag, which is located above the battery, directly behind the head tube, and is secured with a magnetic fastening.

Weighing in at 24.5 kilograms (excluding pedals, size S3), the Levo 4 Expert may not be one of the lightest bikes in its class, but its spec is consistently geared towards tough trail riding. A FOX 38 Performance Elite GRIP X2 suspension fork, SRAM Maven Silver brakes with generously sized 220- and 200-millimetre rotors, tyres with a sturdy Gravity casing, and an SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain all demonstrate that robustness and stability are clearly the top priorities.

The Levo 4 Expert has many sides to it

Another advantage of the Levo 4 is its wide range of adjustment options. Three flip chips allow you to adjust the head angle, bottom bracket height and chainstay length. As a result, the bike’s dynamic range extends from a more responsive trail bike to an exceptionally smooth-riding and stable all-mountain bike. Depending on the setup, the bike’s character can therefore be noticeably altered.

However, the high overall weight cannot be completely ignored. Despite the wide range of adjustment options, the Levo 4 never quite conveys the playful lightness that some of its lighter rivals bring to the trail. Instead, it impresses above all with its smoothness, composure and, generally speaking, a high level of riding confidence – qualities that really come into their own, particularly on challenging terrain.

A chubby look is no longer in vogue

Visually, the Levo 4 unfortunately looks a bit dated at the moment. The bulky down tube and the comparatively large motor make the bike look decidedly bulky and massive. Compared to the latest full-power e-MTBs, which are significantly sleeker despite offering comparable power and battery capacity and are increasingly taking their design cues from light e-MTBs, the Levo 4 seems a bit old-fashioned in this respect. Whilst this has no impact on its functionality, in a direct comparison the overall package appears less modern than some of its latest competitors.

A stroke of genius in rear suspension design

For the rear shock, Specialized has opted for the Genie technology already familiar from the Stumpjumper and Levo SL. The enlarged air chamber is designed to provide a responsive feel and greater comfort in the mid-travel range, without compromising on the necessary end-stroke progression. In addition, the suspension characteristics can be individually adjusted using volume spacers.

In practice, the rear suspension proves to be exceptionally comfortable and feels very linear. The suspension absorbs large bumps and rocky sections with ease, which underlines the Levo 4 Expert’s stability even on challenging terrain. However, on very hard landings, the setup occasionally lacks a little support at the end of the travel. In such cases, it’s worth making a fine adjustment using the included Genie Bands – Specialized’s special volume spacers – to give the shock a little more end-stroke progression.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pros:

• a wide range of adjustment options
• wide-reaching
• excellent workmanship
• great driving safety, both uphill and downhill

Cons:

• is one of the heavier models in this price range and application area
• The frame design, with its very thick down tube, looks a bit dated
• expensive