Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
The Levo R steers clear of extremes. With its balanced character, the Levo R is aimed primarily at beginners who are looking for a long-range touring e-bike with a sporty feel and who tend to avoid technically demanding trails. It is precisely this group of buyers who, in most cases, have no need for heavy enduro bikes packed with suspension travel, and who account for the bulk of purchasing power in the e-bike segment. Even if the bike doesn’t inspire much excitement at first glance for the seasoned rider, it is just the ticket for the general public. In most cases, you don’t need an e-bike any more sophisticated than this.
With the Levo R – the ‘R’ stands for rally – Specialized has been expanding its e-MTB range since the end of February with a new trail bike designed specifically to appeal to a particularly broad audience. Whether casual riders, beginners or experienced cyclists looking to swap their nimble trail bike for a motorised model – Specialised has designed the Levo R for this group. Or to put it another way: It is designed for riders who can neither fully utilise nor actually require the immense downhill potential of the classic Specialized Turbo Levo 4 – or that of many other full-suspension e-mountain bikes.
There are various reasons for this. Often, riders either lack the technical skills or are simply unwilling to push themselves to their limits on downhill sections. In other cases, customers use their e-bike to cover distance, not for the next adrenaline rush on the descent. And for all those seeking that thrill, local trails, for example, are too tame as soon as you plough through them on a high-travel e-enduro. In such situations, an e-mountain bike with generous suspension can quickly lose its appeal. Regardless of their motivations, the target group in these cases stands to benefit more from a light, agile e-bike than from maximum suspension travel and a high level of riding safety.
The Levo R Expert in detail
- Intended use: Trail / Touring
- Suspension travel: 140/130 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Frame material: carbon
- Weight of complete bike: 22.2 kg (BIKE measurement, size S4, excluding pedals)
- Price: 9,999 euros
- Special features: Steering angle adjustment via headset cups, two different chainstay lengths via flip chip, SWAT tool in the head tube, flip chip on the shock absorber
Facilities
- Motor: Specialized 3.1 motor with 810 watts and 105 Nm of torque, 840 Wh battery
- Front fork / shock absorber: FOX 36 SL Performance Elite GRIP XR / GENIE - FOX FLOAT Performance Elite
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX / GX Eagle AXS transmission
- Brakes: SRAM Motive Bronze
- Seatpost: FX-Fusion Manic, 170 mm
- Wheels: Roval Traverse SL2 with I9 1/1 hubs
- Tyres: Specialized Purgatory, GRID Casing, T9 Compound, 29x2.4 / Specialized Purgatory, GRID Trail Casing, T7 Compound, 29x2.4
Long battery life, short travel, lightweight components
This clearly defines the Levo R’s intended use. To meet these requirements, Specialized has fitted a 140-millimetre suspension fork at the front. To save even more weight, the weight-optimised SL version of the Fox 36 is used across the entire model range.
The rear suspension offers 130 millimetres of travel. For the suspension, Specialized uses a shock absorber developed in-house: the so-called Genie shock, based on the Fox Float. Behind the patented Genie technology lies an air shock with two air chambers – a central main chamber and a smaller outer chamber. The increased air volume ensures a particularly sensitive response and enhances absorption capacity, particularly in the mid-travel range. When around 70 per cent of the travel has been used, the outer air chamber is sealed. This reduces the air volume, making the suspension curve significantly more progressive and increasing bottom-out protection. The result is a suspension system that combines a high level of comfort and plenty of traction with strong end-stroke progression.
When it came to wheel size, the product managers unanimously opted for 29 inches. Alongside the lightweight SL fork, the tyres and brakes are also consistently designed with weight saving in mind rather than maximum downhill performance. As a result, the Levo R Expert weighs in at just 22.2 kilograms, despite its huge – and removable – 840-watt-hour battery and full-power motor.
Specialized 3.1 motor with an 840 Wh battery
The base version is powered by the Specialized 3.1 motor. It delivers 105 Newton-metres of torque and a peak power output of 810 watts. Only the Levo R S-Works is fitted with the even more powerful S-Works version of the motor.
As standard, the down tube houses an 840 Wh battery, which is secured with just a single screw and can be removed from the side in a matter of seconds. Those looking to save weight can opt for the optional 600 Wh battery instead. Furthermore, the Levo R Comp Alloy is compatible with the 280 Wh range extender. This can either be used as an additional power reserve alongside the main battery or can power the drive system independently, providing a super-lightweight setup with minimal assistance. With the latest firmware, Specialized has also added numerous new functions to the Levo system. These include various riding modes, enhanced safety features and additional adjustment options for the motor characteristics and the overall system.
The Levo R Expert on the trail
We’ve already had the chance to put the top-of-the-range Levo R S-Works through its paces. The more affordable Levo R Expert differs mainly in terms of its wheels and suspension components. Instead of high-end components, it features solid, upper-mid-range parts. As a result, the bike weighs around 900 grams more, but its handling should remain comparable.
The Levo R Expert feels right at home on rides featuring flowing singletrack, technical climbs and moderate descents – exactly where Specialized positions it. Compared to the Levo 4, it requires a little more concentration on the descents, but in return offers a sporty and agile ride. As standard, the short chainstay setting ensures particularly playful handling. Whilst the optional long position increases smoothness, it also accentuates the already front-biased and sporty riding position.
The main point of criticism remains the high centre of gravity of the 840 Wh battery. To allow for side-access removal, the battery is positioned relatively high up in the down tube. As a result, the Levo R feels more cumbersome off-road than its 22.2 kilograms would suggest. Riders who do not require the maximum range will find that the handling improves noticeably with the optional 600 Wh battery.
Strengths and weaknesses
Pro
- with a very wide reach
- agile, fun handling
- lots of useful details
Cons
- The bulky frame design looks old-fashioned compared to the competition
- limited departure capacity
- Brakes that are too weak for an e-bike
Max Fuchs
Editor
