Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE editor
The motor is one of the Specialized’s greatest strengths Turbo Levo 4 Alloy Comp.. The in-house 3.1 drive delivers noticeable power and runs smoothly when riding at a steady pace. Given its performance, it also remains pleasingly quiet. For those seeking the most natural riding experience possible on the trail, the Auto mode is a particularly handy feature. The Dynamic MicroTune mode also allows the assistance to be adjusted with great precision. However, the drive system isn’t entirely without its flaws in our test. On tricky uphill sections, its power cannot always be modulated as smoothly as we’d like. And at very high cadences, the assistance can drop off just when you need it most for a steep climb.
Specialized 3.1: Key specifications
On the Levo 4 Alloy Comp we tested, the Specialized 3.1 offers up to 810 watts peak power and 105 Newton-metres of torque Ready. The S-Works model uses the same drive unit, but is software-limited to a maximum of 850 watts and 111 Newton-metres. However, weighing in at 3.18 kilos for the motor and 4,383 grams for the 840 Wh battery, the Specialized combo is quite heavy – heavier than its rivals from Bosch and Avinox.
| Engine | Specialized 3.1 |
| Outstanding performance | 810 W |
| maximum torque | 105 Nm |
| Battery of the bike tested | 840 Wh or 600 Wh |
On the trail, the 3.1 motor really comes into its own. When riding at a steady pace, the assistance feels smooth, without the motor constantly dominating the soundscape. For a motor in this power class, it is pleasantly quiet.
We particularly liked Dynamic MicroTune. In this mode, the assistance can be adjusted directly on the bike in 10 per cent increments. This makes it easy to tailor the motor assistance to the terrain, how you’re feeling on the day or the dynamics of the group, rather than having to choose between a few fixed levels.
Two more cool features: as a theft deterrent, the Turbo system can be locked via the app – similar to two-factor authentication. On top of that, an Apple Find My feature displays the location on iOS devices in real time.
Where the engine reaches its limits
On challenging climbs, it’s not just maximum power that counts – in our view, the 3.1 motor has more than enough of that. What’s also crucial is how controlled that power is delivered to the rear wheel. In this respect, the Specialized drive could respond more smoothly and allow for finer control. Another shame: rattling noises from the gearbox when it rumbles on descents – even if they’re subtle, they’ll be a no-go for mountain bike motors by 2026.
There has also been criticism of the behaviour shown in very high cadence. If you accelerate in a climbing gear before a steep ramp, you’ll quickly exceed a threshold at which the assistance drops off abruptly. It’s almost as if the engine has a momentary lapse. This ‘turbo lag’ cost us the odd tricky section on some of the steepest stretches.
Assessment: Strong, but not in every situation
The Specialized 3.1 is a high-performance motor with powerful thrust, a great app interface and useful software features. Its smooth, powerful performance during steady riding is a real plus, as is the ability to fine-tune the motor assistance directly on the bike. Its weaknesses become apparent where precise assistance is particularly important: on challenging climbs and at very high cadences. There is also room for improvement when it comes to weight.
We want to know: Which is your favourite drive system? Let us know in the comments!
Max Fuchs
Editor
