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Let's take a look at the chassis first. The full carbon frame of the Specialized Kenevo SL contains a permanently installed battery with 320 watt hours, which powers the in-house SL-1.1 motor. This allows Specialized to reduce the weight to a mere 19 kilos. That's six kilos less than most of the other candidates in the field. In terms of weight, the Kenevo SL is therefore closer to a non-motorised enduro bike than to its E-competitors. This is immediately noticeable on the trail. The handling is more nimble, the bike is easier to manoeuvre and jump. But the Kenevo SL is not a particularly manoeuvrable or playful bike.
You can find an overview of all 7 E-Enduro bikes tested here. In it, we discuss in detail, among other things, the Motorswhich Reach heights and the question of whether a Light E-MTB or a classic E-Enduro is the better choice.
The geometry values speak for themselves: generous wheelbase, long reach, slack steering angle. In addition, the suspension is super plush. Equipped with this, the Specialized Light bike takes the fear out of rough high-speed passages with impressive composure. When the bike hits rough bumps or nasty steep sections, the Specialized Kenevo SL is one of the fastest and safest candidates in the field. The suspension generates an extreme amount of traction and literally sucks itself into the ground. However, it is not poppy or lively. On climbs, the bike can't keep up with its reduced power. If you want to experience at least a hint of uphill flow on technical climbs, you have to pedal hard - compared to a bike with a Bosch turbo, the Kenevo climbs as if in slow motion. Tip: For more playfulness, fit a shorter stem and choose a smaller frame size.
Also exciting: Our comparison test Light enduro or full performance? The Specialized Kenevo SL in the EMTB enduro test
Conclusion by Florentin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief of EMTB:
"The handling of the lightweight Specialized Kenevo SL is more natural and light-footed than the Power E-Enduros. The suspension and geometry are uncompromisingly trimmed for smoothness. Mini downhiller!"
Technical data and notes Specialised Kenevo SL Comp
General information
- Price: 7900 Euro >> available here
- Sizes / frame material: S2 / S3 / S4 (tested size) / S5 / Carbon
- More info/Specialised website
Measured values²
- Weight²: 19 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1067 (+57)hm
- Average speed: 9.1 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 536 mm
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 170 mm / 192 mm
- Ground clearance⁵:518 mm
Drive
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.1
- Max. Torque³: 35 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ optional additional battery: Specialised, 320 Wh / permanently installed / 160 Wh, 994 g
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 32; 10-52
- Display / Size: Masterm. TCU / 12 x 25 mm
PLUS: Natural riding feel; harmonious support; light and compact; fully customisable (app)
MINUS: Loud drive noise; slight rattling; low power
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 144 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Rhythm / Float X Performance
- Suspension travel (f. / h.): 170 mm / 170 mm
- Telescopic post: X-Fusion Manic, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code R / 220 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: Specialized Alu 30
- Tyres (f. / h.): Specialised Butcher Grid Trail T9 / T7, 29 x 2.3"
EMTB test judgement⁴: without rating
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
⁵ Measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel (step).
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
