Opposites are known to attract. Perhaps the engineers at Specialised when designing the brand new Kenevo SL. Here, 170 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels, solid components and an extreme downhill geometry meet the super-light concept of the SL 1.1 drive, which is known from the Levo SL trail bike. What's the result? The ultimate bike for all enduro riders? Or is the wild mix just a lazy compromise?
But from the front. The Kenevo SL should actually be called the Enduro SL, because it looks a lot like the non-motorised Specialized model Enduro extremely similar - the E-freerider Kenevo but not at all. The most striking similarity between the Kenevo SL and the Enduro: the rear triangle with the low-slung shock and complicated linkage. And it was precisely this rear triangle design that was the driving motivation behind the bike. "We really wanted to build an e-bike with this outstanding concept," explains Marco Sonderegger, Turbo developer at Specialized. But combining the complex design with an e-drive was really difficult. Only the slim SL drive made it possible.
But the rear triangle is not the only legacy of the Enduro. 170 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels and a very long and flat geometry are further similarities. In other words, the Kenevo SL is unconditionally designed for tough and demanding descents. The fat Fox 38 shows that the Americans have made few concessions to the SL concept at the expense of downhill performance. The weight of 19.1 kilos (EMTB measurement, Expert model, size S4) is still considerable. Comparable E-MTB enduro bikes with a classic drive easily weigh between 23 and 26 kilos.
The drive of the Kenevo SL
The motor and battery of the Kenevo SL are identical to the Levo SL, which was presented a year ago. In other words: SL 1.1 motor, which Specialized developed together with Mahle, and a battery with 320 watt hours permanently installed in the down tube. If the concept of a minimal-assist or light e-MTB doesn't mean anything to you yet, here's a brief explanation: the comparatively low output of 240 watts and a torque of 35 Newton metres should ensure that the 320 watt hours still deliver a decent range. However, the SL has little in common with the full power of conventional Bosch, Shimano or Brose e-bikes. The performance is significantly lower. The concept is aimed at bikers who only want a little assistance from the motor and are prepared to pedal hard themselves.
The SL drive in a detailed (range) test
If you want to know more about the SL drive and how it compares to other light concepts, you should take a look at the EMTB issue 2/21 take a closer look. Here we tested the Levo SL, Orbeas Rise and the Rotwild R.X 375 in the shootout of the light eMTBs. Including an extensive range comparison and lots of details about the motor systems. Click here to go directly to the issue!
The geometry of the Specialized Kenevo SL
The similarity to the Enduro is not limited to the look alone. In terms of geometry, the Kenevo SL is also strongly orientated towards the motorless downhill racer, but unlike the Enduro, it shines with extensive geometry adjustment, as we know it from the Stumpjumper Evo or the new Levo, for example.
A flip chip in the chainstays allows the bottom bracket to be raised by four millimetres, while at the same time shortening the chainstays by five millimetres and increasing the steering angle by around half a degree. The steering angle can also be fine-tuned separately using the angled headset supplied. The bike comes from the factory with the centre shell; if you want to raise the steering angle by one degree, simply install the additional shell instead of the centre one. If you turn the shell, the steering angle flattens out by one degree.
Six different geometry combinations from touring enduro to iron are possible thanks to the adjustment with flip chip and bearing shells. We rode the bike with a high bottom bracket and the standard shell in the headset for a slightly more manoeuvrable ride. You can find the geometry data for this setting in the table below.
The facts about the Kenevo SL
- Specialized 1.1 motor (35 Newton metres, 240 watts)
- 320 Wh battery, permanently integrated in the down tube
- Optional 160 Wh additional battery in the bottle cage
- 170 mm suspension travel (v + h)
- 29 inch
- 4 sizes S2 - S5
- Weight: 19.1 kilos (EMTB measurement, Expert model, S4)
- two models for 9499 and 13999 euros respectively
The Kenevo SL on the trail
The facts and figures already give it away: The Kenevo SL is a machine for really tough descents. Bike park, downhill trails, enduro terrain à la Finale Ligure - this is where the bike really blossoms. Pilots of the Kenevo SL definitely have smoothness and riding safety on their side. If you want to try your hand at hairy manoeuvres or increase your speed in nasty bumpy sections, this bike is a good choice. The Kenevo SL emulates its non-motorised role model, the Specialized Enduro, which has a reputation as a "mini downhiller". The rear suspension is extremely powerful. It is super plush and irons out even the nastiest bumps. Nevertheless, it remains very drive-neutral and generates a lot of counter-pressure. So it's also really great on the climbs. No bobbing, no sagging and yet a very sensitive response behaviour.
The riding position on the bike is very central, the steep seat angle places the rider far forward - just as is typical for a modern enduro bike. Despite this, you don't exactly sit compactly on the bike, as the main frame is very long. In size S4, the bike feels significantly larger than most comparable E-MTBs in size LARGE. So you can face steep climbs with confidence - as long as the combination of leg power and SL power is sufficient. As usual, traction is really strong with the SL 1.1 motor.
But what about the SL concept? Is the Kenevo SL stronger downhill than a full-blown E-Enduro with a big motor? One thing is clear: the lower weight is noticeable. Definitely. The bike remains more manoeuvrable and is easier to get airborne. But it is also clear that the long and flat Kenevo SL cannot match the extremely manoeuvrable and playful character of a Levo SL. Even the non-motorised enduro bike from Specialized is known to get bored on moderate trails. It only really feels at home when things get wild. The same applies to the Kenevo SL. If you're looking for a bike that is drastically different from classic E-MTB handling and feels as natural as a non-motorised trail bike, you'll be happier with a Levo SL than a Kenevo SL. On the other hand, on rough descents, the Kenevo SL easily outpaces a Levo SL - with sleepwalking confidence.
Who is the SL drive unit from Specialized suitable for?
Do you usually ride your classic E-MTB in the lower gears and are happy to do without full power? Do you have sporty aspirations and don't want to be pushed uphill by the motor? Are you fit and ideally not too heavy? Do you want to get to grips with app settings and battery management? Is light-footed handling of the bike extremely important to you? Do you primarily ride your e-MTB on climbs that can also be ridden on a normal bike? Then you might be just the right type for a light e-MTB à la Specialized SL.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a "no-brainer eMTB" (just sit on it and hum off without thinking too much about battery capacity, route, etc.), don't want to miss out on the full thrust of a conventional eMTB, love extreme eMTB climbs that are not possible on a normal bike, have maximum range at the top of your wish list, are only moderately fit and/or heavy, ride a lot with friends who have a classic power eMTB and also like to use the turbo from time to time - then you might be disappointed by the SL concept.
Models and prices Kenevo SL
For the time being, there will be two models of the Kenevo SL, both with identical full carbon frames. The sinfully expensive 13999 euro S-Works model with carbon wheels, Sram AXS components and Fox Factory suspension and the Expert for 9499 euro with Fox Performance Elite suspension, aluminium wheels and X01 drivetrain from Sram. A high-end frameset including drivetrain and shock is available for 6999 euros
There is hope for those on a normal budget: at least one cheaper version of the Kenevo SL is to follow.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
