Light enduro or full performance? The Specialized Kenevo SL in the EMTB enduro test

Enduro test in EMTB 4/22 - Six power bikes and a light enduro bike

Seven E-Enduros, three successful racers centred around EWS 100 winner Anton Wünscher and the most demanding race track in the Enduro World Series. During our E-Enduro test for EMTB 4/2022 in Petzen/Jamnica, a real hardcore challenge awaited the candidates. Right in the middle of it: the Specialized Kenevo SL light e-MTB. Because not only many fans of motorless bikes ask themselves: Isn't good handling thanks to the lower weight much more important for an enduro bike than a full load of motor power?

The initial verdict on our comparison bike in the Light category is predictably positive. "Wow, the bike handles really well," summarise our enduro racers led by guest tester and EWS 100 winner Anton Wünscher. What does that mean exactly? Especially when you want to change lines quickly, hop the bike from the right to the left lane or whizz from one corner to the next, the missing pounds on the Specializied Kenevo SL are noticeable. After all, there are six kilos between the light enduro bike and most of the other test candidates.

Surprisingly, all the testers in Petzen / Jamnica would still favour the best power enduro bike in the test over the Kenevo SL. Even on pure downhill trails, when motor power and range don't play a role. Only EMTB tester Chris Schleker, a self-confessed light eMTB fan, takes up the cudgels in favour of the light bikes. Why is that? Weight is, of course, only one variable that influences riding behaviour. Suspension and geometry are just as important. And this is where the characteristics of the Specialized Kenevo SL somewhat inhibit its light-footed handling. Meanwhile, other candidates with more motor power don't score in terms of weight, but do in terms of geometry and suspension.

Specialized Kenevo SL on test: Light, but not designed for playfulness

It's clear: the Specialized Kenevo SL is designed for fast straights, hard hits and wild manoeuvres, the rear suspension is plush but not very poppy. This is counterproductive in terms of handling and playfulness. You would actually expect both from a bike in the light category. In other words, an E-MTB is not inherently more manoeuvrable and fun just because it is lighter. The geometry and suspension characteristics also have to be right. Our experience: In the category of lively trail bikes, such as the Specialized Levo SL or Trek's new Fuel EXe or Orbeas Rise, light e-MTBs can show off their advantages more clearly. Nevertheless, the question of Power-E-Enduro or Light-Enduro also remains a question of taste. Two professional testers take a stand.

Opinion Pro Light Enduro - Chris Schleker, EMTB Tester

"Power e-bikes have handling disadvantages due to their high mass: they push over the front wheel when braking, react sluggishly when changing gear and cost a lot of energy when accelerating dynamically at full throttle. With the Light Enduro, you save a lot of power compared to normal bikes and still have fun handling. For me, it's the best compromise."

Opinion Contra Light Enduro - Anton Wünscher, Enduro-Racer

"For me, the added value of an e-bike lies in its outstanding uphill performance. Uphill gimmicks add a whole new component to enduro biking. That falls flat with a light e-MTB. As an e-MTB would not be a replacement for me, but rather an addition to my non-motorised enduro bike, it's clear: if it's going to be used, then with full power and uphill flow."

You can read the full E-Enduro test including the complete comparison of light and power enduro bikes here now in EMTB 4/2022. There you will also find detailed assessments of the motor performance, range and uphill capabilities of the light and power bikes in comparison, as well as the detailed test report on the six test candidates with full motor power from Bulls, Giant, Radon, Rocky Mountain, Stevens and Thok.