Specialized Levo SL: Over 5000 km test & 7 insights into the Light-E-MTB Levo
Laurin Lehner
· 29.08.2025
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The Levo SL minimal-assist bike matches bikers who love the handling of an organic bike and like to pedal themselves, just with a little assistance. Those who like to fly up the mountain in boost mode to get to the trail entrance as quickly as possible are better off with a full-assist bike, e.g. the power counterpart Specialised Levo. Even fans of technical uphills who like to ride up steep, blocked trails in trial style will reach their limits more quickly on the minimal-assist bike with short chainstays. I also noticed that tours with bike buddies on a full-assist bike don't "rub" much. In other words, you have to pedal behind if you don't want to drain your battery in "no-time".
The Levo SL features the in-house SL 1.2 drive (Test). The built-in 320 watt-hour battery has a solid range, but only if you ride economically. Mountain tours with 1200 to 1300 metres in altitude are definitely possible. However, if you crank up the motor assistance above 60-70 per cent, the battery will be empty in no time. Specialized offers an optional range extender with 160 watt hours. Unfortunately expensive: 460 euros.
Levo SL Comp vs. Levo SL Expert
Aluminium versus carbon, cheaper versus more expensive. I have ridden both models. First the 9600 euro Expert model with carbon frame, Fox Performance suspension and Sram GX Eagle Transmission electric drivetrain. After more than 2000 kilometres, I switched to the cheaper Comp model with aluminium frame - for 6600 euros (>> e.g. available here). For this model, you can pay a whole 3000 euros (!) less.
In return, you get a more favourable chassis, poorer brakes and a little more weight on the scales. 1.8 kilograms to be precise. That may not sound like much, but weight plays a decisive role, especially with minimal-assist bikes. A few grams more and the organic bike feeling is gone. Can you feel the difference? Yes, on bunny hops, for example. You have to push harder and pull harder.
Nevertheless, the Alu Levo manages to maintain the organic bike feeling. The geo remains the same, and it is as playful as any freerider could wish for. Apart from that, the aluminium model doesn't have electric gears, which suits me. One less battery to worry about. However, I had to readjust the favourable NX rear derailleur several times. The Fox 36 Performance suspension fork had to make way for the cheaper Rhythm model, with 150 instead of 160 millimetres.
In short: 3000 euros is a lot of money. The lighter Expert model is the better bike, but if I had to buy one of the bikes, I would go for the cheaper aluminium model and invest the 3000 euro saving in something else. For example, in better brakes and lots of bike trips.
The Turbo Levo SL 2 Comp Alloy model currently available for 6600 euros has significantly better components. For example, the potent Sram Maven.
The e-bike motor of the Levo SL
The Specialized SL 1.1 is a classic among light motors. With the introduction of the Specialized Levo SL at the beginning of 2020, light eMTBs became socially acceptable. Now the Levo SL features the Specialised SL 1.2 e-bike motor at the start. It is only available in combination with a permanently installed 320 Wh battery. The battery cannot be removed for charging or changing on tour. Not a real disadvantage for me personally. To increase the range, a range extender in water bottle format is available as an option for an extra charge. The 160 extra watt hours weigh just over a kilo and fit easily into smaller rucksacks.
Facts & figures about the Specialised SL 1.2
- Motor weight: 1.91 kg (BIKE measured value)
- Battery weight: 1.82 kg (320 Wh) (BIKE measured value)
- Battery options: 320 Wh; Range Extender: 160 Wh, 1.03 kg (BIKE measured value)
- Speed levels: Eco, Trail, Turbo, Infinite Tune
- Tightness: IP 67
- Connectivity: ANT+ (LEV)
Advantages of the geometry
With a height of 1.78 metres, the size S4 fitted me very well (reach: 459 mm) Super, the short 433 millimetre chainstays and the mullet construction. Manuals have never been so easy. The moderate steering angle allows for a direct riding style and gives the bike the necessary lively handling. I later switched to Full-29, but do you need it? I don't think so.
BIKE measurements at a glance (frame size S4)
- Seat tube length: 420 mm
- Wheelbase: 1240 mm
- Reach: 459 mm
- Stack: 642 mm
- Steering angle: 64.3 degrees
- Seat angle: 76 degrees
- Chainstay length: 433 mm
- Bottom bracket height: 336 mm
Where the Specialised feels at home
Lots of stroke = lots of fun! I subscribed to this theory for a long time. Until I realised that small-stroke bikes are much more fun on 90 percent of the routes I ride. The concept of minimal-assist bikes also seems logical to me. Not only does it save weight, but more importantly, it provides a direct riding experience. Feedback from the ground instead of sweeping over roots with a hovercraft feeling.
With less travel, the bike is also easier to push, press and pull. In short: pilot instead of autopilot. On some trails, however, you are at a disadvantage. I experienced this on the Barbarasteig in Seefeld (Tyrol). While my colleagues were whizzing over the root-la-la with their 180-millimetre bikes, my Levo SL lost traction, bounced, bucked and stumbled. I had no choice but to hold on (more passenger than pilot) and force the bike back onto the chosen line 333 again and again.
The moral of the story? You have to die a death: playfulness or smoothness. In short: on the rare bumpy stretches such as the Barbarasteig, for example, I'm happy to give up, as long as I enjoy the lively ride on most stretches instead of sinking into the suspension travel.
These defects were found on the Levo SL Expert & SL Comp
After more than 2000 kilometres, the medical record of the Levo SL Expert is limited.
- The Code RSCs cause problems, are loud, the pressure point wanders.
- The Sram GX Eagle Transmission, 12-speed, chokes on grit on the road and makes the chain jump.
This broke in the first 5199 kilometres on the Levo SL Comp:
- The rear in-house wheel (Specialized Hookless alloy) is causing problems. A repetitive clacking noise, always in the same place. As if a small stone had got stuck in the tread and was making a "clack" sound when it hit the road. This was a defect at the rim joint. Two round metal pins, which ensure that the two rim ends are joined together during production, came loose and caused the "clack".
- A new wheel should help, but the same problem again after a short time. Same problem. This time, lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger tried to fix the problem with on-board tools. He took the tyres off and tried to fix the pins by puncturing them with a centre punch. Unfortunately, the problem was only solved for a short time.
- The once tried and tested Sram Code RSC MTB brakes once again failed to impress. Little braking power and pressure point wandering. The power pads from Trickstuff boosted the Code for quite a while. When changing the pads, the pistons could not be fully reset.
Facts & figures about the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.2
- Battery: 320 watt hours, permanently installed
- Optional: 160 Wh additional battery
- Spring travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Flipchip: Optional 29er rear wheel possible
- Angled headset: Steering angle adjustable by two degrees
- Weight: 20.2 kg (manufacturer's specification, size S4)
- Price: 6600 Euro >> available here
Specialized Levo SL Comp: Laurin's conclusion after 5199 kilometres of endurance testing
This is mountain biking! The riding experience is closer to a biobike than on almost any other minimal-assist bike. The lighter the model, the better. The playful geo with the short chainstays is the benchmark for me. The spec of the affordable Comp version is moderate to below average. However, the currently available model is better equipped, including the powerful Sram Maven brakes etc. The range for mountain tours with the 320 watt-hour battery is only passable if you use the motor with little support (up to around 50-60%). I rode the Levo SL as a mullet and with all-29 wheels and, with average-length legs, I don't see any added value in a large 29-inch wheel.
Specialised Levo SL1 bike - 7 insights
1. it can also be cheap!
With the aluminium model, you save 3000 euros. On the other hand, you have to carry around 1.8 kilos more weight and have to make do with simpler components: With the inexpensive Rhythm fork from Fox, for example, the extra weight is particularly noticeable. This is particularly important in this bike category. However, 20.2 kilos is still a good weight. With bunnyhops, you need a little more traction in direct comparison. Conclusion: I would save the 3000 euros and invest elsewhere.
2. 320 Wh are enough ...
... if you can cope with a little assistance. The small, permanently installed battery ensures agile handling, but limits the range - especially if you like to ride with a lot of support. Long mountain tours are possible, but only in Eco mode. A range extender (160 Wh) can help to increase the range (460 euros / 1 kilo).
3. geometry masterpiece
Because the geometry is moderate and therefore ideal for trail riding, the Levo SL steers beautifully directly through the terrain and is very easy to ride actively. The super-short chainstays fuel the play instinct.
4. mullet or All 29?
Both are possible - but for me it's clear: Mullet! I have made a direct comparison and see no advantage to the large rear wheel. If you have average body proportions, you'll be happier with the mullet version - guaranteed!
5. no match: minimal assist & power bikes
Watch out if your mates ride power e-bikes: Touring together is difficult. Even if the power bike rider is travelling in eco mode, you often lag behind with the minimal assist bike. Or you switch on so much assistance that you quickly run out of juice.
6. can do (almost) everything
With 160/150 mm travel, the Levo SL is a classic all-mountain bike with a wide range of uses. Great: It offers a lot of counter-pressure on tame to slightly technical trails and has plenty of propulsion. But: It gets tough in rough enduro terrain. That's where the lightweight Levo SL Comp bounces and bucks. So if you regularly ride in Finale, Reschen & Co., you are better off with bikes with more travel.
7. the bike is designed for ...
... E-All-Mountain fans who are looking for a playful, agile bike that is easy to pull onto the rear wheel. For bikers for whom a little support on the mountain is enough and who still want to pedal. Not for you if you love boost, are into range, smoothness and technical climbs - or primarily want to blast around on enduro tracks.
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Laurin Lehner
Editor
