The rumour mill has been in full swing for some time now. A new motor? An ultra-light Levo? A revolution? It became clear at the latest when Specialized unveiled its Creo e-road bike a few months ago, featuring the new, in-house developed SL 1.1 motor: On this basis, the Americans could also build a particularly lightweight e-MTB. And they’ve done just that! Weighing in at 17 kilos, the new Levo SL is a full four kilos lighter than the standard Levo. Visually, it’s almost indistinguishable from a bike without a motor. The down tube is slender, and the motor is tiny compared to current models. Has a miracle happened? Has Specialized managed to achieve what no other manufacturer has? Yes and no. No full-fledged e-MTB trail bike is currently as light as the Levo SL, but this weight reduction has only been achieved by scaling back the motor and battery performance. The SL 1.1 motor delivers 240 watts and 35 Newton-metres.
By way of comparison: the 2.1 (Brose) motor in the standard Levo delivers over 500 watts of peak power and 90 Newton-metres, making it more than twice as powerful. And the battery, which is permanently fitted inside the down tube, has a capacity of 320 Wh (Levo 700 Wh). Nevertheless, the manufacturer remains confident: “Many of our sporty customers have told us time and again that they don’t actually use the Turbo mode on the Levo and would prefer a lighter bike with more natural handling instead,” says Jan Talavasek, Specialised’s chief developer for the e-bike division. And when it comes to range, the Levo SL is certainly no slouch compared to its big brother. In a direct comparison, it’s said to achieve the same figures for ride time and range. We’ve already put this to the test in a head-to-head comparison on our test bench. Read more about it in the new issue of EMTB 1/2020, available at newsagents from 18 February.
The engine
The SL 1.1 is an in-house development by the American company. It is manufactured to the manufacturer’s specifications by the German engine specialist Mahle. The motor is significantly smaller than a Bosch or Brose model and weighs 1.9 kilos – around one kilo less than the lightest ‘standard’ e-MTB motors. Its compact dimensions allow for short chainstays. The shaft features a freewheel that decouples the crank from the drivetrain once the speed exceeds 25 km/h. According to Specialized, pedalling resistance is then said to be just three watts – only one watt more than a Dura-Ace road bike crank. The relatively high Q-factor (distance between crank arms) results from a sophisticated crankshaft seal. Developed in collaboration with Gore-Tex, it completely seals the unit against moisture, even when using steam cleaners and during the most extreme muddy rides. “Theoretically, you could ride the SL 1.1 underwater,” says Jan Talavasek. Whether this is an empty promise or a reliable one in the long term is something we’ll put to the test in a long-term trial. The motor operates at 48 volts. This improves the system’s efficiency and maximises the power and range from the 320 Wh of the permanently fitted battery. Our test bench test in EMTB issue 1/2020 shows exactly how much that is.
Frame and specification details
Only connoisseurs can tell at first glance that the Levo SL is an e-bike. The down tube is around 25 per cent thicker than on the non-motorised Stumpjumper, and the bottom bracket area is slightly more robustly built. Otherwise, the 29-inch frame looks sleek and well-balanced. The new motor requires just two mounting points, is about the size of a honeydew melon and fits comfortably in one hand. Its compact design allows for classic geometry. Specialized has shortened the chainstays to 437mm to create the most agile riding experience possible. The rest of the geometry is identical to that of the standard Levo. The head angle is 66°, the seat tube angle 75° (size M). The Levo SL also features the flip-chip, which raises the bottom bracket by just under half a centimetre from 348 mm and makes the angles half a degree steeper each. Sizes S and M have 165 mm-long cranks, whilst L and XL come with 170 mm-long cranks.
As is now common practice with American brands, Specialized has concealed a multi-tool in the head tube. The charging port is located on the left, above the bottom bracket, and is protected from the elements by a cover that clicks securely into place. This is also where you connect the optional range extender. There’s a splitter for the charger that allows both batteries to be charged simultaneously. However, this requires you to be able to park the bike next to the socket, as the main battery isn’t removable. All cables run through guides in the frame and rear triangle without rattling, so re-routing them is no longer a fiddly, tedious job. The top-of-the-range S-Works and Expert models are fitted with lightweight Roval carbon wheels. Further down the range, they are made of aluminium. All bikes are fitted with tyres featuring the new Grid Trail casing (Butcher on the front, Eliminator on the rear), which has an additional layer of butyl and is designed to offer better puncture protection than the standard Grid version. The Butcher Grid Trail in 29x2.3” weighs 1,070 grams. An on-board computer is available as an option, displaying all the necessary ride data (except elevation gain).
Facts about the Specialized Levo SL
- Suspension travel: 150 mm
- Weight: from 17 kilos (S-Works model, size M, tubeless)
- Motor: Specialized SL 1.1 with 240 watts / 35 Newton metres
- Battery: 320 Wh internal (fixed) and a range extender with 160 Wh (369.90 euros)
- Wheel size: 29”
- Prices: from 5,999 euros (aluminium) or from 7,599 euros (carbon), 5 models – Founders Edition (250 units)
- Available: immediately
Models and prices
The Levo SL will be available in one aluminium and four carbon versions. All feature the same motor and a permanently fitted battery. The range starts with the Levo SL Comp at €5,999. This comes with the 12-speed SRAM NX groupset and the Fox Rhythm 34 fork with GRIP damping. It weighs just over 19 kilos. The most affordable carbon bike, the Levo SL Comp Carbon, costs €7,299 and comes with the same spec as the aluminium model. Above that is the Expert Carbon (€8,699) with GX groupset, Roval carbon wheels and a Fox Performance Elite 34 fork. The S-Works (€12,999) offers almost top-of-the-range spec, with premium suspension components from Fox, a wireless AXS seatpost and SRAM XX1 Eagle groupset. However, it is only the €14,999 ‘Founders Edition’ (limited to 250 units) that also features the wireless AXS groupset. As well as a special paint finish, all the screws have been replaced with rainbow-coloured (oil slick) ones. You also get two range extenders, each with a capacity of 160 Wh. The S-Works comes with one as standard; for all other bikes, it’s available as an option for an additional €370.
Misson Control app with new features:
The Mission Control app allows you to control all aspects of motor performance and battery management. In addition to ‘Infinite Tune’ (free configuration of motor power based on rider input) and ‘Smart Control’ (automatic assistance control based on the length and duration of the ride), you can also specify the order in which the main battery and range extender are discharged. This offers interesting options for those keen on optimising range (more on this in the interview with chief developer Jan Talavasek in EMTB issue 1/2020). A heart rate-based control option for motor output will also be available shortly.
With its wide range of functions for the motor and battery, the Mission Control app is to the Levo SL what rebound and compression adjustments and air pressure are to a high-quality suspension fork. Only by understanding how the various parameters interact and how to adjust them effectively can you get the most out of your Levo SL. During the test period, we’ve already had some interesting experiences with the app – you can read more about this and the most effective settings for the Levo SL in the magazine (EMTB 1/2020).
Test ride: The Levo SL on the trail
We were able to put the S-Works version of the Levo SL through its paces for three days in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The area boasts a good dozen hand-built trails of every kind. Uphill, you ride either on gravel tracks or on flow trails with good grip and moderate gradients. Downhill, there’s everything from smooth and fast to exposed and extremely steep. Ideal testing terrain, then, for a trail e-bike with reduced motor power. On average, each of the five rides covered a good 30 kilometres and 1,000 metres of elevation gain. We rode with both batteries fitted throughout, giving us 480 Wh of power. We were also able to put a Levo SL Expert Carbon through its paces at home in Munich. We spent two days riding on the muddy Isar trails, both in the lab and in a direct comparison with a Ghost Hybride SL AMR X fitted with a Shimano motor.
The price of the Levo SL S-Works (€12,999) is steep – that much is certain. Even on the top-of-the-range model, the spec isn’t quite top-tier – the AXS groupset, for example, is only available on the limited-edition Founders Edition. What is top-notch, however, is the weight: 17 kilos as weighed by us, with tubeless tyres fitted on a size M frame. The Expert model, in size L, tipped the scales at 17.5 kilos in the test lab. You notice the difference straight away. Without assistance, the Levo SL rolls out of the yard just like a normal bike. Thanks to the motor’s freewheel, there’s actually no perceptible pedalling resistance. Naturally, the weight still needs a bit of a push to get going, but once the bike is rolling, you can maintain your speed easily and without excessive effort. On a flat section of trail, we were able to switch the motor off for a few kilometres and enjoy a silent ride. When the system is activated, the motor runs more quietly than the Shimano – though it is still quite audible. The responsiveness is excellent: when setting off at extremely low cadences, the motor provides just as much smooth and responsive assistance as when pedalling fast at cadences of 100 rpm and above. The transition between motor engagement and disengagement is very smooth. Subjectively, the Turbo mode delivers the same power as Shimano’s Eco mode. Long, steep climbs thus require noticeable leg strength. You can’t just effortlessly power your way up a steep, exposed climb on the Levo SL. However, subjectively speaking, you can tackle gravel tracks and flow trails in a relaxed manner with ample assistance. The front wheel lifts late, and traction is good.
On the descent, the Levo SL offers the best of both worlds: the combination of an e-bike’s smooth ride and the agility of a classic MTB is ideal. The Levo SL lifts onto its rear wheel with ease and has excellent pop. Playing with the terrain, making quick changes of direction and choosing dynamic lines is great fun. It also has great grip in corners. However, anyone used to a classic e-bike will certainly miss the thrill of the turbo boost from time to time. You won’t be exploring truly new terrain with the Levo SL. You’ll ride where you would ride on a normal trail bike. Just further and faster than before. That special feeling of conquering seemingly unrideable climbs remains the preserve of owners of powerful e-bikes. The Levo SL is therefore more of a classic MTB with an auxiliary motor than an e-bike with a turbo boost.
Conclusion on the Specialized Levo SL
The Turbo Levo SL appeals to two groups of customers: sporty riders who clock up the kilometres and trail enthusiasts who usually ride their classic e-bikes in Eco mode. Even those switching from conventional bikes – who have previously been put off by the heavy weight and, as a result, somewhat sluggish handling of e-bikes – might find this new model to their liking. With the Levo SL, they get a trail bike with impressively natural, agile handling. The Light Support mode therefore requires a fit rider; otherwise, the fun of riding uphill is limited. For me – not least because of the customisation options via the app – it’s a very well-balanced yet specialised bike.