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The rumour mill has been churning for a long time. A new engine? An ultra-lightweight Levo? A revolution? When Specialized presented its Creo e-road bike with the new, self-developed SL 1.1 motor a few months ago at the latest, it was clear that the Americans could also build a particularly light e-MTB on this basis. And they did it! With a total weight of 17 kilos, the new Levo SL A full four kilos slimmer than the normal Levo. Visually, it is almost indistinguishable from a bike without a motor. The down tube is slim, the motor tiny compared to current models. Has a miracle happened? Has Specialized achieved what no other manufacturer can? Yes and no other fully-fledged E-MTB trail bike is currently as light as the Levo SL, but the diet only works with a reduction in motor and battery power. The SL 1.1 motor delivers 240 watts and 35 newton metres.
By comparison, the 2.1 (Brose) motor in the normal Levo delivers over 500 watts of peak power and 90 Newton metres, which is more than twice as powerful. And the battery permanently installed in the down tube stores 320 Wh (Levo 700 Wh). Nevertheless, the manufacturer is self-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 rather have a lighter bike with more natural handling," says Jan Talavasek, head developer of the E division at Specialized. And the Levo SL doesn't hide behind its big brother in terms of range either. In a direct comparison, it should even achieve the same values for riding time and reach height. We have already been able to test whether this is true on our test bench in a direct comparison. Find out more in the new issue of EMTB 1/2020, on newsstands from 18 February.
The motor
The SL 1.1 is a completely in-house development by the Americans. It is built according to the manufacturer's specifications by the German motor specialist Mahle. The motor is significantly smaller than a Bosch or Brose and weighs 1.9 kilos, around one kilo less than the lightest "normal" e-MTB motors. The small dimensions make short chainstays possible. The shaft has a freewheel that decouples the crank from the gearbox beyond the 25 km/h limit. According to Specialized, the pedalling resistance should then be just three watts, which is only one watt more than a Dura Ace road bike crank. The relatively high Q-factor (distance from crank arm to crank arm) is the result of an elaborate seal on the crankshaft. It was developed in collaboration with GoreTex and completely seals the unit against moisture even when using steam jets and during the most extreme muddy rides. "Theoretically, you could drive the SL 1.1 under water," says Jan Talavasek. We will find out in a long-term test whether this is an empty or durable promise. The motor works with 48 volts. This improves the efficiency of the system and maximises performance and range from the 320 Wh of the permanently installed battery. Our test bench test in EMTB issue 1/2020 shows exactly how much this is.
Frame and equipment details
Only those in the know will recognise the Levo SL as an e-bike at first glance. The down tube is approx. 25% thicker than on the motorless Stumpjumper and the bottom bracket area is slightly thicker. Otherwise, the 29-inch frame looks slim and balanced. The new motor manages with two screw points, is about the size of a honeydew melon and fits easily in one hand. The compact design enables a classic geometry. Specialized has shortened the chainstays to 437 mm to create the most agile ride feel possible. The rest of the geometry is identical to that of the normal Levo. The head angle is 66°, the seat angle 75° (size M). The Levo SL also features the flip chip, which raises the bottom bracket by almost half a centimetre from 348mm and steepens the angles by half a degree. The sizes S and M have 165mm long cranks, L and XL get 170mm length.
As is now customary with the Americans, Specialized hides a multitool in the head tube. The charging port is located on the left above the bottom bracket and is protected from the weather by a firmly clicked-in cover. This is also where you connect the optional range extender. There is a switch for the charger that allows both batteries to be charged at the same time. However, you need to be able to place the bike next to the socket, as the main battery cannot be removed. All cables run through guides in the frame and through the rear triangle without rattling, so that re-routing is no longer a chore. The top models S-Works and Expert are fitted with lightweight Roval carbon wheels. Further down the list, they are made of aluminium. All bikes roll on tyres with the new Grid Trail carcass (front wheel Butcher, rear wheel Eliminator), which has an additional butyl layer and should offer more puncture protection than the normal Grid version. The Butcher Grid Trail in 29x2.3" weighs 1070 grams. An on-board computer that displays all the necessary riding data (except altitude metres) is optional.
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 (permanently installed) and range extender with 160 Wh (369.90 euros)
- Wheel size: 29"
- Prices: from 5999 euros (aluminium) or from 7599 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 have the identical motor and the permanently installed battery. It starts with the Levo SL Comp for 5999 euros. It comes with the 12-speed Sram NX groupset and the Fox Rhythm 34 fork with GRIP damping. The weight is just over 19 kilos. The cheapest carbon bike, the Levo SL Comp Carbon, costs €7299 with the same equipment as the aluminium model. The Expert Carbon (€8699) with GX gears, Roval carbon wheels and Fox Performance Elite 34 fork is more expensive. The S-Works (€12,999) offers almost top-of-the-range equipment with top suspension elements from Fox, wireless AXS dropper post and Sram XX1 Eagle drivetrain. But only the €14,999 "Founders Edition" (limited to 250 units) also features the wireless AXS drivetrain. In addition to a special paint finish, all the screws have been replaced with rainbow-coloured ones (oil slick). You also get two range extenders with 160 Wh each. One is included as standard with the S-Works, but is available as an option for an additional 370 euros for all other bikes.
Misson Control app with new features:
The Mission Control app can be used to control the entire motor performance and battery management. In addition to "Infinite Tune" (free configuration of motor performance depending on rider input) and "Smart Control" (automatic support control depending on tour length and duration), it is also possible to specify the order in which the main battery and range extender are discharged. This offers range tinkerers interesting options (more on this in the interview with chief developer Jan Talavasek in issue EMTB 1/2020). There will also be a pulse-dependent control option for motor operation in the near future.
With its many functions, the Mission Control app is to the motor and battery what the rebound and compression adjustment and air pressure are to a high-quality suspension fork. You can only get the most out of your Levo SL if you know how the different parameters interact and how to set them sensibly. We have already had some interesting experiences with the app during the test period - you can read more about this and the most sensible settings for the Levo SL in the magazine (EMTB 1/2020).
Ride report: The Levo SL on the trail
We were able to test the S-Works version of the Levo SL extensively for three days in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The area has a good dozen hand-built trails of all kinds. Uphill you ride either on gravel tracks or on flow trails with good grip and moderate gradients. Downhill, there is everything from flowing and fast to exposed and extremely steep. Ideal test terrain for a trail e-bike with reduced motor power. On average, each of the 5 rides covered a good 30 kilometres and 1000 metres in altitude. We rode with both batteries throughout, i.e. 480 WH of energy. We were also able to put a Levo SL Expert Carbon through its paces at home in Munich. Both in the lab and in direct comparison with a Ghost Hybride SL AMR X with a Shimano motor, we rode for two days on the muddy Isar trails.
The price for the Levo SL S-Works (€12,999) is steep, that much is clear. Even the top-of-the-range model is not yet fully equipped - the AXS drivetrain, for example, is only available on the limited Founders Edition. On the other hand, the weight of 17 kilos with tubeless tyres in size M is top. The Expert model in size L weighed 17.5 kilos in the test lab. This is immediately noticeable. The Levo SL cranks away like a normal bike without assistance. Thanks to the freewheel in the motor, no pedalling resistance is actually noticeable. Of course, the weight still needs to be pushed, but once the bike is rolling, you can maintain the speed well and without excessive effort. On a flat trail section, we were able to switch off the motor for a few kilometres and enjoy a silent ride. If you activate the system, the motor is quieter than the Shimano - but you can still hear it. The elasticity is very good: when starting off at extremely low cadences, the motor pushes just as well and sensitively as when cranking fast in the 100 cadence range and above. The engine's power delivery is very smooth. The turbo mode subjectively delivers the power of Shimano's Eco mode. Long, steep ramps require noticeable leg power. You can't just power up an exposed climb with the Levo SL. However, gravel tracks and flow trails can be climbed subjectively relaxed and with sufficient support. The front climbs late, the traction is good.
Going downhill, the Levo SL is the best of both worlds: the mixture of e-bike smoothness and the agility of a classic MTB is ideal. The Levo SL is really easy on the rear wheel and has very good pop. Playing with the terrain, quick direction changes and dynamic line choice are fun. It also has great grip in corners. However, if you are used to a classic e-bike, you will miss the fascination of the turbo boost from time to time. The Levo SL doesn't really open up any new terrain. You ride where you would on a normal trail bike. Only further and faster than before. The special feeling of mastering seemingly unrideable uphills is reserved for 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 customer groups: sporty kilometre collectors and trail fans who usually ride their classic e-bikes in Ecomode. Converts who were previously put off by the high weight and therefore somewhat sluggish handling of e-bikes may also find this new development appealing. With the Levo SL, you get a trail bike with impressively natural, agile handling. The light support requires a fit rider, otherwise the uphill fun is limited. For me, also because of the customisability via app, a very harmonious but special bike.
