Firstly, there is the new engine: it now goes by the name of SL 1.2 and is significantly quieter and also more powerful. Even those who only require moderate assistance will only hear a pleasant humming instead of the high-pitched whine of its predecessor. More power with the same efficiency is a welcome plus.
The suspension and geometry have also been significantly revised. The comfortable suspension of the first Levo SL has given way to a sensitive but sporty performance rear triangle. As a result, the Levo SL rides rather firm and direct and is very easy to pull into the air. Thanks to the high progression, good riders can still leave the brakes open for a long time, which is also encouraged by the new geometry. A steering angle of up to 63.7 degrees in the slackest setting and the robust equipment are also suitable for real enduro trails. The chainstays are record-breakingly short at 431 millimetres. This means that the Levo SL is still extremely manoeuvrable and can be pulled onto the rear wheel without any effort.
The disadvantage: less experienced riders will find it harder to find the right balance on Specialized's fun machine. In addition, the S-Works is nice and light at 17.7 kilos, but also very expensive. The entry-level model still costs 7900 euros.
Conclusion by Adrian Kaether, EMTB test editor:
The new version of the Specialized S-Works Levo SL is more extreme, but also better in almost every respect. Not a bike for everyone, but the trendiest, lightest-footed and most playful trail eMTB on the market.
Technical data and notes on the Specialized S-Works Levo SL
Manufacturer information
- Price: 14,000 euros
- Sizes / seat tube / frame material: S1, S2, S3 , S4 (tested size 42 cm), S5, S6 / Carbon
Drive
- Motor: Specialised SL 1.2
- Max. Torque²: 50 Nm
- Battery² / weight¹: Specialised, 320 Wh permanently integrated / 1820 grams
- Gear system: Sram XX (12-speed)
- Gear ratio (f/h): 32; 10-52
- Display: TCU Mastermind
Equipment
- Permissible total weight²: 127 kg (109 kg payload)
- Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip² / Fox Float X Factory
- Suspension travel² (f. / h.): 160 mm / 150 mm
- Telescopic seatpost: Reverb AXS, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code Ultimate / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: Roval Traverse SL Carbon
- Tyres: Specialized Butcher / Eliminator, Trail, 29 x 2.3
Measured values¹
- Weight¹: 17.7 kg
- Centre of gravity height: 525 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 194 mm
- Ground clearance³: 511 mm
¹Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
²Manufacturer information
Step test, measured with 36 centimetres raised rear wheel
Adrian Kaether
Editor
