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Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy on testCan the light bike also impress with an aluminium frame?

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 29.08.2024

The Levo Alloy is the most affordable light e-bike in Specialized's portfolio. Can the entry-level version also excel in terms of handling and riding fun?
Photo: Max Fuchs
The Specialized Levo SL is the archetype of the lightweight e-mountainbike category. The natural handling of this e-bike is outstanding. Can Specialized also breathe new life into the affordable aluminium model? We tested the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy for 6600 euros.
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The Specialized Levo SL is something like the archetype of lightweight e-mountainbikes. The first expansion stage revolutionised the market for light e-MTBs at the beginning of 2020. In its second generation, the e-bike remains true to its maxims. Even though the motor is slightly more powerful than its predecessor, it is still one of the minimalist drives. The small 320-cell battery matches this. The mini drive saves weight. The Levo SL cannot fully utilise this advantage in the cheapest equipment version. For 6600 euros, Specialized only offers a bike with an aluminium frame. And this cancels out the weight advantage of the drive unit. 20 kilos is not a top value in view of the permanently installed, small battery, but it is perfectly acceptable in view of the robust aluminium frame and the downhill-oriented equipment. Incidentally, nothing is cheaper at Specialized when it comes to light eMTBs.

>> How does the aluminium Levo SL compare with the light competition at around 6000 euros? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity

Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy // Specialized SL 1.2 // 320 Wh, permanently installed // 160/150 mm // 29/27.5 inch // 20 kg // 6600 EuroPhoto: Max FuchsSpecialized Levo SL Comp Alloy // Specialized SL 1.2 // 320 Wh, permanently installed // 160/150 mm // 29/27.5 inch // 20 kg // 6600 EuroWelded seams are rarely seen on a light e-MTB. This is because most manufacturers only build these lightweight speedsters with a carbon chassis. This is only available from Specialized from 7900 euros.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberWelded seams are rarely seen on a light e-MTB. This is because most manufacturers only build these lightweight speedsters with a carbon chassis. This is only available from Specialized from 7900 euros.

The facts about the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy

  • Motor: Specialised SL 1.2, 50 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 320 Wh (permanently installed), optional 160 Wh range extender
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
  • Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
  • Price: 6600 Euro
  • Weight: 20.01 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Permissible total weight: 156 kg (manufacturer's specification)
The cables run into the frame behind the head tube in a classic and service-friendly manner.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe cables run into the frame behind the head tube in a classic and service-friendly manner.

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A mini-tool is fitted in the head tube ex works. This means that the most important tools are always to hand. However, a chain riveter is not included.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberA mini-tool is fitted in the head tube ex works. This means that the most important tools are always to hand. However, a chain riveter is not included.

The e-bike drive

The SL 1.2 (tested here) is a minimalist. It offers noticeably less power and torque than a Bosch Performance Line SX or the Fazua Ride 60, which is why it is also more economical and can travel surprisingly far with the small 320 battery, which sits firmly in the down tube. At 1.9 kilos, it is one of the lightest mid-motors ever. For more range, there is the option of a range extender in water bottle format with 160 Wh. The Mastermind TCU display, which is integrated into the top tube, is still one of the best displays on the market. The sleek look and the many functions, which can also be customised to personal requirements via the app, are still not available from other manufacturers.

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At 1.9 kilos, the Specialized SL 1.2 is really light. Power and torque are kept rather minimalist.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberAt 1.9 kilos, the Specialized SL 1.2 is really light. Power and torque are kept rather minimalist.Slim, well protected, easy to read and packed with information: The Display Mastermind TCU is really powerful!Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberSlim, well protected, easy to read and packed with information: The Display Mastermind TCU is really powerful!

The geometry

Specialized's size S4 Levo SL is like a small L-bike from other manufacturers. The Levo SL is not particularly long, as the focus is on agility. Thanks to the very short seat tube, you can reach for the larger size for more length - but you have to keep an eye on the seat post, which cannot be fully lowered! Also striking: the chainstays measure a super-short 433 millimetres. A rarity on E-MTBs, which gives the Levo SL agile handling. The steering angle is slack and the bottom bracket is low. Otherwise, you will look in vain for extremes. The wheelbase is surprisingly short for a bike with 160/150 mm travel. The geometry can be adapted for a 29-inch rear wheel using a flipchip, and a separate bearing cup for +/- 1 degree steering angle is included.

The 170 mm dropper post cannot be fully lowered into the short seat tube. This can be a problem for smaller riders and makes it difficult to fit a longer seatpost.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe 170 mm dropper post cannot be fully lowered into the short seat tube. This can be a problem for smaller riders and makes it difficult to fit a longer seatpost.

EMTB 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
Thanks to the flip chip in the chainstay, the Levo SL can be converted to a 29er rear wheel without major geometry changes. The bike only comes from the factory with a small rear wheel.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThanks to the flip chip in the chainstay, the Levo SL can be converted to a 29er rear wheel without major geometry changes. The bike only comes from the factory with a small rear wheel.

The equipment of the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy

The cheaper aluminium chassis leaves a budget for solid parts. The Levo SL therefore falls into the solid range of parts in this price category. The Fox Performance suspension has a reservoir at the rear, the in-house wheels are quite light and the Sram Code brakes do their job reliably. Savings are made on the gears. The NX-Eagle offers less range than the more expensive Sram groupsets and can't quite keep up with the top products in terms of shifting feel.

  • Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float X Perf.
  • Gear system: Sram NX Eagle, 12-speed, 32; 11-50 teeth
  • Brakes: Sram Code R, 200/200 mm
  • Wheels: Specialised, 30 mm
  • Tyres: Specialized Butcher Gridtrail T9, 29 x 2.3'' / Eliminator Gridtrail T7, 27.5 x 2.3''
  • Special features: Mini-tool integrated in the headset, option for 29er rear wheel, lifetime warranty
The strong rear suspension characterises the Levo SL. The bike utilises the stroke efficiently, making it feel comfortable on rough descents. There is a matching rear shock with a reservoir.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe strong rear suspension characterises the Levo SL. The bike utilises the stroke efficiently, making it feel comfortable on rough descents. There is a matching rear shock with a reservoir.The Butcher tyre in the soft T9 rubber compound offers plenty of traction.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe Butcher tyre in the soft T9 rubber compound offers plenty of traction.
The small 32 t chainring makes perfect sense for a light e-MTB.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe small 32 t chainring makes perfect sense for a light e-MTB.

Practical test: How the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy rides

With the compact geometry in mind, it's surprising that the Specialized Levo SL feels more like "a lot of bike". The plush suspension, the high cockpit and the sticky front tyre convey a lot of riding confidence instead of maximum manoeuvrability. As a result, the aluminium Levo can boast the greatest riding confidence on rough descents in our test field of seven affordable light E-MTBs.

Ride across, see more! The Specialized Levo SL is in its element on trails and descents.Photo: Max FuchsRide across, see more! The Specialized Levo SL is in its element on trails and descents.

Compared to some of the shorter-stroke competition, the Specialized rides like a mini enduro bike. Accompanied by the fluttering of the grippy front tyre (because the bike is very quiet downhill!), the Levo SL glides safely over rock gardens and root carpets. The rider only notices very little of the rumble on the piste. Even on moderate trails, the Levo is a real joy to ride, as it is intuitive and agile to control, corners well and is easy to pull into the air. Top handling!

Even in the cheaper aluminium version, the Levo SL impresses with its intuitive and successful handling.Photo: Max FuchsEven in the cheaper aluminium version, the Levo SL impresses with its intuitive and successful handling.

However, the Comp Alloy is not quite as light-footed as the significantly lighter top versions of the Levo SL. Even in our comparison, there are livelier and more direct candidates. What wasn't any better on the more expensive models was that the bike is a little slower on the climbs. With the weakest motor and the shortest chainstays, you have to work a lot harder on steep and difficult climbs. Nevertheless, the grip on the rear wheel is excellent thanks to the good suspension.

On steep climbs, the Levo SL is at a disadvantage. The motor power and geometry are not designed for extreme climbs.Photo: Max FuchsOn steep climbs, the Levo SL is at a disadvantage. The motor power and geometry are not designed for extreme climbs.

EMTB review of the Specialized Levo SL Comp Alloy

Strengths

  • Strong compromise between take-off qualities and agility
  • Enduro character thanks to strong chassis
  • Quiet on the descent
  • High weight release + guarantee

Weaknesses

  • Little glamour at this price compared to the market
  • Minimalist e-drive, but not very quiet
  • Permanently installed battery
Downhill, the Levo SL Comp Alloy is in its element. Uphill you can take it more leisurely. The range is comparatively short with the small, permanently installed battery.Photo: EMTB MagazinDownhill, the Levo SL Comp Alloy is in its element. Uphill you can take it more leisurely. The range is comparatively short with the small, permanently installed battery.

The EMTB conclusion

The Levo SL with aluminium frame can't quite deliver the wow effect of the sinfully expensive models. But on the trail, the alloy also stands out with a lot of downhill power and very balanced handling. Weaknesses on nasty climbs. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
>> How does the aluminium Levo SL compare with the light competition at around 6000 euros? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity
Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB MagazinePhoto: Georg GrieshaberFlorentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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