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Turbo Levo SL 2. Ta...
 

Turbo Levo SL 2. Talk to me.

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Strictly speaking, I am not and never have been, in the market for an e-bike. But...one of these has appeared in my LBS and made my head wobble a bit.

It's this model... specialized.com/gb/en/turbo-levo-sl-2-ohlins-coil

And it looks like this...

PXL_20250919_111155709.MP~2.jpg

I've been totally ignoring e-bike tech and I've never ridden one off road. I'm not sure how the Levo SL 2 stacks up against the competition. I can't see any reviews of this particular model and all the Levo SL articles and videos are glowing advertorials.

This one is reduced to 6k. I can get a bit of additional discount so closer to 5.5k. It's almost the price a regular bike would be with this spec.

If you've read anything I've posted in the last 2 years you know I'm a sucker for the Swedish Gold. It's got proper DH brakes, decent wheels, decent bar and stem, posh Bikeyoke seatpost, even the grips are quality Deity items. I literally wouldn't change a thing.

It would be just the thing for scooting around with my knackered hip. I'd rather have the lighter bike than mega power and a huge battery. I'd use it mostly for laps of fun venues like Wharny and Win Will not huge days in the backcountry. I want a fun bike that handles rather then a big tank of a thing. It'll get me back out on the local group rides which have gone 100% electric.

The big plus side is that it would get the Mrs back out riding. She's not a serious rider but she used to really enjoy it before Junior came along. Now it's so infrequent that it's just painful. My current bikes are way too big for her, this Levo is a lot shorter in the cockpit and she looked very comfy on it yesterday.

I live right next to the dealer so during any breakdowns I'd be able to drop it off and let them worry about it.

There must be a downside other than the chunk of money it'll cost me. I'm blinded by how cool the bike looks so feel free to talk me out of it. Horror stories welcome.


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 9:48 am
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I'm not seeing a downside unless you're planning on trying to chase a bunch of full power bikes.


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 9:50 am
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Posted by: weeksy

I'm not seeing a downside unless you're planning on trying to chase a bunch of full power bikes.

I can count on one hand the number of times this has been an issue for me and everyone else I ride with is on full fat bikes. The difference between me, reasonably fit, on my SL, and slightly less fit people on full fat bikes is minimal, and we tend to deplete our batteries at about the same rate.

Its also definitely less than the typical range of fitness you get in any riding group anyway. And if your mates all dissapear off the top by riding turbo everywhere and not waiting for you, they are not your mates anyway they are *****. 

I bought a range extender thinking I was going to be running out of range all the time but truthfully I barely use it.

However they all comment on how easy my bike is to pick up, i regularly sling it over stiles and gates, i can wheel it into the van like a normal bike, and it rides, to all intents and purposes, like a Stumpjumper. Its also very nice when going over the motor cutout, there is zero drag or noise from the SL1.2 motor.  Mine is the Comp Carbon with various upgrades and Fox Factory - the Ohlin spec bike will be absolutely delightful. 

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 10:15 am
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I have no intention of racing around trying to keep up with full power bikes. I'd be happy with a sweet handling bike which can push me up the hills a little so I can do more runs of the stuff I enjoy instead of 'one and done' to conserve energy.

I don't know how much it weighs but in the hand it felt comparable to some DH bikes.


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 10:16 am
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Posted by: snotrag

 

and it rides, to all intents and purposes, like a Stumpjumper. 

 

Sounds dreamy.

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 10:17 am
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Mines 19kg, that should be about the same - feels just like my old DH bikes, yes. 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 10:17 am
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OP, from your post, just go and buy it and report back on monday how it rode over the weekend...


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 10:47 am
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The reliability of my KSL SL2 was pretty poor, 400/600/0.3 miles. Spesh/Certini sorted it out, but was a little slow at times.

Borrowed a mates Levo SL2, he had much better reliability with his. Cracking bike, very agile and would have one if it wasn't for the bad reliability.

My Vala weighs the same as a Levo SL2 with a range extender and can get far greater range at a higher assistance level. Gen3 Levo is very similar in weight and range....


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 12:11 pm
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Posted by: SirHC

Gen3 Levo is very similar in weight and range....

 

I have the S-Works G3 - so carbon rims/cranks/bars. I think claimed weight is 22kg - mine came in at 23kg with big pedals, alu bars and cushcore x2

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 12:22 pm
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If you don’t ride any other ebike you will think it’s bloody brilliant 

 

If demo other bikes you may change your mind

 

I test rode various e-bikes a couple of years back, including the Levo SL v1

 

The Levo was the best handling bike (not by much) but had by far the worst motor and battery, and because I was buying an ebike it wasn’t worth the compromise 

 

The motor has changed in the Levo 2 but is still low on power, but the battery is still very small

 

At leaset with 85nm and 630wh battery I can decide whether to go for a ride where I work hard or just go out for a ride for fun


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 1:51 pm
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Would you have to wear a puffa jacket to ride it though?


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 2:00 pm
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I might not get too excited and try to ride something before I commit to it. We were planning to rent a Spesh e-bike in Durham next month for a day at Hamsterley so might go through with that first. I'll know from the look on her face if we're buying one.

The other bike I like is the Vala. The reviews make it sound like the kind of bike I'm after (prioritising handling over huge batteries) but they're much more expensive to buy. They're at least 2k more and the spec pales in comparison. I'd quite happily never ride Rock Shox or Fox suspension or Shimano or SRAM brakes ever again.


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 2:08 pm
 a11y
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Posted by: sharkattack

If you've read anything I've posted in the last 2 years you know I'm a sucker for the Swedish Gold.

😀 

Nope, I can't talk you out of that. Many similarities with the SC Heckler SL that I've now ridden a good amount: same travel, slightly lower torque and battery capacity, better specced for equivalent money, near identical weight. If this Spesh rides anything like my Heckler then I think they're a good option. 

Merlin doing the Heckler SL model I have for £5.5k but suspension especially isn't a patch on the Ohlins I imagine. 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 2:17 pm
 a11y
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Posted by: sharkattack
The other bike I like is the Vala. The reviews make it sound like the kind of bike I'm after (prioritising handling over huge batteries) but they're much more expensive to buy. They're at least 2k more and the spec pales in comparison. I'd quite happily never ride Rock Shox or Fox suspension or Shimano or SRAM brakes ever again.

I replied above mentioning the Heckler SL before you posted this. Vala would've been my choice over my Heckler SL, but it was Vala at retail vs Heckler SL at 40%+ off (£4.3k) so it wasn't ever a serious option. Stuck a (now creaky) Mezzer Pro in place of the Lyrik and swapped brakes/wheels/everything to my spec before turning a wheel. Downsides to being a fussy git.

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 2:22 pm
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The other bike I like is the Vala. The reviews make it sound like the kind of bike I'm after (prioritising handling over huge batteries) but they're much more expensive to buy. They're at least 2k more and the spec pales in comparison. I'd quite happily never ride Rock Shox or Fox suspension or Shimano or SRAM brakes ever again.

 

I'm super impressed with my Vala, nothing on the market I would replace it with. 5000ft and 30 miles out of the main battery in Trail mode, chuck a range extender on and you have another 2000ft.


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 3:10 pm
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19.6kg ‘officially’ so add the pedals, and assume is not a small frame, sealant, etc it’s going to be at least 20.5kg in the real world.

For a bike with a noisy, unreliable, weedy motor & a 320w/h battery.

At least it’s got decent tyres on it, rather than tracing paper thin ones.

I can’t see any reason I would buy this over a Vala/Regulator/Elyte, all at a similar weight.

 

 

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 3:18 pm
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Posted by: HobNob

I can’t see any reason I would buy this over a Vala/Regulator/Elyte, all at a similar weight.

£5500 vs £6700 for the cheapest carbon Vala with crap brakes, basic suspension and throwaway NX drivetrain. The Vala 90 looks alright but it's £7700. i.e. not an option.

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 3:43 pm
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I’d rather have a fundamentally better bike with something like the Elyte at a similar price than a (slightly harsh) pig rolled in glitter.

You can change the spec over time, but you can’t change the motor/battery deficiencies, no matter what the price. 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 4:22 pm
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What are the motor/battery deficiencies? 

Genuinely interested. I'm struggling to find any negative reviews of the new frame and motor combo.


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 4:33 pm
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I have one. I like it. But then I only paid £1900 for it..


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 4:35 pm
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Posted by: HobNob

I’d rather have a fundamentally better bike with something like the Elyte at a similar price than a (slightly harsh) pig rolled in glitter.

You can change the spec over time, but you can’t change the motor/battery deficiencies, no matter what the price. 

Whyte Elyte is let down by the small battery, otherwise would of considered it, as the spec and after sales is spot on.

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 4:58 pm
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Posted by: sharkattack

What are the motor/battery deficiencies? 

Genuinely interested. I'm struggling to find any negative reviews of the new frame and motor combo.

Noisy (up and down), small battery before the power upgrade, now highlights it even more. Not great reliability, etc.

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 5:42 pm
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I wasn’t in the market for an ebike until all my friends got one. I thought an sl would be perfect but they talked me into getting a full power big battery one and it’s the right choice. 
You seem to have a riding style similar to me (I also have an edit) and the bigger battery and motor allows a lot more descending for less effort. It’s fun. 

I got a Mondraker crafty xr, also ohlins equipped and usually on sale. 

 

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 6:01 pm
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What are the motor/battery deficiencies? 

Battery < 400wh your doing 15/20 miles max . Even the blokes at specialised said to me you really need a range extender, which then adds 1.5/2kg and a world of faff.

 

Hopefully the new motor is improved, but v 1 was that weak it had 3 settings which were almost indistinguishable in power and ranged from not much to not much

 

Most of the rides on my ebike are now 30-40miles, enjoying the good bits and using 85nm on the boring climbs. You just couldn’t do that on a Levo

 

My longest ride so far was 48 miles. That was on a low power setting ie Levo style. I did at that point wish I was on an analogue bike because the whole point of e-bikes is that they allow more fun

 

Choose based on battery, motor, geo not components as the first 3 can’t be changed and will have you regretting your decision each time you get on the bike

 

 


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 7:02 pm
 eddd
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My mate has the SL 2 carbon comp. I love riding it, it's awesome. It climbs pretty fast, my rides are about 50% further than on an analogue in a given time.

I have a much heavier alu Turbo Levo. It's not quite as nice to ride as the SL, but I get double the ride distance in a given time - even more for winch and plummet laps. I have to ride in economy when I'm with my mate on the SL. His battery drains when I'm at 55%.

I'd be happy owning either.


 
Posted : 23/09/2025 8:00 pm
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My tuppeneth, having rented a nicely specced SL for a day up the Golfie and now own a Gen 3 Levo. I preferred the handling of the lighter bike although think it would have even better with a mullet set up.

I can't comment on the reliability of the SL but didn't notice the noise and as you say, you have a dealer next door and other bikes to ride. I presume like the motor in my Gen 3 yours will also be rebuildable by 3rd party's once out of warranty and then better than new.

On our day up the Golfie with the range extender I started the day with 150%. As the second full fat hit red my bike still had 42%.

For reference, I only weigh 76kg and ride with a reasonably high cadence and kept it in Eco apart from steep sections. This included me doing a timed climb from the golf club to TVA turn off with a big grin on my face 🙂

I've been riding the Levo all summer and even on a big fast morning locally with a mate on an Amflow I still only hit 20% battery (he was on 11%). Most of my riding is on my own as I am off two days through the week and I rarely use more that 50-60%.

So, I'd buy the lighter bike with better suspension and mullet it if it isn't already...

If that sounds like I have buyers remorse, I don't, I love the big daft ugly thing. I just accept it's limitations. It makes everything from sessioning Wharncliffe to big old XC rides and exploring new area's great fun but I'll be taking my Airdrop to Inners and the Golfie in October because ultimately, for me, it's more confidence inspiring when things get steeper and faster.

 


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 7:08 am
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I’ve had mine for almost 2 years and love it. It handles like an ordinary bike (my VP Free was a chunk heavier) and I just ride further, faster, more often than I could before.

Can easily get 25 miles and 750m of climbing and still have 30% battery left, not using the range extender. Have tweaked the power settings to 25/25 in Eco, 50/50 in Trail which I use the most, and 80/80 in Turbo.

If you ride it back to back with a full fat ebike it will feel under-powered though, but it’s a fair bit lighter and hence handles better imo.

I have 2kg wheels and run it 29” front and back, and it’s just under 20kg in size S4 (large in old money).

Been completely reliable as has the wife’s. We’ve put 4500 miles on them in 21 months.


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 8:09 am
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I think for most people, if they're going ebike theyre probably better off with a full fat ebike , but there is a relatively small number of people who suit/want an SL ebike. If you're one of those then I reckon the specialized SL bikes are a decent choice - i'd go for the kenevo sl2 though, not the levo.

A  side benefit of the specialzed SL range of bikes (and any bike with the TQ HPR system) is that the range extender battery is small enough (160wh) to be taken on a plane and the bike can be run solely on the range extender, so you can remove the internal battery and fly with the bike and range extender battery - a bit of a fringe/niche benefit, but one I use with my trek fuel exe.

 

 


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 8:44 am
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Does a 320wh battery give you less range than, sya, 800wh, all things being equal? Well yes, that is obvious.

 

But:

Posted by: FunkyDunc

What are the motor/battery deficiencies? 

Battery < 400wh your doing 15/20 miles max . Even the blokes at specialised said to me you really need a range extender, which then adds 1.5/2kg and a world of faff.

 

Is rubbish, hearsay, purely subjective nonsense. 

 

image.png image.pngimage.png image.png image.png

etc etc.. 

Most of those will have been done with mates riding Bosch CX powered Cubes with, I think, 720wh batteries. 

Statements like "Battery < 400wh your doing 15/20 miles max" is like comparing MPG with someone who has the same car but its done 100k more miles, lives in a different country and drives to work at a different time on different roads in different weather. 

 


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 10:03 am
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Thanks for all the input folks. My impulse purchase frenzy has cooled down now but I still haven't gone off the bike.

Firstly, all of my rides are sub 20 miles usually! I haven't ridden over 20 miles for fun in probably 20 years. We usually go to a place with fun trails and just ride around. I like hunting for steep stuff and ruts and slapping berms. If I need a big day out with no range anxiety I'm more than happy to jump on my 29er trail bike.

The range extender is on sale at the same shop with 20% off so could potentially grab that if I feel like I need it.

The bike is very adaptable. It has adjustable chainstay length, BB height, reach, head angle and can be run mullet or 29er. It comes as a mullet but I already have a very nice 29er wheelset with an XD driver and fast tyres which would fit right in.

Ohlins springs are 30-40 quid all day on marketplace so I can grab one that suits the wife who is around 25kg lighter than I am. I don't mind switching that out for weekends or holidays when she'll be riding it the whole time.

As a bonus I have every Monday and Friday off work and Junior has just started school! So suddenly I'm riding more during the week, usually solo. I plan to maximise this situation until I'm forced back into full time employment.

So, yeah. I'm not going to rush out and grab it yet but it's still very much on the radar. I'm looking at all the alternatives and there are some very, very expensive bikes which are not as desirable as this one. To me anyway.


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 10:57 am
 mboy
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I'm absolutely 100% in agreement with Hobnob here... The limitations with the Levo SL motor/battery system are many, too much to now consider worth buying any more... Had they upped the battery capacity to 4-500wh capacity at the same time that they went from 35 to 50Nm then it wouldn't be so bad, but in upgrading the torque but not the battery capacity they effectively said to customers "here's the torque increase you need to keep up with your mates now, but don't use it or you'll run out of battery much sooner than they will"...

Of course, ridden in isolation, a Levo SL will be a great bike if you've never ridden another eBike, and would otherwise be considering a Specialized Stumpjumper anyway... The problem comes if you ever ride another eBike... Or ever ride with others on other eBikes... The Levo SL is basically the modern equivalent of Singlespeeding in the 2000's when it comes to social rides... Those people that just have to make things harder for themselves on purpose and for no discernible reason yet will constantly go on about the benefits of it, but everybody else has to modify/adjust/cut short their ride to suit the limitations of those on the Singlespeeds/Levo SL...

I know one person (she is on here to be fair) with a Levo SL that loves it... But she's about 55kg wringing wet, and fit as a butcher's dog... She really doesn't need much assistance, in fact doesn't actually need any most of the time. The Levo SL is ideal for her, she's not carrying around extra bike or battery that those of us that weigh the best part of 40kg more need realistically... Everyone else I know with a Levo SL (or likewise Kenevo SL) is constantly wishing for that bit more grunt, that bit more battery capacity, or that they'd just bought a bike with a Bosch SX/Fazua Ride 60/TQ HPR60/EP8 RS motor instead (or even a full fat, but just slimmed the build down)...

There are some great bikes out there for bargain prices currently with those motors I've just listed above fitted already... They won't come with £2k of Ohlins suspension fitted for sure, but that's easy to change (and in fact, I ride custom tuned 38's over an Ohlins RXF38 fork out of preference anyway, and an EXT Storia shock, good suspension doesn't need to be painted yellow and gold!)...

Posted by: sharkattack

The range extender is on sale at the same shop with 20% off so could potentially grab that if I feel like I need it.

Removes the ability to run a bottle on the bike though... BIG no no for me on a bike these days, especially one I want to ride for more than an hour...

Posted by: sharkattack

The bike is very adaptable. It has adjustable chainstay length, BB height, reach, head angle and can be run mullet or 29er.

Why though...? Strikes me that Spesh were trying to be all things to all people with it, and arguably not really getting it spot on for anyone... My Canyon Neuron Onfly that I picked up the other week has better geometry out of the box (non adjustable), full 29er (I don't want mullet and on a mid travel trail bike), cost half as much (lower spec yes but easily upgraded) and has the Bosch SX motor and 400Wh battery in already... My mate with a high bling Levo SL S-Works custom build is jealous of it cos of the motor/battery!

Posted by: sharkattack

So, yeah. I'm not going to rush out and grab it yet but it's still very much on the radar. I'm looking at all the alternatives and there are some very, very expensive bikes which are not as desirable as this one.

And there's some much better bikes out there for much lower prices that you're almost certainly ignoring because they don't hit the Ohlins/Bling factor for you... I have owned or ridden pretty much all of the top end forks and shocks from various manufacturers in the last few years... I'd take custom tuned (to my weight and riding style) Fox over off the shelf Ohlins every time personally!


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 2:04 pm
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looks like i need to put some weight on, start soft pedalling and stop enjoying mine. 😉


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 8:10 pm
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My whole riding group is KSLs and we love them. We all owned full fat bikes before (some of us still do) but none of them ride as nicely, even Mr Moneybag's Vala which he bought after already owning a KSL and an LSL2. My Rail is an absolute tank in comparison and my KSL, like me, is no lightweight. Would I like more power or more range or more both out of the KSL? Of course I would; I'm lazy, but not if it effects the handling.


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 8:21 pm
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Posted by: doomanic

Would I like more power or more range or more both out of the KSL? Of course I would; I'm lazy, but not if it effects the handling.

With a little bit of bias cos I own one, I kinda think Spesh got it right with the G3 full fat Levo. Not overly heavy (a couple of kg more than the KSL depending on spec), 700wh battery, 90Nm, handles well - probably why they are so popular.

Obviously with the G4 they upped the power and battery but also the weight - lots of reports of the range getting hammered with the extra power too. Owners would have you believe that it's light years ahead with the handling over the G3, but I think that might be a bit of new owners bias. Maybe. I've not ridden one, so can't really say. 

That said, my ancient FF G1 Kenevo comes in at 28kg in it's current build and I still love riding that


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 10:11 pm
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Posted by: jam-bo

looks like i need to put some weight on, start soft pedalling and stop enjoying mine. 😉

For £1900, I'd say you've done alright to be fair... Certainly not sure what you'd have got better for the price! At the kind of money the OP is looking at spending, there's plenty of better alternatives...

Posted by: doomanic

My whole riding group is KSLs and we love them.

Aside from the fact that if everyone is on the same bike, you're going to have a lot of fun anyway (pop along to the UK Singlespeed champs for evidence of said phenomenon!), there is also the fact that the KSL is pretty much universally recognised as a pretty banging long travel Enduro bike in its own right even ignoring the 4kg of motor and battery penalty over a regular Enduro bike... The Gen2 Levo SL is a bit meh, kind've in a middle ground where it's neither one thing nor the other, and I know of at least 2 people that preferred their Gen1 LSL's because they were lighter and more flowy trail friendly than the Gen2's they upgraded to...

For genuine "winch and plummet" riding, the KSL is an awesome choice... In fact, the only thing that would improve it really would be a more modern battery (modern cells would equate to 400Wh+ from the same number of cells that make up that 320Wh battery). It's effectively a self uplift bike or an Enduro bike that allows you to just get more trails in for a given effort, and if all my mates were on them I'd be super happy on one too... But you need to be VERY fit and strong to contemplate keeping up with friends on full fat eBikes on one on anything uphill.

 


 
Posted : 24/09/2025 10:24 pm
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Well now I'm just confused. Passionate arguments on both sides. 

From what I can gather the LSL is a fun, lightweight, sweet handling trail bike that is a joy to ride and gets glowing reviews. The only downside is that I'll get dropped on the climbs by FF bikes. At 98kg kitted up I might be too heavy for it.

I'll probably spend most of my time riding behind it anyway while the wife drops me on my old fashioned, manual bike. I'll be fitter than ever.

Posted by: mboy

For £1900, I'd say you've done alright to be fair... Certainly not sure what you'd have got better for the price! At the kind of money the OP is looking at spending, there's plenty of better alternatives...

You keep saying this but I'm looking around. With a limit of £5500 what is better than the heavily discounted LSL? I definitely want a mullet or the ability to run both and I don't want to go on 50 mile backcountry missions.

I'm not married to the Levo so if there's something better, for what I intend to use it for, I'll consider it. I'm trying to avoid a very heavy bike with a downtube like a tree trunk, but I also don't want "a pig rolled in glitter".

Maybe I should chill out for a month and hope for some black Friday sales.

 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 9:19 am
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I rode my mate's LSL2 at Bikepark Klinovec in Czech last summer and it surprised me with just how capable it was. It's a Comp Carbon with Lyric Ultimates and it took everything my fat arse could throw at it. A fully Ohlins spec bike would be even better.

Posted by: sharkattack

At 98kg kitted up I might be too heavy for it.

You're not, ask me how I know...


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 9:38 am
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Ride some demo bikes and see.

I`m glad i got a lighter eeb. mine has a small battery but its perfect for what i need (2hr rides) with the occasional longer ride with a range extender. 

If i could justify myself a new eeb i`d probably buy that specialized. 

 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 11:08 am
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Dont overthink it, go pick up the Ohlins equipped shredding machine and enjoy it in the forest and dont read too much more into it! 

 

This thread has nearly made me to want and go get one...


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 12:00 pm
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I agree with oikeith, just go buy the nice bike from the local shop and have a great time on it. 

It’s too easy to get bogged down with spreadsheets and comparisons with regular bikes, once you factor in the motors on e-bikes it far too easy to get buyer’s paralysis.

The fact of the matter is that you like the look of this bike, you like the spec of this bike and it will put lots of smiles on your face (and hopefully your wife’s as well). 

We can all tell you what we think is best, but we’re not you.

Spesh have been decent about warranties on motors, it’s from a local shop and it’s in the second best colour scheme (black/red for the win😉).  

Life’s too short, just buy the bike. 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 12:36 pm
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Dont overthink it, go pick up the Ohlins equipped shredding machine and enjoy it in the forest and dont read too much more into it! 

But he will every time other ebike riders fly past

 

my 630wh battery means that I’m knackered before I run out of batter. With roughly half that battery I’d be pissed off id run out of battery 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 12:58 pm
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Posted by: sharkattack

Well now I'm just confused. Passionate arguments on both sides. 

From what I can gather the LSL is a fun, lightweight, sweet handling trail bike that is a joy to ride and gets glowing reviews. The only downside is that I'll get dropped on the climbs by FF bikes. At 98kg kitted up I might be too heavy for it.

I'll probably spend most of my time riding behind it anyway while the wife drops me on my old fashioned, manual bike. I'll be fitter than ever.

Posted by: mboy

For £1900, I'd say you've done alright to be fair... Certainly not sure what you'd have got better for the price! At the kind of money the OP is looking at spending, there's plenty of better alternatives...

You keep saying this but I'm looking around. With a limit of £5500 what is better than the heavily discounted LSL? I definitely want a mullet or the ability to run both and I don't want to go on 50 mile backcountry missions.

I'm not married to the Levo so if there's something better, for what I intend to use it for, I'll consider it. I'm trying to avoid a very heavy bike with a downtube like a tree trunk, but I also don't want "a pig rolled in glitter".

Maybe I should chill out for a month and hope for some black Friday sales.

 

https://www.blazingbikes.co.uk/shop/electric-bikes/mountain-full-suspension/trek-2025-fuel-exe-5-5501/option/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17662154853&gbraid=0AAAAADnqYmA-1Jt-cV5bsGAIQgx7au6tX&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0NPGBhCDARIsAGAzpp0TNRrY4bOsjySTsmE-b0swPiH1OBfpZmuFxSCrAGTk0QCql7SUrzYaAjVvEALw_wcB

 

2 of these 😀 

 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 1:05 pm
Posts: 386
Free Member
 

I bought the 2024 Carbon Expert earlier this year, I didn't want the full assist of a normal ebike as it's too tempting to use it, I wanted something where I was forced to put some effort in to get the range.

I also test rode a Amflow which was fun but too much power. I might end up with a full power one later and alternate between them.

I also needed to be able to lift the bike over some forest gates I come across, and the Amflow was just too heavy to be sure of being able to do that without damage at the closing stages of a ride.

I don't find it noisy - maybe so at lower cadences but then for efficiency you should be aiming for higher cadences. I have tinitus/hyperaccusis so if it was noisy I would notice it. However I would probably find the clattering on other ebike motors on downhills annoying.

I got the specialized as the support is good and the frame has a lifetime warranty for the original owner. Once the motor is out of warranty specialized are good as discounting repair/replaceemnt prices up to 5 years, and then will still sell you a motor. 

I thought about an Orbea but their support seems to be very wanting from what I've seen.

I haven't got it set up right, seems to need a lot more tweaking than my dw-link Turners with Pikes every did. But it basically feels like a normal bike, I normally ride with the range extender on but once I am happy with the range for the routes I do I might leave it off.

I did find that I had to change the cranks - the stock ones are 170mm and that seems too long, so I've changed to 155mm which seems good and as high cadence is preferable the shorter length is good. 170mm gave me too many pedal strike which is unnerving and also bad for the motor.

The crank change is easy and cheap if you go for the Specialized cranks that are for the kids size of the Levo SL - something around £100. 

 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 1:21 pm
Posts: 9136
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Posted by: gravedigger

cheap if you go for the Specialized cranks that are for the kids size of the Levo SL - something around £100. 

That is a top tip. I was only aware of the Hope cranks in that size. There's also a Levo O-Chain available but that's something for much later!

This is the most recent video I've watched featuring that Will bloke who used to work here. It's the same as all the others but he rattles through it pretty quickly with minimal waffling. He summarises by saying it's the "most fun, best performing, lightweight e-bike I've ever tested".

So the only downside I can find anywhere, from anyone, is that big, heavy, ugly-as-sin, FF bikes will go up hills faster. 

I can't do anything about it this week anyway, I'm stuck at work now.

 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 1:50 pm
 a11y
Posts: 3976
Full Member
 

Posted by: sharkattack

So the only downside I can find anywhere, from anyone, is that big, heavy, ugly-as-sin, FF bikes will go up hills faster. 

Pretty much. To add further to the SL vs FF debate, I'm firmly on the SL side. I want an ebike that handles and rides like a normal bike. I've had limited experience on a FF 26kg Bosch-powered ebike and the weight ruined the ride for me. FF ebikes are getting lighter but there wasn't anything like my 20.5kg SL available (and in my budget) when I bought my Heckler SL. 


 
Posted : 25/09/2025 2:06 pm
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