TESTED: 2023 Specialized Levo SL Comp Carbon

Words: Ryan Walsch | Photos: Jordan Riddle

It should be no big news that the eMTBs we see on shop floors and on trails have technology that is accelerating at a rate of knots, if you'll excuse the pun. A few main brands have really been pushing forward in the eMTB space, working to make bikes that ride how us riders want them to, with seamless integration between our input and that of the support system. Specialized really only started in 2015, and have continually put their own spin on the world of e-bikes. And when the Levo SL launched a few years back, cutting the power and battery size, everyone was ready to hate it, including me – until I tested on in 2020. Since then, we have seen some incredible mid-power eMTBs hit the dirt. From the Orbea Rise to the new Pivot Shuttle SL, the Trek Fuel EXe, Fantic Rampage and Transition Repeater. There's a bit of a range of what 'mid-power' is, but in general you're getting less than a full 85Nm of torque, with a smaller battery size and a lighter bike that responds much more like a bike without assistance. Specialized have pushed their boundaries with the new 1.2 motor which has drastically increased in both power and torque figures compared to the 1.1 motor. An increase of 33% power and 43% torque respectively, or from 240w to 320w peak power and from 35Nm to 50Nm of torque. 

Tester: Ryan Walsch
Height: 178cm
Weight: 74kg
Experience: Just Ryan Along.
Usually rides: Forbidden Druid mini Enduro sled
Bike Test Track: Chundery jank of our nation's capital

Specialized have just released the second generation Levo SL. Specialized say it's the 'best ride, amplified.' To me, that means it needs to be an incredible handling trail bike that gives some seamless assistance. Their design aim was all about handling, capability and class leading pedal-assist. The bike has been launched in four models for now:
Levo SL Comp Carbon – $11900 (on test here)
Levo SL Pro Carbon – $17500
Levo SL S-Works Carbon – $20500
Levo SL S-Works LTD – $22500

Initial Impressions

Well look at it, it looks like a Stumpjumper Evo, with the same lines and frame features we have grown accustomed to seeing with a very slender mid-drive motor tucked into the chassis with a battery conceiled within the completely normal diameter down tube.

Specialized have constructed the all new Levo SL (or Super Lite) frame from their own FACT 11M carbon fibre composite driven by FEA modelling resulting in optimal tube and junction shapes, layups and material usage. It’s a seriously slender frame when you realise its an e-bike. Just like Specialized’s Stumpjumper Evo, the Levo SL’s geometry is highly adjustable and a near carbon copy.

The headtube angle ships in the middle of 3 positions at 64.25 degrees and can slacken out by 1.25 degrees to a whopping 63 and reigned into a sharper steering 65.5 degrees. This can all be carried out with supplied adjustable cups, the neat SWAT tool stowed in the steerer tube and a clean rag and some grease, the cups are keyed so they can only be installed the correct way with no room for error which a fantastic. Ben Morrison’s recent review on the Alloy Stumpjumper Evo delves into this feature further. In addition to the neat head-angle adjustments, there are two “flip chips” on the frame, located on the chainstays which allows for either 29 or 27.5 inch setups and at the shock mount which in high or low varies the BB height by 5mm. The wheel size change doesn't imacpt the geometry except for chain stay length – so if you like the ride of a 29er, go for it.

Keen to know more?

TESTED: Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy
TESTED: Specialized Turbo Levo Expert
TESTED: Specialized Levo Comp Alloy

Inline with all the recent models from Specialized, we see the Levo SL move to their S sizing from S1 to S6 instead of the conventional small, medium and large of its predecessor. With a low standover, riders can choose a bike based on reach, playfulness and riding style. At 178cm tall I could easily swing a leg over an S3 or S4 but opted for the S4 with its 475mm reach and an actual wheelbase of 1247mm which feels a little more stable for the type or riding I prefer. The “Rider First” philosophy Specialized has followed means each frame from sizes S1 through S6 have unique carbon layups giving smaller and larger riders the correct amounts of compliance and strength where its needed.

Mixed wheel setups suite e-bikes beautifully and when paired with an already short 435mm chain stay in the Mullet position, the Levo SL tips in and turns on a dime, kept in check and in control by the long front centre. A smaller rear wheel is also stronger laterally and does handle the abuse of the increased weight – even though this bike doesn't have much of a weight penalty over a lot of capable trail bikes.

Specialized’s suspension setup guide is very accurate, probably the most accurate Ive used and as always I setup the bikes as per their recommendations before I fiddle. It's great to see the addition of a Fox Rhythm 36 and a Fox Float X performance rear shock which transforms the ride when compared to the Fox 34 and Fox DPS found on the original Levo SL we reviewed. While the smaller units shed a little weight, the decision to add a little weight, fun and additional travel to the Levo SL is perfect. With 150mm of rear wheel travel and 160mm upfront, just like the Stumpy EVO, the Levo SL is built for getting rowdy and all keeping within a very scant 18.1kgs with cage and no pedals as tested.

Rounding out the build, SRAM’s GX Eagle drivetrain is the benchmark in range, durability and value. SRAM Code RS brakes with 200mm rotors front and rear take care of the whoa, and 30mm internal alloy Roval Traverse wheels are wrapped in a T9 compound Trail casing Butcher up front and slightly more durable T7 compound Eliminator 27.5 inch in the rear. A generous addition is the 170mm dropper, with plenty of room to move up and down true to Specialized’s S sizing mantra and giving riders of various shapes and sizes a choice on frame size and handling characteristics.

At the heart of the Levo SL is the highly revised and Specialized’s own 1.2 motor which has drastically increased in both power and torque figures compared to the 1.1 motor. An increase of 33% power and 43% torque respectively, or from 240w to 320w peak power and from 35Nm to 50Nm of torque. Fed by a 320Wh battery across all sizes of frame, with the option to extend it out further by an external 160Wh battery which neatly fits in a water bottles place for a maximum total 480Wh. 

While the additional power and torque is a huge increase over its predecessor the 1.1 motor, the biggest difference I noticed initially was how quiet the new 1.2 motor is. Not that the outgoing 1.1 motor was loud but this new powerplant is barely noticeable in Eco and Trail and Specialized claim a 34-45% reduction when compared to the latter.

My only concern before hitting the trail was if the Trail casing tyres would be up to the duties on this progressive two-third strength trail weapon. But I always get stressed about tyres, so this wasn't a big deal at all.

On The Trail

My first impressions of the Specialized Levo SL is just how smooth and quiet it is when pointed uphill, the revised kinematics result in a “flatter” spring curve and it feels firmer or slightly less active than other Levos I have ridden when pedalling the bike. This is a welcomed sensation and one that makes spirited out of the saddle efforts snappy and responsive despite the slightly heavier build. Using the neat and ergonomic bar mounted remote riders can easily toggle between modes and displays on the top tube mounted Mastermind TCU display. 

Toggling between the modes Eco, Trail and Turbo the power and torque gains are instantly noticeable and feels most comfortable at a higher cadence than some other motors I have reviewed. The default power setting for Turbo is set at 80% power based on accumulated Mission Control Data which can be changed two ways, either in the brilliant Mission Control App on your phone or using a new feature that we love, with incremental increased or decreases to the power output by 10% at a time via the bar mounted remote. This is something I found myself using quite a bit, not as much as the gears but more than I thought I would.

On sustained climbs the seated position is very comfortable, the 64.25 degree headangle does feel a little floppy on steep technical pinches but the climb switch on the Fox Float X does help level things out. Its worth noting that while Specialized states a 76.9 degree virtual seat-tube angle the actual angle is 69.5 degrees when I measured it. For taller riders with a longer inseam this will result in a saddle that wanders further back over the rear wheel. This was not noticeable or an issue for my shorter 82cm inseam but something to keep in mind if you're sizing down on the S sizing.

I touched on one of the most impressive points of the Levo SL earlier, just how quiet it is. Sure the motor noise has been reduced by 34-45% which makes it almost inaudible in Eco and Trail but the Levo SL is equally as impressive when descending. It's amazing the way the power rolls off discretely at 26kph and leaves just the sound of the freehub and trail debris. There is no distinct clacking around like some other motors, just a smooth and silent experience not that dissimilar to an analogue bike at all.

The handling is spot on, planted but not glued to the gound like many eMTBs. The Levo SL remains playful, easily manouvered and bunny hops and manuals like a normal bike. The Levo SL has a slightly more rearward axle path than before, more progression and a bottomless feel that maintains momentum. With a weight penalty of a tad over 2kgs from my regular ride, the SL system itself disappears and as Specialized marketing boffins have coined so well, it purely amplifies the riders input when on the pedals.

Our take

Specialized have worked hard to really push what is possible with eMTBs. The Levo Gen 3 is an outstanding eMTB, and the Kenevo SL and Levo SL show that they really wanted to offer a range of eMTBs to riders, to suit how they ride. Now, the second generation Specialized Levo SL sees Specialized push into the front of the mid-strength eMTB market again. Even without looking at the support system, having the handling and ride of the Stumpjumper Evo already puts the Levo SL in an excellent place. Is the Levo SL 1.2 motor the punchiest in the mid strength class? It does feel like it requires a little more spin to get the most out of it. However the efficiency, absence of noise, industry leading smooth power delivery and fade out and a highly adjustable system via the ever improving and over the air updatable Mission Control app make it the package of choice. Good thing too it shares the same motor mount with the 1.1 motor, we will have to wait and see if the 1.2 motor will be available as an aftermarket upgrade for existing customers?

Buy the latest Levo SL if you are looking for the most capable allrounder trail bike that combines refined handling, adjustability and untainted ride feel. While you can punch out some laps on the Levo SL, this isn't the bike to get if you just want a self-shuttle rig. You'd be better to look at the Levo Gen 3 which is still a more capable bike, with greater power and a bigger battery. We tested the entry level Comp Carbon, but you can also get the Pro, S-Works and S-Works LTD. Speak to your local Specialized dealer for specifics.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Specialized 
Model: Levo SL2 Comp Carbon
RRP: $11900
Weight: 18.1kgs
From: specialized.com

Available Sizes: S1-S6 (S4 tested)
Frame Material: FACt 11M carbon fibre main frame and swing arms
Fork: FOX Rhythm 36, 160mm
Shock: FOX Float X Performance, 210 x 55mm
Shifter: SRAM GX Eagle 12sp
Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle 12sp
Crank: SRAM S series Alloy, 170mm
Chain: SRAM GX Eagle 12sp
Cassette: SRAM GX Eagle 12 sp 11-52t

Motor: Specialized 1.2
Battery: 320Wh
Head Unit: Mastermind

Wheel set: Roval Traverse 29/27.5”
Tyres: Specialized Butcher 29 T9/Eliminator 27.5 T7
Brakes: SRAM Code RS 200mm rotors F/R
Stem: Specialized 40mm
Handlebars: Specialized 800mm x 25mm rise
Dropper post: X Fusion 170mm
Saddle: Specialized BG fit Bridge