Specialized have given their category-defining Ebike the Levo a ground-up re-design. Taking everything they learned from the three years spent developing the new Stumpjumper, they crafted a new, purpose-built Levo chassis.
The result is a stiffer, lower- slung machine that’s easier to manoeuvre in technical terrain, has a lower centre of gravity and a nimbler, more planted feel.
The new Levo in it’s element
The Levo’s new sidearm design directly connects all three mounting points of the rear-end and shock to the frame, and this significantly increases both stiffness and performance over bumps. To be more specific, they’ve minimised frame flex when the rear suspension is active, so you get more precise handling in the rough. On top of that, they’ve carved away massive chunks of weight with a magnesium-bodied 2.1 motor that’s 400 grams lighter (and more powerful) and an innovative and direct motor-to-frame mounting system that saves an additional 400 grams.
The side arm technology from the new Stumpjumper carries over into the Levo frame
We were lucky enough to get to have a quick first impression ride on one of the new Comp models at Craigieburn last week and lets say in the short two hour ride we had on it, the new Levo lived up to all the hype and expectations. It really is the lightest, nimblest and most normal-bike feeling Ebikes we’ve ridden.
Powering up hills with the new Brose 2.1 motor
The 150mm front and rear travel, 29’er chassis equipped with 2.6” Butcher tyres seems to be the ideal balance of grip, speed, and precision . While we didn’t get enough time on the bike to give it a full review, the few climbs and trails we hit gave us a solid feel for what it can do. The new motor has a buttery smooth power transmission and on full turbo mode is a laugh-inducing mockery of our attempt to stay fit over winter. But the big stand out difference for us was the feel of the new Levo on the descents, it really did ride like a long travel 29er should do!
The new Turbo Levo descends like no other Ebike we’ve ridden yet
Rather than go on to attempt to fill you in on all the details and model specs head over to the Specialized NZ site where they’ve done a great job of laying all that out beautifully for you. But do note that we already have one in our possession and have started a full review for our Spring issue, which hits the shelves in mid October.
