Vital's SL eMTB Test Sessions - Specialized Levo SL Review

Specialized was one of the first brands to venture into the lightweight e-bike segment, with the first generation Levo SL back in 2020. From the get-go, they challenged how light you can make an SL e-bike. Most would agree the first Levo SL went a little too far, compromising stability and confidence to save a few grams via subpar components. Regardless, they helped create the expectation for an e-bike that can ride pretty darn close to a mountain bike and still help push you uphill. When the second generation Levo SL debuted last year, Specialized came out swinging again, offering a more powerful motor, relaxed geometry, an updated frame design, and trail-rated components. 

Highlights 

• FACT 11m carbon frame
• 150mm rear wheel travel // 160mm fork (150mm fork on size S1)
• Horst link suspension design
• Mixed-wheel or dual 29-inch (no custom link required) 
• Adjustable head tube angle: 63.6, 64.6, 65.6 degrees
• Adjustable bottom bracket by +/-5mm
• Turbo SL 1.2 motor with 320 watts of power / 50 Nm of torque
• 320 Wh battery 
• 160 Wh Range Extender sold separately (included with S-Works build and Frameset)
• MasterMind Turbo Control Unit
• Six sizes (S1-S6)
• Four build kits and Frameset options
• Verified weight (size S5 Pro Build, no pedals): 41.6 lbs (18.8 kg)
• MSRP $8,000-$15,000 USD ($12,000 as tested, Pro Build)

Between SL generations, Specialized launched the now wildly successful Stumpjumper EVO. Realizing they had struck gold with the Stumpy, they used the same blueprints to develop the latest Levo SL. In fact, the geometry is nearly identical, achieving increased descending stability, better rider-centric sizing, and improved climbing comfort.

Adjustability was at the center of the Levo SL's new geometry package. The head angle can be set in one of three positions with different headset cups, while a flip chip in the shock eyelet adjusts the bottom bracket by +/-5mm. Additionally, a flip chip in the Horst link enables a 27.5- or 29-inch rear wheel. The bike comes stock with a 27.5-inch rear wheel, the neutral headset position, and the lower bottom bracket height, giving the Levo SL a 64.6-degree head tube angle, 75.8-degree effective seat tube angle, and a 432mm chainstay length. This is the way we tested the bike, as we never felt the need to make any adjustments. 

The Levo SL has 150mm of rear wheel travel paired with a 160mm fork. The Horst-link suspension design no longer uses the asymmetric sidearm brace found on the first-generation frame. Shocks are custom-tuned by Specialized's own Ride Dynamics team to match the kinematics of the bike, and each frame size receives a unique carbon layup to optimize stiffness and weight while achieving a similar ride quality. 

Powering the Gen 2 Levo is Specialized's all-new Turbo SL 1.2 motor that was co-developed with Brose. Delivering 320 watts of peak power and 50 Nm of torque, the Levo SL shares last place with Trek's Fuel EXe when it comes to raw motor torque but offers slightly more watts. The Turbo SL 1.2 motor is paired with a 320-watt-hour integrated battery, making it the smallest capacity battery in the test. A 160-watt-hour range extender is sold separately, which would put the Levo SL on par with the battery size of the other bikes tested, but it'll cost you $450.

Integrated into the top tube is Specialized's Turbo Control Unit (TCU), which remains one of the cleanest and most well-executed eMTB data displays. It acts as a one-stop shop for most mid-ride information, including assist mode, battery life, speed, distance, cadence, elevation, heart rate, and power. Eco, Trail, and Turbo remain the default assist modes, and each can be refined within the Mission Control App to meet individual rider needs. The Levo SL can also be ridden in a MicroTune mode, which gives assist amounts in 10% increments. 

Specialized offers four SL builds ranging from $8,000 to $15,000. Sizes range from S1-S6, and all builds come with the same motor and battery, except the S-Works model, which also includes a Range Extender. The only anomaly between sizes is an S1 (or X-Small equivalent) uses a 150mm fork. We tested the Pro Build that retails for $12,000, and our S5 test bike weighed 41.6-pounds. This made the Levo SL the lightest and most expensive bike in the test. Build highlights include a FOX Factory 36 fork and Float shock, carbon Traverse HD wheels, SRAM Code Silver brakes, and SRAM XO Eagle Transmission drivetrain. 

As a staple and pioneer in the SL space, it's tough not to use the Levo SL as a benchmark against which to gauge other bikes. But the competition never sleeps. It was exciting coming into this test knowing that while Specialized had positioned the latest Levo SL to again take the reins on the SL category, other bikes had been developed based on the standard it set in the hopes of beating it. 

Test Sessions has long been Vital's way of placing a bunch of similar bikes head-to-head to see where each excels and what sets them apart to help riders better understand which bike best suits their needs. This year, we had eight SL e-bikes, and three testers. This article just covers what we thought of Specialized's Levo SL. To learn more about the other bikes tested, check out our complete SL eMTB Test Sessions. 

Meet the Testers

Jason's Impressions

What's The Bottom Line?

Disclaimer: I loved the Levo SL when it launched last year, so I have a lot to say after getting to ride it again and against the current crop of SL e-bikes.

The Levo SL tied with Santa Cruz's Heckler SL as my favorite SL e-bike in the test. I couldn't pick one as the sole winner because they both were capable and fast, but presented unique ride qualities that I enjoyed in different ways. The Heckler SL rode precise, exact, and definite, highlighted by the ability to manage high-energy moments. In contrast, the Levo SL had a softer ride quality that was more comfortable through chattery sections. Most of the time, this made the Levo SL incredibly playful and forgiving. It was crazy being part way into a descent, pulling for a natural double, blasting out of a corner, and realizing I wasn't riding a regular trail bike. Its low weight, short chainstays, and responsive suspension all worked in unison to really max out the fun-meter. The downside to all that comfort is that the Levo SL did reach a point where driving energy through the bike or hitting big compressions would start to feel vague. It wasn't that the bike would squirm or flex out, but rather that the frame's compliance would mute trail feel to a point that took away from the bike's precision. This could totally just be a 'me' phenomenon, and overall, I think most riders will love how calm and smooth the bike feels. 

As for e-components, I was less impressed with the SL 1.2 motor this time around. It had a more mechanical feel than the Fazua or TQ motor, almost like pedaling a bike with an idler. It also had a much smaller cadence window that you had to hit to receive adequate assistance. I swapped between the Levo SL and Nebo Peak numerous times during the same climb, and the Fazua system had considerably more power across a wider cadence range. Peak power felt similar to the TQ motor, but the TQ system had a more linear power delivery, while the SL 1.2 motor had more ramp-up. Both are less powerful than what Fazua has created with their Ride 60 system, which I'd consider the benchmark motor/battery package in the SL segment. I do think Specialized's TCU display is one of the best out there. It clearly shows you all the info you need without being an eyesore. The same goes for the assist switch, and it's easy to identify buttons that provide a solid 'click' when pushed. 

Combining its lackluster motor performance with its premium price tag, and the Levo SL would not be my first choice to buy from our test group. The Pro Build we rode shares many of the same components as Cannondale's Moterra SL but costs $3,000 more. Just getting on a Levo SL will cost a minimum of $8,000. It's a tough pill to swallow since I love the bike's personality descending, but I think Specialized has room to improve its motor system, and offering cheaper builds would give more people the chance to experience the Levo SL's capabilities. 

Jonny's Impressions

What's The Bottom Line?

The Levo SL was as close as it got to a regular trail bike for me and won the fun factor category out of the group for its lightweight, snappy handling, and supportive suspension. The motor and battery were hardly noticeable in any way thanks to top notch fit and finish in the form of a rattle free mounting interface and tidy cable management which help give the bike a premium feeling on trail. The adjustable power modes proved to be useful for getting torque delivery where I like, but the motor lacks top-end speed that will have you playing catch up. This bike would be awesome for riding with other people on the same bike or to create a more relaxed ride with others on standard bikes.

Lear's Impressions

What's The Bottom Line?

The Levo SL was my favorite bike in the test as its jumpy, jibby personality matched my riding style perfectly. Its short rear end made it extremely responsive and snappy, matched with a confidence-inspiring front center and head tube angle. The lighter weight was apparent, making it easy to throw the bike around. But when things did get rough, it was supportive and capable of managing intense moments. I would almost describe it as riding a Stumpjumper EVO on steroids, as the few extra pounds the Levo SL carries add stability without slowing down its response time. Out of the bikes tested, it won the title of 'best bunny hopper,' which is all you really need to know. 

I enjoyed the power the SL 1.2 motor had on tap, and loved the MicroTune mode for shifting-like assist adjustments. However, I was not overly impressed with the battery lifespan, as it took more battery life to complete our test loop than the Fazua bikes. Getting a range extender seems like a must if you plan to ride the Levo SL with other e-bikers. Overall, Specialized has created a very refined e-bike that rips like a regular mountain bike. It does come with a boutique price that's outside my budget, but for those who pony up, it will definitely deliver a premium ride experience. 

A big shout out to Tannus, Feedback Sports, and Maxxis for supporting Test Sessions! 

View key specs, compare e-bikes, and rate the Specialized Turbo Levo SL in the Vital MTB Product Guide.