For a lot of folks, the idea of buying an e-bike is directly connected to reaching the hilltop faster, followed by more descents than most folks could manage without a shuttle or chairlift. If you belong to this gravity-party of e-bikers, then full-powered machines like the refreshed Specialized Levo are designed for you. They weigh more than gateway-drug models like the Turbo Levo SL and Orbea Rise, and that added weight brings more power and battery juice.
The full-carbon Levo frame rolls on true mixed wheels, meaning that both wheels use similar tire widths, unlike some e-bike models that have a 29″ front and 27.5″+ rear tire. The maximum rear tire width is 2.6″. A tighter rear wheel diameter allows for shorter 442mm chain stays that are said to give its 150mm of travel a lively feel on the trail, and with a rearward axle path for the initial third of that travel, this bike should float over the small bumps. That 150mm of rear axle damping is led by a 160mm fork.
Like the new Stumpjumper EVO, the Levo has a set of flip chips in the chainstays to raise and lower the BB height, and the adjustable headset allows riders to select their sweet spot between a 63° and 65.5° head tube angle. In the middle 64.5° HTA setting the reach ranges from 412mm to 532mm between the six different sizes, and their wheelbases spread from 1179mm to 1318mm. Seat tubes across the size run are notably short, starting at 380mm on an S1 frame to accommodate short inseams and more dropper travel.
All of the Levo Gen 3 bikes come with a new Specialized motor that promises to deliver smooth power and longevity thanks to some key firmware updates. It also has improved weather sealing and an updated belt that Specialized says will “ensure long term reliable power delivery.”
To extend the bike’s range, Specialized has developed a Smart Control system where you can enter the duration and distance of a ride and the motor will provide assistance based on those factors and the given battery charge so you can arrive home with a little help. The battery is reportedly good for a five hour ride, so just make sure every trail after that points downhill.
New Levo Gen 3 bikes come in black, white, red, or blue, with three different build options. The Expert build includes a Fox Float X2 Performance Elite shock and Float 38 Performance Elite fork with a Grip2 damper, a mixed SRAM GX and X01 drivetrain with alloy Praxis cranks, SRAM Code RS 4-pot brakes, an X-Fusion Manic dropper, and a set of Specialized Traverse wheels, all for $11,000 (€9,299 / £8,500).
The Pro build gets upgraded Fox Factory suspension, more SRAM X01 drivetrain bits, a carbon Praxis crank, Code RSC brakes, and a Fox Transfer dropper post for $13,000.00 (€11,499.00 / £10,750) all told. The top S-Works build bumps the drivetrain up to SRAM XX1, swaps in Magura MT7 brakes, and adds a RockShox Reverb AXS dropper for a cool $15,000 (€13,999 / £13,000).
In rare form, the S-Works frame is also available à la carte for £6,500 in some markets. We’re assuming that price includes the motor and battery, and we will update this article once we know more.
Head over to the Specialized site for additional info.
