Would you even class the Specialized Levo as an E-MTB? If you’re not someone submerged in the scene and fully dialled into the bike industry, then you might not identify this immediately, as the motor and battery are so stylishly integrated into the downtube and there’s no bar-mounted display. But here’s our question: does it just look like a pioneering e-bike, or can it ride like one too?

This review is part of our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie
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On the ‘catwalk’ of this round of group tests, the Levo stood out with its “less is more” attitude. For their very first E-MTB, Specialized did away with a display on the bars, wholly integrated the battery and motor into the downtube, and placed LEDs on the side of the frame to display the current level of pedal-assist and the state of the battery in a minimal manner. Using an app that is due out shortly, they’re expecting countless alternate settings and functions to be available, such as route planning based on the battery life, and an individualized motor control. And while the same app will naturally be on hand to supply the rider with all the important information too, it unfortunately wasn’t available in time for our group test. The Levo’s behaviour on the trails is largely defined by its geometry, which is incredibly similar to a regular non-motorised bike. Aside from the undeniable extra weight, the bike rides in exactly the same manner as one without a battery – a statement that probably doubles as the biggest compliment than any E-MTB could receive!

Agile and swift, the Levo is a great bike to maneuver, taking twists and turns in a manner that other models would struggle to match.
Agile and swift, the Levo is a great bike to maneuver, taking twists and turns in a manner that other models would struggle to match.

Agile and swift, the Levo is a deft bike to maneuver, taking twists and turns in a manner that other models would struggle to match. On descents the Levo sets new standards, blowing away our test riders with (or perhaps because of) its plus-size tyres. However, there was one drawback that revealed itself in our test – namely, the motor on this pre-production bike, which kept switching off for no apparent reason and was very hesitant in dishing up the pedal-assist as you started to ride. However, Specialized promises that these issues will be solved by the time the production bike is available. Specialized, however, didn’t cut any corners when it comes to the Levo’s spec, and the responsive and sensitive suspension performs brilliantly. The Auto-sag valve on the rear shock makes light work of setting up the bike to suit the rider’s weight. Topping it all off, the rest of the spec list reads like a must-have for any performance-orientated trail rider.

On descents the Levo sets new standards.
On descents the Levo sets new standards.

Details

Removable: Integrated nicely into the downtube, the battery can be easily removed by loosening the large hexagonal socket screw, and you can charge it either on or off the bike.
Removable: Integrated nicely into the downtube, the battery can be easily removed by loosening the large hexagonal socket screw, and you can charge it either on or off the bike.
Info centre: The LEDs and buttons on the side of the downtube reveal the state of the battery life and adjust the level of pedal-assist. More information on the ride will be visible on an app (which will be released shortly) for your smart phone. Specialized deliberately designed the bike without a display on the bars.
Info centre: The LEDs and buttons on the side of the downtube reveal the state of the battery life and adjust the level of pedal-assist. More information on the ride will be visible on an app (which will be released shortly) for your smart phone. Specialized deliberately designed the bike without a display on the bars.
Keep it simple: The Auto-sag valve on the rear shock simplifies set-up: just set the rear shock to 200 psi, climb on, and release the excess air using the red valve. Yep, that simple.
Keep it simple: The Auto-sag valve on the rear shock simplifies set-up: just set the rear shock to 200 psi, climb on, and release the excess air using the red valve. Yep, that simple.
In love with the details: Tiny details like the integrated chain guide and the SWAT system (which fits a multitool directly onto the frame) are testament to Specialized’s love for details and pretty much infinite know-how.
In love with the details: Tiny details like the integrated chain guide and the SWAT system (which fits a multitool directly onto the frame) are testament to Specialized’s love for details and pretty much infinite know-how.
E-MTB_005_VT_Specialized_INT

Specification: Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie 2016

Fork: RockShox Pike RC SoloAir
Rear Shock: FOX Float Factory DPS AUTOSAG
Motor: Brose tuned for Specialized 250W
Battery: Specialized 504 Wh
Brakes: SRAM Guide RS
Drivetrain: SRAM X1/X01
Seatpost: Command Post IRcc
Stem: Specialized XC
Handlebars: Lenker 7050 Alu 750 mm
Tires: Specialized 6Fattie Purgatory / 6Fattie Ground Control
Wheelset: Roval Traverse 38 650b
Weight/Size: 22,4 kg / Size M
Prize: € 6,499

Conclusion

The Specialized Levo embodies the next step in the development of performance-orientated E-MTBs. It’s a seriously great ride in terms of how it handles, and the number of innovative details that are crammed onto this bike is impressive. Unfortunately, there were too many issues that arose while we tested this pre-production model, particularly relating to the motor and the lack of their own app, which was still unavailable at the time of testing. So while we’re hesitant to draw a final conclusion, we can declare that the future looks bright!

Strengths:

  • Unbeatable handling
  • Innovative design
  • Pioneering features

Weaknesses:

  • Motor not quite ready for production
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Read all our reviews: Bergamont E-Line Trailster C 8.0 | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 SL | FLYER Uproc6 8.90 | Haibike SDURO AllMtn Pro | LAPIERRE Overvolt FS 900 | ROTWILD R.X+ FS 27,5″ EVO | SCOTT E-Genius 710 Plus | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie | KTM Macina eGnition Cx5

More amazing bikes can be found in our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer


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