Some things take a little longer to materialize. And while the E-MTB trend was already in full flow in Europe, Specialized dealers have long been waiting impatiently for a model from the Californians. But now the time is nigh, and last week the US giant presented the world with no fewer than four models.

Update (November 2015)

In the meantime we had the chance to conduct an extensive test of the bike. Head over to the
E-Mountainbike Review of the Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie 2016.

From the off-set it was clear that Specialized were never going to present anything bog-standard, and that their range would certainly live up to its name of Specialized. So, just what are they? This is where you’ll find out. And this is what you’ll take from this: In the future, we aren’t going to rave about hardware and traditional features like torque and watts.

The highlight of the new E-MTB collection is the Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie, which we tested in Leogang. At first glance you can’t fail to notice the loving attention-to-detail on the bike and spot that Specialized have taken their own unique approach with neither a bar-mounted display, nor a typical e-bike aesthetic. “The Specialized Levo is designed for performance. We didn’t want a speedometer, and constant flicking between the various pedal-assist modes. We want riders to switch on their E-MTB and just ride,” explains head developer Jan Talavasek.

The hardware: the bike & its technical details

Skimming the stats and the spec of the Levo, it all looks very promising and hints at its sport-focused edge.

Der aus hochwertigem M5 Aluminium gefertigte Rahmen kommt mit einem schön in den Rahmen integrierten Lithium-Ionen-Akku mit 504Wh und integrierter Bluethooth und ANT Schnittstelle...
Finished in first-rate M5 aluminium, the frame has a nicely integrated lithium ion battery with 504 Wh and integrated Bluetooth capability and ANT port.
Der Akku ist herausnehmbar. Bei der Entwicklung wurde darauf geachtet, dass er keine tragende Funktion übernimmt. Das Unterrohr hat statt  gängigen Rohrstärken von 1mm  eine Rohrstärke von 3mm.
The battery is removable. The development phase ensured it wouldn’t adopt any load-bearing function. The down tube has a density of 3mm, instead of the regular tube density of 1mm.
Der Akku ist schwimmend gelagert. Zur Befestigung kommt eine bewährte Achse zum Einsatz, die man in vielen Specialized FSR-Hinterbauten findet.
It’s a floating battery that’s attached with a proven axle that many Specialized FSR rear ends have. The battery has a charging time of 3.5 hours and can be charged either on the bike or when removed.
Damit der Akku fest und wackelfrei sitzt, ist die untere Akku-Aufnahme konisch geformt.
To ensure the battery sits firmly, the lower battery section has a tapered shape. The battery is also certified IP 67 and therefore guarantees significant resistance against water and dirt.
Blick ins Innere: Bei herausgenommenem Akku sieht man schön die innen verlegten Züge.
Sneaky peek: The internally routed cables can be seen once the battery has been removed.
Display & Steuerung sind im Akku integriert und können am Unterrohr betätigt werden. 10 LEDS zeigen den Ladestand in Prozent an. 1 LED steht für 10% Akkuladung.
The display and controls are integrated into the battery and can be accessed from the down tube. 10 LEDs inform you of the remaining battery life, and 1 LED represents 10%.
Auch wenn Specialized keine offiziellen Angaben zum Motorenhersteller macht, sieht man, dass der deutsche Hersteller Brose die Hardware liefert.
Specialized haven’t officially announced who is responsible for the hardware, but it’s clear that it’s the German company Brose behind it.
Bei der Abstimmung will man extrem viel investiert haben, um in allen Trittfrequenzen eine möglichst konstante Unterstützung zu gewähren und ein natürliches Fahrverhalten zu garantieren.
No corners cut when it comes to defining the support: Whatever the cadence, the pedal-assist should be as constant as possible while guaranteeing a natural ride. There are three modes: turbo, trail and eco.
Bei aktuellen Modellen kennt man das Problem, dass sich der Magnet am Hinterrad verschiebt und dem Motor keine oder falsche Daten liefert – im schlimmsten Fall erhält man dann keine Motorunterstützung mehr.  Durch die feste Montage an der Bremsscheibe und die Integration der Sensorik in den Hinterbau will man bei Specialized eine Lösung dafür gefunden haben.
The current crop of e-bikes tend to share the same problem with the slipping of the magnet on the rear wheel which leads the motor to send wrong data – or even no data. The worst-case scenario is that the pedal-assist stops too. Specialized appear to have found a solution by firmly attaching it onto the disc brake and integrating the sensor into the rear.
Der 250W-Motor 3,4kg leichte Motor ist durch eine Skid-Plate geschützt und liefert bist zu 530W/90Nm.
Weighing just 3.4kg, the 250W motor is protected with a skid plate and delivers up to 530 W/90Nm.
Für eine erhöhte Haltbarkeit setzt Specialized auf ein Stahl-Kettenblatt mit 32 Zähnen.
Specialized went for a steel 32-tooth chainring to increase durability.
Wer möchte kann über die ANT oder Bluetooth Schnittstelle der Batterie sein Handy oder ein GPS-Gerät koppeln und so Feineinstellungen vornehmen oder aktuelle Informationen abrufen, aber dazu später mehr.
For those who want to, you can link your mobile phone or GPS via the ANT port or Bluetooth to the battery to adjust settings and visualize current information – but more on this later!
Der FSR-Viergelenker Hinterbau kommt mit 459mm kurzen Kettenstreben. Das Heck bietet 135mm Federweg.
The FSR four pivot rear has a 459mm-short chainstay. The rear offers 135mm of travel.
Zur vereinfachten Abstimmung des korrekten SAG hat Specialized eine AUTO-SAG Funktion: Dämpfer voll aufpumpen, sich auf das Bike setzen und Luft über das rote Ventil ablassen – danach hat man den korrekten SAG.
To simplify the act of setting up the correct sag, Specialized have developed an AUTOSAG function. Pump the shock full, get on the bike and let out air through the red valve = the correct sag.
An der Front kommt die super populäre und bewährte RockShox Pike zum Einsatz.
The front takes the super popular and proven RockShox PIKE RS forks with 140mm travel.
Vorne wie hinten kommt der neue Boost-Standard zum Einsatz, um für zusätzliche Steifigkeit zu sorgen und Platz für die 3.0" Reifen zu schaffen.
Back and front make use of the new Boost standard, ensuring increased rigidity and space for 3.0″ tyres.
Die 3.0" breiten 6Fattie Reifen aus dem Hause Specialized sollen für ordentlich Traktion sorgen.
The 3.0″-wide 6Fattie tyres from Specialized should create decent traction.
Am kompakt dimensionierten Hinterbau (459mm kurze Kettenstreben) fällt jedoch die Reifenfreiheit und insbesondere die Distanz zur Kette sehr gering aus, wenn man in den leichtesten Gang schaltet.
The compact rear (459mm chainstay) does result in minimal tyre clearance and a short distance to the chain if you’re in the lowest gear.
Die Reifen rollen auf breiten Roval Traverse Laufrädern mit einer Felgeninnenbreite von 38mm, um die großvolumigen Reifen optimal abzustützen. Empfohlener Luftdruck 1 bis 1,2 bar.
The tyres roll on the Roval Traverse wheels with an interior rim width of 38mm which provides optimal support for these voluminous tyres. Recommended air pressure is 1 to 1.2 bar.
SRAM 1x11 Antrieb mit einer 10-42 Zähne Kassette.
SRAM 1×11 drivetrain with a 10-42 toothed cassette.
Die innenverlegten Züge verlassen im Tretlagerbereich den Rahmen.
The internally routed cables head into the frame just above the bottom bracket.
Bei den Bremsen verlässt sich Specialized auf SRAM Guide RS-Bremsen mit 200mm  / 180mm Rotoren.
For anchorage Specialized have opted for SRAM Guide RS brakes with 200mm/180mm discs.
Obligatorisch beim Traileinsatz: Höhenverstellbare Teleskopsattelstützen. Specialized verbaut die hauseigene Command Post IRcc mit Cruiser Control Technologie und 125mm Hub.
Obligatory on the trail: height-adjustable dropper seatpost. Specialized added their own Command Post IRcc with Cruiser Control technology and 125mm drop …
... die Stütze lässt sich bequem über diesen Hebel  steuern.
… this handy lever controls the post.
Praktisch für kleine Reparaturen oder zum Herausnehmen des Akkus: Das SWAT-Minitool findet am Flaschenhalter Platz.
Practical for minor repairs and removing the battery: The SWAT minitool lives at home by the bottle cage
Ebenso praktisch sind der integrierte Kettennieter und das Kettenschloss, falls die Power doch zu groß war und die Kette reißen sollte.
Equally as practical are the integrated chain tool and chain lock in case the power gets overwhelming and the chain should break.
Das Cockpit kommt ebenfalls aus dem Hause Specialized und besteht aus einem 750mm breiten Flatbar und 60mm kurzem XC-Vorbau.
The cockpit also hails from Specialized and consists of flat bars of 750 mm and a 60mm XC stem.

The Geometry

Bildschirmfoto 2015-07-05 um 13.08.38

The Software: Specialized Mission Control App

With their own Mission Control App, Specialized want to raise E-MTBs and E-bikes to the next level. Instead of bulky displays that only show basic info and control several basic functions, this app has been designed to form an intelligent system.

Über die kostenlose App kann man den Motor, dessen Ansprechverhalten sowie die einzelnen Modi individuell konfigurieren. Über den Fake-Channel kann man Informationen wie den Ladestand auf beispielsweise einem Garmin in Form der Herzfrequenz anzeigen lassen. Der Fake-Channel gaukelt dem Garmin quasi vor, dass es sich bei dem gesendeten Signal um die Herzfrequenz handelt, dabei ist es in der Realität der Akkuladestand.
Essentially it’s a free app that allows you to individually configure the motor, its behaviour and the three modes. With the ‘fake channel’ you can see information such as battery life displayed on your Garmin in a similar manner to your heart rate – the fake channel basically kids the Garmin that the signal it is receiving is related to your heart rate, when it is in fact the remaining battery life.
Übersicht über die Batterie. Zudem lässt sich einstellen, ob die Batterie beim Einschalten lautlos ist, oder nicht.
Overview of the battery. You can also decide whether to allow the battery to beep or not as you switch it on or off.
Navi-Funktion und Ride-History. Jede Ausfahrt lässt sich auch direkt auf Strava hochladen. Dafür kommt von Strava in Kürze eine extra E-Bike-Kategorie.
Navigation and ride history: every ride can be directly uploaded to Strava, and there’s a new category set to hit Strava in the near future especially for e-bikes.
Das Info-Display lässt sich aus unzähligen Parametern zusammenstellen.
The Info Display can host a multitude of information.
Übersicht und Details zu den Fahrten. Darüber hinaus kann man sich anzeigen lassen, wie viel Geld man im Vergleich zum Auto gespart hat (für Commuter).
Overview and details of your rides. You can also keep on top of stats such as how much money you’ve saved compared to car drivers – interesting for commuters!
Das innovative Feature der App hört auf den Namen Smart Control und funktioniert über einen Algorithmus, der mit diversen Variablen arbeitet. So kann man Einstellen, dass man einen Bikeride von XX Stunden oder XX Kilometer Länge fahren möchte und mit einem bestimmten Akkuladestand am Ziel ankommen möchte.
The innovative feature on the app goes by the name Smart Control and works on an algorithm that works with diverse variables. For example, you can set up a bike ride of XX hours or XX kilometres, and decide how much battery life you’d like to have remaining at the end.
Die Berechnung erfolgt durch diverse Daten und Höhenprofile der Umgebung. So ergeben sich – wie man auf der Karte sieht – je nach Einstellung extrem unterschiedliche Reichweiten. Die App steuert dabei vollkommen automatisch die Motorunterstützung.
The calculation takes altitude metres and the area into consideration, so depending on the settings you choose, the battery life and distance for the battery can be vastly different. The app takes full control of the pedal-assist.

The app also works to diagnose and report errors. It will be available for iOS and Android.

Important details

The bikes will be available worldwide, with Specialized dealerships taking care of servicing, motors and the batteries, as well as guarantees. The dealers are currently receiving special training. To avoid long repair turnarounds, individual parts will normally be swapped immediately. Final prices haven’t been made official yet. For the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie, the provisional price is around 9,000 €.

Chef-Redakteur Robin Schmitt hatte bereits die Gelegenheit, das neue Levo in den Alpen zu testen. Seine Testeindrücke lest ihr in Kürze hier.
Editor-in-chief Robin Schmitt had the opportunity to test the Levo out in the Alps.

The ride

As the app is currently in the prototype phase, we’re only going to report on the handling of the Levo and not on the app itself.

At 178cm tall, the medium-sized frame of the Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie has a central but rather squat riding position. The wide cockpit with the 750mm wide bars and 60mm stem feel great, although we think the front could have been a little higher.

Display & Steuerung sind im Akku integriert und können am Unterrohr betätigt werden. 10 LEDS zeigen den Ladestand in Prozent an. 1 LED steht für 10% Akkuladung.

The motor on the downtube makes its entrance with a beep: the 10 yellowy-greeny LEDs light up, representing 100% battery life remaining. So we’re off! I switch the plus button to put the motor into the middle pedal-assist mode, opting for Trail. The standard settings mean that the Turbo mode delivers 100% support, the Trail mode gives 60% and the Eco mode delivers 30%. As there’s no display, you have to press the plus or minus buttons a few times to suss out which mode you’re riding in. From the extreme, one or two button presses will get you in the desired mode. If you prefer to switch off the pedal-assist completely, you just switch off the motor with the power button.

If you’re already familiar with Bosch or Yamaha mid-drive motors, you’ll notice a significant difference as soon as you start pedaling. The big ‘wow’ effect that you might be used to, is now much more subtle as the motor is more sensitive and delivers a far more natural performance.

Technische Uphills? Kein Problem!
Technical uphills? Not a problem!

For riding, this means more stability and fewer surprises. Instead of a buoyant push forward, the sensors register the power the rider is exerting and deliver considered support. On long climbs and technical terrain, the noticeably quiet motor is a show of strength as no matter what your cadence is, the support remains balanced and equal. In low gears the noise and vibrations do increase noticeably.

Thanks to the low front and the balanced geometry, the bike manages super steep sections easily without any sign of twitchiness. The voluminous 6Fattie tyres (1.1 bar for a rider weighing 75kg) give a mass of grip on dry ground. Once it gets wet and muddy though, the low-profile Specialized 6Fattie Ground Control lose grip rapidly and are soon out of their depth.

Entdecke mehr Trails – E-Mountainbikes wecken den Entdeckergeister und bringen Biker an Orte, an die sie selten sonst hinkommen würden.
Discover more trails – E-MTBs awaken your curiosity and take riders to places that they’d rarely see otherwise.

The compact Levo is more than at home on descents too. Weighing 20kg, the specifically tuned 140mm suspension mean that bike clings to the trails. The low centre of gravity and the short chainstay ensure that the Levo is a playful handler. Wheelies? Yep, for sure. Keeping it agile, the Levo seems destined to play with the terrain it encounters and loves to jump. Without a doubt, this Specialized model boasts impressed descending capability and easily ranks amongst the best that the market has to offer. On steep ground we’d prefer a higher front for a touch more stability. The rather low front position meant our upper arms got a bit of a workout over the course of the day – so don’t let anyone tell you that E-MTBs aren’t tiring…

The good thing about the motor is that it is barely noticeable on tight bends and corners. For those unused to E-MTBs, then the extra weight is a factor that could mean tight bends appear more difficult to manage.

Erstklassiges Handling in Kurven und technischem Terrain.
Top-notch handling on tight bends and technical terrain.

The plus-size tyres ensure a huge amount of grip and a stable ride. We’d have liked a little more control across the mud – and the series bikes are set to have the Purgatory Control tyres with deeper knobs, rather than the Ground Control tyres that we trialed and this will ensure more control and more precise handling. The suspension proved potent, even though the voluminous tyres meant there was no strict definition of which range of travel you were in.

Mit Vollgas durch den Anlieger. Bergab liegt das Levo sehr satt und sicher auf der Strecke.
Full gas on the berms! On the descents the Levo keeps tightly to the track.

The distance life of the battery is similar to its current competitors. Depending on the rider’s weight and the chosen pedal-assist mode, Alpine rides of 30km and 1,000 metres of altitude won’t be a problem. Markedly different to other models, the Smart Control function on the Mission Control app takes away the responsibility from you and you’re free to ride without worrying about the battery life you’ll have to get yourself home with. Unfortunately it wasn’t fully finalized so we were unable to trial it.

Conclusion

Specialized have made a strong entrance into the rapidly expanding world of E-MTBs with the Levo. With their own innovative approach to E-MTBs, we’re fascinated by the Mission Control app with Smart Control and their decision relating to battery integration and the (lack of) display – these show a giant leap forward towards the future, bringing fresh wind onto the market. The Levo boasts new and impressive technologies, clever solutions, brilliant riding and a top class bike in general that’s begging to be ridden. The future looks even brighter now with the launch of the Levo, and all sights are on what will come next. But, everything has a time and place – and good things are worth waiting for.


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About the author

Robin Schmitt

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, plays the cello or with his dog (which actually belongs to his girlfriend), travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.