Back to the roots? With the new Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29 the Californian brand are not only expanding their E-MTB range but also making a return to their roots. Designed as a snappy trail bike with 120 mm of travel, the new Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29 comes with 29″ tyres rather than the plus-size 6Fattie tires that we knew from the former Turbo Levo FSR. But the changes don’t end there.
What’s new on the Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29?
With the Levo FSR range remaining the same, you’ve got to look at the details to get the full scoop. Like the 6Fattie model, the aluminium frame on the new Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29 also features the integrated but removable 460 Wh battery and the specially tuned 250 W Brose motor that can be altered by the rider using the innovative Specialized Mission Control App. A massive plus point when it comes to reasons to buy: Specialized are currently the only brand to offer intelligent Smart Control functions that are are intuitive, hugely customizable and will guarantee you make it home in the event of a low battery.
As you might guess from the acronym ST, the travel on the 29″ models has changed. Now short travel, the new models feature 120 mm front and rear travel, which is less than the 135 mm rear travel and 140 mm front travel that you found on the former Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie.
With its revised geometry (shorter wheelbase, steeper head angle and slightly longer reach), the Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29 should present a decent and more moderate alternative to its ‘chubbier’ brother for trail riding.
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 2017: An overview of the new models
Alongside its two build specs, the short-travel bike will also come in a female-specific plus-size tire model with specific components such as saddle and grips. Then there’ll also be a new, price-point 6Fattie model too.
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29
- Fork: Fox 34 Performance (120 mm)
- Rear Shock: Fox Float Performance (120 mm)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX
- Brakes: SRAM Guide R
- Wheels: Roval Traverse 29 mm
- Tires: Specialized Ground Control
- Weight: 22.09 kg
- Price: € 4,999
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST 29
- Fork: RockShox Revelation (120 mm)
- Rear Shock: Fox Float Performance (120 mm)
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX
- Brakes: SRAM Custom DB5
- Wheels: Roval Traverse 29mm
- Tires: Specialized Purgatory / Ground Control
- Price: € 3,999
Specialized Turbo Levo WMN FSR ST 6Fattie
- Fork: RockShox Yari RC (120 mm)
- Rear Shock: Fox Float Performance (120 mm)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX
- Brakes: SRAM DB5
- Wheels: Roval Traverse 38mm
- Tires: Fast Trak 6Fattie
- Price: € 3,999
Specialized Turbo Levo WMN FSR Comp 6Fattie
- Fork: RockShox Yari RC (140 mm)
- Rear Shock: Fox Float Performance (135 mm)
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX
- Brakes: SRAM Guide R
- Wheels: Roval Traverse 38mm
- Tires: Purgatory 6Fattie
- Price: € 4,999
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie
- Fork: RockShox Revelation (140 mm)
- Rear Shock: Fox Float Performance (135 mm)
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX
- Brakes: SRAM DB5
- Wheels: Roval Traverse 38mm
- Tires: Purgatory 6Fattie
- Price: € 3,999
Geometry of the Specialized Levo FSR ST
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattube | 396 mm | 435 mm | 468 mm | 520 mm |
| Toptube | 552 mm | 577 mm | 612 mm | 647 mm |
| Steerer tube | 95 mm | 100 mm | 130 mm | 150 mm |
| Headangle | 66° | 66° | 66° | |
| Seatangle | 67.4° | 67.4° | 67.4° | 67.4° |
| Chainstays | 459 mm | 459 mm | 459 mm | 459 mm |
| BB height | 345 mm | 345 mm | 345 mm | 345 mm |
| Reach | 399 mm | 424 mm | 443 mm | 469 mm |
Review Specialized Turbo Levo FSR ST Comp 29
Specialized paid a visit to our office so that we could have a ride-off between the new model and the Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie. So which one is better?
Back when we had the 6Fattie on test, we waxed lyrical about its sorted geometry and balanced ride. But now the new Levo FSR ST 29 is even more agile, even snappier and can render mellower and flatter trails even more fun. Its slightly lighter front end is definitely part of the charm here. The FOX suspension keeps planted to the ground and dished defined travel when required – there was definitely enough for our home trails around Stuttgart. And even getting loose and jumping, the bike was still easily in its comfort zone – proof that just because it has less travel it doesn’t mean you can’t ride it as aggressively.
Compared to the 6Fattie, this bike’s narrower tires, steeper geometry and shorter travel just make it a fraction less forgiving, asking for more precision with your line choices. If you’re regularly having to lurch your way through mud or loose ground then the 29″ tires are significantly less wallowy than the 6Fattie models. Consequently, the Levo FSR ST Comp 29 is the better choice for that sort of ground – plus, it’s around 300 g lighter at just 22.09 kg.
However, if you’re a rider who likes to grind your way up the steepest climbs until you can physically ride no longer, ride over soft forest floors regularly and like the security of having more travel and the come-what-may nature of plus-size tires, then we’d suggest sticking to the Levo FSR 6Fattie. This is a bike that even makes riding up steps doable. You’ve seen this video, right?
During our testing we noted that the standard set-up for the motor was much too sensitive when it comes to pedaling cadence. Even slight fluctuations in cadence led the motor to dispel patchy support. Fortunately, the motor can be adjusted rapidly using the Mission Control App – but it’d be great if it already came adjusted with less sensitivity.
Conclusion
The question of which model is actually better can’t be answered in one fell swoop. The Levo FSR ST Comp 29 is a super viable alternative from Specialized and it has left us convinced with its shorter travel, 29″ tires and revised geometry to render it agile and direct. We reckon it’ll suit hands-on riders who like to get a bit rowdy on the trails. And then there’s the former Levo FSR 6Fattie, which arguably offers more stability on descents and more grips on climbs, therefore making it the ultimate choice for both newbies and riders who constantly head to technical terrain.
More information on the Specialized Website.
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Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Noah Haxel
