New Specialized Levo SL 2021 – Update for the revolutionary Light eMTB

Eight months after releasing the revolutionary Specialized Levo SL, the US brand has announced the 2021 Specialized Levo SL range. Key specs like geometry, travel, the motor and wheel sizes stay the same, but there have been some significant changes with the components: more trail performance and more downhill oriented builds at the same price – we have all the details for you here!

With the release of the groundbreaking Levo SL at the beginning of the year, Specialized fundamentally chanced how (E-)mountain biking is seen. With the coherent concept, the digital user experience and the integration of the Specialized SL 1.1 motor, the Californian brand was a step ahead of all other Light eMTB concepts. In our group test of three Light eMTBs the Specialized prevailed and deservedly took the crown of the new category. But it also won the sought after Best Buy from our sister magazine ENDURO in a trail bike group test of 15 bikes. Why? Because it combines the advantages of eMTBs and analog bikes like no other. Find out more about how the Levo SL is changing the world of not just eMTBing but also analog mountain bikers here. As revolutionary as the concept might be, depending on how you planned to use, we criticised some weaknesses in the Levo SL’s spec at the time. Now, Specialized are updating the things that we would also have changed.

The Specialized S-Works Levo SL in detail

More powerful brakes, more downhill-biased suspension and as a bonus, a wireless SRAM AXS XX1 Eagle drivetrain. All that for the same € 12,999 price. The 2021 Specialized S-Works Levo SL comes with a FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and a FOX FLOAT DPX2 Factory shock which, together with the MAGURA MT7 brakes should lend the bike more control, security and increased precision. In sizes L and XL, the 2021 model also comes with 203 mm rotors front and rear. In addition, Specialized have given the drivetrain an even wider range 10–52 t cassette. That makes a lot of sense on a Light eMTB with the limited assistance that it provides, especially given that the motor is a lot more sensitive to riding at the right cadence.

The other Specialized Levo SL 2021 builds

The Levo SL continues to be offered in four different builds starting at € 5,999, which are available immediately. There are three carbon and one aluminium model. The Levo SL Comp keeps its aluminium wheels, SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and FOX 34 Rhythm fork and doesn’t feature many of the updates that the more expensive models have benefitted from. The model which is probably the most interesting option for the money continues to be the Levo SL Expert for € 8,699, which sacrifices some of the bling found on the S-Works model. Nonetheless, it comes equipped with a FOX 36 fork and DPX2 Performance Elite shock. Both deliver pretty much the same performance on the trail as the S-Works model’s spec, only missing out on the golden Kashima coat. Instead of wireless shifting, this model combines GX/X01 Eagle components with a 52 t cassette. The Expert model also comes with 200 mm disc rotors front and rear in all sizes. If you need a second Range-Extender, or have a Comp model which doesn’t come with one as standard, the SL Range-Extender battery costs € 369.90 while the connection cable costs € 29.90.

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Geometry, sizes and colours of the Specialized Levo SL 2021

There are no changes to the geometry for 2021 as travel, wheel size and the frame all remain the same. Unfortunately, rather than the S1–S5 geometry concept featured on some other Specialized models, the classic S, M, L and XL sizing remains. As such, it’s still not really possible to choose your Levo SL based on the length (reach) you’d prefer. The seat tube length (e.g. 505 mm in size XL) is too long and limits freedom of movement to make that possible.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	390 mm	410 mm	455 mm	505 mm
Top tube	574 mm	597 mm	629 mm	663 mm
Head tube	95 mm	95 mm	125 mm	140 mm
Head angle	66,0°	66,0°	66,0°	66,0°
Seat angle	75,3°	75,0°	74,6°	74,2°
Chainstay	437 mm	437 mm	437 mm	437 mm
BB drop	27 mm	27 mm	27 mm	27 mm
Wheelbase	1.165 mm	1.185 mm	1.217 mm	1.248 mm
Reach	415 mm	435 mm	455 mm	480 mm
Stack	606 mm	606 mm	633 mm	647 mm

UOur verdict on the Specialized Levo SL 2021

For 2021, the Specialized Levo SL has received some sensible updates that make the 2021 Levo SL even better suited for demanding trail use, lending the bike more control, better security and improved precision. The weight of the S-Works models has probably increased by around 500 g but in our view, that’s a worthwhile investment. We’re already excited to test the new bike.

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More Information at specialized.com

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Words: Photos: Specialized