Affordable alternatives: All Specialized Levo and Canyon Spectral:ON models in overview

The Specialized Turbo Levo portfolio in detail

The flagship of the Specialized Levo portfolio is our group test winner, the S-Works Turbo Levo. It features high-end carbon wheels, a SRAM XX1-drivetrain and a carbon frame, which is even lighter and stiffer than the frame of their other two carbon models. However, with a price tag of € 11,299, it’s unbelievably expensive!

Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR

Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 150 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT Factory DPS 150 mm
Motor/battery Specialized 2.1 /Turbo M2-700 700 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 11-speed
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 200/200 mm
Seatpost Specialized Command Post
Wheels Roval Traverse SL 29″
Tires Specialized Butcher GRID 2.6″
Price € 11,299

The Specialized Turbo Levo Expert FSR is a whopping € 3,100 cheaper, priced at € 8,199, and the small losses that you have to accept are barely noticeable on the trail. The Expert model features the same 700 Wh battery, a carbon front triangle, but with an aluminium rear linkage, and well-specced componentry throughout. The suspension is almost equal to that of the S-Works and while the lower-end drivetrain does wear out a bit faster, it’s much cheaper to replace. At just under 21.2 kg, the bike is only slightly heavier than the S-Works model. Those looking for maximum performance at a more affordable price will do well here.

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert FSR

Fork RockShox Pike RC 150 mm
Shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 150 mm
Motor/battery Specialized 2.1 /Turbo M2-700 700 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM X1 11-speed
Brakes SRAM CODE R 200/200 mm
Seatpost Specialized Command Post
Wheels Roval Traverse 29″
Tires Specialized Butcher GRID 2.6″
Price € 8,199

Priced at € 6,799, the Turbo Levo Comp Carbon FSR is € 1,400 cheaper than the Expert model. It has the same carbon frame, but you only get a 500 Wh battery and you’ll have to accept a compromise with the FOX 34 Rhythm fork. In this case, we would rather save another € 1,000 and go for the € 5,799 Turbo Levo Comp FSR with aluminium frame. Although the frame is a bit heavier, you can invest the money saved in the € 1,299 battery upgrade. The rest of the spec is almost identical to the cheap carbon version.

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon FSR

Fork FOX 34 Rhythm 150 mm
Shock FOX DPS Performance 150 mm
Motor/battery Specialized 2.1 /Turbo M2-500 500 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM GX 11-speed
Brakes SRAM Guide RE 200/200 mm
Seatpost X-Fusion Manic
Wheels Roval Traverse 29″
Tires Specialized Butcher GRID 2.6″
Price € 6,799

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp FSR

Fork RockShox Revelation RC 150 mm
Shock RockShox Deluxe RT 150 mm
Motor/battery Specialized 2.1 /Turbo M2-500 500 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM GX 11-speed
Brakes SRAM Guide RE 200/200 mm
Seatpost X-Fusion Manic
Wheels Roval Traverse 29″
Tires Specialized Butcher GRID 2.6″
Price € 5,799

At the bottom of the range, you’ve got the € 4,599 Turbo Levo FSR. It’s the most affordable bike in the line-up, but also has some real weaknesses in the build spec, which significantly limit the performance on the trail. You’ll have to budget for an upgrade of the SRAM Level T brake and the seat post. A dropper post has a huge impact on comfort, confidence and fun! Although the RockShox Sektor fork works well, experience has shown that it is only partially convincing on the trail. However, if you only ride on forest roads and very easy trails anyway, the cheapest Levo will do the job just fine. We would advise everyone else to invest € 1,200 more for the Turbo Levo Comp FSR.

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR

Fork RockShox Sektor RL 150 mm
Shock RockShox Deluxe RT 150 mm
Motor/battery Specialized 2.1 /Turbo M2-500 500 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM NX 11-speed
Brakes SRAM Level T 200/200 mm
Seatpost Specialized
Wheels Roval Traverse 29″
Tires Specialized Butcher GRID 2.6″
Price € 4,599

Specialized has two women’s specific aluminium models: the Women’s Turbo Levo Comp FSR and the Women’s Turbo Levo FSR. The same applies here as to the men’s models: if you like riding trails, you should definitely go for the Turbo Levo Comp, even if it is a bit more expensive.

More information at specialized.com