Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

With the S-Works Kenevo SL, Specialized enter the race with a capable yet superlight eMTB. The smaller motor and battery bring several advantages to the trail – and some disadvantages too! How did the Kenevo fare against the competition in our eMTB 2022 group test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

The Specialized S-Works Kenevo SL is the electrified evolution of Specialized’s analogue bruiser, the Enduro and at first glance, it’s hard to tell the two bikes apart. For the slim-looking Kenevo SL, Specialized rely on a compact Specialized SL 1.1-Motor which produces 35 Nm torque and draws its power from a lightweight 320 Wh battery. As a result, the Kenevo belongs in a category of its own, entering the race as the outsider in this test. The advantage? The smaller motor and battery ensure both lower weight and lower power consumption, allowing the Kenevo to achieve a range similar to that of a conventional eMTB all-rounder, provided you’re fit enough. For epic backcountry adventures, you can use the optional 160 Wh range extender, which weighs 1.2 kg and fits in the bottle cage of the Kenevo. All frame details are well thought out and functional, from the neat cable routing with cable clamps to the soft chainstay protector, all the way to the integrated multi-tool. However, the real highlight is the seamless integration of the motor system, which is by far the neatest in the entire test field. Just as neat is the MasterMind display integrated into the top tube which, together with the Mission Control app, lets you perform over-the-air updates, tune the assistance modes and configure the size and number of data fields on the display.

Only the best components? The spec of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL

At 18.7 kg without the range extender, the Kenevo is the lightest bike in the entire test field, and at € 15,000, the most expensive one, sharing that honour with the Levo. In return you get exceptional finishing quality and top-end components, which have largely been chosen for trail performance. The Kenevo SL relies on a FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 suspension fork and FOX X2 Factory shock, both controlling 170 mm travel. Shifting is taken care of by a wireless 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain while SRAM CODE RSC with a massive 220 mm rotor at the front and 200 mm at the rear do stopping duties – excellent! For the wheels and tires, Specialized rely on their own components, combining a Roval Traverse SL carbon wheelset and 2.3″ Butcher tires front and rear. Unfortunately, the tires come in the puncture-prone GRID Trail casing which requires higher air pressures to prevent pinch flats and irreversible damage to the expensive carbon rims. However, higher tire pressures come at the expense of traction and support, preventing you from unlocking the full potential of the Kenevo.

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The geometry and riding position of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL

The S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL uses Specialized’s ‘S’ sizing system, which usually allows you to choose the frame size based on your desired reach and riding characteristics. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with the S-Works Kenevo SL, because the 170 mm RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post can’t be inserted all the way into the frame, restricting freedom movement and making it hard to size up. A flip-chip in the chainstays and special headset cups allow you to adjust the geometry. For a balanced ride, we recommend combining the short chainstay setting and middle head angle position. The long frame ensures a stretched and very sporty pedalling position, making the Kenevo SL less suited to long rides on level ground.

Size	S2	S3	S4	S5
Seat tube	400 mm	420 mm	440 mm	465 mm
Head tube	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head angle	63.5°	63.5°	63.5°	63.5°
Seat angle	76.0°	76.0°	76.0°	76.0°
Chainstays	447 mm	447 mm	447 mm	447 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1,228 mm	1,258 mm	1,287 mm	1,316 mm
Reach	435 mm	460 mm	485 mm	510 mm
Stack	618 mm	626 mm	635 mm	644 mm

A slow climber, a beast downhill – The Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL on the trail

Uphill, the motor of the Kenevo SL is a lot weaker than the Orbea’s torque-limited EP8 RS and requires more physical effort than any other bike on test. As a result, the Kenevo SL isn’t particularly great fun to ride on flowing or technical uphill trails. With its 35 Nm torque, it supports you on moderate fire roads but doesn’t carry you to the trailhead as eagerly as all other bikes in this test. However, the Kenevo SL really comes to life downhill.

ICompared to the purebred eMTB all-rounders in this test, the Kenevo SL feels like an analogue MTB with a generous tailwind. However, it’s downhill that the Kenevo really comes to life.

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL downhill

As soon as you drop into the valley, the Kenevo SL tears off its outsider label and shows its opponents what it’s capable of. Hardly any other bike in this test is as nimble and at the same time as composed and easy to control as the Kenevo. However, the Specialized really comes to life on fast trails and rough bike park tracks, where it carries insane amounts of speed and negotiates nasty rock gardens and huge gaps with stoic composure. Only two bikes are better in this regard, the Yeti 160E T1 and Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70. Unfortunately, on big drops and hard hits, the rear suspension tends to blow through its travel. If you ride hard, we recommend adding volume spacers for more progression. On steep and technical descents, the slack head angle, high front, excellent traction and intuitive handling instill huge amounts of confidence but the dropper post restricts freedom of movement. On easy and flat trails, the Kenevo SL gets easily bored, requiring a good amount of speed to maintain its agile handling and deliver fun.

Tuning tips: add volume spacers to the shock | more robust tires (e.g. Specialized GRID Gravity casing)

Conclusion

With the weakest climbing performance and the least long-distance comfort in the entire test field, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL stood no chance of winning our 2022 eMTB group test. On the other hand, Specialized’s E-bruiser delivers an impressive performance on rough and fast trails and jump lines, where it shreds past most of its competitors with its lively handling and composed character. The integration of the motor system and MasterMind display, the modular battery concept and the details are excellent too.

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You can find out more about at specialized.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

All bikes in test: FOCUS JAM² 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10k (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.E375 PRO (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX CORE 4 (Click for review)

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Words: Photos: Robin Schmitt