Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo on review – Best in Test for the fourth year running?

With its predecessors claiming the coveted “Best in Test” badge for three years in a row, the brand-new Specialized Levo has some big shoes to fill. Can the latest descendant of the Levo dynasty reclaim its place at the top despite its significantly more progressive concept?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

Revolution, not evolution: the new Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo relies on an updated Specialized 2.2 motor and features a redesigned carbon frame, progressive geometry and holistic connectivity solutions. In a separate article, we’ll explain how the new Levo differs from its predecessor. The top tube of the stylish, high-quality frame houses the new smart display, called MasterMind. Here you can see crucial ride data, perform over-the-air updates and tune the support levels of the motor – in conjunction with the Mission Control app the opportunities for customisation are even greater. In typical Specialized fashion, the drive system is seamlessly integrated into the bike, from the speed sensor, charging port and remote through to the SWAT multi-tool integrated into the headset, all the way to the extensive frame protection on the rear end. While no wishes are left unfulfilled, all those smart details and the specially developed digital ecosystem come at a price: the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo retails for € 13,999.

Optimised for trail performance – The spec of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo

The new Specialized S-Works Levo is specced for uncompromised trail performance rather than weight efficiency. The list of components includes FOX Factory suspension with a 38 GRIP2 fork and a FLOAT X2 shock controlling 160/150 mm travel at the front and rear respectively. Shifting is taken care of by a wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain which, in combination with the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper, ensures a tidy cockpit. On a negative note, the Shiftmix clamps that Specialized use to connect the shifter and dropper remote to the MAGURA MT7 brakes only have a small range of adjustment, making it hard to position both the brake lever and shifter within easy reach. New for 2021 is the small 27.5″ rear wheel shod with Specialized’s own Eliminator tire, paired with a 29” front wheel and Specialized’s popular Butcher tire. However, both tires come in the puncture-prone GRID Trail casing, which is a risky match for the lightweight Roval Traverse SL carbon wheelset – especially on the rear.

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With the new Levo, sizing is rather flexible. The bike is available in a total of 6 sizes from S1 to S6 but thanks to the short seat tubes, you’ll have the choice of at least two, if not three, suitable sizes. With Specialized’s unconventional sizing system, you choose your bike based not on your inseam but the desired handling characteristics: size up for more stability and bike park riding or pick a smaller size if you’re after a more playful character for narrow, technical natural trails. Moreover, you can adjust the geometry of the Levo by using different headset cups and the flip chip in the chainstays. Particularly striking is the steep 76° seat angle, which slackens out only marginally as the dropper extends. On the flats, the rider sits fairly centrally above the motor. However, combined with the low front, the riding position puts too much pressure on the hands during long rides. While the powerful motor and 700 Wh battery provide the perfect foundation for a long-distance tourer, the Levo doesn’t offer the high degree of comfort of the Moustache and SIMPLON – not even with the saddle pushed all the way back.

Size	S1	S2	S3	S4	S5	S6
Seat tube	380 mm	390 mm	405 mm	425 mm	445 mm	465 mm
Head tube	105 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm	135 mm	145 mm
Head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Head angle	78.0°	77.2°	76.7°	76.2°	76.2°	76.2°
Chainstays	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	27 mm	27 mm	27 mm	27 mm
Wheelbase	1,179 mm	1,200 mm	1,225 mm	1,255 mm	1,284 mm	1,318 mm
Reach	412 mm	432 mm	452 mm	477 mm	502 mm	532 mm
Stack	605 mm	617 mm	626 mm	635 mm	644 mm	653 mm

Can the new Levo build on the success of its predecessor? The S-Works Levo on the trail

Roll up to a technical climb and, with its 2.6” tires, the 22.04 kg (size S4) Levo is in its element. The most powerful motor in the entire test field can be intuitively controlled and, together with the excellent traction provided by the suspension, takes the edge off steep climbs on loose, challenging terrain. The new Levo isn’t bothered by fluctuating cadences or the wrong choice of gears, powering resolutely on. When cornering, you’ll have to actively shift your weight forward to keep the front wheel tracking. Not always easy with the Levo begging you to drift or pull a wheelie as you exit the corner – and that’s uphill!

The new Levo is also a pioneer in terms of integration, connectivity, attention to detail and riding behaviour! However, in its latest incarnation, it has evolved from the perfect all-rounder to a mean shredding machine.

Downhill, the flip chip and resulting change in chainstay length have a huge influence on the handling of the bike and radically transform the character of the Levo: it’s either playful and demanding or smooth and good-natured! Regardless of the setting, the Specialized craves speed. The suspension delivers outstanding performance and generates huge amounts of traction despite the shallow tread of the rear tire. At the same time, it offers sufficient reserves for botched landings and big hits at high speed. Not least because of its low weight and good mid-stroke support, the Levo pulls into the air easily and feels confident on man-made bike park trails, encouraging active riders to play with trail features. On the other hand, it easily gets bored on moderate and flowing trails, where it’s a lot more sedate than the Levo SL. A special quality of Specialized’s bikes: compared to most of the bikes in the test, they’re completely silent downhill!

Tuning tips: experiment with the flip chip and head angle settings | bolt on separate clamps for brakes and shifters amd use more robust tires (e.g. Specialized GRID Gravity casing)

Conclusion

When it comes to frame details, the drive system, connectivity, build quality, customisation options and the degree of innovation, the new Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo is “next level”, just like its price! On technical climbs and rough descents, hardly any other bike stands a chance against the most powerful eMTB in the test. Unfortunately, this much trail performance comes at the expense of long-distance comfort, which is why the latest-generation Levo can’t reclaim its title as the ultimate all-rounder.

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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 2021 – 25 models in review

All bikes in this test: Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 1 (Click for review) | Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 (Click for review) | CENTURION No Pogo F3600i (Click for review) | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon (Click for review) | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 160 C:62 SLT Kiox (Click for review) | Ducati TK-01 RR (Click for review) | FLYER Uproc6 9.50 (Click for review) | FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE (Click for review) | GIANT Trance X E+ 1 (Click for review) | Haibike AllMtn 7 (Click for review) | KTM Macina Kapoho Prestige (Click for review) | Lapierre Overvolt GLP 2 Team (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K (Click for review) | Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 8 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.X375 ULTRA (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Bullit X01 RSV Air (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon PMAX (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL (Click for review) | STEVENS E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF (Click for review) | Thömus Lightrider E2 Pro (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 X01 (Click for review) | Whyte E-150 RS 29ER V1 (Click for review)

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Words: Photos: Various