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

With its 90 Nm motor, 700 Wh battery and performance-oriented spec, the S-Works Turbo Levo has become a regular in our eMTB group tests and is determined to secure victory in our 2022 test, entering the race unchanged from last year. How did the most expensive bike in the entire test field fare against the competition?

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

For the 2022 S-Works Turbo Levo, Specialized rely on their in-house 2.2 motor with a big 700 Wh battery, a progressive geometry concept and holistic connectivity solutions. While the 2022 Levo remained unchanged from last year, its price hasn’t, increasing by € 1,000 to a whopping € 15,000. In typically Specialized fashion, the entire motor system is seamlessly integrated into the frame. Amongst the bike’s most striking features is the MasterMind display in the top tube, which, together with the Mission Control app, allows you to see crucial ride data, perform over-the-air updates and tune the support levels of the motor. From the speed sensor and remote through to the SWAT multi-tool integrated into the headset, all the way to the extensive frame protection on the swingarm, Specialized’s 22.1 kg eMTB (S4) has been thought down to the very last detail. Unfortunately, the flimsy charge port cover breaks a little too easily and we had to secure ours with gaffer tape – something we hope Specialized will remedy.

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

The S-Works Levo 2022 is specced uncompromisingly for trail performance. The suspension consists of a burly FOX Factory 38 GRIP2 fork and matching FLOAT X2 shock, controlling 160/150 mm travel at the front and rear. The wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain and RockShox Reverb AXS dropper ensure a tidy cockpit. Last year, we criticised the Shiftmix clamps that connect the shifter and dropper remote to the MAGURA brakes of the Levo, because they only offer a limited adjustment range, making it hard to position both the brake lever and shifter within easy reach. Unfortunately, the Levo rolls into the new season with the same problem. The SRAM brakes and Matchmaker of the Kenevo SL work much better in this respect. For the wheels and tires, Specialized rely on their in-house components, combining a low-profiled 27.5” x 2.6” Eliminator tire at the rear and 29″ Butcher at the front. Both tires come in the puncture-prone GRID Trail casing, which requires higher pressures to prevent the Roval Traverse SL carbon wheelset from getting damaged. Unfortunately, higher pressures always come at the expense of traction, even with high-volume tires.

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

The S-Works Turbo Levo uses Specialized’s “S” sizing system. This relies on super-short seat tubes across all sizes, allowing you to choose the size based on your desired reach and riding characteristics and pick from at least two sizes: size up for more stability and composure or go smaller if you’re after a playful character for narrow and techy natural trails. Moreover, you can adjust the geometry of the Levo using special headset cups and a flip chip in the chainstays. On level ground, the steep seat tube and low front put a lot of pressure on your hands, so we recommend pushing the saddle all the way back before going on long rides. Even then, the Levo can’t keep up with the most comfortable tourers in this test, the FOCUS JAM 7.0 and the Norco Sight VLT C1.

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

Specialized’s S-Works Turbo Levo uphill

Together with the Yeti 160E T1, the Levo shines on technical climbing sections where it pulls past the competition with its efficient suspension and powerful motor. The latter is easy to modulate and is forgiving of incorrect gear choices, despite the low-profile tread of the rear tire! The Levo also convinces on flowing trails. Wheelieing out of a corner? Don’t mind if I do! However, with a relaxed and passive riding style, you’ll have to stay vigilant in tight corners and actively weight the front wheel to keep the bike tracking.

The Levo craves speed and masters every trail with stoic composure.

The versatile Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo on the downhills

Downhill, the Levo shines in all areas, encouraging you to ride fast in all situations while instilling huge amounts of confidence and offering sufficient freedom of movement. The flip-chip and resulting change in chainstay length have a huge influence on the handling and radically transform the character of the Levo. Here you can choose between “challenging and playful” (high) and “composed and good-natured” (low). Regardless of the setting, the Specialized comes to life on rough tech trails and fast bike park tracks, because that’s where it can satisfy its speed cravings best. The excellent suspension generates plenty of traction and excellent small-bump sensitivity However, heavy riders should add more volume spacers to the shock to prevent the rear suspension from bottoming out on botched landings and hard impacts. That being said, the lack of control and traction from the tires puts the Levo behind the Yeti 160E T1 or Kenevo SL on fast trails. A special highlight of the S-Works Turbo Levo is the absence of any noises: the Levo is the only bike in this test who’s motor doesn’t make an annoying rattling sound– awesome!

Tuning tips: experiment with different flip-chip and head cup settings | more volume spacers in the shock for heavy riders | more robust tires (e.g. Specialized GRID Gravity casing)

Conclusion

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo leaves behind the entire test field on technical climbs and makes an excellent companion for adrenaline-laden shredding sessions – provided you upgrade the tires and dial in the suspension. Connectivity, frame details and motor customisation are top notch! However, there are other bikes in this test that perform better than the Levo in specific disciplines. While the Levo remains an excellent eMTB, it wasn’t able to secure victory in our 2022 eMTB group test.

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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 | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | 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, Julian Lemme