The Specialized Turbo Levo is one of the most popular eMTBs on the market. Its fans appreciate its neat battery integration, natural handling, and its smartphone app connectivity. The top S-Works model won the high-end group test in the last issue. Is the cheaper version just as convincing?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB around € 4,500 – 11 exciting and affordable bikes go head to head
Specialized has put a lot of know-how into the development of the Levo, which can be seen by taking a look at the frame. With a specially developed app, you can configure the motor or start a range-based navigation system that regulates the power supply to the motor in such a way that you’ll arrive safely back home with some battery power remaining. Instead of a display, LEDs on the down tube provide information about the battery level and the selected support level. However, if you want a display, you can couple the motor with a Garmin navigation device and have the most important information displayed there.
The Levo impresses with fantastic handling – provided the seat post is lowered before hitting a descent
Although the Specialized’s frame is eye-catching and well designed, unfortunately, the € 4,199 entry-level model is specced quite poorly. Most painful is the lack of a dropper post, but the standard RockShox Reba SL suspension fork is also far from the performance of a Yari. Where the Levo does score, on the other hand, is with its well-dimensioned cockpit and the grippy, 2.8″-wide tyres. The biggest ace up the bike’s sleeve is by far its motor. The Specialized Custom Turbo 1.3 motor is based on a Brose Drive S and inspires with a lot of power, excellent modulation, and a very natural riding feel. The battery capacity of the entry-level Levo is only 460 Wh instead of the 504 Wh of the more expensive versions.
The Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie in detail
Fork RockShox Reba SL 150 mm
Rear shock RockShox Monarch Plus RT 135 mm
Motor/Battery Specialized Custom/ Turbo 1.3 460 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM NX
Brakes SRAM Level T 200/200 mm
Seatpost Specialized Alu
Stem Specialized Trail 55 mm
Handlebar Specialized 780 mm
Wheels Roval Traverse
Tires Specialized Butcher Grid 2.8″
The Autosag valve makes setting up the shock a lot easier – a great help, especially for less experienced riders
Levo fans have long awaited a remote to adjust the assistance levels. Now they’re available, including push-assist.
A dropper post belongs on every eMTB. It increases the amount of fun you’ll have, adding to your confidence, safety, and stability. Unfortunately, it’s missing on the Levo.
The standard RockShox Reba SL fork can’t even come close to the performance of the Yari. Trail riders will have to invest more money on an upgrade here.
The geometry of the Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie
The brilliant motor, combined with a balanced seating position, not only make the Levo a climbing champion, but also one of the most comfortable bikes in the test. You can sit comfortably on this bike and easily go ride for several hours – provided you’re very sparing with the low 460 Wh battery capacity. The Levo’s handling is very balanced, providing a lot of agility in tight sections and also offering the necessary stability at higher speeds. Perfect! Its rear suspension nominally only provides 135 mm of travel, but it feels like a lot more when things get rough. It works very sensitively and still gives exactly the right amount of feedback from the trail. On tours over service roads the bike reveals no weaknesses, but if the terrain becomes rougher and the trail more demanding, the fork can’t keep up with the performance of the rest of the bike. It tends to dive excessively in steep terrain and when braking, which then makes it incapable of adequately absorbing bumps.
Conclusion
The Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie convinces with very good-natured, balanced handling, a great motor, and lots of smart features. Unfortunately, the bike cannot fully exploit its potential due to the missing dropper post, the low battery capacity, and the poor performance of the fork.
Strengths
– balanced, stable handling
– a lot of fun
– tons of smart features
Weaknesses
– fork can’t handle demanding terrain
– no dropper post
– low capacity 460 Wh battery
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value
For more information head to: specialized.com
The testfleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB around € 4,500 – 11 exciting and affordable bikes go head to head
All bikes in test: BULLS SIX50 EVO AM2 | Conway eWME 627 | FLYER Uproc 4.10 | FOCUS JAM² Plus | Giant Full-E+ 1.5 Pro LTD | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 7.0 | KTM MACINA KAPOHO 273 11 PT-CX5I | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 | Moustache Samedi 27 Trail 6 | SCOTT E-Genius 720
This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #013
E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine is published in a digital app format in both English and German. Download the app for iOS or Android to read all articles on your tablet or smartphone. 100% free!
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin
