Setting standards when it comes to integration and connectivity, is the Specialized Turbo Levo also able to win us over with its handling? And do all these new standards come at a price?
Very easy on the eye, the Specialized Turbo Levo is an impressive bike from its bars to its bottom bracket. Having deliberately sacrificed a bar-mounted display, the bike has a really tidy look and doesn’t immediately scream ‘E-MTB.’ The motor is equally as understated, and teams well with its 460 Wh battery. The power delivery is really sensitive, although you can tune this on the Specialized app. In the standard setting the motor is super-responsive to your pedaling, which means aim for the most circular stroke or head to the Mission Control App and change the settings, a task that’ll take a matter of seconds. In general, the motor works at its best with a high cadence, which is great for riding on technical terrain. Riders who are quite dependent on the power of the motor might not get the satisfaction they’re craving. However, passionate mountain bikers who value agility and excitement on the trails will be in their element, popping around corners thanks to the short chainstays and slack head angle that keeps its cool at high speeds. By far the best trail whip on test, the Specialized has plus-size tires for traction and inexpensive but efficient brakes with big rotors.
Unfortunately, the small chainguide failed to keep the chain in place on the SRAM GX 10-speed drivetrain. We had to unscrew the chainguide multiple times to get the chain back on the ring (Update: Specialized has responded to the problems and revised the chainguide). Fortunately, we were stoked by the Mission Control app, whose broad functionality sets a new benchmark and allows you to finely tune the motor’s behaviour to suit your riding style. There’s room on the bars for you to mount a remote lever to adjust the pedal-assist, and this can be twinned with the Levo without any cables using ANT+. If you can’t live without a display, then fix your Garmin onto the bars and connect that with the Levo too.
The Specialized Turbo Levo HT Comp 6Fattie in detail
Fork FOX Float 32 Performance 100 mm
Motor / Battery Brose, Custom Tuned / 460 Wh
Brakes SRAM DB5
Drivetrain SRAM GX, 10-Fach
Seat post TRANZX Dropper
Stem Specialized Alu
Handlebar Specialized Alu
Tires Specialized 6FATTIE Purgatory / Ground Control
Wheels Roval 650b
This Specialized E-MTB has no display, which is pretty radical for some riders. It’s possible to fix a remote lever and use a Garmin to display all the relevant data from the engine and battery.
The big plus-size tires offer huge grip and comfort without any real impact on the rolling resistance. Great!
Despite the chainguide, we had multiple chain drops on the test. A 1×11 drivetrain with X-Horizon technology might solve this and improve the shifting anyway. (Update: Specialized has responded to the problems and revised the chainguide).
The team at Specialized have integrated the battery into the downtube from the underside, meaning there’s room for a bottle cage mount. Showing serious expertise from real riders, they’ve also attached a multitool for repairs.
Conclusion
The Specialized Turbo Levo HT Comp 6Fattie is definitely the most up-to-date E-MTB, and is the best of the bunch when it comes to handling on the trails. The connectivity with the app sets a new benchmark for the industry, but the absence of a bar-mounted computer might not please touring cyclists or newbies (although remember, you can attach your Garmin). The battery capacity will also be another sore point for touring riders. But if you’re after a high performing E-MTB for a wicked time on pretty much any trail, then the Levo is your best bet – guaranteed.
Strengths
- Amazing handing
- Great integration and aesthetics
- Mission Control app is a new benchmark
Weaknesses
- Cadence highly influences the level of motor support
- Small battery capacity
- Chain dropped multiple times even with chainguide*
*Update: Specialized has responded to the problems and revised the chainguide
For more information head to the official website of the manufacturer!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best E-MTB you can buy for less than € 4000? We test 6 leading bikes
All bikes in test: BH Revo 29 ER746 | FOCUS Jarifa Fat Pro | Giant Dirt-E+ 0 | Haibike XDURO HardSeven Plus RX | SCOTT E-Aspect 910 CX
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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Noah Haxel
