The Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon is currently the best eMTB on the market – without a doubt the Best in Test! Read on to find out what makes it so special.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head

Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works
Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon | 150/135 mm (f/r) | 21.23 kg | € 9,999

The presentation of the first Specialized Turbo Levo in 2015 was a sensation. Up until then, you wouldn’t find any other bike with a specially developed app for adjusting the motor characteristics, which includes an intelligent, range-based route planning system. Also, Specialized took a radical step and opted not to have display on the handlebars. And now, three years later, the Levo still sets standards. The Levo’s pedals are assisted by the Brose Drive S motor, which has become extremely powerful and, despite its enormous power, is sensitive and feels very natural in its assistance. In addition to the motor update introduced last year, the bike has been fitted with a small shift lever that can be operated from the handlebars to select the support level or to activate walk-assist. The spec of the exclusive S-Works Carbon model is of the finest quality and is absolutely what you would expect for the price of € 9,999. However, components such as the SRAM XX1 drivetrain are a bit of a shame for use on an eMTB due to the high wear and tear. Specialized has not only perfected battery integration, but they also managed to store a multi tool and a chain breaker in the head tube. The so-called Autosag valve on the shock is an enormous help in finding the right suspension setup. The Öhlins RXF suspension fork, on the other hand, with its two separate and independently filled air chambers, requires a little patience and know-how when adjusting.

Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works

  With this bike, you are guaranteed to have fun everywhere you go!

Just as the two-tone paint job is familiar, so is the fit of the Levo S-Works Carbon. It simply fits perfectly, and you will feel right at home on your very first go. The seating position has the ideal mix of aggression and upright comfort. Brilliant! Uphill, the Levo is almost everybody’s favourite. This is to a large extent due to the powerful Drive S motor, which, in addition to its natural power output, also impresses with the high amount of torque it delivers. Only very slow cadences registered a slight jolting, and even at the highest support level, the motor regulates itself very smoothly. Having said that, the Levo descends even better than it climbs. The handling is super-lively and very direct. Fast open turns, tight turns, sharp turns – no matter what, the bike changes direction with ease and inspires with a lot of agility. Still, it’s anything but nervous. The 135 mm of travel at the rear suspension – incidentally, the least amount of travel among the test subjects – actually feels like much more in reality and outperforms suspensions with considerably more travel in this group test. Both the front and rear suspension work very sensitively, yet don’t bottom out, giving the bike very confident, predictable handling. Even in fast and very rocky sections, the Levo holds any line you ask of it and remains composed.

The Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon in detail

The Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon in detail

Fork Öhlins RXF 36 150 mm
Shock RockShox Monarch RT3 Autosag 135 mm
Motor/battery Custom Turbo 1.3 Brose Drive S 504 Wh Specialized M1
Drivetrain SRAM XX1
Brakes SRAM Code RSC
Seatpost Specialized Command Post IRCC
Stem Syntace F109
Handlebar Specialized Trail Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset Roval Traverse SL Carbon
Tires Specialized Butcher Grid 2.8″

Very handy: The Minitool is always therw whenever you need it
Smart
The multi-tool is inserted into the head tube and can be removed within seconds.
All you need
The LEDs on the down tube provide information about the battery status and support level.
Simple
With the help of the remote lever, you can select the levels of support and activate the walk-assist feature.
The geometry of the Specialized Turbo Levo
Complex
Due to its two separate air chambers, the setup of the Öhlins RXF 36 requires some patience. However, this is paid back by its performance on the trail.

The geometry of the Specialized Turbo Levo

Size S M L XL
Seat tube 396 mm 435 mm 468 mm 520 mm
Top tube 554 mm 581 mm 611 mm 644 mm
Head tube 95 mm 100 mm 130 mm 150 mm
Head angle 66.1° 66.1° 66.1° 66.1°
Seat angle 74.2° 74.2° 74.2° 74.2°
Chainstays 459 mm 459 mm 459 mm 459 mm
BB Height 340 mm 340 mm 340 mm 340 mm
Wheelbase 1157 mm 1185 mm 1215 mm 1250 mm
Reach 386 mm 411 mm 430 mm 456 mm
Stack 598 mm 603 mm 630 mm 649 mm
Sospel, France: Ideal testing surrounding fpr the Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon
Helm Giro Montaro | Jersey iXS Progressive 6.1 Jersey | Schuhe ION Rascal

Conclusion

The Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon comes with an extra portion of fun right out of the box. With its superb handling, this bike will have your brain pumping with endorphins. Its technical details and the Mission Control app set the standard. Clearly the Best in Test! Tip: If you want to soothe your conscience, opt for the € 2,700 cheaper Turbo Levo Expert Carbon and get a similar riding experience at a more attractive price!

Pros

– grin-inducing machine
– brilliant details
– excellent motor

Cons

– Price

Uphill Downhill Stability Agility Value for money 


For more info head to: specialized.com

The testfleet

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head

All bikes in test: BMC Trailfox AMP LTD | BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2 | FANTIC XF1 Integra Enduro 160 | FOCUS SAM² PRO | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX Pro | Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0 | Moustache Samedi Race 11 | ROTWILD R.E+ ULTRA | SCOTT E-Genius 700 Tuned | Thömus Lightrider E1 – Team Di2 | Trek Powerfly 9 LT Plus


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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin Rühl