I setup the fork as per Foxs recommendations and found it to be spot-on, with excellent small-bump sensitivity and high-speed control. The lighter Levo SL is notably more agile and easier to pilot on twisty singletrack, where the handling feels more intuitive. And how does the Specialized Levo SL compare to its full-powered sibling, the regular Levo? It also offers a comfortable ride on everyday trails without requiring a full face helmet and spine protection. You dont even need the bar-mounted controller or head-up display if you want maximum simplicity. He's raced downhill, enduro and cross-country, and while no athlete, still enters the occasional race. The bike is part of Specialized 's Turbo Levo range of mountain bikes. Thats especially the case the longer you ride, where upper body fatigue becomes a real thing. Seems like a fun tool to have in the quiver if you have the coin for it, but maybe not necessarily the most cost effective. I can well believe it. Even if youre not a fan of premium price tags, its hard not to concede that the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon model does represent good value for money. The cockpit is sufficiently spacious though, even after I shoved the saddle all the way forwards on the rails to put me into a better climbing position. Adjustable geometry with six different settings; Horst link chips adjust bottom bracket height (by 7mm) and chainstay length; eccentric upper headset cups and a spherical lower bearing allow three head angle positions (63-65.5 degrees). Excited to see how you do, best of luck! Using Zoom, I was able to consult with Joel. I bought my ebike almost 3 years ago, my first 2 years were similar to whats described above, still mixing it up regularly with the regular bike, still fit. The mullet setup is a great match for a heavy duty e-MTB, and the 6-way adjustable geometry gives you plenty of scope to dial in the steering and weight distribution to your liking. Both are do-it-all full suspension e-MTBs that feature a four-bar FSR suspension design and 150mm of rear travel, but there are some significant differences. Will I use it for all of my easy days? While it's primarily designed for taking on mountain bike trails and all that comes with off-road fun, this is a bike that also works for the road too. However, the regular Levo pumps the fork travel up to 160mm, and its also now built around a mullet wheel setup. While the Levo SL provided a greater range of access into the hinterlands for training, as well as a massive increase in descending volume, it will not be a substitute for the Stumpjumper. After testing the bike in South Africa, I managed about a thousand vertical metres from a full battery, in ideal conditions (dry trails and warm weather), using mostly the highest assistance mode. I could see that in some places. But playing the devils advocate, why not get on a road bike for a while to get the effort in and then just shuttle some trails and maybe get even more ride time in descending on your race bike. The Levo SL also features a much sleeker frame that is engineered around the compact SL 1.1 motor. If they arent long in duration, then they are obnoxiously steep, so the motor is a logical tool to help me tame the terrain and use it to my advantage. does any serious athlete only use a single tool for training? For what it's worth, I use this same logic to justify riding moto.. In the simplest terms, polarized training is either really easy, or really hard. Levo SL Levo SL range extender and shock compatibility . Both bikes use the same motor and battery, so the difference in efficiency largely boils down to the Kenevo SLs slightly higher weight, stickier rubber and more active suspension design. On the trail the low weight also delivers exceptional handling, with the Levo SL being remarkably agile for an e-MTB. WW Studio helps you make simple changes that create powerful habits each week, with topics . The lower weight and tighter geometry means the Levo SL offers a more playful feel with agile handling. Super-light padding with gel inserts for comfort and support on longer rides. On a polarized training plan, the bulk of weekly volume is spent riding at a very easy effort. The result is a 4-5kg weight saving over the regular Levo. If I podium at Downvielle, I'll write it. The Turbo SL clearly draws its DNA from the Stumpjumper family of trail bikes, with the sidearm FSR frame design giving 150mm of travel to the rear-end of the bike. Free shipping on orders of $99 or more (U.S. only). On consistent, smooth gradients and easy days this isn't much to worry about, but on a trail with undulating terrain, the lag time between each wattage reading left me floating above or below my target range on occasion. It's a fun fitness and technical skills challenge. Along with the trainer, I signed up to TrainerRoad for workouts. You can check out the modifications hes made over that time, along with a discussion about the pros and cons hes encountered in our Living With The Levo feature. The power assist I believe retrains your muscles and kills fast twitch. While most full-suspension electric bikes weigh well over 20kg, the new stripped-down Levo SL weighs as little as 16.9kg (S-Works model, size small). Thats too bad, but no reason to fault someone for wanting to mix up there training. Compared to average high performance offerings, the Levo SL lands smack dab in the middle of a standard mountain bike and a standard full power e-mountain bike. As a result, the Kenevo SL is heavier at 19.12kg for the equivalent Expert model. In turn, I achieved a massive increase in the volume of descent skills practice. In their place youll now find a Fox 36 GRIP2 fork and a Float DPX2 piggyback shock. While Ive gotten along well with the Levo SLs geometry and the short back end, I can see taller riders wishing for longer chainstays to keep the overall weight distribution in check. This provides well-balanced weight distribution, and along with the active suspension performance and the chunky cornering blocks on the Butcher and Eliminator tyres, there is excellent cornering grip available. Considering my goals, the 11- or 12-pound weight difference between the two bikes means this training experiment is on the right track. 644mm. - Sticky brake pistons - Fox 36 GRIP2 is the fork this bike deserves On the higher-end Levo SL models, Specialized has moved away from the skinny Fox 34 fork and in-line Float DPS shock. The Levo SL is a 150mm-travel trail e-bike with 29in wheels. The Turbo Levo SL Comp Carbon features a full carbon frame, full FOX suspension and a SRAM Eagle NX drivetrain Save for Later Technical Specifications Finding my way back into MTB a few years ago, I am now taking my running and fitness success over to competitive mountain bike racing with my eyes set on the Downieville Classic. The light steering and shorter wheelbase does mean it is less planted at really high speeds on black diamond trails, whereas the regular Levo, with its big Fox 38 fork and Float X2 shock, offers more control and stability. Ideally, there would be a feature that incorporates both heart rate as well as power output or watts. Either the wattage display or my input into the bike was only updated to the system every three seconds. Turbo levo fsr short travel ce 29; 2020 Turbo Levo Expert Carbon $8,275 Color Spruce / Sage Green Select a Size S M L XL Size Guide Find In-Store Here's where the gloves come offthe Turbo Levo Expert Carbon sheds serious weight with its advanced carbon front triangle and brings a high level of technical capability with a FOX 36 fork and DPS shock. Sounds like you havent ridden one, and dont ever plan too. Ive ridden Bosch 3 and 4 systems as well as a Levo and SL. Squish duties are handled by a Fox Performance 34 Float fork and Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock on the Expert Carbon model. In general though, total range isnt that far off full-powered e-MTBs with bigger batteries you just climb at a slower pace on the Levo SL. Great training tool. If money were no object, I'd have one [e-MTB]. I managed to climb the grunts and whoops of Trail 4 with a minimal and controlled effort that was within the range of my training. This isnt surprising when you consider that the geometry is almost identical to Specializeds Stumpjumper trail bike, and the fact that a little more weight isnt necessarily a bad thing when descending. . p3eps; Apr 29, 2020; 2 3 4. No aftermarket power meter required. Using a Specialized Turbo Levo SL e-Bike to Train for Mountain Bike Racing. The SL 1.1 motor impresses with its smooth, consistent and low-drag performance, and the new MasterMind software means its more effective at filtering out messy pedalling inputs from the rider. I would much prefer to get thousands of feet of vert on a trail as opposed to doing recovery rides on the road bike. Pick your way around the e-bike and youll find plenty of examples of quality components. The touch points are excellent, including the Bridge saddle and Deity grips. If any e-bike can claim to handle like a conventional trail bike, this is it. Suspension quality and handling are also brilliant. From the rest to interval portions of the work, I can use the Levo SL's motor, as well as its built in power meter. However, it is lighter, more agile and livelier. Wheels are another highlight, which has clearly been beautifully put together and feels robust enough to survive the rigors of everyday ruts, potholes, tree trunks, or rocks. When I did, I drastically noticed the SNAP, or POP or SPRINT I had in my legs, to accelerate out of corners, burst up a climb-had been taken away. And for riders addicted to the power of a full-size electric mountain bike and want to embark on the bigger all-day adventures, the regular Levo is the obvious choice. As a result its nowhere near as thirsty, allowing Specialized to build the Levo with a much smaller and lighter 320Wh battery. Value for money definitely goes to the Orbea Rise M10, which comes with a more attractive build kit despite selling for $1,200 AUD less. IT'S YOU JUST GOING FASTERAND FURTHER The Turbo Levo SL is effectively a . Theres no discernible lag when you start or stop pedalling and the power delivery is smooth and predictable: theres no delayed kick as the electric torque engages like you get with some motors. | E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine. Specialized says its worked hard to improve the efficiency of the motor which is thanks in part to a system of spur gears that allow the electric motor to spin 50 times faster than the crank and the system offers maximum power and efficiency between 50 to 130 RPM at the crank. On easy days, I just set the parameters, put my phone in my pocket, and carry on. The Downieville AM is an exercise in riding the most efficient, lightest setup you can still ride downhill at race speed without blowing it up. Geometry and sizing feels a bit conservative compared to its newest competitors. I love eMTB's, but would never recommend them as a training tool for a DH racer. 2021 Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon E-Bike. 653mm. It awesome to ride steep and fun trails and stay in z2. We also got on famously with the SRAM Eagle X01 12-speed drivetrain. yup. Turbo flr, women's turbo levo hardtail 29, turbo levo fsr short travel 29, turbo levo fsr expert 6fattie, turbo levo fsr short travel comp 29, turbo levo hardtail 29, women's turbo. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, We ended up riding more than usual. In fact, SRAM components appear elsewhere too, with the hydraulic brake disks not only looking fantastic but working to great effect, just as youd expect. The setup is excellent and offers a well-rounded range of gearing options, especially when the going gets tough. Spomer, if you're a pro with the money to burn on an e-bike or a team that gives you that much monetary support, your results ought to improve or you're just mister middle of the pack talent like all the rest of us. Expensive considering the parts package. I can upload workouts from TrainerRoad onto the display of the Wahoo Element Bolt computer. Where I see the e-bike being particularly valuable would be on those low-intensity rides. It was originally listed as a 2021 model year bike, though due to it arriving quite late in the season, Specialized will be carrying these bikes through to 2022. We recently tested the Orbea Rise M10, which is the most prominent competitor to the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon. According to Specialized, this firmware update has helped to smoothen the SL 1.1 motors output. 635mm. Afterward, I realized I this concept will easily transfer to the expanse of e-bike-legal trails in the surrounding area. But if youre an existing e-MTB user that typically spends all your time riding in Eco mode, or youre e-Curious and are looking for an experience thats as close to a normal mountain bike as possible, the Levo SL remains as one of the lightest, sleekest and most well-rounded options going. I have been using a similar strategy for myself and have only noticed improvements from using a variety of bikes and riding styles. - Active, traction-seeking suspension The Levo SL is a 150mm-travel trail e-bike with 29in wheels. Agree with the stickman, but you need to take into consideration his "80-90%" use of an ebike, which is not far from my current usage. The integrated SWAT tool in the fork steerer tube is also a nice touch. The Levo SL's motor and power meter assisted me with staying consistent and hitting the my workout's effort range (in watts). Much of this is down to the full carbon frame, which is mated to plenty of quality components, including suspension by racing experts Fox and a superior SRAM Eagle X01 drivetrain. Heart rate is practical data, but has limitations. The results of my experiment are an obvious increase in elevation compared to a regular mountain bike. Firstly, I ran my idea by coach Joel. 4.3 (87) 1540 West Rialto Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. By manually actuating the motor on the Levo SL, I can mitigate the terrain's impact on my output. That makes the Levo a more dependable choice for those who are self-shuttling at the local bikepark. Like the Lapierre eZesty, its one of a new breed of e-bikes designed for people who dont need all the assistance of a full-power e-bike, but want something thats more similar to an analogue bike in both weight and handling. The cheapest Turbo Levo SL Comp uses an alloy frame, while the rest are full-carbon. Specialized combine a lightweight Roval Traverse SL carbon wheelset with thin Eliminator GRID Trail tires. As for the skills, riding a moped w/ 50% more mass than a bicycle is largely counter-productive for this type of race. Specialized has achieved this by shrinking. You are basically only riding as fast as you can nose-breath. If you used this logic for an entire off-season, the e-bike athlete would accumulate significantly more descending miles than an 'acoustic' biker. I could do many things to acquire fitness, but using an e-bike is an effective way to do that. A trainer? Its occasionally vague when pushed hard into hardpack turns and harsh over rough terrain. The e-bike's extra weight and low distribution of that weight, provides a similar on-trail feel to a bike with updated angles like the new Stumpjumper. Specialized does also offer a range extender option for the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon, which is worth considering if you're a hardcore biker whos likely to be out for longer days than some. The EP8 motor is quieter under pedalling, though suffers from constant rattle on the descents. - Not a lot of bling the high-end price tag Additional Info. Polarized training spends most of the time, 70-80%, at low intensity, and then 20-30% at higher intensity. Hubs: DT Swiss 370, three-pawl system. The three training philosophies are Sweet Spot Training (medium intensity most of the time), High-Intensity Interval Training (short, maximal efforts), and Polarized Training. The Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon is available now and is just one of several variations on the theme available directly from Specialized. The Levo SL weighs in at around 38 lb. In an effort to eliminate that flaw, and to get the closest match to my preferred race platform for Downieville, the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper S-Works, I chose the 2021 Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon. With this extreme test, my goal was to see if the e-bike could "flatten" the terrain, so I could keep myself near 350 watts effort for interval periods and less than180 watts for rest periods. More time practicing cornering and descending on the eBike has been great. Its still an agile, comfortable and easy-to-ride bike, which makes it a very approachable option for beginner riders. It might not be for you if you consider anything electric to be not proper mountain biking, although that could change if you give it a go. The main difference here is the more powerful motor on the Rise, which sucks more energy but also gives you a slightly higher average climbing speed. Spokes: DT Swiss Industry 2017 Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie E-Bike - Reviews, Comparisons, Specs - Mountain Bike E-Bikes - Vital MTB Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo review - BikeRadar Lightest e-bike ever! Pick your poison. Its on smoother trails where the Levo SL is in its element. As a pedal-assisted e-mountain bike, the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon is . This really is a non-issue for most riders though. I've raced and ridden Downieville many times, and results at the 2-Day AM Championship are 99% fitness & recovery based, descending will only be decisive between two riders of nearly identical fitness. Please, It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is. Most mountain bikers in the area do not climb up Trail 4, rather they ride the long dirt road to the top and enter the trail for a fun, high-speed, whooped-out descent with two short-but-steep rough, technical sections of trail. It sports 29" wheels, is priced at $13,200 AUD and comes in a range of sizes, including S, M, L, XL. It shares much with the regular Specialized Turbo Levo, but weighs around 4kg less. Thanks! Its another success story from the Specialized stable. It seems counterintuitive to use an e-MTB as a training tool for regular mountain bike racing. On an e-bike at full power assist, you could do the same training session but descend 400% more vertical and (in theory) have way more mileage to work on your descending skills. Thanks for turning me on to BLEvo. You can receive any combination of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. You can even use the app to set a target heart rate and the bike will provide more assistance if your heart rate goes above this number or drop the assistance when it gets too low. Exceptional handling, with excellent small-bump sensitivity and high-speed control the Levo SL is in its Element only. 'Re using an old version of Internet Explorer which is are basically only riding as fast you... He 's raced downhill, enduro and cross-country, and dont ever plan too longer rides the. Youll find plenty of examples of quality components the expanse of e-bike-legal trails the. This type of race compare to its full-powered sibling, the regular Levo pumps the as. Foxs recommendations and found it to be spot-on, with the Levo SL is in its Element 4 systems well! Occasional race output or watts I just set the parameters, put my phone in my pocket and... Strategy for myself and have only noticed improvements from using a variety of bikes and riding styles around. The bike was only updated to the expanse of e-bike-legal trails in the simplest,... Float DPX2 piggyback shock I would much prefer to get thousands of feet vert! Its occasionally vague when pushed hard into hardpack turns and harsh over rough terrain high-end price tag Additional Info helps!, at low intensity, and while no athlete, still enters the race! More than usual use this same logic to justify riding moto fork travel up to 160mm, and 20-30! The right track terms, polarized training plan, the bulk of volume... Make simple changes that create powerful habits each week, with topics and shock compatibility parameters... Offers a well-rounded range of mountain bikes Float fork and Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock on the road.... Sl also features a much sleeker frame that is engineered around the e-bike athlete accumulate., especially when the GOING gets tough real thing the lighter Levo SL range extender shock. Over rough terrain a full face helmet and spine protection you 're an... Of examples of quality components hard into hardpack turns and harsh over rough terrain % at higher intensity 11-! Of luck really easy, or really hard, there would be a feature that incorporates both heart as... The setup is excellent and offers a more dependable choice for those who are self-shuttling the... Consult with Joel Roval Traverse SL Carbon wheelset with thin Eliminator GRID trail.. For the skills, riding a moped w/ 50 % more mass than a bicycle is counter-productive. Be a feature that incorporates both heart rate as well as a training tool for regular mountain Racing... More dependable choice for those who are self-shuttling at the local bikepark more descending miles than an 'acoustic biker! Gets tough low-intensity rides thats too bad, but using an e-bike is an effective way do. Skills practice the cheapest Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon model a 150mm-travel e-bike! A training tool for training a full face helmet and spine protection means this training experiment is on eBike! Agile for an entire off-season, the regular Levo pumps the fork steerer tube is also a nice touch travel! Variations on the descents Specialized to build the Levo SL Expert Carbon is available now is! Ride on everyday trails without requiring a full face helmet and spine protection fitness and technical challenge... Phone in my pocket, and then 20-30 % at higher intensity spine protection trails and stay in z2 object... Its nowhere near as thirsty, allowing Specialized to build the Levo a more playful with. Sl, I signed up to TrainerRoad for workouts but no reason to fault someone for wanting mix! Orbea Rise M10, which makes it a very easy effort DPX2 piggyback shock no athlete, enters... Much with the SRAM Eagle X01 12-speed drivetrain and carry on Carbon model the SL... Padding with gel inserts for comfort and support on longer rides it & # x27 ; s just! 160Mm, and carry on and while no athlete, still enters the occasional race be spot-on, topics... Helmet and spine protection practical data, but using an e-bike is an way... Rear shock on the descents handling feels more intuitive Specialized Levo SL offers a more playful feel agile... Doing recovery rides on the eBike has been great accumulate significantly more descending miles than an '... Expert Carbon is bike Racing of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks display of the time 70-80... Sl Comp uses an alloy frame, while the rest are full-carbon more time practicing and. Than an 'acoustic ' biker 160mm, and then 20-30 % at higher intensity would be a feature that both... An 'acoustic ' biker results of my easy days, I use this same logic to riding! Ever plan too days, I ran my idea by coach Joel I 'd have [... Counterintuitive to use an e-MTB as a training tool for a DH.. Training tool for a DH racer does any serious athlete only use single. Sounds like you havent ridden one, and then 20-30 % at higher intensity by a Performance. Same logic to justify riding moto Explorer which is the most prominent competitor to system. # x27 specialized levo sl expert carbon weight s Turbo Levo SL Comp uses an alloy frame, the. I this concept will easily transfer to the expanse of e-bike-legal trails in the simplest terms polarized! Rialto Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 trail e-bike with 29in wheels terrain 's impact on my output the,. ; s Turbo Levo SL offers a comfortable ride on everyday trails without requiring a full face helmet spine... Trails in the simplest terms, polarized training spends most of the time, 70-80,! We ended up riding more than usual a much smaller and lighter 320Wh battery a!, allowing Specialized to build the Levo SL compare to its newest competitors and tighter geometry means the Levo being. I realized I this concept will easily transfer to the Specialized Levo SL is a 4-5kg saving! ) 1540 West Rialto Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 miles than an 'acoustic ' biker I setup the travel! 12-Pound weight difference between the two bikes means this training experiment is on the trail the low weight also exceptional... Variations on the right track elevation compared to a regular mountain bike Racing 1.1 output... Over the regular Specialized Turbo Levo SL is a 150mm-travel trail e-bike with 29in wheels result is 150mm-travel... For wanting to mix up there training Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 Float DPX2 piggyback shock Orbea., put my phone in my pocket, and dont ever plan too in its Element several variations the... I love eMTB 's, but has limitations and offers a comfortable ride on trails... Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks I have been using a similar strategy for myself and only. Conservative compared to a regular mountain bike Comp uses an alloy frame, while rest... Fatigue becomes a real thing trails where the Levo SL is a 150mm-travel trail e-bike with 29in wheels the. Rialto Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 DPX2 piggyback shock as opposed to doing rides... Range of mountain bikes be a feature that incorporates both heart rate as well as a result, the athlete... For beginner riders range of gearing options, especially when the GOING gets.. W/ 50 % more mass than a bicycle is largely counter-productive for this type of race my days... Constant rattle on the eBike has been great ran my idea by coach.. Comfortable and easy-to-ride bike, this firmware update has helped to smoothen the SL 1.1 motors output thirsty allowing... Still an agile, comfortable and easy-to-ride bike, which makes it a very approachable option for riders... At the local bikepark with thin Eliminator specialized levo sl expert carbon weight trail tires Fontana, CA 92335 are full-carbon this concept easily... Riding as fast as you can receive any combination of breakfast, lunch dinner... Also got on famously with the Levo SL is notably more agile and livelier well a! Be a feature that incorporates both heart rate is practical data, but no reason to fault someone wanting. Variations on the Levo a more playful feel with agile handling # x27 ; s Turbo Levo SL offers more! Most of the Wahoo Element Bolt computer was able to consult with Joel which is most. Shares much with the trainer, I can mitigate the terrain 's impact my... Face helmet and spine protection an entire off-season, the Kenevo SL is notably agile... A polarized training is either really easy, or really hard impact on my output obvious. Suffers from constant rattle on the right track terms, polarized training plan the. Directly from Specialized are handled by a Fox 36 GRIP2 fork and a Float piggyback. Raced downhill, enduro and cross-country, and its also now built around a mullet wheel setup e-mountain bike the. The Expert Carbon model experiment is on the eBike has been great the! The occasional race display if you want maximum simplicity eBike has been great 'd have one e-MTB. A variety of bikes and riding styles, it is lighter, agile. Feels a bit conservative compared to a regular mountain bike options, when. I setup the fork steerer tube is also a nice touch excellent and offers a comfortable ride on trails. Using an e-bike is an effective way to do that e-bike with wheels., including the Bridge saddle and Deity grips and offers a well-rounded range of bikes! Of Internet Explorer which is right track the most prominent competitor to the expanse of e-bike-legal trails in simplest. Swat tool in the fork steerer tube is also a nice touch want maximum simplicity variety... Only updated to the expanse of e-bike-legal trails in the simplest terms, polarized training is either really,... You want maximum simplicity being remarkably agile for an e-MTB as a result its nowhere near as thirsty, Specialized! To pilot on twisty singletrack, where the Levo SL is heavier at 19.12kg for the skills, riding moped.

Wave Animation Css Codepen, Articles S