I’m not getting this thing about the SL not being powerful enough. You buy an SL because you like the lighter weight and you only need the motor that gives you a small push up the hills and increase the distance you can ride. I choose the SL because it feels more like a regular bike, not a motorcycle.
@madskidsmtb7370
Жыл бұрын
Agreeded, they focus on riding in “turbo” At all times which is not the SL’s strong suit. They raved about the relay which is pretty much a full power bike. I was surprised at how negative this review was.
@welfebowyer5620
Жыл бұрын
agree this thing is sweet to ride just in eco and trail
@darrendurr3286
10 ай бұрын
These guys do great reviews, but they are definitely full power snobs. If you run in turbo mode all the time and always have to run an extra battery, maybe you don't get the SL thing.
@jlh530i1
10 ай бұрын
I don’t know if snob is the right word but Drew has stated on podcast with Sams bikes that they both prefer full power no question
@darrendurr3286
10 ай бұрын
Yeah, snobs probably wasn't the right word. But it seems that the majority of their rides are riding up a hill to ride down the hill, or laps at a park. Mostly gravity oriented, not the sort of trails I normally ride. And I'm not putting them down, but it seems to me that every bike they test would be better if it had 10mm more fork travel and a little more power and an extra battery. So basically they should all be 170mm, full battery, full power. 😁 Maybe full power advocates?
@russgordon5399
Жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the round-up discussion. Sorting out the pros and cons of each bike and which is best for which trail conditions and riding styles will be a challenge. Each of these SL bikes have potential weaknesses. Keep up the great work!
@Masemoto
Жыл бұрын
I agree. These reviews are great!
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@welfebowyer5620
Жыл бұрын
I test rode the comp version of this bike in Rotorua, NZ and loved it. I have been looking for an SL E-bike that feels like a regular AM bike on the downs and takes a bit of the strain off the uphills, while still working for it. This bike feels amazing going down! Like I had owned it for months already. I mostly used it in eco and trail modes, then worked out the micro tune was awesome to get perfect amount of assist on each section. a big plus over other bikes with only 4 modes I think. I had no range extender, rode til I was dead for the day and my stats were 45km / 1,300m elevation / 3.5 hrs (moving) My only negative was that i had 20% battery left on my last big climb, so thought I had timed it well, but the system started restricting my power to the point where I couldnt get up the hill and had to abort the run. Im hoping this was a setting in the app that can be adjusted. With a range extender I would have been able to use more trail / turbo mode for the day probably.
@pootjube
Жыл бұрын
Funny, I was in Rotorua last week testing this bike for a day and felt exactly the same. Best descender I have ever ridden, but not quite enough power and juice to get you up. It was the comp version too and to be honest the 2023 carbon Trek Fuel exe is better value, at least here in NZ with spring sales on. Will test the Trek Fuel next and hoping to test the Giant Trance X elite as well.
@michaeldevries2482
Жыл бұрын
Love this series!! In Minnesota we do not have big climbs so the SL bikes are perfect.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Awesome to hear thanks for watching.
@jimbo4203
Жыл бұрын
Yes they are perfect where I live too , and are very reliable
@rezenclowd3
Жыл бұрын
I regularly ride my bike up Gibalter road in Santa Barbara for Tunnel and Cold Springs, you guys are probably familiar with the trails. 3200ft climb which is ~20mi loop (13.3mi up but it levels off 6.6mi 2600ft). I have detuned my bike but I use my detuned trail halfway to warmup, then turbo the rest of the way (40/60 and 60/80 tunes)
@peakz1099
Жыл бұрын
Just picked up my new Levo sl comb carbon 2023 model today. I have a sl 2021 model to, and i will say the 23 model feels way better than the 21 model and u deffently feel the motor is stronger on the new one. Just bought the range extender to because i stil feel like the 320 battery should have been upgraded but i will take my first big trail on the new bike tomorrow 👍🍻
@Lex-Rex
Жыл бұрын
Crazy how much these flagship models cost. Hell, even for a lower spec they are still priced crazy. Then again, pretty much everything these days are priced crazy LOL.
@topchoice1621
Жыл бұрын
Right about now I wish I had a e-bike you guys are making me want one more and more
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Haha. It’ll happen we’re sure of it n
@wss327
Жыл бұрын
I have the 2023 Pro version and love it but then as I'm only an intermediate rider, anything this level will be great for me. That said, I had the full powered Levo before and it was too heavy and too much power meaning I often come home with 40 ~50 % of the battery left so that means I'm just lugging the battery around all day. With the SL I can get 3,000 ft of vertical on one charge and I can get a great workout at the same time and come home with nearly zero battery. And I can control the bike better as the rider and not the passenger as I was with the Levo. Also the bike is light enough that I ride it with motor in off mode to and from the trail. Another great thing about the bike is the geometry flexibility as I am considering to covert it to a 29'er.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your input.
@edhcb9359
10 ай бұрын
Running the battery that low is horrible for it’s longevity. Just saying.
@wss327
10 ай бұрын
@@edhcb9359can you tell me where does it say that running the battery down to 5 or 10% is bad.
@edhcb9359
10 ай бұрын
@@wss327 if you know anything about electric batteries(and I truly mean ANYTHING) it’s that you don’t run them to dead or nearly dead. The battery in your bike is no exception. If you don’t believe me, there are plenty of videos on KZitem that will explain this in detail. Thank me later.
@wss327
10 ай бұрын
@@edhcb9359 The problem is the following, I can go with a Levo and lug around a big battery and discharge to 50% and lose the fun factor. Or get the SL, run the battery down, maximize my fun and toss in a new battery when I need to. The problem is not just how much you deplete the battery, it is to what level you charge the battery. Normally speaking the optimal is to charge to 80% but I'm definitely not going to keep an eye on the charging and pull the plug at 80% and then go out and ride until 20% giving me 60% of usage. The fun factor is an important consideration to compare to operating cost. Now for my MacBook Pro, it stops at 80% and holds at 80% and I don't need to cycle it like the old day and I use it as I need to use it based on my distance to an outlet. So, how big is the Levo and SL battery? Maybe the 100% charge is already 80% and we're all lugging around the extra 20% of weight? Or maybe Specialized wants to monetize selling batteries? For me, the fun factor outweighs the cost and health of the battery.
@thim8009
Жыл бұрын
Wonder how your score would be if that motor was in a kenevo sl? I'm looking for big travel enduro with assistance up hill, but still flickable.
@streddaz
9 ай бұрын
It is now!
@MrDavecore777
Жыл бұрын
I wish they would have added a bigger internal battery in the 400 range. How would you stack against the Shuttle sl or heckler sl? Thanks
@rezenclowd3
Жыл бұрын
I feel the bigger issue at play is Specialized will not sell you the newer motor to fit your older KSL/LSL despite it being a drop in fit. I am of the opinion every part should be purchasable.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
We agree with you there. Battery size is a big issue on this bike. FAZUA is quieter, more powerful and has a bigger battery… But the pivot is a 132mm vs 150mm and the Santa Cruz is a VPP bike, so that has its own pros and cons… not much is “perfect” so, you gotta pick what matters most to you and your riding style/terrain.
@welfebowyer5620
Жыл бұрын
do you know if there is potential to upgrade the battery size in the future? as I love this bike otherwise...@@TheLoamWolf
@mikes.8305
Жыл бұрын
I have the comp and built up a sick bike for way cheaper. My motor is pretty quiet som I’m excited to try the heckler SL if that’s quieter I’ll be plenty happy. Levo SL shreds, but I agree value sucks. For SC laps more than enough power for me.
@Shawn-in-da-Canyon
Жыл бұрын
I’ll stick with my EXe! I love it!
@strutstipher
Жыл бұрын
I think the new SL is a little to powerful and subsequently rinses the battery. I've been riding mine 75 75 which seems plenty for most steep trails. I bought the S4 and feels a bit short on the steep tech. I've been thinking of moving the head cup to make it feel more stable on the steep, but great bike loves to jump.
@shirolee
5 ай бұрын
I would like to know which ebike you do recommend.
@cherylparrish1179
Жыл бұрын
Do you know of any other bikes that come in an X-small like the S-works? I am small at 5'3, so a small (S2) was too big. The S1 was a perfect fit. I am not aware, yet, of other manufacturers offering an X-small? LMK, please.
@outdoortherapy6596
7 ай бұрын
I'm confused how this is an SL at 17.5kg, when my full power Merida E-160 10k comes in at 22.5kg. All I have to do is lose 4kg off my body and save myself $20,500 AUD. I can't see how I could throw this bike around any more than my E-160. Am I wrong? Thanks
@brivera25able
Жыл бұрын
Did you all do any testing with the different geo setups? I'm curious how much change you see/feel with the HTA in the slack setting
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Yes. It definitely makes a difference in how it can feel for different riders/terrain.
@brivera25able
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLoamWolf did you find that you liked it better in the stock or slack setting?
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
We liked the stock setting most for versatility.
@jimm244
Жыл бұрын
When I pick up my first “light” e-Bike, I anticipate putting effort into the climbs & etc. Nevertheless, I still think the Levo SL would give me range anxiety. I know y’all ain’t VPP fans, but the Heckler SL you guys debuted a few days ago seems like it might be in my personal sweet spot.
@Mightyphossil
Жыл бұрын
that Fazua 60 will give you more anxiety, bike shops hates that Motor
@jimm244
Жыл бұрын
@@Mightyphossil Please elaborate. Thx.
@tjay_mac
Жыл бұрын
Hi, Thanks for the video. Question for the guy with the white shirt referring to 5:01 mark. From the top 5 bikes you've ridden this year, are the Full Power Heckler and Full Power Turbo Levo on that list? Thanks!
@halln86
Жыл бұрын
Best full power eMTB this year… Fezzari Timp Peak
@halln86
Жыл бұрын
But I do love the full power Levo and would buy one any day
@tjay_mac
Жыл бұрын
@@halln86 So the Heckler and the Levo is not on your top 5 bikes. Got it. Thx *edit* Sorry, are you the guy in the video?
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Yes Nic Hall is in the video and the Levo is definitely up on our list. The Fezz Timp Peak just rides nearly as well but with a better value and more reliable drive unit. Heckler full power is not on the list.
@1969Irishdave
2 ай бұрын
I love the content but you never mention the year of the bike unless it’s in the title. Perhaps you could help us non fanatics by including that on your videos??
@TheLoamWolf
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion we will work on that
@1969Irishdave
2 ай бұрын
@@TheLoamWolf cheers. Not trying to be a Karen. Just don’t know MTBs like I know Colorado Beers 😀
@Manu_Air228
5 ай бұрын
Would be nice if you would blend in metric dimensions if you talk about weight, range, altitude and so on, it really gets tiresome to always compute it. You have a lot of non-US viewers ;-) love your channel!
@TheLoamWolf
5 ай бұрын
Thanks very much and appreciate the suggestion. We’ve begun including that info more in current video production.
@Manu_Air228
5 ай бұрын
@@TheLoamWolf awesome, great to hear, for me you are the Number 1 channel when it comes to bike testing
@TheLoamWolf
5 ай бұрын
Wow, thank you so much!! We greatly appreciate that and don’t our best to provide honest and as helpful of reviews as possible.
@ryanlovin9748
Жыл бұрын
Did I spy a Kids Ride Shotgun headset spacer on there? I love their seat on an ebike and getting out with my kid on some singletrack!
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Yes you did!! Good eye
@testtesttesttesttest884
2 ай бұрын
The fit and finish of this bike is beyond any of the other bikes tested.
@TheAngryHusky
Жыл бұрын
$14,000 for a mid power with 320 battery. I have two Gen 3 Levos but Specialized won’t be seeing another dime from me with these prices.
@Gem-Ex
Жыл бұрын
Good. 320Wh is a fu.c.king joke
@denniekruit2078
Ай бұрын
Is rhe battery life better than the trek fuel exe or worse?
@TheLoamWolf
Ай бұрын
It's slightly worse, mainly because the Levo SL's battery is 40Wh smaller. However, it has the ability to be a little more effecient by using the micro tune mode.
@denniekruit2078
Ай бұрын
@@TheLoamWolf would you suggest a lighter e bike or just go for the bigger motors ? Honest opinion and if so.. what trek or specialized model then
@TheLoamWolf
Ай бұрын
Most of us here at the office would opt for a full-power bike, likely the Specialized Levo Comp Carbon and then upgrading components over time. It doesnt ride as light as the SL, obviously, but its still fairly nimble and capable. Only downside going with Specialized is the potential of having to deal with motor failures and the subsequent warranty process. The Rail is much more reliable, but sometimes doesn't feel as confident as the Levo. That said, if you are in the market for an "SL", we have been spending time on the new DJI/Amflow bike (essentially a specialized frame), and it has shown great promise. Our large weighs 46pounds with the 800wh battery, and it's got 105nm of torque. The motor makes it absurdly fun to ride.
@denniekruit2078
Ай бұрын
@@TheLoamWolf thank you 🙏
@stephenfitzmaurice3528
10 ай бұрын
I've done more technical climbs and features on the levo sl with the 50 nm of torque than any other bike I've ridden. Don't agree with the climbing review. Im sure more power is great, and I'd love to try some of the other lighter e bikes out there, but I still think this strikes a good balance of power to weight.
@Shawn-in-da-Canyon
Жыл бұрын
When are you going to do the long term Trek EXe review?
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Tomorrow. We’re going alphabetically
@Shawn-in-da-Canyon
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLoamWolf Oh, very cool thanks. I love mine!
@JesseStarrPhoto
8 ай бұрын
S-Works are meant to be the total pinnacle of the spec chart with every component. This bike is also available as an $8k model. Judging the "value" of the over-the-top build spec option designed for people who don't bat an eye at $14k is a bit disingenuous.
@The.JZA.
Жыл бұрын
These bikes are an absolute rip off. $13,500 NZD and it comes with a Fox 36 RHYTHM?!?!? That's a slap in the face.
@forrestgladding8423
Жыл бұрын
I just don’t understand the sl category? Big battery rides only please. Also the sl bikes seem to struggle on the big long steep climbs while my turbo rocks it.
@ribinrobin8925
11 ай бұрын
For fit riders like myself it’s a blast. I still ride my normal a lot and the power of the SL is perfect for a fitter rider. I’ve done 29 miles on my SL with range extender and was pooped! Each to their own! Some love the full power and weight overs just want a normal feeling bike with a bit of a push.
@garethrobinson2275
6 ай бұрын
Struggling is just lack of fitness.
@garethrobinson2275
6 ай бұрын
This review ignores some important facts about power, weight and pedalling. Firstly, some people want to pedal, not just get hauled up the hill. Sure you can dial down a full power bike but that takes enormous will power. Secondly a lot of riders were not using the battery or power of a full power e-bike. Specialized had the data on this, many were hauling around dead weight in Eco-mode. Finally there is the speed limiter. The SL is amazing here especially in the UK where our limit is a pedestrian friendly 15.5mph! You just don't notice the limit it pedals that well. The Specialized Levo SL, the ultimate halfway house between a push-bike and a full power E-bike, mass and power.
@TheLoamWolf
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, certainly interesting perspective noting your speed limit and ours. For the record, this bike was in a group test with several other SL/lightweight eBikes, our comments on the power and battery range were not in comparison to full power bikes, but other SL/lightweight eMTBs, like the Trek Fuel EXe, Transition Relay, Heckler SL, Pivot Shuttle SL, to name a few. It is a bike that rides well, undeniably, but when compared to others, it falls behind.
@DarrenSmith-x6h
Жыл бұрын
Battery so small it makes it very hard for me to consider this bike ,if it had 400-420 WH id be laying down some coin
@2trimaster2
3 ай бұрын
Keeps the downtube looking reasonably like a bike
@LexZolnir
Жыл бұрын
oh excellent, you hit this one w/ some negs, love it.
@TheLoamWolf
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@VelkePivo
Жыл бұрын
$14,000. Good god.
@myrideclips5033
Жыл бұрын
Chainstays are way too short imo
@drmattbarlow
Жыл бұрын
Interesting, the short chainstays are one of the attractive aspects for me 😄
@jordanmackay3568
Жыл бұрын
If you are 6ft or over you shouldn't be riding less than 440. I'm 6ft 2 and want 450 on my bike to keep balance with a 500 reach
@madskidsmtb7370
Жыл бұрын
There is flip chip at the dropout that makes it 442 with 29er.
@kingflynxi9420
Жыл бұрын
I'd be running with the flip chip at 442 and a 27.5 wheel anyway lmao
@topdeckdog
Ай бұрын
@@jordanmackay3568 I'm pretty sure Specialized know what they're doing 🤦♂
@Stockfish1511
Жыл бұрын
14k nah thanks
@mtbmike9866
Жыл бұрын
Every Spesh dealer discounts them. Got a 2023/2024 $10k Expert for $8800 OTD which includes 8% sales tax. Still expensive but that short chainstay on an S3 for a shorter rider is amazing!!
@Stockfish1511
Жыл бұрын
@@mtbmike9866 im 6.8 haha
@knowquarter
Жыл бұрын
@@mtbmike9866 I just ordered a Gen 2 SL from Rock N Road (Expert)...did you just ask for a discount? What's the best way to get a deal, haven't bought a new bike in awhile. Thanks for any input!
@randymartin6018
11 ай бұрын
Price is stupid.
@lvgaben
Жыл бұрын
Waaay overpriced, go with new orbea rise m-ltd or m-team!
@amator129
Жыл бұрын
Why not $20,000. I hope that soon some bicycle brands will start going bankrupt
@rezenclowd3
Жыл бұрын
Happens all the time...GG
@Shawn-in-da-Canyon
Жыл бұрын
Get a job!
@amator129
Жыл бұрын
@@Shawn-in-da-Canyon Thank you for your concern, I have work
@bfranco1519
Жыл бұрын
Mickey Dees?
@Stockfish1511
Жыл бұрын
Yeah. I would never recomend buying a bike on release. Always wait a year and time it for end of august and start of september sale. This is time were nobody buys a bike as winter is comming so they always drops last years bike prices as new ones are released and the winter sale starts. Means you can get alot cheaper. This bike next year in september will probably retail 5000 dollar less
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