Specialized Turbo Levo Review - Long Term Test of the New Gen 3 Levo

Описание: A little over a year ago we were hand delivered a new Gen 3 Specialized Turbo Levo ahead of a full day of filming and interviewing Specialized Bicycles employees for our Dissected Feature. Since that first sloppy and incredibly fun day, we’ve done our best to put as many miles, hours, and vertical feet on this bike as we could under as many riders as possible. As much as we wanted to rush a review of the Specialized Levo out in the name of Google Analytic rankings, we knew there was a need to put this bike through a thorough review process. We joined a few Facebook Levo Owners groups and forums and found that quite a few previous generation Levo owners had concerns over reliability. Since these bikes are no small investment, we felt it prudent to do our best to beat on this updated Specialized Levo and see if we developed any issues of our own. Let’s see how 14 months and 5 test riders have gotten along with the Gen 3 Turbo Levo.

THE DIRT
Ever since our first ride on the new Specialized Turbo Levo we were hooked. We had to do our best to hide the instant connection during our Dissected video as they are made with the support of the brands, but since then the feelings have only grown. It has pretty much become my go-to eMTB for testing new products, components and filming for our YouTube videos. In fact, aside from breaking the little plastic tab on the charge port door, the only thing this bike needs, badly, is a suspension service. Granted I did replace the SRAM brakes with a set of TRP DHR-EVO brakes, which are way more powerful and consistent than the OE spec.

While we have not been able to cause any failures, or other problems with the drive unit, battery or belt, it does seem like the motor has gotten a bit louder over time. In fact, even on hard days with 5,000-6,500-feet of very steep self-shuttles, we notice the unit seems to get louder as the day goes on and can slight drop in power, perhaps from the heat on the extended and steep climbs. Nevertheless, the bike is still fun, peppy and climbs like a goat. We will update as miles keep getting stacked on this bike if anything changes.

From a comfort and performance perspective, the Turbo Levo is a treat to ride. Whether it’s an all day mission or shredding hot laps, the Gen 3 Levo just feels right. Some may take issue with the 27.5-inch rear wheel, and yes, it lacks the rollover of a 29er while seated, or standing for that matter, but is more of an indication for who this bike is designed to please. Riders who want to push hard, corner quickly, enjoy a stiffer and snappy rear end will all enjoy the shortened rear end of the Turbo Levo. We’re big fans of mulleted eBikes, although we do agree there is a place for full 29ers in the realm.

When it comes to picking our favorite part about the new Specialized Levo, it’s hard to pick just one. We instantly feel at-home on the bike, but think the geo and suspension tune are huge factors in why we really enjoy this bike. It feels right in almost every single type of terrain and trail. And for the rare occasion it doesn’t feel quite right, a simple geo adjustment and you’re tuned up and ready to rip. Specialized absolutely nailed the suspension tune on the new Levo eMTB and we’re confident that because it can effortlessly blend planted stability with poppiness and snappiness when needed are why it’s one of our favorite eBikes on the market.

The Wolf’s Last Word
As we look one month into the future with our 4th Annual eBike Shootout looming, this is definitely a bike our crew has their eyes on for a top spot in the all-around category. We’ve done our best to put durability and reliability issues to the test regarding the belt and drive units and are happy to report we’ve not had any issues at all. Although it’s not quite as fast or powerful feeling as the EP8 in some situations and Bosch in most situations, it’s in the mix and has its own unique feel that we could describe as vanilla ice cream. Although I personally love a good vanilla, what I mean by that is, it has no major standouts when trying to describe power delivery or pedaling performance. I don’t see that as a bad thing because it means most riders will just get along fine without the polarizing traits some units have.

Overall Specialized have delivered a complete package of an eBike that is incredibly fun to ride, capable in all types of terrain and has become one of our most fought over test bikes. That being said, I’m sure glad we didn’t have to fork over $13,000 to buy it, cuz if we did I’d just have to hope the new, alloy versions ride almost as well since I’ve got bills to pay and diapers to buy. Price aside, this thing kicks ass.



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