‘19 Levo Alloy v. Carbon Fiber

[Jpzeroday]

Does anyone have extended (real world, hardish) ride experience on both?

I’m inclined to go with the alloy due to the cost delta and build/swap to components I would like to ride (shimano brakes, Fox suspension, revive dropper, etc.).

As long as the alloy rides well, particularly smashing the chunky bits at speed...

 

[steve_sordy]

My last two clockwork bikes were CF. My first and current emtb is CF also. When I got my first CF bike (YT Capra), I was a bit nervous about its robustness. I needn't have worried and when I sold my alloy trail bike, I replaced it with a CF trail bike (Whyte T130) without any concern. After zero problems with two CF bikes, I bought a CF emtb with confidence (Focus Jam2). As you say, the extra cost is an issue, but you do save a bit of weight. I know that the motor is supposed to overcome that, but when it's off it doesn't!

 

[Jpzeroday]

Yes, I am aware of the benefits of Carbon Fiber construction on non-electric MTB...which with pedaling inefficiency and weight can be a substantial enhancement over alloy. I own two Yetis and a Santa Cruz.

But it would appear that weight is not an equivalent penalty factor with eMTB. That is why I would love to hear some real world feedback on the performance of alloy v cf 19 Levos. I would prefer alloy for price and heat dissipation. I would like to feel comfortable that there is NOT, though a significant performance difference in high speed cornering and plowing the chunk. If the feedback comes back that the different is negligible, then I will go with alloy.

Anyone with actual ride experience on both models?

 

[HGmtb]

I have an aluminium '19 Levo with Lyrik forks, Guide RE brakes, Project 321 hubs and carbon rims, and a X-Fusion Manic dropper post. Overall the cost was less than 2/3 of my friend's '19 S-Works, and it rides almost exactly the same. Maybe this is because they both weigh just over 21 kg (his has the bigger battery and Cushcore inserts - mine only has a Huck Norris in the rear wheel) and have identical geometry. No regrets on my part.

 

[TommyBall]

Hello,

I went for the carbon far expert as it came with the bigger battery, looked cool and they had one ready to go in my size.

I took a chance buying it as I had only ever ridden the kenevo and that was the wrong size for me. It was fun but felt clunky. Since getting the levo I've only been out on it a couple of times (due to work and a f*!:?;g chest infection) and it's more capable than its rider! I love it and my mates that have non ebikes who have had a shot love how it feels as well.

For sure I've already changed bit like the grips and pedals. But I am trying to restrict myself and I can keep upgrading when parts need it rather than cause its orange and I must have it....

I will hopefully be out on the bike again next week but I would definitely try to get a shot of a carbon one. I don't think for a second you'd be unhappy with the alloy frame but you'd always think what if... Even if you don't like it or don't think it's worth it. Could they not let you ride the sworks near the shop just to get a wee feel of it?

 

[sirshan]

Ive had both - went Alum on the 2019 Levo and have no regrets. I also went Alum for same reasons you are debating...cost, choosing own components, etc. For me, when comparing Alum vs Carbon on this type of bike...rides the same. Im not pro enough to notice a huge difference. I am riding Vitorria Airliners....rode 2019 Carbon levy not too long ago, couldn't tell the difference.

 

[xcentric]

Carbon makes sense on a standard mtb for the weight saving and more complex shapes it can make. For am emts, given the constraints of battery and motor, and the weight, both those factors are much less significant. Alloy has visible welds, otherwise not much difference. (I bought an alloy Comp, and am planning on spending the savings on amnestying additional battery and trips to use it! - both my previous 2 bikes (mtb and road) were carbon.....).