2019 turbo levo vs eOne-sixty 800?

[Al Boneta]

Yeah i don't think any of them are weak so to speak, they just all have quirks.

I would be interested to try a Levo that has been set up with Blevo to see what this does to it

It usually will shred the belt or break the tensioner if you are a fat bastard like myself

 

[Al Boneta]

@Al Boneta i don't think the Forums headed anything like how PB is or similar, i think you just happen to have got caught in the crossfire a couple of times, it would be a shame to loose your input

It’s all good

 

[knut7]

@Al Boneta i don't think the Forums headed anything like how PB is or similar, i think you just happen to have got caught in the crossfire a couple of times, it would be a shame to loose your input

It’s all good

I hope my question didn't come across as some sort of crossfire. I was just curious about what makes the 2.1 much better IYO. But I'm not gonna push it any more.

 

[Al Boneta]

I hope my question didn't come across as some sort of crossfire. I was just curious about what makes the 2.1 much better IYO. But I'm not gonna push it any more.

More torque, better power curve, Less finicky to update and much quieter.
I really like the Shimano E8000, Whenever I hear it, I think someone’s making margaritas

 

[knut7]

I will be interested to hear your opinions on the validity of the chart posted halfway down that thread given you have ridden the latest Yamaha motor in the Giant...

Hmm, seems I missed this part of your post. Hope Ren finds this interesting

Max cadence for motor support is 120 rpm on the PW-X, says Yamaha. But that's only in max assist level (5/5). Level 1-4 cuts at 110rpm. Giant has tuned the SYncdrive Pro to support 120 rpm in assistlvl 3 and 4 too. Some difference between the motors, probably shouldn't be a big deal.

The reduced power on higher cadence isn't easy to notice. When pedalling at say 100 rpm, you put less force in each stroke, so you might not notice that the max power output has been reduced. But there was one situation where I felt the loss of power. I had a bit of speed coming in to a drop, and I decided I wanted a bit more. I forgot I was in a low gear, so I had to pedal really fast. I used to ride a lot close to 110rpm when I was roadbiking a decade ago, and I was pedaling faster this time. So about 120rpm seems likely. The motor spun up and gave a little push before the power disappeared. I'm pretty sure the E8000 and Performance CX would have offered more support in that situation. I had to make an error to notice it though. It reflects what can be seen in that spesh-graph. For normal riding it isn't much of an issue, even though it looks bad on that graph.

 

[knut7]

More torque, better power curve, Less finicky to update and much quieter.
I really like the Shimano E8000, Whenever I hear it, I think someone’s making margaritas

I agree on several of those points. The app can be a bit cumersome and slow to get connected. The E7000 seems way better. I think. No action needed on the bike before connecting, no clicking through the menu to find "Bluetooth connect". The SW for the E7000 isn't ready though, so the connection failed when I tested. But it was really quick to give an error msg

 

[Deleted member 1478]

I recently had the same issue - the only choices locally in xl size came down to merida vs spec.

I rode the 2019 levo with the 2.1 motor. A very nice bike. I thought it handled really well (but I am an fsr fan from way back). The motor - for my taste - was a bit powder puff in the way it came on - this despite it supposedly being 90nm - but I didn't play with any settings on the app to change it from the dealer's settings. The price was a turn off. I would have gone the base model but then I would have had to spend serious $ upgrading the front fork and fitting a dropper post for it to be acceptable.

I rode the Giant with the yammy motor. Loved the brute instant power delivery. Long chain stays on the Giant and a principled dislike of maestro were deal breakers for me.

I chose the Merida after due consideration. In the e160 900e guise it was unbeatable value down here in the antipodes (although Merida seem to have cottoned on to this so the price seems to be going up by the week). The Shimano motor is a peach. I ride it in Eco for the winch up and Boost for the plunge down. Plenty of power and a very natural feeling in its delivery. The short chain stays and geometry make it identical in handling to my outgoing Canyon Spectral.

So its Merida based primarily on 1) value/specification and 2) geometry/handling.

I'd probably be happy with any of the above motors in the Merida frame at the given price point (although I would try and tune the Brose to be a bit more brute).

 

[Dirtnvert]

As a newb, great info in here. Glad I had a look in this thread. Eases the mind when making a pricey purchase

 

[Tamas]

I recently had the same issue - the only choices locally in xl size came down to merida vs spec.

I rode the 2019 levo with the 2.1 motor. A very nice bike. I thought it handled really well (but I am an fsr fan from way back). The motor - for my taste - was a bit powder puff in the way it came on - this despite it supposedly being 90nm - but I didn't play with any settings on the app to change it from the dealer's settings. The price was a turn off. I would have gone the base model but then I would have had to spend serious $ upgrading the front fork and fitting a dropper post for it to be acceptable.

I rode the Giant with the yammy motor. Loved the brute instant power delivery. Long chain stays on the Giant and a principled dislike of maestro were deal breakers for me.

I chose the Merida after due consideration. In the e160 900e guise it was unbeatable value down here in the antipodes (although Merida seem to have cottoned on to this so the price seems to be going up by the week). The Shimano motor is a peach. I ride it in Eco for the winch up and Boost for the plunge down. Plenty of power and a very natural feeling in its delivery. The short chain stays and geometry make it identical in handling to my outgoing Canyon Spectral.

So its Merida based primarily on 1) value/specification and 2) geometry/handling.

I'd probably be happy with any of the above motors in the Merida frame at the given price point (although I would try and tune the Brose to be a bit more brute).

One more thing to consider on the Merida’s side is Shimano’s warranty and customer service. No matter what bike you have and where you bought it from if you have a problem with the system Shimano will sort you out. It was a big + for me as I bought a direct sales brand (Commencal Meta Power) and when I had an issue the local Shimano Dealer solved it.

 

[Kernow]

My opinion and I know it won’t be the popular one is the Specialized. Full disclosure I am a Specialized dealer, but it’s not like I benefit from you buying a Specialized in New Zealand.
The Specialized may have “inferior components” but it has a superior frame design and a much better motor.
You can’t switch to the better motor, but you could always get a better fork down the road.
Every Sram derailleur shifts exactly the same regardless of what level it is. Sure there are plenty of people on the Internet that will you tell you otherwise. Mostly this is them justifying to themselves spending money on a lighter version of the same derailleur to feed their ego and win the parking lot pissing match with their buddies. It’s like shaving off your eyebrows to lose weight.
Value and perceived value are relative. I could put XTR on a Fuji, but at the end of the day it’s still a Fuji

Al you actually said in another thread the shimano was your favourite motor What’s changed so much with the new brose motor to make it so much better . I haven’t tried the new motor I guess the reliability and power of the old motor has been improved .
Also interested what makes the specialised frame better Merida don’t make cheapo frames , in fact Iam told they actually manufacture frames for specialised .
it’s a common sales ploy for bike sales people to say you can always upgrade later when they are flogging the low spec overpriced model , but the poor old punter never gets to work out just how much that will cost , while he’s riding on the lower performing heavier model with the low spec parts causing regular returns to the bike shop for pocket emptying instead of warranty because the cheap parts are worn not faulty .
I say buy the best spec you can get for your money first time and save future time and money and check with your dealer or manufacturer if you are expected to pay anything for warranty . I understand specialised dealers are charging labour for warranty work , and some are not helpful at all if you wish to carry out the labour yourself .

 

[ChrisB NZ]

Hi Ren,
My wife and I both have eOne-sixty 800's. We're loving them. I haven't ridden the Levo so can't offer a comparison.

I think the Shimano motor and Steps system is great. I really like the display which gives you lots of useful info. And I can't imagine not having a dropper post.

I think the Shimano battery is well future proofed.

I'm sure you'd be very happy with either.

 

[Tamas]

it’s a common sales ploy for bike sales people to say you can always upgrade later when they are flogging the low spec overpriced model

Yeah, that’s pretty much a classic... or you can come back next year upgrade to the higher spec overpriced model
Btw there is nothing wrong with trying to sell those bikes but they are not the best thing after a slice of bread, especially when they are compared to the eOne-sixty.

 

[R120]

One thing i don't get when people ask whats a comparable bike to the Levo is that most of the comparisons are completely different kind of bikes, aside from the motors, mainly because the Levo is a 29'r and most rivals are not. For me the defining characteristic of the 2019 Levo is the switch to 29 inch wheels and non plus tyres, and the benefits this has had on the handling, especially if you are coming of a 2018 Levo where it will feel like a nimbler , faster rolling and more stable bike - the geometry is really just in line with a lot of other bikes in terms of slackening out the bike a bit.

I think the most direct rival to the 2019 Levo with a Shimano motor is the Commencal Meta Power 29. I would be really interested to see a comparison between the two, as i reckon the Meta Power 29 is some piece of kit for aggressive trail riding. If you really like the 2019 Levo, its probably because of it being a 29'r.

The geo and suspension design is pretty similar too, based off a size large in each, both have a 1235mm wheelbase, reach is 455 on Levo, 458 on the Meta, though the meta does have slightly shorter chain stays an tt length.

 

[Tamas]

I don’t think the 29” wheels make the Levo/Meta29 etc. better bikes because of the wheel size it’s just a personal preference. I have bikes with all wheel sizes and while I like my 29” short travel trail bike and 27,5 enduro I find my Meta Power perfect with the 27,5x2,6 wheels/tires. I wouldn’t want to run it with 2,8-3,0 like the previous Levo that’s for sure.
I would give the Meta 29 a go just to see how it is but personally I would stick with the 27,5x2,6 on the ebike.

 

[R120]

I don't disagree, not saying they are better bikes because they are 29ers, just saying that the fact the 2019 Levo is a 29er often gets overlooked in these comparisons which tend to be about the motor differences more than the bikes themselves.

I just happen to think that if you really like the levo, but want to see what else isout there, the Meta 29 is probably the most similar bike spec wise.

 

[Tamas]

I don't disagree, not saying they are better bikes because they are 29ers, just saying that the fact the 2019 Levo is a 29er often gets overlooked in these comparisons which tend to be about the motor differences more than the bikes themselves.

I just happen to think that if you really like the levo, but want to see what else isout there, the Meta 29 is probably the most similar bike spec wise.

Absolutely, and for the price of the Levo Comp AL you'll get a maxed out Meta 29...

 

[Kernow]

Absolutely, and for the price of the Levo Comp AL you'll get a maxed out Meta 29...

And a better frame and motor ? sorry had to get in there first with some reverse bias

 

[Bonz]

Hi guys,

Been new to a eMtb world is not easy with too many options to chose from and not much knowledge (myself and not helpful dealers).

After doing some research and demo ride, I’ve got in love with the 2019 tubo levo comp but the price is out of my budget (9000nzd) so my options are:

2019 turbo levo (entry level) = 7500nzd (no discount in NZ)
2019 MERIDA eOne-sixty 800 = from 7499nzd retail price to 6900nzd with discount (price match)

My personal opinion is the Merida is much more value for the money with better suspension and much more affordable spare battery price (800nzd).
Specialized is better looking design, quitter and more powerful motor but more expensive, inferior suspension, no dropper seat and 1200nzd for the spare battery and more new battery is not interchangeable with any other model so far.

I think to buy another ebike to my wife in the near future and would be great to share the battery and with Specialized I would have to buy the same bike in order to share the battery.

I was thinking about the Giant Trance e+ 1 pro but it is not available here yet, just after Christmas.... and I want it for next couple of days.

What do you guys think about my dilemma?

Hi again Ren,
As some of the guys have mentioned.
Commencal is a nice bike and another good option.
Looks like they have a similar price structure to Merida in NZ.
Their 2019 range is due in a couple of weeks and they are based in Christchurch according to their web site.

 

[Al Boneta]

Al you actually said in another thread the shimano was your favourite motor What’s changed so much with the new brose motor to make it so much better . I haven’t tried the new motor I guess the reliability and power of the old motor has been improved .
Also interested what makes the specialised frame better Merida don’t make cheapo frames , in fact Iam told they actually manufacture frames for specialised .
it’s a common sales ploy for bike sales people to say you can always upgrade later when they are flogging the low spec overpriced model , but the poor old punter never gets to work out just how much that will cost , while he’s riding on the lower performing heavier model with the low spec parts causing regular returns to the bike shop for pocket emptying instead of warranty because the cheap parts are worn not faulty .
I say buy the best spec you can get for your money first time and save future time and money and check with your dealer or manufacturer if you are expected to pay anything for warranty . I understand specialised dealers are charging labour for warranty work , and some are not helpful at all if you wish to carry out the labour yourself .

I don’t post here that much these days.
I just offered my opinion. Probably won’t be offering that anymore.
Sorry if I don’t like what you like. Actually not sorry. We don’t have to like the same things. We probably couldn’t agree on an ice cream flavor or any type of music. We’ll both live.
Yes at one point the Shimano motor was my favorite. How many months ago was that? It’s not anymore, it may be again some day. Probably won’t however. I am betting on my Haibike Flyon once it finally arrives. Maybe it will be shit who knows, but I do know I have had a blast riding non pedal assist bikes lately. Maybe trail access will be a blessing in disguise, maybe I’ll be less of a big fat fuck. One can only hope.

In my too many years in the bicycle industry, I’ve learned one simple truth about buying more expensive components:
Having more expensive “perceived” better components is never a guarantee of improved performance or reliability. It is a guarantee of “perceived” improved status.

I could replace the GX derailleur on my Kenevo tomorrow with an X01 or XX1 and won’t make C hair of difference in the shifting performance of my bike.

It’s Specialized not Specialised, because it’s being used as a proper noun.

 

[R120]

Speel chuck hats thhee werd Specializzzed

 

[Ren]

Hi guys,

After reading all the options and recommendations this morning I decided to buy my bike. I bought the Merida e160 and went straight to the park, I was really looking forward to feel what is like the Shimano motor and see if I made a good choice.

I must confess I was amazed with it, despite having no base to compare the bike itself because this is my first FS but I had a first very good impression with the 2019 turbo levo comp and I was really concerned if the Shimano could deliver the same pleasant sensation that was to ride the Brose motor and it did. Actually the Shimano surprised me even more because give the impression of being more powerful than the Brose. I know it isn’t more powerful but is just about the way it delivers the power made me feel like I was riding an electric bike while the Brose is so smooth that gave the feeling all the power was coming from my legs and not from the motor.

I was so excited to try the bike that I did take the time to buy the safety equipments such as a good helmet, knee pads and gloves. I’ll certainly do before my next ride.


Ps: the comments about Commencal came a little to late because I just saw it after coming home from the park already with my bike. I had no idea they are based here in Christchurch, I would certainly include as an option.

 

[ChrisB NZ]

Great news Ren. Welcome to the E-one sixty club. I knew you'd like it. You're bike is identical to ours. The Meridas seem to be more popular/common in Australasia for whatever reason.

Boost mode has plenty of power when you need it. I ride in trail mode mostly. It has a very natural feel and delivers power on demand for most situations.

You might like to move the dropper post lever to the other side of the motor controls. I think it works much better further outward on the bars. Easier to reach. Not sure why BB put them inward as most of the Merida pics I've seen have the dropper lever on the outside.

Have fun!

 

[Ren]

Great news Ren. Welcome to the E-one sixty club. I knew you'd like it. You're bike is identical to ours. The Meridas seem to be more popular/common in Australasia for whatever reason.

Boost mode has plenty of power when you need it. I ride in trail mode mostly. It has a very natural feel and delivers power on demand for most situations.

You might like to move the dropper post lever to the other side of the motor controls. I think it works much better further outward on the bars. Easier to reach. Not sure why BB put them inward as most of the Merida pics I've seen have the dropper lever on the outside.

Have fun!

Hi Chris,

I’m having so much fun since yesterday. I even got a day off from work today just to be able to enjoy the bike but I’m already having problem with my wife because she wants to use my bike all the time and I end up having to use her “normal hard tail” bike...

About the dropper post doesn’t bother my as it is but thanks for the tips.

Cheers

 

[Bonz]

Hi Chris,

I’m having so much fun since yesterday. I even got a day off from work today just to be able to enjoy the bike but I’m already having problem with my wife because she wants to use my bike all the time and I end up having to use her “normal hard tail” bike...

About the dropper post doesn’t bother my as it is but thanks for the tips.

Cheers

You can’t take days off when you have to buy your wife a Merida as well, mine has a E120 800 with Di2.
Enjoy.

 

[ChrisB NZ]

It's a good problem to have Ren. You won't have much problem persuading her to get one My wife is no serious mountain biker - but still loves her E-one sixty. We ride a fair bit on the road/trails as well. Great for riding up & down curbs, haring down banks etc.

We're hitting some of the West Coast trails in December.

There are quite a few E-one sixty members from NZ on here with partners also riding Meridas. So you'll be joining a growing club.

 

[Ren]

You can’t take days off when you have to buy your wife a Merida as well, mine has a E120 800 with Di2.
Enjoy.

Actually now I have to do overtime in order to get her a new bike too...

No more days off until Christmas

 

[Ren]

It's a good problem to have Ren. You won't have much problem persuading her to get one My wife is no serious mountain biker - but still loves her E-one sixty. We ride a fair bit on the road/trails as well. Great for riding up & down curbs, haring down banks etc.

We're hitting some of the West Coast trails in December.

There are quite a few E-one sixty members from NZ on here with partners also riding Meridas. So you'll be joining a growing club.

Cool, if you decide to come to Chritchurch too let me know and we can go to the Adventure Park, it is just 5 min from home.

 

[ChrisB NZ]

Cool, if you decide to come to Chritchurch too let me know and we can go to the Adventure Park, it is just 5 min from home.

That would be great Ren but sadly we're not visiting Christchurch this time. The Park looks amazing.

Sadly it's not easy to fly these bikes. We're having to ship our bikes by road and pick them up in Nelson.

Feel free to drop me a note if you want to compare notes re the bikes.

Have fun!