Hello from San Diego...deciding on what bike!

[akira]

Hello EMTB. New member here from San Diego. Been riding for some time, and currently in the process of deciding on what will be my first emtb. Specialized Levo Comp Gen 3 (waiting for final specs / release on this one) or Yeti 160E C1 build.

 

[Coolcmsc]

Welcome! Yeti! But that’s only because I’ve always wanted one….

 

[akira]

Welcome! Yeti! But that’s only because I’ve always wanted one….

I have a Yeti SB130 T2 TLR and it’s great…so may go with the 160E. Waiting on release of the Specialized Levo Carbon Comp Gen3 to see if it’s a contender. I think the new display unit and interface is really nice on the Specialized.
Tough decision.

 

[Singletrackmind]

Hello EMTB. New member here from San Diego. Been riding for some time, and currently in the process of deciding on what will be my first emtb. Specialized Levo Comp Gen 3 (waiting for final specs / release on this one) or Yeti 160E C1 build.

Did you decide which bike? I have a Yeti 160e and owned a gen2 Levo S-Works. Have done a lot of research. Let me know if I can assist you. Live in San Diego as well.

 

[akira]

Did you decide which bike? I have a Yeti 160e and owned a gen2 Levo S-Works. Have done a lot of research. Let me know if I can assist you. Live in San Diego as well.

No final decision yet. After a lot of research here, It’s likely going to come down to a 160E C1 or a Levo Expert Gen3. Having a Yeti SB130 I know the fit/finish/ride of the brand is excellent. Specialized has the edge with the Mastermind TCU and the build kit on the Expert is nicer for not much more money.

@Mike640 has a very nice Comp Carbon with a Zeb up front. I could also go with the Comp Carbon and build up as I want! Saves some cash up front.

I think Specialized has longer presence with EMTB builds and could have more research/development in the current generation of bikes. It’s a really tough call.

What am I missing?! If you had no bike and know what you do, which would you buy?

 

[Singletrackmind]

No final decision yet. After a lot of research here, It’s likely going to come down to a 160E C1 or a Levo Expert Gen3. Having a Yeti SB130 I know the fit/finish/ride of the brand is excellent. Specialized has the edge with the Mastermind TCU and the build kit on the Expert is nicer for not much more money.

@Mike640 has a very nice Comp Carbon with a Zeb up front. I could also go with the Comp Carbon and build up as I want! Saves some cash up front.

I think Specialized has longer presence with EMTB builds and could have more research/development in the current generation of bikes. It’s a really tough call.

What am I missing?! If you had no bike and know what you do, which would you buy?

Been fortunate to ride many different emtbs and still own a customized YT Decoy that shreds. If I only had to choose only one emtb, would definitely go with the Yeti-160E. Spesh Gen3 is a close 2nd, haven't actually ridden one yet and basing off of the feedback from websites and reviewers whose opinion I respect.

Can only compare Yeti to the previous Specialized Levo S-Works I put in about 1,000 miles on. Realize there's a huge difference between gen2/3. Reasons are:
~Like the still somewhat boutique branding of Yeti.
~Owned a couple Yeti's over the years and love the quality/way they ride.
~$ is not a consideration I have to worry about (think the price on high-end builds are pretty close).
~Yeti-160E is hands down the best climbing emtb I've ever ridden and it slays the dh (extremely agile/nimble for a 29er).
~Previous Spesh Levo had multiple issues with TC/Battery/motor that kept my bike is shop and took many trips to lbs to address.

Things I wish were better on Yeti/Gen3 Levo has the edge:
~630wh battery with EP8 motor on Yeti has much less range then 700wh/brose.
~EP8 motor has a rattle when not pedaling (not a show stopper but its there). Rattle on Yeti not as loud as other emtbs with EP8 I've demo'ed.
~Brose motor is very powerful smooth and feeling intuitive.
~Charge port on EP8 absolutely sucks! New gen Levo is lights years ahead.
~Levo MasterMind display much better then outdated Shimano EP8.


I wanted an emtb that would compliment my Decoy dh rig and the Yeti checked all the boxes. Wish it had more range cus I bought it more for climbing. VERY impressed on how a bike that climbs like a billygoat can handle the dh aspect. When it gets super steep, Yeti can't hang with my Decoy but not many bikes do. Would recommend getting ST UNLOCKER app to set your assist and power levels (no need to pay for deconstricking version).