Levo Gen 3 Levo Gen 4 2024 Rumours... And assorted random chat ....

[xtraman122]

I think people are reading to much into them using the word transmission. They make no specific claim the the derailleur will be a transmission type. I think it's most likely a case that the person writing doesn't really know there should be a distinction between drivetrain and transmission. Transmission is also now a buzzword and sounds good on a product description.

Here's the spec taken straight from the site.

View attachment 150161

The word transmission has never been used outside of the t-type has it? And isn't that the only "E-MTB" specific drivetrain they have? Seems weird to go out of their way to call it an E-MTB drivetrain and use the word transmission if it's not actually either.

 

[DylanJM]

The word transmission has never been used outside of the t-type has it? And isn't that the only "E-MTB" specific drivetrain they have? Seems weird to go out of their way to call it an E-MTB drivetrain and use the word transmission if it's not actually either.

No they make "emtb specific" regular GX drivetrain. I'm pretty sure the only difference is the shifter which only allows one gear change at a time.

 

[xtraman122]

No they make "emtb specific" regular GX drivetrain. I'm pretty sure the only difference is the shifter which only allows one gear change at a time.

Makes sense then, probably just misuse of the word "transmission" then like you said. The t-type is supposed to be beefier though, right? I always thought that's what the special chain/sprockets were intended to help with (e-bike abuse from shifting/power).

 

[electricbogaloo]

I just hope the gen4 has a removable battery and low weight. This would be a serious advantage over the amflow. I don't need the power. Current gen has more than enough for me.

 

[xtraman122]

I just hope the gen4 has a removable battery and low weight. This would be a serious advantage over the amflow. I don't need the power. Current gen has more than enough for me.

Full power at SL weight is what the Amflow is pretty much offering, if we continue to move in that direction it'll be impressive for sure and probably help convince more ebike holdouts that claim a heavy bike doesn't ride well or is too cumbersome.

 

[rzr]

Cannondale Moterra SL offers the same, but how to shave 2-3kg ? motor and battery basically weight the same (maybe .5kg difference?) means frame and other components are lighter - thus, less durable ...

 

[xtraman122]

Cannondale Moterra SL offers the same, but how to shave 2-3kg ? motor and battery basically weight the same (maybe .5kg difference?) means frame and other components are lighter - thus, less durable ...

They're already where they need to be in my opinion, anything under 50lbs for a full power emtb is impressive. I just know there are plenty of lightweight bike snobs who will want to keep pushing the envelope to shave every last gram off weight off.

 

[emtbeast]

In case anyone is interested and didn't see this interview yet, it reveals the direction Spesh is going with the gen4 Levo 》》》



I also think the T-type has quite a few flaws, from the new horizontal battery placement(GX) without a water seal units are failing and just as I predicted when the t-type was released, the weakest link of the system is the cage now, before it was the hanger(cheap and portable).
A fast search on the forums reveals a lot frustrated reports of it bending and breaking as it's much lower to the ground and so more exposed...

 

[Lightme]

In case anyone is interested and didn't see this interview yet, it reveals the direction Spesh is going with the gen4 Levo 》》》



I also think the T-type has quite a few flaws, from the new horizontal battery placement(GX) without a water seal units are failing and just as I predicted when the t-type was released, the weakest link of the system is the cage now, before it was the hanger(cheap and portable).
A fast search on the forums reveals a lot frustrated reports of it bending and breaking as it's much lower to the ground and so more exposed...

I have 4 bikes, all running Transmission. I’ve had zero problems, far less than I’ve had previously on bikes with hangers. I think a bike brand would be silly to release a high end bike with anything else. They’re amazing.

 

[emtbeast]

I have 4 bikes, all running Transmission. I’ve had zero problems, far less than I’ve had previously on bikes with hangers. I think a bike brand would be silly to release a high end bike with anything else. They’re amazing.

Hey good for you, not saying everyone has problems, a lot depends on the persons riding style and terrain...in case these are just let it rip no care about your equipment and the terrain being loose with rocks and wood sticks it's probably not a good combo...

 

[Lightme]

Hey good for you, not saying everyone has problems, a lot depends on the persons riding style and terrain...in case these are just let it rip no care about your equipment and the terrain being loose with rocks and wood sticks it's probably not a good combo...

All we have around here is loose rocks! The Transmission is objectively stronger. If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t see almost every EDR rider using one. A derailleur mechanical would end their race. Pretty sure they have a few rocks now and then.
I think you should try one, then you’ll have an informed opinion, rather than relying on biased internet searches.

 

[emtbeast]

All we have around here is loose rocks! The Transmission is objectively stronger. If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t see almost every EDR rider using one. A derailleur mechanical would end their race. Pretty sure they have a few rocks now and then.
I think you should try one, then you’ll have an informed opinion, rather than relying on biased internet searches.

Yeah maybe I will, we all have different experiences, I have an XT with 5700km on it with a broken clutch lever from a rock bang I thought it ripped the back end off, bent cage a few times and it still shifts flawlessly, an XO AXS Eagle with 3500km with quite a few battle scars and it still shifts(clutch protection), will say good(think the cage is bent a bit to much),but yeah good luck on the trails and back to the thread topic...

 

[Mikerb]

It is interesting reading everone's wants and wishes for a new Levo release and it is fair enough to think the market leader would seek to meet its existing markets expectations but what is missing from all of that thinking is what does Specialized as a brand need.
So consider the situation Specialized ( and not just them) has had to endure in the last 2 years. Excess stock, signifcant price discounting and a big decline in demand..............keep in mind the full range of the bicycle market covered by Specialized of which MTB and EMTB are only a part. In terms of EMTB their warranty costs must also have been high.
I would think their priority would be restore a decent level of profitability and improve reliability/reduce warranty costs as part of that drive. Specialized has a large loyal customer base........so loyal most of that customer base will buy whatever Specialized launch as new models but to maintain top spot it really needs to attract more customers from other brands many of whom have bikes of equal or better performance at lower prices as more of them have caught up with or even overtaken the performance of a Levo even in Gen 3 guise.
Taking all of that into account I think Specialized has 2 choices. The first is to restrict its brand to the premium end of the market which means lower volumes, higher margins and less risk. The second is the virtual opposite of that. Each option would dictate what a new Levo ( if indeed it is even called Levo) would look like.

 

[mustclime]

I have 4 bikes, all running Transmission. I’ve had zero problems, far less than I’ve had previously on bikes with hangers. I think a bike brand would be silly to release a high end bike with anything else. They’re amazing.

lol, then you have 4 bikes over priced by $1000 each. You are also locked in to more expensive cassettes, chains and chain rings. Transmissions are just another way to charge you more for a bike and increase profits in markups.

 

[ah1]

It's only anecdotal here but I'd expect the majority of ppl don't need 120Nm, but it's true what others said here that Big S' can't veer too far of that spec, e.g. release something with 90Nm and some would say "oh it's only 3/4 as powerful as the DJI" so they do probably have to get close enough to be considered "top spec". I think the battery-to-weight is the biggest issue with ebikes rn, not the motors. I've ridden many and there's definitely a difference in handling, I currently own a Levo SL gen2 and ride pretty much anything with it up or down but even at 17.9kg it feels heavier on the trails than my Enduro. And the range isn't great unless I ride it in eco. So if some vendor can bring 750+Wh battery to a sub 20kg bike, I wouldn't mind it even if the motor was 50Nm - it would still be fine at supporting longer rides at a much faster pace than non-electric.

 

[Lightme]

lol, then you have 4 bikes over priced by $1000 each. You are also locked in to more expensive cassettes, chains and chain rings. Transmissions are just another way to charge you more for a bike and increase profits in markups.

Your loss, as is generally accepted. At least now you can afford more tin foil hats.

 

[rzr]

My mates destroyed GX AXS in 3-4 months... we don't ride groomed trail centres, but natural trails, where is a lot of rocks to stumps, I had 12s GX mechanical and I was hitting something on every ride, those things are gargantuan. I've upgraded to XT M8000 11s and no more problems !!

 

[Ribinrobin]

In case anyone is interested and didn't see this interview yet, it reveals the direction Spesh is going with the gen4 Levo 》》》

Care to summarize?

 

[Tooks]

I might be the exception here but i dont need a bike as powerful as a dji. Not interested in more power its already more than enough, but the low weight DJI offers is something i can get onboard with. If spesh somehow had same outgoing figures 90nm 700/800wh battery but a weight closer to the 19kg it would be more appealing to me than announcing insane power 110nm etc.

Seems lots of threads are turning into ‘but Avinox’ threads now, but seeing the Transmission one flare up again is a surprise!

I think what you say here is spot on, and is in line with my thinking as well. I love the headline power and torque figures of the Avinox but I’m a trail rider, and realistically don’t need it.

What I do want is a reliable motor with excellent warranty support, and something that assists my riding rather than a small motorbike. Not casting aspersions on the Amflow here, I’ve not ridden one, but I do feel the market is shifting towards one of ‘more powah!’ and away from pedal mountain biking.

I want some weight out of the current Turbo Levo, it’s a great handling bike already, a lighter more compact motor and reducing that visually boxy bottom end would be of interest, and easily swappable batteries to cover local rides or big days out etc.

 

[roccobarocco]

I had a look at the DJI Bike, but decided to go for the Bosch SX System. It handles well on trails and on top, it is very sensitive and natural power delivery.
The Price was identical to the Amflow Bike, but as stated previously, I also don't want a motorbike which shuttles me uphill.
What's more, I don't trust Chinese companies and their agendas.

 

[Lightme]

My mates destroyed GX AXS in 3-4 months... we don't ride groomed trail centres, but natural trails, where is a lot of rocks to stumps, I had 12s GX mechanical and I was hitting something on every ride, those things are gargantuan. I've upgraded to XT M8000 11s and no more problems !!

Is your mate’s name Dave?

 

[rzr]

nope

 

[emtbeast]

Care to summarize?

It all mostly in the part of the video onwards from 4:40min...Improvements in the 》On trail ride feel 《 of the bike and more focus on the 》torque/cadence curve《 for the motor system, not on crazy spec numbers.