Levo SL Gen 1 Levo SL 2023 Megathread

[G-Sport]

I did a range test this morning and I’m a little surprised. I got 15.5 miles with 1600ft of climbing before the bike went dead. I’m thinking that I weigh at least 215 pounds with my gear & hydration pack. I had the power turned all the way up- 100/100. Im not gonna lie, I milked it a little. I think the reason might be that when the battery gets to 40% or so the bike starts to lose power and that last 40% goes a little further because the battery can’t discharge at a high enough rate anymore to power the bike 100%. It kills me that Specialized built the ultimate SL chassis and fitted it with a shit-burger of a battery.

I assume this is without the range extender?
What were you hoping for? Full power is always going to be a big drain, efficiency will be lower at higher power and those numbers seem pretty reasonable to me. Dial the assist back to 70% (which would be like full power on the old version) and I am guessing you would get about 20miles and 2000feet, which (for your weight) seems about right.
Add the range extender and you would get 23miles and 2400feet (at full assist).

 

[RAG]

But not fitted, and I need to get a special tool to fit it?!

Yeah correct, you need to fit the chainring and cranks. The chainring requires a BBT 79 bottom bracket tool.

On a side note the frameset also includes the SWAT steerer tube multi tool and holder which is handy!

 

[p3eps]

Yeah correct, you need to fit the chainring and cranks. The chainring requires a BBT 79 bottom bracket tool.

On a side note the frameset also includes the SWAT steerer tube multi tool and holder which is handy!

Thanks… I’ll get a BBT 79 ordered up. I see Amazon have them for about £35.
I have note that my Invisiframe will be delivered tomorrow. That was quick, I only ordered it late this morning!

 

[Bluedirtz]

From the questions a page back:
I rode it with the RE and left with 7%.

I feel the SL has more natural pedal feel and torque than exe.

SL is more confidence inspiring on gnarly terrains due to geo and mullet set up. It’s got more travel too that absorbs the trail.

 

[JetSetDemo]

Thanks… I’ll get a BBT 79 ordered up. I see Amazon have them for about £35.
I have note that my Invisiframe will be delivered tomorrow. That was quick, I only ordered it late this morning!

My invisiframe kit is also turning up today so there turnaround is super fast

 

[RAG]

Thanks… I’ll get a BBT 79 ordered up. I see Amazon have them for about £35.
I have note that my Invisiframe will be delivered tomorrow. That was quick, I only ordered it late this morning!

Did you go for a matte finish kit?

I’m on the fence with ordering one, there’s lots of subtle gloss black details and decals on the frame that stand out against the satin tubes so I’m thinking they might get lost if you put a matte wrap over it all.

I’ve previously always invisiframe’d my bikes but I’m not sure on this one… I’m sure I’ll massively regret it the minute it inevitably gets scratched

 

[Mcharza]

Maybe I am confused and I appreciate any clarification. In your post, you state the following, "I did 23 miles and covered 4180 of elevation". Was this particular ride using the internal battery and range extender, or just the internal battery?

The original question was probably meant for @Bluedirtz
I'm sorry I answered your question.

 

[JetSetDemo]

Did you go for a matte finish kit?

I’m on the fence with ordering one, there’s lots of subtle gloss black details and decals on the frame that stand out against the satin tubes so I’m thinking they might get lost if you put a matte wrap over it all.

I’ve previously always invisiframe’d my bikes but I’m not sure on this one… I’m sure I’ll massively regret it the minute it inevitably gets scratched

I went for the Matt finish and also Matt for the forks. I e never fitted a Matt finish before however this is the first satin finish frame I have had. I was thinking to add Kash bronze decals for the frame

 

[p3eps]

Did you go for a matte finish kit?

I’m on the fence with ordering one, there’s lots of subtle gloss black details and decals on the frame that stand out against the satin tubes so I’m thinking they might get lost if you put a matte wrap over it all.

I’ve previously always invisiframe’d my bikes but I’m not sure on this one… I’m sure I’ll massively regret it the minute it inevitably gets scratched

I went with matte, and already have the matte one on my '19 LSL Expert. It had a matte sort of frame where you could see the carbon weave through it. I'm glad I had it on, as there are a couple of instances where it's potentially saved some scuffs / chips - so I feel like it's a must for this one.
It's also best to get it on before the frame gets dirt on it - so now is the time! I did my Expert before I rode it... and found it quite therapeutic!!

Do you have a pic of the frame? I was looking at the SRAM Transmission, and wasn't sure which one I'd need. They all seem to come as kits with cranks... and I'd like to change my cranks to 165mm.
I imagine buying a derailleur / cassette, chain etc all separate would cost more than a kit.

I'm also wondering about the chain ring they supply? Is it a specific one for the SRAM transmission since that's what you'd get on an S-Works?

I have to say I'm pretty disappointed that it's the black frame... as I really liked the silver that was posted. I had already planned out a colour scheme in my head... and am now having to rethink!

 

[Ribinrobin]

Interesting reading some of these ride reports as a gen 2 owner also.

I can see people are going hard on the settings, I’ve been tweaking mine quite a bit and have done 4 rides now. Im a fit rider tho have leg issues.

Rode yesterday 3 hours, 18 miles 2,487ft elevation. Mostly in eco which I have at 30/60 and on trail 30/100 didn’t touch turbo. I’ve now changed these again as found I could put more out myself so next ride trying 30/50 30/80. Im 92kg and 6,2ft. I finished my ride with 11% and was spent!

I do think with how the battery drains on this bike it’s not right bike for anyone who isn’t fit(ish) or thinks their getting 50nm and a big power upgrade over previous gen.

*edit*
Lighter rides will probably get a lot better range than myself!

I have bought the range extender but I have no intention on using that for trail days, will be for epics or parks etc.

This bike stays true to the SL formula and it is x2 you, those running the higher motor settings losing battery your probs looking for x3 you.

I saw someone post they where more comfortable on their gen 3 on way down. Im not an amazing rider but I’m at a good level, do big gaps, features, black trails etc. I think the bike is unreal on the way down compared to my gen 3 which feels like a boat. Beat all my gen 3 times and just generally prefer the feel of this bike.


No upgrades in mind, I like the mullet it’s super playful for the tight steep ruts I’m hitting. Pretty sure my gen 3 will be going up on eBay soon.

 

[Rich-H]

I went with matte, and already have the matte one on my '19 LSL Expert. It had a matte sort of frame where you could see the carbon weave through it. I'm glad I had it on, as there are a couple of instances where it's potentially saved some scuffs / chips - so I feel like it's a must for this one.
It's also best to get it on before the frame gets dirt on it - so now is the time! I did my Expert before I rode it... and found it quite therapeutic!!

Do you have a pic of the frame? I was looking at the SRAM Transmission, and wasn't sure which one I'd need. They all seem to come as kits with cranks... and I'd like to change my cranks to 165mm.
I imagine buying a derailleur / cassette, chain etc all separate would cost more than a kit.

I'm also wondering about the chain ring they supply? Is it a specific one for the SRAM transmission since that's what you'd get on an S-Works?

I have to say I'm pretty disappointed that it's the black frame... as I really liked the silver that was posted. I had already planned out a colour scheme in my head... and am now having to rethink!

You need to buy the the XX/X0 Eagle AXS E-Bike Transmission Groupset with 104BCD chainring. This kit does not include the cranks. The kit will include the correct chainring but it will be 36T. I would imagine the chainring included with the frame will be the correct t-type 104BCD version (this chainring is also backwards compatible with older Eagle).

X0- Groupset - X0 T-Type Eagle E-Mtb 104Bcd Transmission Axs Groupset (Rd W/Battery/Charger/Cord, Ec Pod Ult, Cr 104Bcd T-Type 36T,Clip-On Guard, Cn 126L, Cs Xs-1295 10-52T) – Cranks Not Included

XX - Groupset - Xx T-Type Eagle E-Mtb 104Bcd Transmission Axs Groupset (Rd W/Battery/Charger/Cord, Ec Pod Ult, Cr 104Bcd T-Type 36T,Clip-On Guard, Cn 126L, Cs Xs-1297 10-52T) – Cranks Not Included

I don't believe the SRAM cranks are available for sale yet, maybe they will become available when SRAM launch their new motor. It looks like the SRAM model number is FC-S996 and they will be available in 165/170/175.

 

[Suns_PSD]

How naturally does this bike pedal with the motor turned off?

Thx

 

[Ribinrobin]

How naturally does this bike pedal with the motor turned off?

Thx

Not too bad. I switch mine off on flat fire roads though the weight does make it a bit slow.

You would be better off using the microtune function to move down to 10-20% to take the weight sting out.

I wouldn't mind running out of battery and having to pedal, but i wouldn't purposely turn the motor off and go for a full ride pedaling without the assistance. Hope this helps!

 

[Suns_PSD]

Thx!

the thinking is that with the smaller battery, pedaling with no support is probably going to happen at some point or another.

Would anyone be so kind as to measure max seat post insertion depth on an S5?

 

[p3eps]

If the SL 1.2 motor is the same as the 1.1 in terms of drag with no support, then it's very minimal.
I often go for a ride round the fire roads with the kids (only 3 1/2 and 8 - not not into the rough stuff yet!!) and do 5 or 6 miles without even switching the bike on.

I did a 23 mile / 1500m elevation with a friend who now lives in the Philippines when he was over for a couple of weeks. We shared my Stumpy and LSL... and had the LSL set to 10/10 to compensate for the drag and extra weight... but it was still much faster than just plain leg power on the Stumpy!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

 

[G-Sport]

Very interesting. Particularly the bit about looking at the data they collect of how people ACTUALLY use the power modes. Does beg the question of why they have set the factory power modes the way they have. From the way he was talking, I would have expected eco and trail to mimic the old eco and trail with a bigger jump to turbo for the short tricky bits. Even better would have been to add a forth mode, so Eco Trail and Turbo could have been equivalent to previous modes and just add a "super turbo" above. Great for marketing too.

 

[teapeaage]

Hello,

Yes it seems a good option for you . I like the “small” improvements and only regret that the battery had no upgrade… But I really consider buying one shortly

Welp, I pulled the trigger. I actually only use 35 or 50% of the motor power so hoping I get a small range bump going to 25/40% on the new (reviews said it is more effective than the old one), but the DPS, the 150mm fork and the steeper geometry on my 2020 SL were always things that prevented me from thinking it’s my perfect ride as I used to ride slightly more gnarly terrain. I won’t mind a quieter motor either.

Debated the white but it’s a bit flashy, the satin carbon feels quite understated which I think I like (but for the bright orange FOX decals- I wish they kept them matte gold like 2020)

I will end up with two range extenders (640Wh in total) which is essentially endless solo riding for me.

Should be here end of May/beginning of June.

 

[Pete N]

I went for the Matt finish and also Matt for the forks. I e never fitted a Matt finish before however this is the first satin finish frame I have had. I was thinking to add Kash bronze decals for the frame

Congratulations, bike will be amazing I’m sure. I’m sure you could get the Bronze Foil decals made up from the 2021 version. I have that and it’s stunning.
If I ever get the new one in black, I’d do the same.

 

[RAG]

I went with matte, and already have the matte one on my '19 LSL Expert. It had a matte sort of frame where you could see the carbon weave through it. I'm glad I had it on, as there are a couple of instances where it's potentially saved some scuffs / chips - so I feel like it's a must for this one.
It's also best to get it on before the frame gets dirt on it - so now is the time! I did my Expert before I rode it... and found it quite therapeutic!!

Do you have a pic of the frame? I was looking at the SRAM Transmission, and wasn't sure which one I'd need. They all seem to come as kits with cranks... and I'd like to change my cranks to 165mm.
I imagine buying a derailleur / cassette, chain etc all separate would cost more than a kit.

I'm also wondering about the chain ring they supply? Is it a specific one for the SRAM transmission since that's what you'd get on an S-Works?

I have to say I'm pretty disappointed that it's the black frame... as I really liked the silver that was posted. I had already planned out a colour scheme in my head... and am now having to rethink!

You’re talking total sense with the frame protection, think I’ll probably order it.

I’ve had a busy day so the frame has become a bike!

As mentioned above the chainring is backwards compatible with Eagle so I’ve re-used my XX1 AXS stuff off my Stumpy. Can’t quite get my head around the cost of the new T Type stuff, I’ll no doubt upgrade at some point but I think I’ll wait until I’ve worn out my XX1 cassette first!

I’ve only had a quick blast but the power seems massive to me (for my needs), I’ll definitely be dialling down the default 35/35 eco. I wanted one bike to replace my standard MTB and my EP8 EMTB, I think this has nailed the brief!

Re motor noise it seems pretty quiet to me, it’s like a slightly muted EP8 without the annoying rattle.

The only tricky bit of the build (other than bleeding an MT7… always fun!) was the chainring lock ring, I bought a Park tool BBT 79.3 socket but it only seems to grip the first few mm of the lock ring indents due to the spider design, I managed to do it up but perhaps there’s a better tool for this.

Looking forward to taking it out for a proper ride over the weekend!

 

[G-Sport]

Looks super.
Bleeding Maguras has caused me a lot of problems this week. Think I have finally cracked it now, key seems to be finishing with the pistons slightly out so you definitely get enough oil in, don't think the master cylinder copes well with having to give up too much of it's oil.

 

[p3eps]

You’re talking total sense with the frame protection, think I’ll probably order it.

I’ve had a busy day so the frame has become a bike!

View attachment 114346

View attachment 114348

As mentioned above the chainring is backwards compatible with Eagle so I’ve re-used my XX1 AXS stuff off my Stumpy. Can’t quite get my head around the cost of the new T Type stuff, I’ll no doubt upgrade at some point but I think I’ll wait until I’ve worn out my XX1 cassette first!

I’ve only had a quick blast but the power seems massive to me (for my needs), I’ll definitely be dialling down the default 35/35 eco. I wanted one bike to replace my standard MTB and my EP8 EMTB, I think this has nailed the brief!

Re motor noise it seems pretty quiet to me, it’s like a slightly muted EP8 without the annoying rattle.

The only tricky bit of the build (other than bleeding an MT7… always fun!) was the chainring lock ring, I bought a Park tool BBT 79.3 socket but it only seems to grip the first few mm of the lock ring indents due to the spider design, I managed to do it up but perhaps there’s a better tool for this.

Looking forward to taking it out for a proper ride over the weekend!

Looks awesome. I’ve just heard mine is at the main branch, so it should be at my local one tomorrow. It’s my wife’s 40th birthday tomorrow, but I’m hoping I can slip away for an hour to collect it!

I was away to order that Park Tool BBT-79 just now so I’d have it for the weekend. Is that not what I need after all? No point in spending £35 on something that only does a half job!

The Maguras are probably the bit I’m dreading most. I’m also not sure if I have enough slack on my current hoses to let me cut the rear and re-attach… as I made them about as short as could to keep them today on my current bike!

 

[JetSetDemo]

You’re talking total sense with the frame protection, think I’ll probably order it.

I’ve had a busy day so the frame has become a bike!

View attachment 114346

View attachment 114348

As mentioned above the chainring is backwards compatible with Eagle so I’ve re-used my XX1 AXS stuff off my Stumpy. Can’t quite get my head around the cost of the new T Type stuff, I’ll no doubt upgrade at some point but I think I’ll wait until I’ve worn out my XX1 cassette first!

I’ve only had a quick blast but the power seems massive to me (for my needs), I’ll definitely be dialling down the default 35/35 eco. I wanted one bike to replace my standard MTB and my EP8 EMTB, I think this has nailed the brief!

Re motor noise it seems pretty quiet to me, it’s like a slightly muted EP8 without the annoying rattle.

The only tricky bit of the build (other than bleeding an MT7… always fun!) was the chainring lock ring, I bought a Park tool BBT 79.3 socket but it only seems to grip the first few mm of the lock ring indents due to the spider design, I managed to do it up but perhaps there’s a better tool for this.

Looking forward to taking it out for a proper ride over the weekend!

Looks epic. I get back from Budapest tomorrow and I have a whole bunch of new components in Kash Bronze to fit along with new bars and the frame protection kit to fit Saturday, I’ve only ridden it for 5 min so can’t wait to get on it next week. I’m interested in the break performance now, I was thinking of swapping to XT as that’s the best I’ve had, do I need to change the hoses for Magura?

 

[RAG]

Looks awesome. I’ve just heard mine is at the main branch, so it should be at my local one tomorrow. It’s my wife’s 40th birthday tomorrow, but I’m hoping I can slip away for an hour to collect it!

I was away to order that Park Tool BBT-79 just now so I’d have it for the weekend. Is that not what I need after all? No point in spending £35 on something that only does a half job!

The Maguras are probably the bit I’m dreading most. I’m also not sure if I have enough slack on my current hoses to let me cut the rear and re-attach… as I made them about as short as could to keep them today on my current bike!

I think I messed up on the tool, I got the Park BBT 79.3 which has a much thicker wall, the Park BBT 79 looks lower profile in the wall of the socket so that should do the trick

 

[RAG]

Looks epic. I get back from Budapest tomorrow and I have a whole bunch of new components in Kash Bronze to fit along with new bars and the frame protection kit to fit Saturday, I’ve only ridden it for 5 min so can’t wait to get on it next week. I’m interested in the break performance now, I was thinking of swapping to XT as that’s the best I’ve had, do I need to change the hoses for Magura?

Nothing wrong with XT 4 pots and they’re a lot easier to bleed!

 

[Cb750stu]

Awesome build

You’re talking total sense with the frame protection, think I’ll probably order it.

I’ve had a busy day so the frame has become a bike!

View attachment 114346

View attachment 114348

As mentioned above the chainring is backwards compatible with Eagle so I’ve re-used my XX1 AXS stuff off my Stumpy. Can’t quite get my head around the cost of the new T Type stuff, I’ll no doubt upgrade at some point but I think I’ll wait until I’ve worn out my XX1 cassette first!

I’ve only had a quick blast but the power seems massive to me (for my needs), I’ll definitely be dialling down the default 35/35 eco. I wanted one bike to replace my standard MTB and my EP8 EMTB, I think this has nailed the brief!

Re motor noise it seems pretty quiet to me, it’s like a slightly muted EP8 without the annoying rattle.

The only tricky bit of the build (other than bleeding an MT7… always fun!) was the chainring lock ring, I bought a Park tool BBT 79.3 socket but it only seems to grip the first few mm of the lock ring indents due to the spider design, I managed to do it up but perhaps there’s a better tool for this.

Looking forward to taking it out for a proper ride over the weekend!

did you have to drop the motor to run the rear brake hose or just push it through??
Also does it come with a battery extender as a part of the price??

Regards

 

[RAG]

Awesome build
did you have to drop the motor to run the rear brake hose or just push it through??
Also does it come with a battery extender as a part of the price??

Regards

Thankfully not, it’s tube in tube right up to just short of the head tube, so the cables just push through. Although if you use a cable actuated dropper I reckon you’d have to drop the motor.

Yeah the frameset includes the RE.

 

[Cb750stu]

Thankfully not, it’s tube in tube right up to just short of the head tube, so the cables just push through. Although if you use a cable actuated dropper I reckon you’d have to drop the motor.

Yeah the frameset includes the RE.

Perfect man thank you

 

[p3eps]

Thankfully not, it’s tube in tube right up to just short of the head tube, so the cables just push through. Although if you use a cable actuated dropper I reckon you’d have to drop the motor.

Yeah the frameset includes the RE.

Do you not just slide the dropper cable in the correct hole at the front and it appears inside the seat tube? That’s how it came out when I pulled my old one out!

 

[Cb750stu]

Thankfully not, it’s tube in tube right up to just short of the head tube, so the cables just push through. Although if you use a cable actuated dropper I reckon you’d have to drop the motor.

Yeah the frameset includes the RE.

Perfect man thank you
Oh do you get a full headset too ??