Levo SL Gen 1 Levo SL 2023 Megathread

[Lloyders88]

 

[Lloyders88]

And I don’t have a full build… frame only

 

[p3eps]

And I don’t have a full build… frame only

Just google “SRAM 20mm Post Mount Adapter”.

 

[Lloyders88]

Just google “SRAM 20mm Post Mount Adapter”.

already Did that ffs… forget about it.

 

[Pete N]

While the former gen SL got dislike because of weak power (by some), I start to feel this new gen will be because of weak range. This is sad cause aside from unchanged small battery this bike is very appealing! A 400wh battery would have hit the sweet spot!

I don’t want a heavier bike with a 400wh battery for most of my riding. I’ll use the RE on a longer ride. I actually like the adjustability of that. I get 480wh if I need it for a longer ride. I do think that all models should come with a RE though.

 

[Pete N]

Anyone who’s running the T-Type AXS got any feedback? My LBS has had a few comments that the shifting is slower compared to the original but it seems to suit an E-bike quite well. Not so good on an analogue which is interesting.
I need to decide whether to sell my (8 mile test ride) XX AXS GEN 1 while it’s as new so I can afford the T-Type. The first Gen has been great on my Epic Evo.

 

[bryankcc]

Anybody here with levo sl 2 installed a superdeluxe coil? How did u like it? Pics pls if its an S3. Will it clear s3 with RE? Thanks in advance.

Bike handles so well but rear not keeping up with the fox 36... thinking of RS SD coil upgrade.

TIA

 

[p3eps]

Anyone who’s running the T-Type AXS got any feedback? My LBS has had a few comments that the shifting is slower compared to the original but it seems to suit an E-bike quite well. Not so good on an analogue which is interesting.
I need to decide whether to sell my (8 mile test ride) XX AXS GEN 1 while it’s as new so I can afford the T-Type. The first Gen has been great on my Epic Evo.

I’ve had AXS XX1 on my previous bike for 3 and a half years (+4000 miles), and now have about 75 miles so far with the XX T-Type.
For me, there is an improvement in shifting. It doesn’t like doing 2 or 3 shifts at once - but then I’d never do that anyway.

It can be slower as it waits to find the right part of the cassette, but we’re talking milliseconds.

XX1 was awesome, but the XX just feels more precise, and never misses a beat. No rasping, and the setup is an absolute joy with no adjustment screws! I’m also loving the POD now that I have it in the right place!

I sold my XX1 derailleur (well used!) and remote for £340, and my XX1 cassette / chain for £200, so it still cost me about £850 to upgrade.

Is it worth that… probably not, but you could argue that the frame isn’t worth £5750, are the wheels I ordered are not worth £2550 etc etc.

If you want it, don’t justify it to yourself, and just do it!! If not, the XX1 is still an awesome system.

EDIT - there’s always the option of the new GX T-Type, which has exactly the same performance and is considerably cheaper. The only downside is it’s slightly heavier, doesn’t have the cool ‘magic’ jockey wheel, and doesn’t look as nice (IMO).

 

[p3eps]

already Did that ffs… forget about it.

If you’ve done that, then why are you asking?!
There are loads of SRAM / Avid or other manufactures that do it.
Just make sure you get a 20mm one for SRAM as Magura / Shimano and others use a 203mm rotor so have a slightly different mount.

 

[Ribinrobin]

I See a few people say about sizing, it’s definitely each to their own but I got a s5 Levo and a s4 Levo sl. I’m 6,2, I prefer a shorter bike, very active rider and the sl really suits my style.

 

[p3eps]

I See a few people say about sizing, it’s definitely each to their own but I got a s5 Levo and a s4 Levo sl. I’m 6,2, I prefer a shorter bike, very active rider and the sl really suits my style.

Completely agree... I'm just under 6ft 2" and on an S4 too - coming from an XL Levo SL 1.1.
The difference is night and day. I knew the XL was too big for me after a couple of rides, but at that point there wasn't a lot I could do other than pull the bars towards me and pull the seat forward.

The S4 feels like a massive breath of fresh air now I'm used to it! So much more manoeuvrable, and easier to pop / jump. I can also hang right off the back comfortably, which I could never do with my XL.
Arguably with the 'S' sizing, I could have picked S4 / S5 or S6. The S6 would have been like a boat for me!!

 

[Rich-H]

and what are the brackets being used????

You need to order the following:

00.5318.007.004 - POST BRACKET - 20 P (FRONT180/REAR 160), INCLUDES STAINLESS CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS (CPS & STANDARD), INCREASED DEPTH FOR FITMENT OF ALL CALIPERS INCLUDING GUIDE ULTIMATE.

 

[Rich-H]

It has replaced an Expert Gen3 with Long Cascade and also a Kenevo SL Expert. For me it is a much better bike than both!!!!

I'm really in love with the SL2 PRO

Agreed, when using the range extender I'm getting similar range to my Gen 3 Levo with 700W battery. Much prefer the feel to FF Levo.

The only slight negative for me is motor noise, I find the Gen 3 Levo to be quite a bit quieter in most situations. I never owned a Gen 1 SL, can't imagine how noisy that must be!

 

[Ribinrobin]

Completely agree... I'm just under 6ft 2" and on an S4 too - coming from an XL Levo SL 1.1.
The difference is night and day. I knew the XL was too big for me after a couple of rides, but at that point there wasn't a lot I could do other than pull the bars towards me and pull the seat forward.

The S4 feels like a massive breath of fresh air now I'm used to it! So much more manoeuvrable, and easier to pop / jump. I can also hang right off the back comfortably, which I could never do with my XL.
Arguably with the 'S' sizing, I could have picked S4 / S5 or S6. The S6 would have been like a boat for me!!

Yeah its a personal choice, which is hard to advise people on. I've done so many changes to my S5 levo FF to try get it how i like, but it just feels like a boat compared to my two S4 bikes, expensive mistake!

A friend of mine is 6,1 and on a S6 FF levo, he loves it but his style is more just blast through things.

 

[Rich-H]

I’ve had AXS XX1 on my previous bike for 3 and a half years (+4000 miles), and now have about 75 miles so far with the XX T-Type.
For me, there is an improvement in shifting. It doesn’t like doing 2 or 3 shifts at once - but then I’d never do that anyway.

It can be slower as it waits to find the right part of the cassette, but we’re talking milliseconds.

XX1 was awesome, but the XX just feels more precise, and never misses a beat. No rasping, and the setup is an absolute joy with no adjustment screws! I’m also loving the POD now that I have it in the right place!

I sold my XX1 derailleur (well used!) and remote for £340, and my XX1 cassette / chain for £200, so it still cost me about £850 to upgrade.

Is it worth that… probably not, but you could argue that the frame isn’t worth £5750, are the wheels I ordered are not worth £2550 etc etc.

If you want it, don’t justify it to yourself, and just do it!! If not, the XX1 is still an awesome system.

EDIT - there’s always the option of the new GX T-Type, which has exactly the same performance and is considerably cheaper. The only downside is it’s slightly heavier, doesn’t have the cool ‘magic’ jockey wheel, and doesn’t look as nice (IMO).

GX or X0 are the ones to go for. I prefer the placement of the battery on GX. If you want the magic wheel, you can upgrade on both GX and X0 for around £50...

 

[Pete N]

Agreed, when using the range extender I'm getting similar range to my Gen 3 Levo with 700W battery. Much prefer the feel to FF Levo.

The only slight negative for me is motor noise, I find the Gen 3 Levo to be quite a bit quieter in most situations. I never owned a Gen 1 SL, can't imagine how noisy that must be!

Interesting re the noise. I previously had a FF Levo that was definitely quieter than the my Gen 1 SL. There does seem to be a slight variance in noise of these motors.
I’ll have mine built up oveR the next week or so it will be interesting how mine is.
Reliability of the Mahle motor is the best though with the gears.
I do hope mine is a little quieter than the Gen 1 though, Not that it really bothered me

 

[cañonaco]

Interesting re the noise. I previously had a FF Levo that was definitely quieter than the my Gen 1 SL. There does seem to be a slight variance in noise of these motors.
I’ll have mine built up oveR the next week or so it will be interesting how mine is.
Reliability of the Mahle motor is the best though with the gears.
I do hope mine is a little quieter than the Gen 1 though, Not that it really bothered me

It’s much quieter than the SL 1, unmatched

 

[p3eps]

It’s much quieter than the SL 1, unmatched

In some situations it's much quieter... however under load in a big climb, it doesn't sound 40% (or whatever Specialized's figure was) quieter to me. It still sounds pretty loud and whiney!!

 

[Rich-H]

In some situations it's much quieter... however under load in a big climb, it doesn't sound 40% (or whatever Specialized's figure was) to me. It still sounds pretty loud and whiney!!

I find that it's particularly noisy in low gear high cadence situations and get's much quieter as you move to higher gears. The noise on my Gen 3 Levo is pretty consistent through the gears, aside from the bulky look of the FF, I can pass people without them realising it's an ebike. I can't say the same on the SL.

It's a minor issue though as everything else about the bike is great...

 

[p3eps]

I find that it's particularly noisy in low gear high cadence situations and get's much quieter as you move to higher gears. The noise on my Gen 3 Levo is pretty consistent through the gears, aside from the bulky look of the FF, I can pass people without them realising it's an ebike. I can't say the same on the SL.

It's a minor issue though as everything else about the bike is great...

Yes, lower volume when cruising along - but I guess the motor isn't working as hard at that point.
I notice it mainly when I'm climbing (probably lower gears at high cadence like you say), which is when the motor is working harder. It's also the time when you want to the bike to be quiet... as you slowly pass the analog bikes going up the hill - and they look and shake their heads. They don't realise I'm only getting 20% assistance (probably sounds like it could be 200%!!!).

A bit of a shame, as after Spesh advertising the 1.2 motor as "whisper quiet", I expected it to be a lot quieter.

 

[afk314]

Noise is my single biggest issue. If buying again, I'd probably go for an EXe. My wife has one and it is dead silent. I'm jealous.

 

[Pete N]

The Trek is very quiet, easily the quietest around so you’re very unlucky to be riding next to one. It comes down to what your priorities are I guess. I prefer a better all round bike but it would be nice to have it all.
When MBR did his review you could still hear that the SL was noisier than the Trek and a higher pitch so I’m not surprised by those that weren’t expecting it.
When I’m out I can hear every other EMTB motor apart from the Trek, definitely the benchmark for noise

 

[Ride 2d@y]

I own a 22 Levo SL so I am familiar with the motor noise issue. I went to a Specialized Levo demo a few days ago and a had a chance to 'hear' the difference between the old and new motors. I agree with most that the new SL is quieter, and volume is similar to the full power Levo that I also tested. However the Levo can be ridden at lower assist modes to reduce the volume even to the point of near silence etc.

PS: I rode the Kenevo SL too and it was so much fun I forgot to listen to it

 

[p3eps]

I actually did a video comparison of my Levo SL 1.1 v's my Levo SL 1.2 on the same hill... but I don't know if I've erased it by accident when my GoPro told me it was full last week!
If it's gone, it's gone... as my old SL (frame) now has a new owner!
Will have a look when I get home and post it if I still have it.

Under certain circumstances, the 1.2 motor is significantly quieter than the 1.1 was... but sometimes it seems to be just as loud / whiney.

When MBR did his review you could still hear that the SL was noisier than the Trek and a higher pitch so I’m not surprised by those that weren’t expecting it.

I never expected it to be quieter than the Trek... but I did expect it to be a lot quieter than the SL 1.1 motor.

 

[Pete N]

I actually did a video comparison of my Levo SL 1.1 v's my Levo SL 1.2 on the same hill... but I don't know if I've erased it by accident when my GoPro told me it was full last week!
If it's gone, it's gone... as my old SL (frame) now has a new owner!
Will have a look when I get home and post it if I still have it.

Under certain circumstances, the 1.2 motor is significantly quieter than the 1.1 was... but sometimes it seems to be just as loud / whiney.


I never expected it to be quieter than the Trek... but I did expect it to be a lot quieter than the SL 1.1 motor.

Shame it isn’t noticeably quieter than the Gen 1 when under high load. All the reviews have suggested it is but when I heard Rob’s video of the review I could still hear it, that’s for sure.

 

[Pete N]

After a few weeks riding the bike I can also say that I am pretty happy with the range even without the RE.
My sweet spot is eco 40/40 and trail 60/60. I almost never use turbo because I ride with friends on analog bikes.
Last sunday I rode 32km, 576m elevation gain at almost 13km/h average speed and came back with 50% battery (on flat road junctions I turned the bike off for approx 2km).

This GEN2 SL is a fantastic bike !

A few people are reporting that it’s not as quiet as hoped, how are you finding yours after a couple of months of ownership?
Mine may get finished this weekend!

 

[cañonaco]

After 2 years of heavy use of the Kenevo SL and 1.5 years of the Levo G3, the new SL is almost as quiet as the Levo FF.

Over a month with the PRO, 12 trips and the engine/noise improvement is fantastic.

At full load it's noisier than the FF, but not too loud.

The usage time at full load is short and the balance is very good!

 

[Pete N]

After 2 years of heavy use of the Kenevo SL and 1.5 years of the Levo G3, the new SL is almost as quiet as the Levo FF.

Over a month with the PRO, 12 trips and the engine/noise improvement is fantastic.

At full load it's noisier than the FF, but not too loud.

The usage time at full load is short and the balance is very good!

Do you find it noticeably quieter than the Kenevo SL? I should be able to see for myself over the next week when my Gen2 is built

 

[Ribinrobin]

I find mine alot quieter under light load/fire road load. on steeps it sounds similar to the old one tho a bit more muted

 

[Trail Blazer]

I just got the Comp version. Pro seems to be postponed due a re-tooling issue?

45 minutes and 10 km trail first ride in Eco. Super nimble and fun to ride. More an analogue bike than e-bike compared to the Rise. I got the S4 that is perfect for me around 184. Will change to a raise bar 35-40 mm and 40 mm stem.

Think the SL 2 will be perfect for trail riding where Orbea Wild 2023 M10 will be for all mountain and enduro.
Thank you for providing valuable feedback.