Kenevo Gen1 Official 2020 Kenevo Owners Thread

[ScottWest]

Does anyone use an air shock on the rear of their Kenevo? My Bomber CR just died and I'm thinking an air shock could liven up the bike.

Yes. RockShox Super Deluxe RCT. An air shock will definitely liven it up, but she is not as plush as the coil.

 

[chin.surf]

After fixing creaking from from forks I now have fluid leaking from the rebound adjuster after riding my local trails today.is it an easy fix .ta

 

[MEDUIX]

In my Kenevo I have suffered creakings that apparently came from the front part and were actually caused by the dropper post - seat tube clamp

Quick intro since I am new to the site. Been riding MTB since 1988 (yes I am old) and have owned multiple Levo's and both versions of the Kenevo.

Current setup is getting pretty dialed now. Build is a 2020 Kenevo frame, upgraded 700wHr battery, 2020 Lyrik Select fork (temporary to test 29 wheels), Fox X2 Factory rear shock, Roval 29 Carbon wheels (temporary for testing), Renthal cockpit, PNW Bachelor post, WTB Silverado saddle, Saint brakes, CushCore front and rear, full AXS XX1 drivetrain.

Planning on building a new custom wheelset now that I am now that I am sure about the 29 wheels. I have done a lot of experimentation so happy to answer any questions on the multiple iterations I have gone through. View attachment 36788

View attachment 36789

Will you finally go with 29er front and rear?
Do youn really prefer the air X2 shock better than a coil shock?

 

[Mcharza]

Quick intro since I am new to the site. Been riding MTB since 1988 (yes I am old) and have owned multiple Levo's and both versions of the Kenevo.

Current setup is getting pretty dialed now. Build is a 2020 Kenevo frame, upgraded 700wHr battery, 2020 Lyrik Select fork (temporary to test 29 wheels), Fox X2 Factory rear shock, Roval 29 Carbon wheels (temporary for testing), Renthal cockpit, PNW Bachelor post, WTB Silverado saddle, Saint brakes, CushCore front and rear, full AXS XX1 drivetrain.

Planning on building a new custom wheelset now that I am now that I am sure about the 29 wheels. I have done a lot of experimentation so happy to answer any questions on the multiple iterations I have gone through. View attachment 36788

View attachment 36789

Maybe have to buy a new 29 fork, because the original Zocchi 27,5 has so little clearance for a 29 wheel.
What lenght of 29 fork you installed and what is the rake?

 

[Hightower]

Hi All!

Just bought a new Kenovo. Though I'm 5'11," I prefer a smaller bike and the S3 fits me perfectly.

Unfortunately, the 500lb spring on the coil shock that comes on the S3 is woefully under-sprung for my loaded up weight of 195.

I just did a few runs of really aggressive riding at Downieville these last couple days.

I have the spring preload dial turned way up and even then the bike feels a bit "squishy" at times.

Should I try the 550 or go right to the 600lb spring? Or should I consider the Cane Creek progressive spring?

Also, what size spring is on this shock? It's been 15 years or longer since I've fiddled with a coil shock and have forgotten how to calculate spring size.

Thanks for any help!

 

[rydeezie]

Hi All!

Just bought a new Kenovo. Though I'm 5'11," I prefer a smaller bike and the S3 fits me perfectly.

Unfortunately, the 500lb spring on the coil shock that comes on the S3 is woefully under-sprung for my loaded up weight of 195.

I just did a few runs of really aggressive riding at Downieville these last couple days.

I have the spring preload dial turned way up and even then the bike feels a bit "squishy" at times.

Should I try the 550 or go right to the 600lb spring? Or should I consider the Cane Creek progressive spring?

Also, what size spring is on this shock? It's been 15 years or longer since I've fiddled with a coil shock and have forgotten how to calculate spring size.

Thanks for any help!

I weigh 235 lbs.
RockShox Metric Coil Spring - Length 151mm, Travel 57.5-65mm

i got the 550lb from worldwide cyclery for my s3 then i sized up to an s4 which has it so now i have an extra. Turns out my nomad 4 used the same coil so i have 3 of the exact same in black. I can sell you one if you’re interested. $20

heading out to downieville today....

 

[Dave11]

Does anyone use an air shock on the rear of their Kenevo? My Bomber CR just died and I'm thinking an air shock could liven up the bike.

Yep, I've got a float X2 and it is really good. I ended up with a 600 spring on the CR and it would still bottom out on fast flatish landings. I think the Kenevo benefits from a shock that can be more progressive.

 

[Hightower]

I weigh 235 lbs.
RockShox Metric Coil Spring - Length 151mm, Travel 57.5-65mm

i got the 550lb from worldwide cyclery for my s3 then i sized up to an s4 which has it so now i have an extra. Turns out my nomad 4 used the same coil so i have 3 of the exact same in black. I can sell you one if you’re interested. $20

heading out to downieville today....

Thanks! PM'd you. Have a great time at D-Ville, dude.

 

[BrettG]

Has anyone experienced either a single loud crunch, or a few crunches originating in the motor area? I can feel them too, and it's disconcerting.

I've noticed a fairly regular single crunch when I have been coasting for a moment, and then initially apply torque to the pedals. I usually ride in Eco mode and don't notice it as much then, but if I'm in Sport or Turbo it's not uncommon.

A few days ago I was climbing a steep section that had a step-up over a log and as the rear tire reached the log, and I attempted to power up it, I heard a series of the same sort of awful crunch, and had to drop a foot.

The sound is reminiscent of a cordless drill with a clutch, but a larger and more unsettling crunch (link was supposed to take you to the right time, but isn't, so go to 1:30 for an example:

 

[panaphonic]

Has anyone experienced either a single loud crunch, or a few crunches originating in the motor area? I can feel them too, and it's disconcerting.

I've noticed a fairly regular single crunch when I have been coasting for a moment, and then initially apply torque to the pedals. I usually ride in Eco mode and don't notice it as much then, but if I'm in Sport or Turbo it's not uncommon.

A few days ago I was climbing a steep section that had a step-up over a log and as the rear tire reached the log, and I attempted to power up it, I heard a series of the same sort of awful crunch, and had to drop a foot.

The sound is reminiscent of a cordless drill with a clutch, but a larger and more unsettling crunch (link was supposed to take you to the right time, but isn't, so go to 1:30 for an example:

It's the motor/belt. It will fail soon, happened to mine.

 

[nB2000]

In Bergen we have alot of mud, and not much sand, so I need a tire that releases mud fast.

Maxxxis Shorty Maxxgrip* front and same (or maybe Maxxterra) rear is your choice for that, especially if its "clay"/mud.
I like the Shorty 2.5 WT a lot as it's good on 30-35 rims. Maybe that’s OK for you? They do also make bigger I believe.

*beautiful grip and confidence from the maxxgrip. The Bontrager G5 DH tyre takes some beating too but is slightly less good at shedding mud..

 

[Salespunk]

In my Kenevo I have suffered creakings that apparently came from the front part and were actually caused by the dropper post - seat tube clamp

Will you finally go with 29er front and rear?
Do youn really prefer the air X2 shock better than a coil shock?

Yes 29 F/R and the X2 is awesome, but may not be for everyone. Personally I love both and have no intention of going back.

 

[Salespunk]

Hi All!

Just bought a new Kenovo. Though I'm 5'11," I prefer a smaller bike and the S3 fits me perfectly.

Unfortunately, the 500lb spring on the coil shock that comes on the S3 is woefully under-sprung for my loaded up weight of 195.

I just did a few runs of really aggressive riding at Downieville these last couple days.

I have the spring preload dial turned way up and even then the bike feels a bit "squishy" at times.

Should I try the 550 or go right to the 600lb spring? Or should I consider the Cane Creek progressive spring?

Also, what size spring is on this shock? It's been 15 years or longer since I've fiddled with a coil shock and have forgotten how to calculate spring size.

Thanks for any help!

Just go straight to an air shock. This linkage is not really progressive enough for a coil setup even though it comes with one stock. If hou ride hard you will bottom it consistently unless you over spring it and then you will lose the small bump compliance.

 

[Salespunk]

Does anyone use an air shock on the rear of their Kenevo? My Bomber CR just died and I'm thinking an air shock could liven up the bike.

I run an X2 factory setup and it is really good

 

[Salespunk]

After fixing creaking from from forks I now have fluid leaking from the rebound adjuster after riding my local trails today.is it an easy fix .ta View attachment 36965

The bottom nut is either not torqued enough or you need a new crush washer. Simple fix either way, just be very careful you don't strip the aluminum foot nut.

 

[Salespunk]

Maybe have to buy a new 29 fork, because the original Zocchi 27,5 has so little clearance for a 29 wheel.
What lenght of 29 fork you installed and what is the rake?

170 Lyrik with a 42 offset. It was the fork I took off my Enduro when I mounted the new 38.

 

[Dave11]

Has anyone experienced either a single loud crunch, or a few crunches originating in the motor area? I can feel them too, and it's disconcerting.

I've noticed a fairly regular single crunch when I have been coasting for a moment, and then initially apply torque to the pedals. I usually ride in Eco mode and don't notice it as much then, but if I'm in Sport or Turbo it's not uncommon.

A few days ago I was climbing a steep section that had a step-up over a log and as the rear tire reached the log, and I attempted to power up it, I heard a series of the same sort of awful crunch, and had to drop a foot.

The sound is reminiscent of a cordless drill with a clutch, but a larger and more unsettling crunch (link was supposed to take you to the right time, but isn't, so go to 1:30 for an example:

I had that about 5 minutes before the motor died. The good news is that the newer motors seem much better. My first motor got 700km, the second only 450km but my third and one with the updated belt hasn't missed a beat in 1300km. I wouldn't ride too far from the car.

 

[BrettG]

Thanks for sharing your experiences panaphonic and Dave11. So far it doesn’t seem to be getting worse, and the local mechanic acted like Specialized won’t do much for me at this point, unless the thing fully fails.

 

[BrettG]

Sage Green Kenevo owners: have you been able to find a good paint match or paint code for these bikes?

I called Specialized in Morgan Hill and they told me that they will not provide codes or touchup paint as it would encourage people to make knock-off bikes. I thought that was a pretty odd comment, given the paint is the least challenging part of copying one of these....

 

[Sherman]

So here I am again with a new bike. My Kona Remote 160 got stolen My insurance company was unable to source another one and got me this 2020 Kenevo Comp instead. It's size S5 and pretty close to what Kona in XL was.

I've had just a quick ride home from store. I have previously owned a Levo 2017 and had already forgotten how smooth, natural and quiet the Brose motor is. Originally I wasn't so keen on the color, especially after the really good looking Kona, but it's growing on me.

Components are a bit hit and miss. Love the motor, suspension is good enough and for once saddle and grips are not something that need to be replaced immediately. I've always liked SRAM brakes, they are like Brose motors - wonderful when they work 150mm dropper could be longer, it's slammed all the way down in the photo. Also, 12 speed eagle would have been nice, my local downhill spot is a very steep climb. I'm probably changing the stem for a 35mm long one and bars to Renthal riser.

And the last nice thing was that I could setup the fake channel to show battery percentage on my Garmin Forerunner 45 watch (which itself does not support Garmin IQ apps, incl Levo data fields).

 

[beutelfuchs]

You should write that thief a thank you note.

 

[robwormald]

My new (sort of) Kenevo: I bought a 2020 Expert a few months back, and accidentally damaged the upper shock mount threads - entirely my fault, overtorqued a dirty bolt out on a ride. Threw myself at the mercy of my LBS, and they ended up working out a solution - they couldn't find a single S3 Expert Kenevo to replace it with, so we agreed on a Comp with all my Expert goodies (suspension, battery, etc) and upgrades swapped over. Couldn't be happier with my LBS or Specialized HQ. Ended up with a pretty unique bike!

 

[Forever Wild]

Woop woop. Owners thread for 2020 Kenevo

My long term test in S5
View attachment 19516

Is it just me or does the S5 look really really long? Wonder how it corners?

 

[wgr73]

Anyone know where I can find an S5 2020 Kenevo Expert in the USA? LBS won't have any

 

[Clint026]

Has anyone tried a new Zeb? I'm kicking around going 29er 190mm travel but I'm concerned that the BB height will be raised to high. My other thought is to go 190mm 27.5 with the 38mm offset...thoughts?

 

[Forever Wild]

Hi all, I need to order a 650lb spring for my Kenevo Expert (RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select Plus, 62.5x230mm). My local shop says they are backordered and it took them a week to look into it so I'm pretty anxious to find another coil that might work or a different vendor who might have stock. I'm in California, US, but for a coil I could probably order from anywhere if anywhere.

If anyone has a lead, I'd love to hear!

Many thanks,

Brett

Ordered my 650# spring from JensonUSA about two months ago. See if they still have stock.

 

[Clint026]

Ordered my 650# spring from JensonUSA about two months ago. See if they still have stock.

I bought an MRP progressive coil spring and it's pretty awesome...but pricey

 

[rydeezie]

Change the crown race to a cane creek 40 Series 52/30 1-1/8.

i agree
the stock bearing seats perfectly on cane creek and fork stays centered when reinstalling
the bearing always slid on stock crown race. had to eyeball to make sure it was straight before applying torque on top cap
as you can see the stock crown race (right) shows uneven wear. probably from not being 100% centered with bearing
cane creek eliminates that issue

i got the heavier 40 series steel. there's also a 110 series made of alloy

 

[robwormald]

i agree
the stock bearing seats perfectly on cane creek and fork stays centered when reinstalling
the bearing always slid on stock crown race. had to eyeball to make sure it was straight before applying torque on top cap
as you can see the stock crown race (right) shows uneven wear. probably from not being 100% centered with bearing
cane creek eliminates that issue

i got the heavier 40 series steel. there's also a 110 series made of alloy
View attachment 38401
View attachment 38402

Oh good, this makes me feel much less insane. I struggled for a while getting the headset and crown race mated properly.

 

[DynamicObserver]

i agree
the stock bearing seats perfectly on cane creek and fork stays centered when reinstalling
the bearing always slid on stock crown race. had to eyeball to make sure it was straight before applying torque on top cap
as you can see the stock crown race (right) shows uneven wear. probably from not being 100% centered with bearing
cane creek eliminates that issue

i got the heavier 40 series steel. there's also a 110 series made of alloy
View attachment 38401
View attachment 38402

Any idea where this can be sourced in the UK?
Im Struggling to find one online?