Kenevo SL Official 2022 Kenevo SL (KSL) Megathread!

[Snoman]

I know it's objective but, at 6'2" or 188cm is it better a s4 or S5? I cant demo anywhere nearby before buy it online.

Thanks

Check out RAD (Rider Area Distance) for bike fitting. I did this for my S2 or S3 decision and when i measured the KSL S3 in store if confirmed it was too big. This was a new concept for me and it put me spot on with my current fleet. Provided better control and comfort after setting up. One bike it too large ... i need to shorten the frame!

Here is a cool tool that will help you decide

bike-stats - everything about bike geometry

Use this app to compare bike geometries of different manufacturers with each other, in order to determine the most suitable bike for your personal requirements.

www.bike-stats.de

 

[Kinger]

Group question: (Coil)
IF you were wanting to go coil with the KSL, would you stick with 230x62.5 or would you go to 230x65 and what's your thinking?

 

[jcmonty]

Group question: (Coil)
IF you were wanting to go coil with the KSL, would you stick with 230x62.5 or would you go to 230x65 and what's your thinking?

Personally I would stick with 62.5mm for a few reasons:

1) I think that the 170mm is more than enough and gaining ~ 7mm isn't moving the needle for me
2) I can't speak for the KSL, but i know that the SL was reallllyyyy tight between the yoke and seatstay. I couldn't have run 55mm if I wanted (with the CC Link), which just speaks to some of the tolerances with these highend carbon bikes. Again, may not apply here, but why risk it?
3) The leverage rate gets flat and perhaps a smidge regressive at the end stroke. So, I don't think that 7mm extra would be quality IMO. Personally, I would rather a shock with HBO or similar to help with some of that progression bottom out.

I am on the fence if I want to go that route. The stock x2 performance is really good as it sits. I may try a volume spacer to up the progression a bit, but I am fairly happy. The EXT e-storia is a pretty sweet looking shock though..

 

[Kinger]

@jcmonty - I agree with you and am on the same page. I'm interested in trying a coil - some day - but with the way the bike feels right now (stock) with added volume reduction (still on 2 bands)... I'm happy.
This morning I did 2 back to back rides and was very pleased with where the bike setup is at.

Mabey I'll look at another shock if/when I blow this one or send it in for a tune up?

 

[ebikerider]

Group question: (Coil)
IF you were wanting to go coil with the KSL, would you stick with 230x62.5 or would you go to 230x65 and what's your thinking?

I'm normally more than happy to go with more but in this case I would stick with the 62.5mm stroke. Main reason that I wouldn't go the 65mm stroke would be the increased chance of pedal strikes as the bike is quite low.

 

[ebikerider]

I need to get ride wrap before I scratch this frame.

I have liked the 38 so far vs. the Mezzer. It's noticeably more supple off the top and a bit more progressive. I miss the linearity of the Mezzer ( i had it setup ~ 1.5 ratio IRT/Main if i recall), and the soft HBO feel, but I can't say the 38 is lacking too much midstroke. It could just be how I preferred my mezzer to feel, but I may still swap that over to get some back to back impressions. How were you running your mezzer pressure-wise, and on what bike?

BTW the bleeder valves on the 38 are awesome if you change elevation much. In the mountains last weekend, it made a noticeable difference when I released the trapped air on the trail.

First ride today. Overall I would describe the 38 as unremarkable. This isn't a bad thing, it didn't do anything for me to complain about.....that's probably a good thing lol. HSC 7 LSC 5 HSR 3 LSR 6 (all from closed).

My Mezzer was at 170mm travel and 60/90psi on a Banshee Titan. I might put that on the KSL to try at some stage.

The X2 rear feels quite good. 230psi is giving me 29% wheel travel sag and the support feels decent. I opened up the rebound to 14 out and it's feeling good but I need more time on the bike to fine tune. The rear wheel is a little flexy so I'm putting my carbon wheels on next to stiffen things up a bit.

I had one small pedal strike (something that I was concerned about hence why the bike is in the high/steep settings to begin with) but overall it wasn't a concern which is great. I can now start dropping the BB height to see if there is a low limit for my local trails. If the lower BB feels good and it is striking I can look at shorter cranks as an option or even a 180 fork.

Brakes were average to begin with but have gotten better with use. I may change to my Dominion's but I'll wait a month or so to give the Code's a chance.

I love how the bike pedals when it's off and also above the assistance limit of 25kmh. My previous FF Levo was a soul sucking nightmare above the limit...any wonder they get de restricted.

The KSL is only slightly heavier than my Titan so jumping feels the same and if anything the KSL is easier to manual. Today's ride was an extremely positive intro to this bike.

 

[Blownoutrides]

Checked out the online geo calculator and found this verbiage stapled to the end of every setup description:

“Mixed wheel setup provides a nimble ride with quick cornering and additional rear wheel clearance when getting over the back of the bike.”

WTF… was this thing maybe designed to be a switch hitter but for some reason Spesh is maybe muffling that for marketing reasons??

Don’t mind me… busted collarbone with a KSL on order. Both should sort themselves out around the same time. Until then nothing to do but froth and post a bunch of BS questions for you lucky f-cks.

 

[ebikerider]

Checked out the online geo calculator and found this verbiage stapled to the end of every setup description:

“Mixed wheel setup provides a nimble ride with quick cornering and additional rear wheel clearance when getting over the back of the bike.”

WTF… was this thing maybe designed to be a switch hitter but for some reason Spesh is maybe muffling that for marketing reasons??

Don’t mind me… busted collarbone with a KSL on order. Both should sort themselves out around the same time. Until then nothing to do but froth and post a bunch of BS questions for you lucky f-cks.

Yeah I noticed that too on the Geo charts. Might try the smaller rear wheel, you never know it could be great.
Heal fast mate and fingers crossed the bike arrives just as you are fixed!

 

[jcmonty]

Pretty sure they copy and pasted from the gen 3 levo and didn’t edit. They has a few mistakes on the spec as well when the ksl launched

 

[Blownoutrides]

Pretty sure they copy and pasted from the gen 3 levo and didn’t edit. They has a few mistakes on the spec as well when the ksl launched

hahaha I think you nailed it

 

[dfkenevo]

I know it’s not easy to find one of this at least here in the states!
I just saw that at Olympic Bikeshop in Tahoe City, Ca they have this yellow S3!!!!
I’m considering on replacing my Levo expert but I think I will go with the regular Kenevo.

 

[Kinger]

I have been loving that I am working hard(er) on climbs with this bike, from the full fat previous bike I had.
The 10lbs lighter is amazing... It feels so good.
The suspension platform is smooth and bottomless - mostly.. but reaching full travel is not harsh at all - so far.

I absolutely love my KSL Expert

I just talked to my local shock dealer and am going to try a coil on this baby!

 

[jcmonty]

I have been loving that I am working hard(er) on climbs with this bike, from the full fat previous bike I had.
The 10lbs lighter is amazing... It feels so good.
The suspension platform is smooth and bottomless - mostly.. but reaching full travel is not harsh at all - so far.

I absolutely love my KSL Expert

I just talked to my local shock dealer and am going to try a coil on this baby!

Which coil?

I think if I decide to go coil it would need hydraulic bottom out or something similar. I can find bottom on bigger drops and jumps (no volume spacers), but it’s not too harsh. Bike just handles everything so well though not sure I want or need an upgrade

 

[Kinger]

Which coil?

Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil
We have an amazing RS service shop here locally that I like working with. The setup, custom tune and the fact that I can work with them on getting the shock just right, has been a good experience.

 

[jcmonty]

Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil
We have an amazing RS service shop here locally that I like working with. The setup, custom tune and the fact that I can work with them on getting the shock just right, has been a good experience.

Nice.. keen to see how you get along with it, and if it makes a noticeable improvement in anything

 

[Kinger]

I like the feel of the Float X2 now that I have 2 reducer bands in it. I've tested it on a few hard hits over the weeks and I'm happy with the result. (30% SAG, supple ride, not bottoming out on hard(ish) hits).
Wanting to test the coil on this bike and wanting a shock that suits bike parks around here - not to mention "shock security" - if the Float needs service, which I've seen some riders need around here.

 

[ebikerider]

I like the feel of the Float X2 now that I have 2 reducer bands in it. I've tested it on a few hard hits over the weeks and I'm happy with the result. (30% SAG, supple ride, not bottoming out on hard(ish) hits).
Wanting to test the coil on this bike and wanting a shock that suits bike parks around here - not to mention "shock security" - if the Float needs service, which I've seen some riders need around here.
View attachment 65254

I totally get the security thing with Fox products. I'm removing it all for a different brand front and rear.
I'm trying a progressive spring on the rear to start with too.

 

[jcmonty]

Interesting note.. found this when searching for the KSL manual:

Kenevo SL Comp Carbon - so at some point a lower cost entry point + it seems like it may have a different carbon layup OR some carbon + aluminum chainstay arrangement. not sure how else they up the total weight.

BTW - 240lbs all-up is not that much considering the bike weights north of 40lbs... EDIT : I misread - cargo weight does not equal bike weight.

 

[Kinger]

I'm trying a progressive spring on the rear to start with too.

Yeah, I've been looking at a few progressive coil options too.
I'll try a standard RS Coil for my setup and then decide - but the fact that I needed to add volume reducers in the Float X2 makes me think I'll benefit from a progressive spring rate on a coil shock.

Would love to hear how it goes for you.

 

[Kinger]

BTW - 240lbs all-up is not that much considering the bike weights north of 40lbs... EDIT : I misread - cargo weight does not equal bike weight.

Phew!
- I was going to say... I better reduce the beer intake then..

 

[Pdoz]

Kenevo SL Comp Carbon - so at some point a lower cost entry point + it seems like it may have a different carbon layup OR some carbon + aluminum chainstay arrangement. not sure how else they up the total weight.

Perhaps the limiting factor is the wheels rather than frame?

Specialized warranty wheels for life of original owner, so they would have done the maths on overweight dentists destroying carbon wheels vs very overweight doctors replacing the alloy wheels on the " lower spec" ksl, realized only carpenters can afford to do that and tossed the problem over to legal hq ?

 

[CjP]

Perhaps the limiting factor is the wheels rather than frame?

Specialized warranty wheels for life of original owner, so they would have done the maths on overweight dentists destroying carbon wheels vs very overweight doctors replacing the alloy wheels on the " lower spec" ksl, realized only carpenters can afford to do that and tossed the problem over to legal hq ?

Na my Expert came with metal rims.
Probably all the Fox performance gear can handle before it explodes.

 

[Pdoz]

Na my Expert came with metal rims.

1 View attachment 62675 ! View attachment 62674

Specialized have an entire legal team dedicated to you!

 

[CjP]

Haha I do feel like they are using me for R and D sometimes. They should give me some shares in the company, or at least some S stickers.

 

[dragonsback79]

So who's done a mullet set up to the KSL?

I did it to my Levo SL and it was AMAZING.
I did it to my Enduro and it was a DOG on the climbs.

Looking for someone who's done it and thoughts....

 

[Kinger]

So who's done a mullet set up to the KSL?

I did it to my Levo SL and it was AMAZING.
I did it to my Enduro and it was a DOG on the climbs.

Looking for someone who's done it and thoughts....

I intended to test a mixed wheel size on my KSL. Just to try it, but I know it's not going to be good for my normal local rides (Vancouver, Squamish) - The bb is already too low - even in the "high" setting.. (climbing specifically).
We do have a few flow / jump trails off of fire roads, so these and bike parks are where the mixed wheel would be well worth the test.
If nobody here has tried the mixed wheel setup, I should have some time to try this weekend.

 

[Snoman]

I did it to my Enduro and it was a DOG on the climbs.

from what i have read i think you have your answer!!! Only read a couple threads about trying and they did not like KSL mullet setup

 

[ebikerider]

from what i have read i think you have your answer!!! Only read a couple threads about trying and they did not like KSL mullet setup

Can you link the discussion on the KSL with the small rear wheel?

 

[dragonsback79]

Most likely NOT going to try is based on my experience with the Enduro platform. But was curious here if any other guinea pigs would like to try it.
I am going down this rabbit hole based on the seat tube on the KSL. It's shallow. I am 5'7 with a 30 inch inseam (riding an S2). I am installing a ONEUP 120mm later today and I should be fine at that point. But the Levo SL with a mullet set up and a AXS 150mm dropper worked GREAT. Not the case on the KSL at ALL. The AXS 150mm leaves about 4 inches of exposed post. That's a NO for me. Ball slaps all the way down the hill.

 

[Steyoner]

Most likely NOT going to try is based on my experience with the Enduro platform. But was curious here if any other guinea pigs would like to try it.
I am going down this rabbit hole based on the seat tube on the KSL. It's shallow. I am 5'7 with a 30 inch inseam (riding an S2). I am installing a ONEUP 120mm later today and I should be fine at that point. But the Levo SL with a mullet set up and a AXS 150mm dropper worked GREAT. Not the case on the KSL at ALL. The AXS 150mm leaves about 4 inches of exposed post. That's a NO for me. Ball slaps all the way down the hill.

Is the S2 is not coming with a 125 AXS ?