Kenevo SL Official 2022 Kenevo SL (KSL) Megathread!

[Pdoz]

Stripped naked on a bed ...

Spoiler: Reveal .......

View attachment 61548

Oooohhhh....are you going to put the tuff wheels from that bmx on it?

Mongoose?

 

[CjP]

A perspective for what its worth...
Bike looks great.
Not happy with the full 29 Wheelset...one of the best attributes of the original kenevo was the 27.5 Wheelset. They should have at least made it a mullet set up.
1.1 motor is underpowered to say the least.
Pretty good spec but hard to see a true value for the cost.
Specialized had a real opportunity to close the door on all other 'light e-mtb's" with the new Kenevo- but they blew it.
By not AT LEAST matching Orbea's EP8 RS 60NM torque Shimano motor they did all consumers a huge disservice.
It's not say the new KENEVO isn't a nice bike... but it could have been soooo much better. Having a hard time with a shuttle bike that you have to walk up the hills after the third lap... no thanks. Look at all the reviews so far...Downhill is its strength. Horrible uphill. Not a technical climber. Might as well buy the enduro...

Have you ridden a FF Kenevo with 29s? Bloody beast of a bike.

Kenevo SL underpowered? Really? An enduro with power, I can’t think of a better bike right now.

Comparing it to the XC Orbea? Please

If you have to walk this bike anywhere then you should probably own an exercise bike.

 

[Mohawk3a]

I know a lot of people have upgraded to suspension on their levo sl’s. I’m currently running a fox 38 170mm and a 210x55 x2 shock on my sl and I’m very happy with the performance.
I would love to know how the new kenevo sl compares to a levo sl with upgraded suspension?

 

[Mohawk3a]

A perspective for what its worth...
Bike looks great.
Not happy with the full 29 Wheelset...one of the best attributes of the original kenevo was the 27.5 Wheelset. They should have at least made it a mullet set up.
1.1 motor is underpowered to say the least.
Pretty good spec but hard to see a true value for the cost.
Specialized had a real opportunity to close the door on all other 'light e-mtb's" with the new Kenevo- but they blew it.
By not AT LEAST matching Orbea's EP8 RS 60NM torque Shimano motor they did all consumers a huge disservice.
It's not say the new KENEVO isn't a nice bike... but it could have been soooo much better. Having a hard time with a shuttle bike that you have to walk up the hills after the third lap... no thanks. Look at all the reviews so far...Downhill is its strength. Horrible uphill. Not a technical climber. Might as well buy the enduro...

Why would you want the kenevo sl to be a mullet? I don’t understand the purpose of a mullet unless it comes with shorter chainstays and increased suspension travel. If you can fit a 29” rear wheel in a bike with 170mm rear travel and short chainstays, why wouldn’t you?

 

[CjP]

T

Why would you want the kenevo sl to be a mullet? I don’t understand the purpose of a mullet unless it comes with shorter chainstays and increased suspension travel. If you can fit a 29” rear wheel in a bike with 170mm rear travel and short chainstays, why wouldn’t you?

There is a flip chip in the rear so you can shorten the chain stay. Some people prefer the 27.5 wheel as it allows a little more agility.

 

[jpdbr]

@Specialized Rider Care or @Rob Rides EMTB do you know if the Sworks frameset comes with the range extender ??

thanks!

 

[routrax]

I think it's best looking emtb spesh have made. I don't really like the look of the asymmetric frame on the Levo/Kenevo, but the KSL looks fantastic. If they make a FF with a similar look, I would seriously consider getting one.

 

[jcmonty]

I know a lot of people have upgraded to suspension on their levo sl’s. I’m currently running a fox 38 170mm and a 210x55 x2 shock on my sl and I’m very happy with the performance.
I would love to know how the new kenevo sl compares to a levo sl with upgraded suspension?

I should know in a few weeks. My Levo SL is about as "evo'd or enduro'd" you can get:

170mm fork, CC Link (20% ish progressivity), Storia V3, Mullet, HTA ~63.6.

It's a great bike. Kenevo SL is just the bike I have been trying to "make" with all of my tweaks.

 

[p3eps]

My 2p for what it’s worth.
Those who are saying the Kenevo SL and Levo SL are underpowered are clearly missing the point of these bikes. They are manufactured for a specific type of rider - someone who wants a low powered EMTB that gives them a little bit of help on the climbs and let’s them ride further.

I am their target for this... as are the 1000’s of people who bought a Levo SL. I had a Rail 9.9 and thought it was way overpowered. I’m still relatively fit and can do all the trails I do on my Stumpy... but was looking for something to assist me a bit to help me go a bit further / faster. 15 months ago I bought a Levo SL, and was delighted with it... and am still loving it.
I don’t want 60Nm like a Rise. I don’t even need the 35Nm of the SL motor. 95% of the time I’m running it in an Eco setting at about 25-30% assistance.

I’ve been humming and heying whether to order a KSL frameset. Most of my Levo SL would transfer over, with a fork being the only addition I’d need to buy. I’d probably manage to sell the Levo SL frame for a few thousand, making the swap not cost too much.

Although the KSL is more like an Enduro, I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money building my Levo SL up to be a more Enduro style bike. I’ve also managed to get it to under 17kg. Not sure how I feel about adding another 2-3kg. At the same time, I like buying new stuff, and it looks like it’d be a fun project.

It seems the frameset only option is sold out everywhere at the moment anyway, so that makes my decision easier. Ideally I’d be waiting another month or two to see how real life users are getting on with theirs, and what the real life weights are with aftermarket tubeless tyres etc.

For me, the KSL is a great looking bike that’d be the one I’d be buying if I was stepping into the EMTB market for the first time. I’m just not sure there’s enough of a gap between this and my Levo SL to justify the swap.

 

[jbrown15]

Why would you want the kenevo sl to be a mullet? I don’t understand the purpose of a mullet unless it comes with shorter chainstays and increased suspension travel. If you can fit a 29” rear wheel in a bike with 170mm rear travel and short chainstays, why wouldn’t you?

more clearance when you’re over the back of the bike for riders with shorter inseams for starters. There’s also a noticeable different in handling at the back of the bike with a smaller 27.5 compared to a larger 29er rear wheel.

 

[Mcharza]

I know a lot of people have upgraded to suspension on their levo sl’s. I’m currently running a fox 38 170mm and a 210x55 x2 shock on my sl and I’m very happy with the performance.
I would love to know how the new kenevo sl compares to a levo sl with upgraded suspension?

In my opinion you can compare those like normal mtb.
Stumpjumper is a trail bike and Enduro is ...eh an enduro bike.

In addition, Kenovo SL has an adjustable geometry.

 

[Mcharza]

My 2p for what it’s worth.
Those who are saying the Kenevo SL and Levo SL are underpowered are clearly missing the point of these bikes. They are manufactured for a specific type of rider - someone who wants a low powered EMTB that gives them a little bit of help on the climbs and let’s them ride further.

I am their target for this... as are the 1000’s of people who bought a Levo SL. I had a Rail 9.9 and thought it was way overpowered. I’m still relatively fit and can do all the trails I do on my Stumpy... but was looking for something to assist me a bit to help me go a bit further / faster. 15 months ago I bought a Levo SL, and was delighted with it... and am still loving it.
I don’t want 60Nm like a Rise. I don’t even need the 35Nm of the SL motor. 95% of the time I’m running it in an Eco setting at about 25-30% assistance.

I’ve been humming and heying whether to order a KSL frameset. Most of my Levo SL would transfer over, with a fork being the only addition I’d need to buy. I’d probably manage to sell the Levo SL frame for a few thousand, making the swap not cost too much.

Although the KSL is more like an Enduro, I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money building my Levo SL up to be a more Enduro style bike. I’ve also managed to get it to under 17kg. Not sure how I feel about adding another 2-3kg. At the same time, I like buying new stuff, and it looks like it’d be a fun project.

It seems the frameset only option is sold out everywhere at the moment anyway, so that makes my decision easier. Ideally I’d be waiting another month or two to see how real life users are getting on with theirs, and what the real life weights are with aftermarket tubeless tyres etc.

For me, the KSL is a great looking bike that’d be the one I’d be buying if I was stepping into the EMTB market for the first time. I’m just not sure there’s enough of a gap between this and my Levo SL to justify the swap.

Well written, I fully share your opinion and that's the reason why I ordered Kenovo SL

 

[jbodnar]

I wasn’t interested in the Kenevo…but damn, I will consider swapping my SL for a Kenevo SL.

I’ve been really happy with my mullet 2021 SL and 2020 Comp…(with 55 stroke shocks and 160 mm forks).

But now, ideally, I would replace them with a Gen 3 and a KSL…if only I could figure out how to pay for them.

 

[MrSimmo]

I wasn’t interested in the Kenevo…but damn, I will consider swapping my SL for a Kenevo SL.

I’ve been really happy with my mullet 2021 SL and 2020 Comp…(with 55 stroke shocks and 160 mm forks).

But now, ideally, I would replace them with a Gen 3 and a KSL…if only I could figure out how to pay for them.

?

This is a good point.

There seem to be lots of people customising their Levo SL’s to give them more travel and “Enduroise” (new word - copyright) the bike. The Kenevo SL seems to be where quite a few people are aiming to get to with the Levo SL. There is a genuine market for that which is a great thing.

 

[MrSimmo]

Not happy with the full 29 Wheelset...one of the best attributes of the original kenevo was the 27.5 Wheelset. They should have at least made it a mullet set up.

Specialized did look at a mullet for the KSL but the majority of test riders feedback was 29/29 rode better.

Stay tuned for the full fat next gen Kenevo - that will have a mullet option…. And a beast of a bike.

 

[p3eps]

?

This is a good point.

There seem to be lots of people customising their Levo SL’s to give them more travel and “Enduroise” (new word - copyright) the bike. The Kenevo SL seems to be where quite a few people are aiming to get to with the Levo SL. There is a genuine market for that which is a great thing.

That’s exactly it. I’ve “Enduroise’d” © my Levo SL a bit to try and fit the gap that I wanted.
The KSL fills that gap as an off the shelf solution without the requirement for mods.

 

[Jimbo Vills]

I’m sure there will be folk who buy the ksl and trailarise that too ??

 

[MrSimmo]

I’m sure there will be folk who buy the ksl and trailarise that too ??

Copyright trailarise mate, we’ll be rich if we charge for using the words ?

 

[Jimbo Vills]

Copyright trailarise mate, we’ll be rich if we charge for using the words ?

 

[jooles]

Why would you want the kenevo sl to be a mullet? I don’t understand the purpose of a mullet unless it comes with shorter chainstays and increased suspension travel. If you can fit a 29” rear wheel in a bike with 170mm rear travel and short chainstays, why wouldn’t you?

27.5 out back has a tighter turning circle helping the back end arc on tighter trails. Also allows seat to be slammed lower if seat stay is low. Also lowers BB and slackens HA. 29” up front helps front traction and rollover. Short chainstays don’t always help as a longer FC (with lower HA) puts riders weight more rearward when weighting through the pedals/BB. Often Ebikes feel “planted” due to the longer CS and weight lower down. With a 29 frame you can run either combo.

I’m riding a mullet Geometron G16 with 455 CS and 61 HA with 520 reach plus 78 seat angle and its superb. DW kinematics like the Spesh. Grinds up hills. Handles gnar. Can be lifted over gates. Has adjustable geometry. Doesn’t run out of battery (legs first!): Given me a new lease of life for bikes without a motor. Given my e8000 likes to conk out on a regular basis in UK gloop I’d not be without a non Ebike.

Ebikes are getting lower in power, less WH battery capacity all to get the weight and handling near to....a non ebike. Try a good non Ebike and you may be amazed.

if you look at Speshs DH bike, the Demo, that’s a 29er, has 450 CS (up from 430) and 350 BB height. Also a suspension setup like the Enduro. These are designed to hit the gnarliest stuff out flat out. Spesh are looking at a known capable DH non Ebike and sharing its attributes to the Kenevo and Enduro.

where Ebikes really excel is in climbing the gnar stuff you’d struggle to on a non Ebike. This needs power and longer geometry. To me having a full fat eMtb for shuttling and looping fun plus big days out is perfect. Having a lightweight near non Ebike style mtb doesn’t attract me. Unless I had just one bike. But then I’m back to my argument above.

Hats off to Spesh for a beaut on a bike. although at £9k starting price that’s a fair chunk to spend on something to Chuck down a steep rocky chute in the mountains. You can get a hand made Nicolai EBoxx for the similar price. No lightweight though.

For the moment I’ll stick with my external battery cheapo eMtb and G16. I just hope eMtb prices don’t go up by 25% a year in the coming years though.

As always: Each to their own, having options is great and Rob makes lovely videos and although a bit biased to Spesh at least has some neutrality in there unlike some channels that are basically advertorials.

 

[Rich the gasman]

My 2p for what it’s worth.
Those who are saying the Kenevo SL and Levo SL are underpowered are clearly missing the point of these bikes. They are manufactured for a specific type of rider - someone who wants a low powered EMTB that gives them a little bit of help on the climbs and let’s them ride further.

I am their target for this... as are the 1000’s of people who bought a Levo SL. I had a Rail 9.9 and thought it was way overpowered. I’m still relatively fit and can do all the trails I do on my Stumpy... but was looking for something to assist me a bit to help me go a bit further / faster. 15 months ago I bought a Levo SL, and was delighted with it... and am still loving it.
I don’t want 60Nm like a Rise. I don’t even need the 35Nm of the SL motor. 95% of the time I’m running it in an Eco setting at about 25-30% assistance.

I’ve been humming and heying whether to order a KSL frameset. Most of my Levo SL would transfer over, with a fork being the only addition I’d need to buy. I’d probably manage to sell the Levo SL frame for a few thousand, making the swap not cost too much.

Although the KSL is more like an Enduro, I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money building my Levo SL up to be a more Enduro style bike. I’ve also managed to get it to under 17kg. Not sure how I feel about adding another 2-3kg. At the same time, I like buying new stuff, and it looks like it’d be a fun project.

It seems the frameset only option is sold out everywhere at the moment anyway, so that makes my decision easier. Ideally I’d be waiting another month or two to see how real life users are getting on with theirs, and what the real life weights are with aftermarket tubeless tyres etc.

For me, the KSL is a great looking bike that’d be the one I’d be buying if I was stepping into the EMTB market for the first time. I’m just not sure there’s enough of a gap between this and my Levo SL to justify the swap.

Well put mate, couldn’t agree more. The KSL is new and exciting but from all the vids I’ve watched it certainly isn’t bringing the hype the SL did or the new gen3 levo .
like you I’ve enduro my SL to the max and it’s a monster on everything. I just purchased a s works stumpy evo and building it up, I’ve wrode it before and the enduro and apart from constant uplifts days or if I lived in the alps I would pick the stumpy every time, and I’m pretty sure this is the same with the SL/ksl. It has its place but for sure but not many places you need 170mm travel and if your shuttling you want a full fat.
I certainly would rather take a FF over this when riding mountains in the lakes. It’s an awesome step in technology tho and hopefully in years to come it can all trickle down .

 

[Cavi]

A perspective for what its worth...
Bike looks great.
Not happy with the full 29 Wheelset...one of the best attributes of the original kenevo was the 27.5 Wheelset. They should have at least made it a mullet set up.
1.1 motor is underpowered to say the least.
Pretty good spec but hard to see a true value for the cost.
Specialized had a real opportunity to close the door on all other 'light e-mtb's" with the new Kenevo- but they blew it.
By not AT LEAST matching Orbea's EP8 RS 60NM torque Shimano motor they did all consumers a huge disservice.
It's not say the new KENEVO isn't a nice bike... but it could have been soooo much better. Having a hard time with a shuttle bike that you have to walk up the hills after the third lap... no thanks. Look at all the reviews so far...Downhill is its strength. Horrible uphill. Not a technical climber. Might as well buy the enduro...

My feelings exactly!!!!!!!

 

[jwrx]

Spez makes bikes for a global audience, the diffrent types of riding terrain/uphils/trails is limitless out there in the world. ppl who think the SL is underpowered are the wrong target market, its not the bike thats underpowered, you just arnt the right customer for the bike

Have owned 2 FF levo, loved them both, but FF levos are just too heavy and too much power for tight tropical wet rooty jungles where i ride in Asia

After a year on my current SL, its perfect, 17kg, with just enuff power to take the pain off the climbs in 100% humidity. im not even on turbo majority of the time, i ride to keep my weight down and burn calories, too much assist is detrimental with that goal in mind.

Also..happy to report that the mahle have 100% spotless record so far in the local market..not a single failed motor/battery. vs the FF levo which still have units failing every month and coming in to the Spez LBS for new motor/batteries

I was hoping for a Stumpy EVO SL type bike, so we have SL, Stumpy EV SL, and Kenevo SL, 3 very diffrent bikes...but i will hold my judgement till i ride it.

Oh as for ppl complaining about the 29ners...i agree....i do prefer 27.5 for the agility, my current SL is on 27.5 SC Reserve rims...perfect

 

[roQer]

The most interesting question for me will be can the KSL replace my Enduro so I can keep just one bike for bike parks and gnarly trails? How much affect those approx. 4 kg more weight the handling on the downs? Somebody has to do a test KSL vs. Enduro for downhill.
If there is no real disadvantage of the motorization I can imaging the Enduro becoming obsolete for many riders.

 

[jwrx]

The most interesting question for me will be can the KSL replace my Enduro so I can keep just one bike for bike parks and gnarly trails? How much affect those approx. 4 kg more weight the handling on the downs? Somebody has to do a test KSL vs. Enduro for downhill.
If there is no real disadvantage of the motorization I can imaging the Enduro becoming obsolete for many riders.

you will absolutely feel a diffrence. my manual trail bike is 4kg less than my SL. its totally different on the trails. i ride the 2 bikes alternately...but majority of the time im on my manual, its just alot more fun/poppy.

I use the SL whenever i didnt get enuff sleep the nite before (3 kids) or when it rained heavily and the trails will be muddy and sludge like...anytime im abit off...i use the SL and it makes me smile.

I would continue to use a 2 bike strategy for the forseeable future

 

[Rosemount]

 

[R120]

 

[Zimmerframe]

Sweet !

I should do a video of mine as I create the "Abomination" - Nightmare Bike build .

The worlds first 6-bar linkage gravel bike with 50mm front and rear weighing in at 12kg's.

 

[Shjay]

Not sure why you would have Roval wheels or Fox suspension on dream build! But each to their own, would consider a frame set as finally Specialized sorted the geometry of a light ebike, the SL is dated geo!!

 

[Zimmerframe]

Its not really a dream build its a factory standard build.

My gen 3 levo is getting some special suspension and there won't be a rockshox or fox part anywhere in sight.

You know, you don't have to tease .. you could just say .. I'm installing an X shock and a Y fork ? I know you like to criticise without offering alternatives, but maybe this is the time to blossom !

Has anyone tried the goodyear newtons ..