Kenevo SL Official 2022 Kenevo SL (KSL) Megathread!

[tabbibus]

24' Kenevos I believe are about to be distributed to the shops. Saw the spec sheet of the Expert. No changes other than a one-up dropper and GX Axs transmission - and of course the 1.2. Pricing is about 5% down compare to when it was launched.

Those are two fantastic upgrades

 

[Endurafrika]

Those are two fantastic upgrades

They could have introduced a flip chip on the suspension/shock links to address/accommodate the mullet set up.

 

[happyTrail]

Just wondering if anyone has tried to mullet the KSL here? would you need any other change other than the changing to the high BB potion and possibly the steeper head angle settings? I remember there is a SPECIALIZED ENDURO MULLET YOKE for the analog Enduro, would that be compatible to KSL to optimize the geometry?

Thanks

 

[johned]

Just wondering if anyone has tried to mullet the KSL here? would you need any other change other than the changing to the high BB potion and possibly the steeper head angle settings? I remember there is a SPECIALIZED ENDURO MULLET YOKE for the analog Enduro, would that be compatible to KSL to optimize the geometry?

Thanks

Yep, fitted a 650b and kept the flip chip on low.
Love it and don't have any more pedal strikes than before.

 

[Nerds On Dirt MTB]

Just wondering if anyone has tried to mullet the KSL here? would you need any other change other than the changing to the high BB potion and possibly the steeper head angle settings? I remember there is a SPECIALIZED ENDURO MULLET YOKE for the analog Enduro, would that be compatible to KSL to optimize the geometry?

Thanks

I run mine mullet as well, HS in the steep position (64 deg) and rear end in the high. We have a lot of roots and rocks but in this set up very rarely pedal strike. I also updated the wheel size for the motor (bike shop can do very easy). The tight switch backs are so good this way!

 

[johned]

I also updated the wheel size for the motor (bike shop can do very easy)

Ah interesting, mine (a specialized dealer) said not possible.
I'll ask again

 

[Nerds On Dirt MTB]

Ah interesting, mine (a specialized dealer) said not possible.
I'll ask again

Its super easy in the Studio software (I work at a shop) you just need the the wheelsize CM which I got from here:
https://support.wahoofitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000738484-Tire-Size-Wheel-Circumference-Chart

 

[johned]

Its super easy in the Studio software (I work at a shop) you just need the the wheelsize CM which I got from here:
https://support.wahoofitness.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000738484-Tire-Size-Wheel-Circumference-Chart

I wished you worked at my shop

 

[Dax]

I run mine mullet as well, HS in the steep position (64 deg) and rear end in the high. We have a lot of roots and rocks but in this set up very rarely pedal strike.

Same. Works really well.

 

[happyTrail]

That's good to know, thanks guys. Looks like it works well, likely helped by the fact that the original 29 geometry has a relatively high BB.

 

[R3Z3N]

^don't you mean low bb?

 

[joshtammi]

I’ve got a mate who’s parting out a Megatower and has offered his 230x65mm factory for a really good price. I’ve already confirmed it fits and such, but is there an issue with fitting a shock from a Megatower that might have a specific tune to the Kenevo SL? Should I send the shock away and have it revalved etc or would that just cost as much as buying a new shock from Fox? All the 230x62.5 / 230x65mm are long sold out anywhere in Australia right now.

 

[happyTrail]

^don't you mean low bb?

I was thinking to make the mullet setup to work, the initial BB with 29 setup needs to be relatively high to account for the lower rear axle with a 27.5 wheel. The final BB with mullet is probably still relatively low though.

 

[George_KSL]

I’ve got a mate who’s parting out a Megatower and has offered his 230x65mm factory for a really good price. I’ve already confirmed it fits and such, but is there an issue with fitting a shock from a Megatower that might have a specific tune to the Kenevo SL? Should I send the shock away and have it revalved etc or would that just cost as much as buying a new shock from Fox? All the 230x62.5 / 230x65mm are long sold out anywhere in Australia right now.

I got my X2 from SC Nomad take-off. Before I bought it, I compared the leverage curves which I didn't find different enough to warrant issue and presumed the tune would be similar.
The Specialized KSL X2 "RX" Tune was harder to decipher as it doesn't come with Code you can just identify on Fox's website but eventually I found out it's mostly just lighter slightly different shimmed slow Rebound stack.Out of interest, I used my starting numbers from Specialized configurator anyway and it rode well, but then tweaked them slightly by like 2-3 clicks, most notably in the Rebound.
The Rebound tune looks to be like it's rather repositioned range, so heavy rider would run out of range faster on RX than on stock after-market tune. In general looks to me like Specialized RX with Fox shocks and Forks is mostly lighter compression tune (similar to Fox "E-Bike" tune) so it feels more pleasant to novice riders.
For what's it worth, I am 90kg and the tune from Nomad seems to works perfectly on my KSL.

Definitely don't have it reshimmed until your 100 hours service, just don't waste money.

 

[George_KSL]

Come to think of it, it's often interesting how many people on forums (people I presume are often closer to higher weight, 90+ kg) often struggle with Enduro bikes that come with X2 unless it's some very progressive bike (very few are, like YT, Unno, Pole,etc.. but def not Specialized/Trek/etc..). Blowing through travel, not enough mid-support.
Then you read reviews from 75kg reviewers and they often compliment how it right away feels great, although more on linear, plushy side.
So Specialized RX tune being light compression and lighter rebound, would match that. But that's just quick theory.

 

[joshtammi]

T

I got my X2 from SC Nomad take-off. Before I bought it, I compared the leverage curves which I didn't find different enough to warrant issue and presumed the tune would be similar.
The Specialized KSL X2 "RX" Tune was harder to decipher as it doesn't come with Code you can just identify on Fox's website but eventually I found out it's mostly just lighter slightly different shimmed slow Rebound stack.Out of interest, I used my starting numbers from Specialized configurator anyway and it rode well, but then tweaked them slightly by like 2-3 clicks, most notably in the Rebound.
The Rebound tune looks to be like it's rather repositioned range, so heavy rider would run out of range faster on RX than on stock after-market tune. In general looks to me like Specialized RX with Fox shocks and Forks is mostly lighter compression tune (similar to Fox "E-Bike" tune) so it feels more pleasant to novice riders.
For what's it worth, I am 90kg and the tune from Nomad seems to works perfectly on my KSL.

Definitely don't have it reshimmed until your 100 hours service, just don't waste money.

Thanks for the info. I threw it in and went for a ride on Specialized settings. Definitely bottomed out but I did have the sag set at 30% plush so I dialed that back to 25% with a bit more pressure and increased HSC. Might need to add another spacer in there in the future.

I think I’ll buy it. It feels LOADS better than the Fox Performance it’s replacing. Can’t understand such a basic shock on the Expert Kenevo (especially at their original RRP). Should have been performance elite like the fork but I think they didn’t make them at the time.

 

[dirt-diggler]

Seriously considering picking up a kenevo s works frame half price. (I spent to much time pondering and missed the discounted full bikes).

I'm aware there's a new model about to be released, but I have everything to build one up mullet apart from the frame.

My question is, for my first e-bike do we think I'd regret get the 1.2 motor and spending double? I've decided against a full fat e.

Thanks

 

[Beboski]

Seriously considering picking up a kenevo s works frame half price. (I spent to much time pondering and missed the discounted full bikes).

I'm aware there's a new model about to be released, but I have everything to build one up mullet apart from the frame.

My question is, for my first e-bike do we think I'd regret get the 1.2 motor and spending double? I've decided against a full fat e.

Thanks

It depends on what kind of bike have your mates. If they have full power you could appreciate 1.2 motor, if they ride regular bikes you probably don't really need it.

 

[Doomanic]

I run mine mullet as well, HS in the steep position (64 deg) and rear end in the high.

Same. Works really well.

Yep, Me too.

 

[Doomanic]

how many people on forums (people I presume are often closer to higher weight, 90+ kg)

Hey! I resemble that remark!

 

[CjP]

Seriously considering picking up a kenevo s works frame half price. (I spent to much time pondering and missed the discounted full bikes).

I'm aware there's a new model about to be released, but I have everything to build one up mullet apart from the frame.

My question is, for my first e-bike do we think I'd regret get the 1.2 motor and spending double? I've decided against a full fat e.

Thanks

You won’t regret it mate, the extra power in Turbo is barely noticeable whereas a few grand definitely is.

 

[Endurafrika]

Yep, Me too.

me too... but my HA is still under 63 deg in this setting... and the slack SA messes with kinematics and weight distribution
The diff geo settings do not address the mullet set up - it's a mere compensation.
A flip chip (or 5-8mm extension link) on the lower shock mount could have addressed this.
Has anyone here tried an offset bushings on the top shock mount? Was planning to order some from tft.

I have been riding both set up for the past 2 years (mostly dh trails) - although Mullet is more fun to ride (steep & jumps), 29' gives you the better balance and more precise suspension performance - which makes the bike a tick (or two) faster. But then... preciseness can at times become a bit boring.
Suspension as 29 also seem to perform much better under braking.

Been running coil (TTXm2) and air back to back on both set ups - very much prefer a (firm) air shock on mullet and a coil on 29'.
... oh yes, my wheel circumference is set at 2002 mm. Easy way to tickle a few more KM/H from the 1.1

 

[Pete N]

Seriously considering picking up a kenevo s works frame half price. (I spent to much time pondering and missed the discounted full bikes).

I'm aware there's a new model about to be released, but I have everything to build one up mullet apart from the frame.

My question is, for my first e-bike do we think I'd regret get the 1.2 motor and spending double? I've decided against a full fat e.

Thanks

There are a few variables to think about but in your position I would probably go for it but be a bit undecided like you. Just bear in mind the following.
1. I’ve gone from a 1.1 to 1.2 motor on the Levo SL. New motor is noticeabley more powerful and also a lot quieter. The noise never really bothered me on the 1.1 though and I’ve had to turn my power settings down to be closer to the 1.1 so that I still get a proper workout. I run trail at 35/70 which feels like 30/100 on the old one. I don’t need the extra power though as I don’t live in big mountains. 35nm is enough for most of us. If the noisier motor doesn’t bother you the 1.1 will be powerful enough.

There is an obsession for more power among a lot of reviewers and it is only one variable that can be different for every rider. Size, where you ride and who you ride and what they ride.

2. The new SW Levo SL frameset came in at £5750 which is 1k cheaper that the current KSL version. I would expect the KSL to be similar when launched so you can probably see how much extra it will cost you. Most LBS will give you 10% off the new one too.

3. Only rumours so far re a Gen 2 KSL launch so you may be waiting a while. Maybe tomorrow maybe 4 months.

Sounds like SL is the right choice for you as it is for me. I like to ride and not be a passenger. The 1.1 and 1.2 motor have such a natural feel unlike some with a bit more power. It feels like an analogue going down too!!
I alternate between my SL and analogue Epic Evo. Love both equally.

 

[Doomanic]

Has anyone here tried an offset bushings on the top shock mount?

No. When I mulletted my Rail I spoke to the company that make the bushings and they advised against it.

 

[dirt-diggler]

Thanks for the replies.

Its a right mixture people I ride with, majority don't ride e bikes, those that do have full fat but generally where we ride the climbs aren't the size you'd be waiting at the top for someone for long.

I did go and look at the Levo SL with the new motor yesterday, unfortunately the weather was awful and they wouldn't let me test ride it (seems a common theme from shops I've visited, I don't take it personally).

For me I just don't think I can warrant the double cost.

 

[tabbibus]

I recently purchased a KSL. Why? The amazing price. It is a fantastic bike, with a good motor for my needs, and the price just could not be beat. I would not spend the money for a KSL with the 1.2 motor if I had the option. Would I like to have the 1.2 and some creature comfort upgrades? Sure! Am I willing to pay double? Heck no

 

[#lazy]

Does anyone know the price of the new models ?

 

[Dax]

Seriously considering picking up a kenevo s works frame half price. (I spent to much time pondering and missed the discounted full bikes).

I'm aware there's a new model about to be released, but I have everything to build one up mullet apart from the frame.

My question is, for my first e-bike do we think I'd regret get the 1.2 motor and spending double? I've decided against a full fat e.

Thanks

My only real complaint about the gen1 KSL is the noise. Power is fine. At half the price I’d probably buy the gen1. Can always buy a sl kids e-bike in future and swap the sl motor in

 

[K123]

I recently purchased a KSL. Why? The amazing price. It is a fantastic bike, with a good motor for my needs, and the price just could not be beat. I would not spend the money for a KSL with the 1.2 motor if I had the option. Would I like to have the 1.2 and some creature comfort upgrades? Sure! Am I willing to pay double? Heck no

What in-store discounts are on offer for the current model K-SL, now that the 2024 K-SL launch seems imminent?

 

[dirt-diggler]

Well I placed an order for a s works frame last night.

Any recommendations for protection kit?
Also, I'm going to presume is doesn't come with the headset. Any recommendations on that too?

Thanks for the advice!