Kenevo SL Official 2022 Kenevo SL (KSL) Megathread!

[jcmonty]

So how are folks setting up suspension? 30% sag? I can’t seem to find what the stock recommendations are. I know that some specialized bikes are very sensitive to sag

oh and got my bike today!

 

[Kinger]

So how are folks setting up suspension? 30% sag?

I started at 28% sag on the shock and went with Fox recommendations, from their site.
So far I have deviated to 30% sag on the shock with a bit more compression. The fork is pretty damn good at Fox setting for my weight… just a bit more slow speed compression and a little more H&L rebound.
I’m coming off a Zeb Ultimate and haven’t decided if I liked that fork more or not yet.
2 rides only so far.

 

[Snoman]

Don't worry, take a look of this. Quite similar Enduro S3 and Kenovo SL S3

Bike comparison: Specialized Kenevo SL 2021 vs Specialized Enduro 2021

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

Thanks ... that's a cool tool for comparison

I rode S3 and tad long for me. I ordered S2. BTW - I am 5’8”. The owner of my LBS is about 5’9”/5’10 and he rode S3 for a month before its release and he will be getting S2 as well.

I am starting to lean toward the S2. My current enduro bike is a Slayer C50 29'er (M) and that seems closest to the Kenevoe S2. Looks like they almost shadow each other (with some minor spec diffs) ... it feels like a pretty comfortable fit but felt maybe a little bit small. However, follwoing Joy of Bike "How to fit......" the R.A.D. # is a little big. Interesting concept for fitting a bike, I am in the process of fitting my Levo HT with a shoter stem and lower bars to see how much different their R.A.D. recommendations fit and feel

 

[Pdoz]

Officially though .. from the manual :

View attachment 62784

Phew, it doesn't specify dual crowns void the warranty - just that you're going to die or get injured.

Hang about, it doesn't specify WHO is going to die or get injured ?

 

[jcmonty]

First ride report (Expert, S4, Banana):

She rips! Super short loop with some of the steeper, chunkier sections near me. Bike is just so composed. Coming from the Levo SL (wayyyy not stock: 170mm fork, 63.6 HTA, mullet, cascade link w/20% progressivity, EXT Storia) - the immediate things I noticed is that this bike just feels more solid. More stable - flip side being it takes more effort to direct it, but holds lines better. This is firmly an enduro bike, but it's comfortable pedaling and doesn't feel mushy.

I am going to do a bigger loop on more sustained tech-flow trails which will be a real shake down. Ride report will follow after I get a better feel for it.

Random notes:

1. Handlebars are 35mm diameter. I probably should have known that, but I was surprised.
2. Bike came with T7 Butcher 2.3 F, T9 Butcher 2.3 R - both grid trail. I had seen eliminator on some of the reviews
3. The S4 came with a 170mm dropper. Pleasantly surprised as I thought it was going to be a 150mm. I haven't measured, but I have plenty of room to put in a 210mm OneUp if I want.

I may try swapping my Mezzer at some point to try out, but dang that 38 feels good from the get go. I will also end up swapping wheels from my SL, tires w/inserts, AXS. Still deciding on the brakes and if I can get along with Codes again.

 

[CjP]

First ride report (Expert, S4, Banana):

She rips! Super short loop with some of the steeper, chunkier sections near me. Bike is just so composed. Coming from the Levo SL (wayyyy not stock: 170mm fork, 63.6 HTA, mullet, cascade link w/20% progressivity, EXT Storia) - the immediate things I noticed is that this bike just feels more solid. More stable - flip side being it takes more effort to direct it, but holds lines better. This is firmly an enduro bike, but it's comfortable pedaling and doesn't feel mushy.

I am going to do a bigger loop on more sustained tech-flow trails which will be a real shake down. Ride report will follow after I get a better feel for it.

Random notes:

1. Handlebars are 35mm diameter. I probably should have known that, but I was surprised.
2. Bike came with T7 Butcher 2.3 F, T9 Butcher 2.3 R - both grid trail. I had seen eliminator on some of the reviews
3. The S4 came with a 170mm dropper. Pleasantly surprised as I thought it was going to be a 150mm. I haven't measured, but I have plenty of room to put in a 210mm OneUp if I want.

I may try swapping my Mezzer at some point to try out, but dang that 38 feels good from the get go. I will also end up swapping wheels from my SL, tires w/inserts, AXS. Still deciding on the brakes and if I can get along with Codes again.

Damn this lockdown shit, the day I get my bike together!
Can’t wait to ride it now!

 

[Blownoutrides]

I know @Christian has a second frame on the way anyway ..

Supply issues at the moment aren't good globally for anything unfortunately. You could argue a double crown spreads the leverage forces more consistently between two points so is actually easier on a frame ?

yeah maybe! Intuitively it seems like single crown forks just flex so much on big hucks (PB huck to flat slo-mos), whereas all that energy gets transferred directly to the head tube with the rigidity of a duel crown(?). I’m no engineer tho...

 

[jcmonty]

For those running the Range Extender - do you happen to have the Part Number, or a link to the correct cable? Manual calls for a 285mm cable which I can't seem to find online

 

[Steyoner]

Bike came with T7 Butcher 2.3 F, T9 Butcher 2.3 R - both grid trail.

How are those tires ? Should you consider going bigger ?
I am used to a bit wider tires not much but running 2.5 and 2.4 at the moment on the analog.

 

[CjP]

For those running the Range Extender - do you happen to have the Part Number, or a link to the correct cable? Manual calls for a 285mm cable which I can't seem to find online

Try this JC

 

[jcmonty]

How are those tires ? Should you consider going bigger ?
I am used to a bit wider tires not much but running 2.5 and 2.4 at the moment on the analog.

The tires look about 2.4 ish. A tad bit less rounded than a 2.5 would look I think. It really depends on your terrain and preferences imo. After two rides, I can say these tires roll slow on pavement (ride to the trail) , grip really well, brake well, and feel robust. Granted this was all with stock wheels and tubes still, but these tires feel like what I would want at a bike park or where it’s steep and loose

Swapping to my carbon wheelset with cushcore xc inserts, 2.5 tioga edge front , and 2.4 versus rear I lost about 900 grams of rolling weight. I haven’t ridden those outside the yard yet on this bike, but wow it’s definitely a noticeable difference of bike liveliness. I will see how they do on the trail, but given my experience on the SL, I imagine it will be fun

 

[Snoman]

I can not lie ... i was pretty stoked today to walk into a bike shop in Pentiction, BC and see a Kenevo SL S-Works on display. At the same time ... i was bummed to confirm that i am a S2 guy. That frame would have been way too big but iLuv the bike. On a positive note the Enduro S2 is actually bang on my RAD size (800mm) That means the Kenevoe SL (preferably Expert or Comp Carbon) should be a match made i heaven for me ... now to find lucky partner in crime to ride with!!!

Anyone in BC interior looking for a S3 S-Works?

 

[chris.raffard]

I've asked for the workshop docs but not had anything yet.

Spesh are normally pretty understanding on frame warranty, so whilst even if it's not listed as covered, there's a "chance" you'd be ok.

He's painted the frame anyway so doesn't have a warranty.

As for warranty on the frame, Christian should still have valid frame warranty as per the conversation I had with specialized, as long as all these are followed. Hopefully his serial number is not painted over.

“ Custom Paint - Specialized has told me that if a customer wants to paint their bike, There are two requirements. Otherwise it does void warranty.
1, It must be painted professionally, not by someone in a garage or by spray paint.
2, they must leave the serial number visible and not paint over it. ”

 

[chris.raffard]

I can not lie ... i was pretty stoked today to walk into a bike shop in Pentiction, BC and see a Kenevo SL S-Works on display. At the same time ... i was bummed to confirm that i am a S2 guy. That frame would have been way too big but iLuv the bike. On a positive note the Enduro S2 is actually bang on my RAD size (800mm) That means the Kenevoe SL (preferably Expert or Comp Carbon) should be a match made i heaven for me ... now to find lucky partner in crime to ride with!!!

Anyone in BC interior looking for a S3 S-Works?

View attachment 63015

I actually am! Message me

 

[Zimmerframe]

1, It must be painted professionally, not by someone in a garage or by spray paint.

He's in Australia. I'm pretty sure it was painted by several domesticated and highly trained Kangaroos with Rattle cans - they certainly would have been outside and not in a Garage.

2, they must leave the serial number visible and not paint over it.

Probably a 50/50 chance they missed that area.

 

[jcmonty]

One thing I forgot to mention that I found surprising, was that the stock Expert wheelset weights with rotors, tires and tubes (rear with cassette as well) were heavier than I expected:

Front: 2.970kg
Rear: 2.870kg

I thought I got my numbers wrong at first because having the front heavier than the rear with a cassette was super surprising. The T7 Grid Trail Butcher must be 1200g+. They definitely feel heavy/beefy on the trail. I will weight the tires specifically when I remove them at some point. Obviously, removing the tubes will drop 300-400grams, but I would gain half of that back with inserts (Tannus Tubeless most likely).

 

[CjP]

He's in Australia. I'm pretty sure it was painted by several domesticated and highly trained Kangaroos with Rattle cans - they certainly would have been outside and not in a Garage.



Probably a 50/50 chance they missed that area.

Yes correct my pet Kangaroo done the job for me in my bedroom workshop. I paid him in beers and lawn clippings, he was pretty stoked! Said he was happy just to advertise his business on the forums.
SKIPPY Customs if anyones looking for carbon repairs or paint jobs. Happy to hop on down to you for a free quote.

 

[ebikerider]

First ride report (Expert, S4, Banana):

She rips! Super short loop with some of the steeper, chunkier sections near me. Bike is just so composed. Coming from the Levo SL (wayyyy not stock: 170mm fork, 63.6 HTA, mullet, cascade link w/20% progressivity, EXT Storia) - the immediate things I noticed is that this bike just feels more solid. More stable - flip side being it takes more effort to direct it, but holds lines better. This is firmly an enduro bike, but it's comfortable pedaling and doesn't feel mushy.

I am going to do a bigger loop on more sustained tech-flow trails which will be a real shake down. Ride report will follow after I get a better feel for it.

Random notes:

1. Handlebars are 35mm diameter. I probably should have known that, but I was surprised.
2. Bike came with T7 Butcher 2.3 F, T9 Butcher 2.3 R - both grid trail. I had seen eliminator on some of the reviews
3. The S4 came with a 170mm dropper. Pleasantly surprised as I thought it was going to be a 150mm. I haven't measured, but I have plenty of room to put in a 210mm OneUp if I want.

I may try swapping my Mezzer at some point to try out, but dang that 38 feels good from the get go. I will also end up swapping wheels from my SL, tires w/inserts, AXS. Still deciding on the brakes and if I can get along with Codes again.

Awesome. Someone coming off a Mezzer that can compare the 38! Keen to hear your thoughts on the two.

Love the bike mate. I think this is the one to get me back to an emtb.

 

[jcmonty]

Awesome. Someone coming off a Mezzer that can compare the 38! Keen to hear your thoughts on the two.

Love the bike mate. I think this is the one to get me back to an emtb.

I need some more rides on the 38. So far - I like it. It definitely seems more progressive than what I had the Mezzer setup, but I adjust4df the spring rate a bit and need to ride again. I had the Mezzer a bit more linear with the main and IRT ratios, because it has pretty good midstroke and bottom out with the HBO. I probably will throw the Mezzer on the KSL at some point, but probably not after a few dozen rides on the 38 to get it well sorted. I think the Mezzer should be 300 ish grams lighter from what I have read as well, which is not insignificant.

 

[Killswitch73]

I need some more rides on the 38. So far - I like it. It definitely seems more progressive than what I had the Mezzer setup, but I adjust4df the spring rate a bit and need to ride again. I had the Mezzer a bit more linear with the main and IRT ratios, because it has pretty good midstroke and bottom out with the HBO. I probably will throw the Mezzer on the KSL at some point, but probably not after a few dozen rides on the 38 to get it well sorted. I think the Mezzer should be 300 ish grams lighter from what I have read as well, which is not insignificant.

when i get my frameset im going to be putting my Lyrik 160s on upgraded to 2021 debonair 170 air shaft . will see how i get on with them as i do like the forks ..

 

[h.grenade]

Most reviews say that the 38 blows through its travel pretty quickly. Adding more tokens and a few PSI should help. I finally ordered the Fox top cap socket so that I can try it out. Medium sized drops like 4 ft will use all of the travel. Not a feeling that I really enjoy

Also thats why its so plush on small chatter.

 

[jcmonty]

Most reviews say that the 38 blows through its travel pretty quickly. Adding more tokens and a few PSI should help. I finally ordered the Fox top cap socket so that I can try it out. Medium sized drops like 4 ft will use all of the travel. Not a feeling that I really enjoy

Also thats why its so plush on small chatter.

So far in a limited sample size, that hasn't been my experience. Even with some bigger hits, I only used about 70% of travel. It felt a tad stiff, but super composed. The Mezzer, how I had it setup, I would usually get to 90-95% travel on a ride at least once (again HBO helps make that super smooth). HSC was backed off completely

The 38 i lowered a few PSI and have HSC and LSC mostly open. Hoping to get out today to have another ride. Volume spacers could be a ticket as well, especially since you can tune HSR independently. I like my forks pretty fast on rebound to deal with chatter, but not living in the mid stroke.

 

[jpdbr]

Most reviews say that the 38 blows through its travel pretty quickly. Adding more tokens and a few PSI should help. I finally ordered the Fox top cap socket so that I can try it out. Medium sized drops like 4 ft will use all of the travel. Not a feeling that I really enjoy

Also thats why its so plush on small chatter.

Most issues with 38's are because of 3 reason:
-Too much grease on shaft causing bad functioning of both chambers
-Poor setup of HSC/LSC
-38's doesnt works that good on the low side of PSI's

 

[h.grenade]

Maybe that read wrong - the 38 is best feeling fork that I have ridden so far. I am just the type of rider that wants a lot of mid-stroke support. I like jumps and drops and I want the bike to take the big hits without compressing all the way down. If the front end drops 85mm on landing you will eat shit eventually

 

[jcmonty]

Alright more of a mini-review now that i have a few rides (see my previous "first ride" report for initial details):

This bike is amazing. Most bikes that I have ridden to date really needed something to get it where I wanted the bike. This one.. not so much. FIt is great. Suspension flat out works (and I am not even 100% dialed). New firmware feels more natural , and the bike sounds quieter than my SL most of the time. I swapped my carbon wheelset (~ 2lbs lighter overall than the stock wheelset with tubes), which made things a bit nimbler and faster rolling. I may put on different handlebars and mess with stem length, but that's just fine tuning.

Climbing - Climbs better than my SL. The steep STA majorly helps with body position. The pedaling performance feels better too. Could be placebo, as I do see the shock bob when I look down, but it feels like it's bobbing less. The technical climbing is a amazing. It just motors over everything. That rearward axle path really does feel like it accelerates on bumps vs. get hung up.

Descending - I am pretty sure I will smash all of my standing PRs over the next few weeks. My SL was my best descending bike. This is better. It's more smash through lines than wriggle around things, but I wouldn't describe it as a pure "plow" bike. The suspension has good feedback when pumping, etc. Jumping is balanced, but I am still getting the feel for timing, pop, etc. My trails are generally, loose and rocky or steep tech/flow. This bike was made for that. I have not taken this on mellower terrain. I wouldn't have an issue pedaling this for a long time, but for "XC" riding, I would prefer my hardtail unless I need to get from A to B in the shortest amount of time.

Cornering - The KSL likes to carves corners vs. slash in my limited time on it so far. I think it's the balance and length making cornering more of a process vs. squaring off everything in sight. Granted, I am coming from a mullet setup, but It's an interesting feeling. Higher speed the better, which will make it great on machine built trails. The suspension works in your favor here as well as it seems to accelerate on bumps.

Battery Range - I haven't pushed this yet, but it seems on par with my SL. I adjusted my "trail mode" to 30/90 or something like that, which I use 90% of the time. I could get 25mil and 4kft in that mode by my estimates. This matches the SL . I will say that the stock wheels + tires felt slow rolling on the pavement. Trail speed they were fine.

Motor - It's the same as the SL - no real surprises. Torque may be a bit smoother at startup, and it sounds quieter. That may be an artifact of beefier frame and shock layout, but I was surprised. It's less of a high pitch whine.

Components - Spec is spot on. Nothing to complain about yet. Well.. it could have been $4k cheaper
Fox 38 : I really like this fork so far. I am not dialed in completely, but it's supportive, plush, stiff - everything you could ask for.
Fox X2 - pretty good so far as well. I haven't gotten the front and rear to be 100% balanced yet, but I think that I should get there in a ride or two more.
Code RS : Pretty darn good stopping power with the 220mm front rotor.
Wheelset: Seems solid, but most likely will go as a backup. I am keen to through a 36t ratchet in there with the new internals.
Tires : Beefy and grippy but slow rolling. These may see park duty

Other notes - This bike feels big. It's long, slack, and a tad bit heavier than what I am used to. It's harder to manual (but I suck at those anyways). Best way I can say it is that my Levo SL (again.. heavily pushed towards the aggro spectrum) was a solid All Mountain bike with just "ok" climbing performance due to the slack STA, and the KSL is a pure enduro bike. Probably still in the honeymoon, but this feels like the bike I have been looking for over the past few bikes. Let's hope I can stay content for once

 

[jcmonty]

Maybe that read wrong - the 38 is best feeling fork that I have ridden so far. I am just the type of rider that wants a lot of mid-stroke support. I like jumps and drops and I want the bike to take the big hits without compressing all the way down. If the front end drops 85mm on landing you will eat shit eventually

Get something with a third air chamber (mezzer, ohlins, ext era) for that mid stroke. Or add a Vorsprung Secus. Or go coil.

You can also tweak the HSC to add more impact support . Probably would try that first

 

[ebikerider]

Alright more of a mini-review now that i have a few rides (see my previous "first ride" report for initial details):

This bike is amazing. Most bikes that I have ridden to date really needed something to get it where I wanted the bike. This one.. not so much. FIt is great. Suspension flat out works (and I am not even 100% dialed). New firmware feels more natural , and the bike sounds quieter than my SL most of the time. I swapped my carbon wheelset (~ 2lbs lighter overall than the stock wheelset with tubes), which made things a bit nimbler and faster rolling. I may put on different handlebars and mess with stem length, but that's just fine tuning.

Climbing - Climbs better than my SL. The steep STA majorly helps with body position. The pedaling performance feels better too. Could be placebo, as I do see the shock bob when I look down, but it feels like it's bobbing less. The technical climbing is a amazing. It just motors over everything. That rearward axle path really does feel like it accelerates on bumps vs. get hung up.

Descending - I am pretty sure I will smash all of my standing PRs over the next few weeks. My SL was my best descending bike. This is better. It's more smash through lines than wriggle around things, but I wouldn't describe it as a pure "plow" bike. The suspension has good feedback when pumping, etc. Jumping is balanced, but I am still getting the feel for timing, pop, etc. My trails are generally, loose and rocky or steep tech/flow. This bike was made for that. I have not taken this on mellower terrain. I wouldn't have an issue pedaling this for a long time, but for "XC" riding, I would prefer my hardtail unless I need to get from A to B in the shortest amount of time.

Cornering - The KSL likes to carves corners vs. slash in my limited time on it so far. I think it's the balance and length making cornering more of a process vs. squaring off everything in sight. Granted, I am coming from a mullet setup, but It's an interesting feeling. Higher speed the better, which will make it great on machine built trails. The suspension works in your favor here as well as it seems to accelerate on bumps.

Battery Range - I haven't pushed this yet, but it seems on par with my SL. I adjusted my "trail mode" to 30/90 or something like that, which I use 90% of the time. I could get 25mil and 4kft in that mode by my estimates. This matches the SL . I will say that the stock wheels + tires felt slow rolling on the pavement. Trail speed they were fine.

Motor - It's the same as the SL - no real surprises. Torque may be a bit smoother at startup, and it sounds quieter. That may be an artifact of beefier frame and shock layout, but I was surprised. It's less of a high pitch whine.

Components - Spec is spot on. Nothing to complain about yet. Well.. it could have been $4k cheaper
Fox 38 : I really like this fork so far. I am not dialed in completely, but it's supportive, plush, stiff - everything you could ask for.
Fox X2 - pretty good so far as well. I haven't gotten the front and rear to be 100% balanced yet, but I think that I should get there in a ride or two more.
Code RS : Pretty darn good stopping power with the 220mm front rotor.
Wheelset: Seems solid, but most likely will go as a backup. I am keen to through a 36t ratchet in there with the new internals.
Tires : Beefy and grippy but slow rolling. These may see park duty

Other notes - This bike feels big. It's long, slack, and a tad bit heavier than what I am used to. It's harder to manual (but I suck at those anyways). Best way I can say it is that my Levo SL (again.. heavily pushed towards the aggro spectrum) was a solid All Mountain bike with just "ok" climbing performance due to the slack STA, and the KSL is a pure enduro bike. Probably still in the honeymoon, but this feels like the bike I have been looking for over the past few bikes. Let's hope I can stay content for once

Are you going to try the smaller rear wheel? High BB and steep headset cup should get you into some nice numbers. Coil shock?

 

[Blownoutrides]

Random thought re. seat post insertion: Looks from the user manual diagram that Spesh has reamed the seat tube to limit insertion depth. I’m guessing could be related to cracking issues with enduro shock tunnels, which may have been triggered by dropping in the post and having the pointy mechanism smash into the roof of the shock tunnel and potentially starting a hairline crack from the inside. Just conjecture, but could explain this weird crack that a lot of folks saw.

ANYWAY... if you’re needing an extra few mm of insertion depth on your Kenevo SL you might try using a smaller diameter post with an adapter shim to potentially bypass the ream limit.

My frame hasn’t arrived yet, so no idea if it works. Just thought I’d throw it out there in case it’s a problem solver for some.

 

[jcmonty]

Random thought re. seat post insertion: Looks from the user manual diagram that Spesh has reamed the seat tube to limit insertion depth. I’m guessing could be related to cracking issues with enduro shock tunnels, which may have been triggered by dropping in the post and having the pointy mechanism smash into the roof of the shock tunnel and potentially starting a hairline crack from the inside. Just conjecture, but could explain this weird crack that a lot of folks saw.

ANYWAY... if you’re needing an extra few mm of insertion depth on your Kenevo SL you might try using a smaller diameter post with an adapter shim to potentially bypass the ream limit.

My frame hasn’t arrived yet, so no idea if it works. Just thought I’d throw it out there in case it’s a problem solver for some.

I did some measuring and I can push the seat post in about 21mm further than I have it set currently with the stock 170mm manic. That would put me right between a 200-210 one up when considering the overall length. This is on the S4, and I am 6’1 with about a 33” inseam

 

[jcmonty]

Are you going to try the smaller rear wheel? High BB and steep headset cup should get you into some nice numbers. Coil shock?

I may try the mullet at sometime point. It would have to go to the steep headset cup and high bb. I do feel like you would lose some of the rear wheel roll over feel that I am enjoying at the moment, but it’s probably worth an experiment or two.

Not sure on the shock. It’s so good right now I will have to give it a think. I am most likely going to sell the SL and will miss the EXT. so who knows?