Kenevo SL Official 2022 Kenevo SL (KSL) Megathread!

[JetSetDemo]

What a great bike. I went out for the first time since my collarbone surgery with the guys yesterday to FOD. I took my SC bullet and swapped with a riding buddy with a new S3. He had the extender fitted and I did the climb up to the DH and then One run of countdown in to launch pad. What a bike, feels similar to the bullet I think that’s the low pivot suspension set up. I was genuinely surprised how much assist you get for climbing, it’s not bad at all I could easily live with it.

I just need to find somewhere in the midlands that has an S4 and an S3. The bike I rode was an S3 and the tech felt a tiny bit smaller than my medium Bullet. I’ve always kind of wished I’d got the large size bullet and although I am going to keep that bike I think for the KSL I might prefer the longer reach of the S4.

Time for me to tell my wife you can never have too many’s bikes again.

 

[Doomanic]

I just need to find somewhere in the midlands that has an S4 and an S3. The bike I rode was an S3 and the tech felt a tiny bit smaller than my medium Bullet. I’ve always kind of wished I’d got the large size bullet and although I am going to keep that bike I think for the KSL I might prefer the longer reach of the S4.

Normally, if a poster of your stature says something like that I'd ask them what they've been smoking. Seeing as I know the answer to that question, I'll stick with the old favourite of "What the fuck, dude?"

 

[IronScott]

Hi. I have a 2022 Expert Levo (FF). The bike is awesome and has more power than I need. I've only used Turbo to play with. I tuned Trail down a bit and mostly use that. It's more than enough for what I need. The bike is an absolute blast but obviously very heavy, which normally isn't much of a problem but is at times. I'm 5'7"/172cm and 150 pounds/68kg riding an S3. It fits good but sometimes wonder if a S2 would be better, but regardless my shop has 2 Comp KSLs in stock in S3 size - one of each color.

I'm very much considering selling the Levo and buying a KSL. I feel like it would be plenty of power for what I need, which is mostly being able to session downhill runs and otherwise fun trails, and the occasional longer ride. My riding group consists of three other eMTBers, all of which have previous gen Levo SLs, so that would be a plus having a similar bike.

I'm not a big jumper but do jump some. I love enduro type trails with lots of speed and chunk. I know the KSL is ideal for that but the new Levo is more than adequate plus I could always slack it more with the headset mod if needed. That's a wash in my mind, so having lighter weight and similar bike to my buddies are the two biggest benefits I can see.

The ONE thing that bugs me the absolute most is the drag over 20mph. This impacts me on the trails at times and especially going to and from trails on roads and bike paths. It drives me f'ing insane. Does the KSL suffer the same type of drag?

I also have my name on the list for a Rise Hydro, which would be a great bike I'm sure, but I'm sort of keen on Specialized bikes in general. Have several now and over the years.

Sorry for the long email. Appreciate any responses.

 

[jcmonty]

The drag on the sl and ksl is barely perceivable compared to the normal Levo. If that’s your deciding metric, it’s a no brainer that the ksl would be a better choice

 

[Endoguru]

I agree with Jcmonty. I hated the motor drag on my previous shimano motor bike. The KSL has almost zero drag. The adjustable geometry is great. I run it fully slack at the bike park and fully steep on my somewhat tame local trails and it works excellently at both.

 

[IronScott]

The drag on the sl and ksl is barely perceivable compared to the normal Levo. If that’s your deciding metric, it’s a no brainer that the ksl would be a better choice

I agree with Jcmonty. I hated the motor drag on my previous shimano motor bike. The KSL has almost zero drag. The adjustable geometry is great. I run it fully slack at the bike park and fully steep on my somewhat tame local trails and it works excellently at both.

Thank you, both. That alone almost cements my decision. I just talked to the shop about getting a S2 on order and it looks like March timeframe, so I may go ahead and pull the trigger. Have been thinking about it for a few weeks. I hate making changes so quickly but I think I'll be happier.

 

[Mcharza]

I haven't noticed any drag. I often ride even flat trails and downhills without assistance.

 

[Doomanic]

I'm 177cm and ride an S3, my friend is 174cm and rides an S3 and my friend who is 174cm and wants one tried an S3 but wants to try an S4. We think he's mad... I tried an S4 and it was too long for me.

At 172cm I think I'd try an S2 if I could, but an S3 should be OK too. The S2 will be more playful and the S3 will be more stable.

 

[IronScott]

I'm 177cm and ride an S3, my friend is 174cm and rides an S3 and my friend who is 174cm and wants one tried an S3 but wants to try an S4. We think he's mad... I tried an S4 and it was too long for me.

At 172cm I think I'd try an S2 if I could, but an S3 should be OK too. The S2 will be more playful and the S3 will be more stable.

That's what I'm thinking. The S3 works but I feel like the S2 might be more fun. I should demo the S3 since it's in stock. I doubt it will fit much, if any, different than the Levo. I did sit on a StumpJumper in S2 size and it felt good. Probably nit picking at this point. I could get the S3 right now instead of waiting. The stability aspect may be more important than I'm thinking. I'm 50 years old now and can use all the help I can get.

I hate decisions like this. First world problems.

 

[jcmonty]

That's what I'm thinking. The S3 works but I feel like the S2 might be more fun. I should demo the S3 since it's in stock. I doubt it will fit much, if any, different than the Levo. I did sit on a StumpJumper in S2 size and it felt good. Probably nit picking at this point. I could get the S3 right now instead of waiting. The stability aspect may be more important than I'm thinking. I'm 50 years old now and can use all the help I can get.

I hate decisions like this. First world problems.

The geometry changes make a big difference in ride feel as well. So, like the 3rd gen levo, you have a lot of options to play with. The biggest concern with up sizing would be the seat post drop, as you will find that given the shallow max insertion depth, the maximum drop you can run may be limited.

 

[Doomanic]

My friend and I both use shorter stems and like them.

Looking at the size chart, you're right at the top of S2 but lower-mid for S3. I'd be concerned the S2 may feel cramped. My friend also has a medium 2019 Levo and it feels comedically short compared to my Rail, which is shorter than my KSL...

 

[jcmonty]

Color me intrigued.. dual positive chambers? That could be interesting

Spotted: EXT is Developing a New Air Shock - Pinkbike

EXT is branching into air shocks for the first time.

www.pinkbike.com

 

[Doomanic]

The biggest concern with up sizing would be the seat post drop, as you will find that given the shallow max insertion depth, the maximum drop you can run may be limited.

Good point; my seatpost is fully slammed and is only just low enough.

 

[IronScott]

The geometry changes make a big difference in ride feel as well. So, like the 3rd gen levo, you have a lot of options to play with. The biggest concern with up sizing would be the seat post drop, as you will find that given the shallow max insertion depth, the maximum drop you can run may be limited.

This is how the Levo post looks. Drop seems to be good, I think. I can comfortably stand flat-footed with the seat all the way down. Thoughts?

 

[Doomanic]

The KSL has a much shorter seat tube, you'll really need to try one to be sure. On my mate's S3 the seat was a fraction too high with the stock seat post fully slammed.

 

[Mcharza]

Good point; my seatpost is fully slammed and is only just low enough.

Just put 150 mm dropper, haven't you heard that

 

[Doomanic]

Just put OneUp 150 mm dropper, haven't you heard that

FTFY...

 

[Doomanic]

Although, it may actually be the solution in this instance.

 

[IronScott]

The geometry changes make a big difference in ride feel as well. So, like the 3rd gen levo, you have a lot of options to play with. The biggest concern with up sizing would be the seat post drop, as you will find that given the shallow max insertion depth, the maximum drop you can run may be limited.

Well, you were spot on with your comments. I went up and tested the S3 and couldn't get the seat post down far enough. It would be borderline workable totally slammed. So now it's either order a S2 or just keep the Levo for a while. Test riding the KSL did make me realize how fun even the trail mode is on the Levo. The KSL power is so different. I really did like the lack of drag. I could definitely tell it works much nicer than the Levo. Gotta have a long think on it. I suppose I could sell my Ripmo and fund the KSL Best of both worlds.

 

[Endoguru]

Well, you were spot on with your comments. I went up and tested the S3 and couldn't get the seat post down far enough. It would be borderline workable totally slammed. So now it's either order a S2 or just keep the Levo for a while. Test riding the KSL did make me realize how fun even the trail mode is on the Levo. The KSL power is so different. I really did like the lack of drag. I could definitely tell it works much nicer than the Levo. Gotta have a long think on it. I suppose I could sell my Ripmo and fund the KSL Best of both worlds.

The stock dropper is very long. I’m 178cm and ride an S3. I am able to run a 200mm OneUp dropper. It is fully Inserted into the sea tube, but it does fit. For reference, I ride flat pedals and I’m 895mm from the top of the pedal to the center of the seat rails if that helps you determine what will fit.

 

[Andres_Mora]

Well, you were spot on with your comments. I went up and tested the S3 and couldn't get the seat post down far enough. It would be borderline workable totally slammed. So now it's either order a S2 or just keep the Levo for a while. Test riding the KSL did make me realize how fun even the trail mode is on the Levo. The KSL power is so different. I really did like the lack of drag. I could definitely tell it works much nicer than the Levo. Gotta have a long think on it. I suppose I could sell my Ripmo and fund the KSL Best of both worlds.

The issue is the seatpost insertion depth and the S2 and S3 have the same exact limit so it won't help to go down a size.

I know it's a meme around here but just get a one up and you'll be fine with the S3.

 

[Moshe]

I am 193cm and have a Kenevo SL S5 and I would have liked an S6 if the KSL came in that.

 

[Blownoutrides]

The drag on the sl and ksl is barely perceivable compared to the normal Levo. If that’s your deciding metric, it’s a no brainer that the ksl would be a better choice

Agreed. Get you a KSL 100%.

 

[Blownoutrides]

I am 193cm and have a Kenevo SL S5 and I would have liked an S6 if the KSL came in that.

Hmmm… surprising to hear. I’m the same height (6’-4”) and S5 feels spot on. Any bigger and I feel like it would be a challenge to corner / jump. Is it the reach that’s feeling small or the chainstays? Pretty sure all sizes share the same chainstay length which is honestly one of my few pet peeves about Spesh right now. That said I wouldn’t necessarily want them any longer.

 

[Mcharza]

The stock dropper is very long. I’m 178cm and ride an S3. I am able to run a 200mm OneUp dropper. It is fully Inserted into the sea tube, but it does fit. For reference, I ride flat pedals and I’m 895mm from the top of the pedal to the center of the seat rails if that helps you determine what will fit.

Did you mean that the seat post (thicker portion) goes entirely inside the saddle tube?
And have you had to reduce the travel.

 

[Endoguru]

Did you mean that the seat post (thicker portion) goes entirely inside the saddle tube?
And have you had to reduce the travel.

I meant the seat post is is inserted as far as it can go into the seat tube. I couldn’t run any longer of a seat post. If you measure from the top of the pedal to the center of the seat rails on your current bike and it is more than 895mm then you would have to use a OneUp 180mm dropper rather than the 200mm dropper I'm using.

 

[Mcharza]

I meant the seat post is is inserted as far as it can go into the seat tube. I couldn’t run any longer of a seat post. If you measure from the top of the pedal to the center of the seat rails on your current bike and it is more than 895mm then you would have to use a OneUp 180mm dropper rather than the 200mm dropper I'm using.

Thanks for info. Just measured it, it was 825 mm, pedal at it's lowest point, not parallel to the seat tube.

 

[Endoguru]

Thanks for info. Just measured it, it was 825 mm, pedal at it's lowest point, not parallel to the seat tube.

That is how I measured mine, not parallel to the seat tube. You‘re inseam appears to be shorter than mine. I would think you could get away with a 180mm dropper. The OneUp website has all the measurements on their droppers for you to be able to determine which dropper would fit. In addition, you can shim their droppers up or down 20mm. I bought the 210mm post and had to shim it down to 200mm to get it to fit. It is very easy to do at home.

For what it’s worth, I downsized a frame size on this bike and am glad I did. I would have normally bought the S4, but after doing some research, I chose the S3. I‘ve ridden the bike park where I usually ride a DH bike and never felt like the bike was too small.

 

[Tbar]

Sorry if this has been asked before but do we expect an aluminium KSL to be released like Specialized did on the original Levo SL?

 

[Mcharza]

That is how I measured mine, not parallel to the seat tube. You‘re inseam appears to be shorter than mine. I would think you could get away with a 180mm dropper. The OneUp website has all the measurements on their droppers for you to be able to determine which dropper would fit. In addition, you can shim their droppers up or down 20mm. I bought the 210mm post and had to shim it down to 200mm to get it to fit. It is very easy to do at home.

For what it’s worth, I downsized a frame size on this bike and am glad I did. I would have normally bought the S4, but after doing some research, I chose the S3. I‘ve ridden the bike park where I usually ride a DH bike and never felt like the bike was too small.

Thanks for great info. Now I know what to order