Levo SL Gen 1 Official Levo SL Thread

[RabbitHole]

sweet. Thanks for the pic.

 

[SL-ED]

sweet. Thanks for the pic.

You don't need Cascade link but its nice

 

[RabbitHole]

Another nice ride. I ordered it anyways. Nothing like pressing "buy it now" after a couple of beers. (cause I really *need* that link ;-)

 

[kmag]

Another nice ride. I ordered it anyways. Nothing like pressing "buy it now" after a couple of beers. (cause I really *need* that link ;-)

That link helps completely transform this bike.

 

[dasurpha]

what type of lighting setups are the levo sl owners running? any fully integrated using the internal batter like we can with the OG levo?

Asked the same a while ago but got no responses...

The 8W output of the internal battery limits the available options for headlights. Looks like LEZYNE Ebike Power STVZO 310 lumen is the best option, but have not bothered to order the light split cable from the local Specialized dealer as the light is likely not powerful enough for the woods. Would probably work fine for transfer purposes.

 

[onkelshort]

Because you’ve likely installed them to lower a bike or make the mounts closer.
Meaning gravity keeps them in that position. On the SLs upper shock mount you’re limited to the TQ and it’s only carbon pressed against the bushing walls.

Just checked it. You are right. In the end they went back to low position on the inside to shorten shock eye to eye length.

 

[Junior]

Anyone had any trouble with the main pivot bearings making noise? Almost sounds like squeaky door hinge. If I pull the triangle apart and clean the pivots it goes away, but seems to come back quick. Might be time for a pivot service after 800 miles.

 

[jcmonty]

All you SL owners with the Jade X shock. Couple of questions:

(1) I am an (OLD) trail rider, technical stuff, not too fast anymore, I dont jump more than a foot. Do I need the cascade linkage?

(b) can someone post a pic of the shock on the bike, I thought I saw one, but cant find it now...

thanks alot.

Cascade link will help with progression. Ie you can set it up to avoid harsh bottom outs without having to run a stiffer spring rate , making it harsher on the chatter.

it’s worth it if you are going coil

 

[jcmonty]

Thanks for the input and little review of your setup!
I also have a storia coming for my Levo SL.
I am about 205lb without gear.
My bike has a cascade link and I was thinking I would need a 650lb spring, but by the sounds of it, a 600 or 625 might work better.

I have been running my SL with a 21’ 160 f36 and a 210x55 dpx2 with .6 volume spacer in it to make the shock more linear.(because of the cascade link)
This bike has been great set up like this! But want to try something different

I have a Mezzer sitting here that I am going to pair with the Storia. This should be a good combo!

I have a Storia and Era on my Druid, and it is amazing!

I was happy to hear your experience with the Storia fitted to this bike!

This bike is so much fun!

I am 180 and at 585-590 lb spring rate normally (running a sprindex 550-610) with the cascade and the storia . I found that with the higher spring rate the shock came alive on rougher trails. I have run it all the way down to 550, and though plush, it loses some of the liveliness.

 

[kmag]

I am 180 and at 585-590 lb spring rate normally (running a sprindex 550-610) with the cascade and the storia . I found that with the higher spring rate the shock came alive on rougher trails. I have run it all the way down to 550, and though plush, it loses some of the liveliness.

Thanks!
Sounds like I may need a 600 and 625.
Maybe a springdex is in my future as well

 

[SNEEZE]

Anyone had any trouble with the main pivot bearings making noise? Almost sounds like squeaky door hinge. If I pull the triangle apart and clean the pivots it goes away, but seems to come back quick. Might be time for a pivot service after 800 miles.

The squeaking was driving me nuts, I would wash the bike with warm water no soap, wipe dry and lube all pivot points. The squeak went away then it would come back. So I tried something on a ride using my water bladder I squirted water on the area I thought was the offender and it stopped. I discovered that the rubber guard near the bottom of the rear triangle suspension closets to tire would get dirt under it and start squeaking. Now It gets lube once a week.

 

[RabbitHole]

Well I am liking this little bike. (size XL). Bought the comp, and then did the upgrades myself (I am a shimano man, dont know why, just am!). The rocket red was a a bit of a shocker (more like pylon cone orange), but I am embracing it. Got the Jade X on the back, the cascade link is arriving tomorrow.

thanks for the tips crew!

 

[Etacata]

The squeaking was driving me nuts, I would wash the bike with warm water no soap, wipe dry and lube all pivot points. The squeak went away then it would come back. So I tried something on a ride using my water bladder I squirted water on the area I thought was the offender and it stopped. I discovered that the rubber guard near the bottom of the rear triangle suspension closets to tire would get dirt under it and start squeaking. Now It gets lube once a week.

I've been chasing a squeak on my sl comp for awhile now. Greased all my pivots etc. Turns out it was my offset bushing causing my frame to contact my bomber cr coil shock. Noticed rubbing on shock. Bummed I can't use the bushing but glad that noise is gone!

 

[jcmonty]

I've been chasing a squeak on my sl comp for awhile now. Greased all my pivots etc. Turns out it was my offset bushing causing my frame to contact my bomber cr coil shock. Noticed rubbing on shock. Bummed I can't use the bushing but glad that noise is gone!

I had that too.. had them make me a “1/2” offset bushing which has no clearance issues. Obviously less of an effect

 

[Junior]

The squeaking was driving me nuts, I would wash the bike with warm water no soap, wipe dry and lube all pivot points. The squeak went away then it would come back. So I tried something on a ride using my water bladder I squirted water on the area I thought was the offender and it stopped. I discovered that the rubber guard near the bottom of the rear triangle suspension closets to tire would get dirt under it and start squeaking. Now It gets lube once a week.

I actually thought this might be my problem and bent the guard up. I’m afraid it’s actually coming from the pivots on my bike.

 

[addxyz]

Anyone else with the Guide RE? Does the rubber boot at the end where the cable comes into the lever stay on? Mine always come off after each ride (both sides). LBS says that's normal and to just tape it up.

 

[KeithR]

Anyone else with the Guide RE? Does the rubber boot at the end where the cable comes into the lever stay on? Mine always come off after each ride (both sides). LBS says that's normal and to just tape it up.

I've got Guide REs - but they don't have a rubber boot at all. just a hard, well-attached plastic moulding, like this:

 

[EVILTaylor]

Anyone else with the Guide RE? Does the rubber boot at the end where the cable comes into the lever stay on? Mine always come off after each ride (both sides). LBS says that's normal and to just tape it up.

I have never had this issue with the Guide R's or the RE. Seems like something else is going on.

 

[Norcalsl]

Speaking of Guide REs, I just replaced mine with Hope Tech 3 E4 brakes and matching floating disc rotors. Much better modulation and more than enough power. Plus they look cool.

 

[addxyz]

I've got Guide REs - but they don't have a rubber boot at all. just a hard, well-attached plastic moulding, like this:

It's that rubber molding at the end where the G in GUIDE is. It almost always comes detached and slides a little bit down the cable.

 

[squeegee]

I just got an SL comp about a week ago, took to bike park yesterday, a buddy let me borrow his RS super deluxe most of the day (from FF Levo), whoa--transformed the rear suspension in a big way vs. little air shock that came on the bike.

My question to anyone who reads this and has upgraded their SL to coil, which ones can accommodate a water bottle without the piggy back getting in the way? RS super deluxe and normal size waterbottle don't play well.

Seems like DVO Jade X might give good clearance (no pics here with waterbottle!)

Anyone tried a Fox coil? DHX2 or other?

 

[Etacata]

I just got an SL comp about a week ago, took to bike park yesterday, a buddy let me borrow his RS super deluxe most of the day (from FF Levo), whoa--transformed the rear suspension in a big way vs. little air shock that came on the bike.

My question to anyone who reads this and has upgraded their SL to coil, which ones can accommodate a water bottle without the piggy back getting in the way? RS super deluxe and normal size waterbottle don't play well.

Seems like DVO Jade X might give good clearance (no pics here with waterbottle!)

Anyone tried a Fox coil? DHX2 or other?

I've mounted and ridden fox x2, dhx2, bomber, dvo air. pretty much all needed a different cage that sits lower on bike. the Arundel carbon cage is what I use.

 

[p3eps]

I've mounted and ridden fox x2, dhx2, bomber, dvo air. pretty much all needed a different cage that sits lower on bike. the Arundel carbon cage is what I use.

This one?

Arundel STR-Mandible SideLoader Bottle Cage | Sigma Sports

Shop the Arundel STR-Mandible SideLoader Bottle Cage online at Sigma Sports. Receive FREE UK delivery on all orders over £100 and easy returns!

www.sigmasports.com

I don’t own a Range Extender, but may get one in the future. Wondering if this would work with the strap?

 

[squeegee]

Seperate question, size large SL comp, maximum seatpost insertion length? I've tried to call Specialized Rider support 3 times in last week, sent 3 emails, crickets on their end, Covid message says everyone isolating...limited full specs on their site, best I can figure is stock post overall length 438mm but no breakdown on insertable length, want a post I can slam to post clamp.

Also no information on "specialized" rear hub specs, comes HG driver with boat anchor NX 12 speed cassette, want to change to XD driver, tried to disassemble rear hub but need 12mm hex and maybe 14mm hex to get HG freehub body off best I can figure, have DT swiss XD freehub body in-hand

 

[Etacata]

This one?

Arundel STR-Mandible SideLoader Bottle Cage | Sigma Sports

Shop the Arundel STR-Mandible SideLoader Bottle Cage online at Sigma Sports. Receive FREE UK delivery on all orders over £100 and easy returns!

www.sigmasports.com

I don’t own a Range Extender, but may get one in the future. Wondering if this would work with the strap?

yes, that's the one. it works with the range extender. only issue being cord is closer to plug in so it doesn't sit in the cable groove on the battery. not a big deal considering how much better the shocks are. I ended up keeping the bomber cr coil on my sl comp. 170 fox 36 fork, and running it mullet style. I like to go downhill ?

 

[Junior]

I just got an SL comp about a week ago, took to bike park yesterday, a buddy let me borrow his RS super deluxe most of the day (from FF Levo), whoa--transformed the rear suspension in a big way vs. little air shock that came on the bike.

My question to anyone who reads this and has upgraded their SL to coil, which ones can accommodate a water bottle without the piggy back getting in the way? RS super deluxe and normal size waterbottle don't play well.

Seems like DVO Jade X might give good clearance (no pics here with waterbottle!)

Anyone tried a Fox coil? DHX2 or other?

I am running a Storia and there is a bit of interference with a water bottle, but the bottle just kinda sits to the side. I cant imagine its doing any damage. I run it like this all the time and have not had any issues.

Edit: Size XL

 

[Junior]

I've been chasing a squeak on my sl comp for awhile now. Greased all my pivots etc. Turns out it was my offset bushing causing my frame to contact my bomber cr coil shock. Noticed rubbing on shock. Bummed I can't use the bushing but glad that noise is gone!

So I figured out what was making my "creaky door hinge opened slowly" sound.

I pulled the motor and unbolted the main pivots. When I was cleaning the inside of the pivots, I noticed the sound again. I thought to myself, "well thats strange since the pivots making the noise are not pivoting". Started to look at the other pivots, but quickly realized its actually the internal cable guides rubbing together. I guess they are made out of a somewhat sticky plastic, and in my bike they were crossed over each other and making the sound I was hearing. I wrapped the guides in the area going through the back of the frame into the chain stays, and voila, no noise. Put the pivots back together and was hearing noise higher up in the travel, turns out the cable guides crossed back across each other as they went up the seat tube. Wrapped those up too and now there is no noise!

Unfortunately I have been hearing a faint clicking while pedaling hard. I am regreasing everything now and hoping it is not an issue developing in the motor. I have been riding it for several intense rides with the sound and it happens whether the motor is on or not, so I am hoping its just from all the dry dust from around here working its way in.

I have also had a lot of noise coming from the rear axle area, that is always cured by a simple removing of the rear wheel and a light greasing of the dropouts/axle threads. Just another thing to look for for noise.

 

[CjP]

Seperate question, size large SL comp, maximum seatpost insertion length? I've tried to call Specialized Rider support 3 times in last week, sent 3 emails, crickets on their end, Covid message says everyone isolating...limited full specs on their site, best I can figure is stock post overall length 438mm but no breakdown on insertable length, want a post I can slam to post clamp.

Also no information on "specialized" rear hub specs, comes HG driver with boat anchor NX 12 speed cassette, want to change to XD driver, tried to disassemble rear hub but need 12mm hex and maybe 14mm hex to get HG freehub body off best I can figure, have DT swiss XD freehub body in-hand

View attachment 43547

Around 270mm to the little humps but a smaller diameter seat post will go another 10 to 20mm.

 

[Norcalsl]

So I rode 33 miles, 4:42 hours, climbed 4,040 ft., consumed 37 watt hours, and my average support level was 5.5 %. Battery went from 80% down to 74%. I road mostly unassisted and when assisted (steep climbs) in Eco mode set at 25-35%. Is there a math wiz here to tell me how far I can go and how much climbing I can do at this rate?

 

[Norcalsl]

So I figured out what was making my "creaky door hinge opened slowly" sound.

I pulled the motor and unbolted the main pivots. When I was cleaning the inside of the pivots, I noticed the sound again. I thought to myself, "well thats strange since the pivots making the noise are not pivoting". Started to look at the other pivots, but quickly realized its actually the internal cable guides rubbing together. I guess they are made out of a somewhat sticky plastic, and in my bike they were crossed over each other and making the sound I was hearing. I wrapped the guides in the area going through the back of the frame into the chain stays, and voila, no noise. Put the pivots back together and was hearing noise higher up in the travel, turns out the cable guides crossed back across each other as they went up the seat tube. Wrapped those up too and now there is no noise!

Unfortunately I have been hearing a faint clicking while pedaling hard. I am regreasing everything now and hoping it is not an issue developing in the motor. I have been riding it for several intense rides with the sound and it happens whether the motor is on or not, so I am hoping its just from all the dry dust from around here working its way in.

I have also had a lot of noise coming from the rear axle area, that is always cured by a simple removing of the rear wheel and a light greasing of the dropouts/axle threads. Just another thing to look for for noise.

View attachment 43552

View attachment 43554

Was it difficult to drop the motor?