Levo Gen 3 S4 for 6' tall? anyone tried this and happy w/ it or are most saying it's too small?

Savan

Member
Dec 16, 2021
44
6
Iowa
I'm 6'2" and have a levo s4 on order. Have many other six footers been happy w/ an s4 or is the consensus that s5 is the way to go?

I know it supposedly has to do w/ riding style and what you like. just curious if there's any consensus.
 

PCRover

Member
Jul 18, 2021
27
6
NorCal, USA
I'm almost 6'3" with longish legs and ride an XL. I can ride L's but feel like I am too big for them. The seat needs to be up so high the Handlebars are too low for my liking even with max spacers. Reach is not as much of a problem as stack height.
 

Savan

Member
Dec 16, 2021
44
6
Iowa
Thanks for the input. There is an existing height/size thread for levos but no one is talking a sizing. Just s/m/l/xl
 
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rb.

Active member
Apr 27, 2020
388
262
San Jose, usa
For me if I was on the fence with sizing, on a normal bike I’d size up, on an ebike I’d size down. With the added weight of ebikes they are naturally more stable and can benefit in the maneuverability with a slightly smaller sizing. S4 sounds right.
 

Alexbn921

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2021
545
511
East Bay CA
I'm 6'4" and ride an S5. I like long bikes. If I where you I would go for the S4. It has better balance of weight distribution and can have higher handlebars with the same weight distribution.
 

bowser

Member
May 23, 2019
109
78
Australia
I'm 6'1 and rode a S3 yesterday and although the seat was pretty high it didn't feel terrible. I had a 19 Levo in L and it felt too long
I'm very on the fence with S3 or S4 for new bike
 

rodomotion

Member
Sep 3, 2019
63
50
Chile
I'm 6'1 and rode a S3 yesterday and although the seat was pretty high it didn't feel terrible. I had a 19 Levo in L and it felt too long
I'm very on the fence with S3 or S4 for new bike
I'm 6' and I have a 19 Levo in L. perfect for me. A friend is 6'3 and he finds it too small for him. He rides a 18 Stumpjumper in XL.
 

Brianjonesphoto

Active member
Patreon
Oct 8, 2018
166
120
Seattle USA
I'm 6'4" and ride an S5. I like long bikes. If I where you I would go for the S4. It has better balance of weight distribution and can have higher handlebars with the same weight distribution.
I’m 6-6 and am about to pull the trigger on an S6. I got a chance to take one for a car prak spin and it felt great. I should try a S5 before I decide.
 

Jamo

Member
Jul 25, 2020
62
23
Fife
I’m 6ft and bought an S5. Admittedly it felt it a bit on the long side as i got to know it for the first few months, and, as somebody else said, a bit imbalanced between a lengthy front end and a fairly squat rear end. But I’ve swapped to a 35mm stem to get the reach to 487, almost exactly where i like it, and have also added higher rise bars. First few rides have felt much improved and easier to get enough weight over the front wheel.

the bikes have a lot of adjustability. I reckon if between sizes you could probably work within a window and make either size work. Although having said that a size s4 at 6ft 2 seems like it may be a bit on the small side.
 

Eduardoramundo

Well-known member
Aug 8, 2019
391
303
Glasgow
I’m 6ft and bought an S5. Admittedly it felt it a bit on the long side as i got to know it for the first few months, and, as somebody else said, a bit imbalanced between a lengthy front end and a fairly squat rear end. But I’ve swapped to a 35mm stem to get the reach to 487, almost exactly where i like it, and have also added higher rise bars. First few rides have felt much improved and easier to get enough weight over the front wheel.

the bikes have a lot of adjustability. I reckon if between sizes you could probably work within a window and make either size work. Although having said that a size s4 at 6ft 2 seems like it may be a bit on the small side.

6’2” and it’s definitely XL and S5 for me.
 

Goodmango13

Member
Jan 25, 2020
40
22
NY
I'm 6'2" and have a levo s4 on order. Have many other six footers been happy w/ an s4 or is the consensus that s5 is the way to go?

I know it supposedly has to do w/ riding style and what you like. just curious if there's any consensus., not
I'm 6'1" and ride a 2019 Levo XL and I love the fit.....I've tried the Large and I feel I'm on top of it, too high up. I've ridden my friend's 2022 Levo S5 often enough to comment that it fits great as well.....yes it gets down to ride/style/terrain preferences.....I talk to my friends about this sizing subject and it is obviously never a one size fits all....I'm going to suggest that the S4 certainly could work well...probably more nimble than the S5
 

Jimmy22

Member
Dec 25, 2021
12
4
Calgary
6’2” and purchased a 2021 levo comp in large based on spec sizing tool, it fits great. Just bought a ‘22 S4 as the S5 reach felt too long. Can always make a bike a bit bigger, more difficult to make smaller….suggest trying both S4 and S5 if you can as your body proportions, incl. torso/leg/arm lengths as well as riding style will play into your choice.
 

High Rock Ruti

Active member
May 13, 2019
423
331
Massachusetts
High Rock Ruti

6 foot S4 22 Pro I wish I could have tried an S3, the bike fits but feels longish, fantastic bike, my 20 Orbea wild fs team is easier to ride could be the 29" rear not sure, love em both. Lost the first Brose 2.2 in 600 miles, still a POS, I don't care what the ratings say the Bosch is a stronger motor, is that what they call first world problems?

Warm Regards Ruti
 

whiterabbit

Member
Aug 17, 2020
78
27
USA
6’3” here long legs on a 2020 Kenevo and I’m so glad I got an S4. I like to get off the ground at least a little and an S5 would make it that much harder. If I only liked steep super sketchy downhill (and I DO!), the S5 might be nicer as a purpose specific machine. But I think the S4 for me is more versatile. YMMV.
 

z1ppy

E*POWAH Master
May 11, 2018
240
168
West Mids
Wow, I'm 6'2", I''ve had a quick go on a S5, and due to the steeper seat angle I'd considering going for an S6. Cockpit felt way smaller then my current XL (19 Levo)
 

High Rock Ruti

Active member
May 13, 2019
423
331
Massachusetts
High Rock Ruti

I found the Specialized narrative about sizing the bike to fit the style of riding helpful. I wish I could have tried an S3, but pickings were slim and had only one chance to choose, the bike rides great in S4 but it does feel long.

Warm Regards Ruti
 

Cb750stu

Well-known member
Subscriber
Nov 6, 2020
504
472
United Kingdom
I'm 5ft 10 and have a S4 , only had a quick ride on it so far but it seems a good size for me , I do like a long slack bike which it certainly is 🤟🤟
 

Savan

Member
Dec 16, 2021
44
6
Iowa
Funny enough I just thought to look at the reach of my current analog bike and the reach on the s4 is actually even a little longer. So I guess in terms of reach I’ll be fine…on paper. Interestingly I saw that the levo is a little less slack. My Felt compulsion is 67 deg head angle as opposed to 65.
 

Ribinrobin

Well-known member
Subscriber
Apr 16, 2021
338
335
Berkshire, UK
6,2 owned both the S4 and the S5

S4 was alot of fun at local trails and a lot more playful
S5 has been great everywhere, but feels big round my local tracks and i did shorten stem etc.


I always do frame only options and i'd really struggle chosing again. Im a very playful/active rider and find the S5/XL size bikes dull this down alot. It really depends on the rider.

Most normal riders would go with the S5
 

High Rock Ruti

Active member
May 13, 2019
423
331
Massachusetts
6,2 owned both the S4 and the S5

S4 was alot of fun at local trails and a lot more playful
S5 has been great everywhere, but feels big round my local tracks and i did shorten stem etc.


I always do frame only options and i'd really struggle chosing again. Im a very playful/active rider and find the S5/XL size bikes dull this down alot. It really depends on the rider.

Most normal riders would go with the S5
High Rock Ruti

I've had 3 levos across the last 8 years. I'm just having motor number 10 installed.

Fantastic handling bikes. It does feel a little big. I'd be tempted to go for the next size down. It can be a little unwieldy in technical features.


warm Regards Ruti
 

mrhaboobi

Member
Sep 17, 2023
99
38
New Zealand
just bought s4 Alloy Levo. 180 - 181 CM tall. I will put a 35MM stem on and riser bars to lift the front end up a bit and reduce reach as the s4 is at the longer end for me.
 

High Rock Ruti

Active member
May 13, 2019
423
331
Massachusetts
High Rock Ruti

I've had 3 levos across the last 8 years. I'm just having motor number 10 installed.

Fantastic handling bikes. It does feel a little big. I'd be tempted to go for the next size down. It can be a little unwieldy in technical features.


warm Regards Ruti
High Rock Ruti

UPDATE on motor failure # 10

Specialized has denied (finally) the 10th motor failure after replacing 9 other motors under warranty, not complaining,
Specialized has been "saintly" in standing behind the bikes I've bought. I tried and was denied 3 times to have this motor replaced during the in-warranty period of 2 years that comes with each replacement motor.

A word about this.

1. I became complacent because Specialized had replaced 9 motors already.

2. After losing 10 motors (across
3 bikes) I've become (no bragging just the truth (BS) ruti) an expert on the symptoms of impending failures. If I had complained more I believe Specialized would have consented.

However as the undisputed champion of Brose motor killing, I was granted an extremely generous offer by an English gentleman of the highest caliber (is the enough ingratiation?) for a free stateside rebuild, in the sprit of "can Ruti kill our upgraded motor"

This is an anonymous program so I won't identify @bearingman by name

Just received my rebuilt motor from "E Bike Motor Repair", in Tennessee. "ebikemotorrepair.com".
Will have the bike up and running next week and Start the clock.

Repair notes:

Some water ingress, but did not kill the motor.

Drives gears knocked outwards, usually the result of a severe pedal strike. The misalignment probably lead to the eventual failure.

Symtoms:

Motor would run-on for 1 to 3 seconds about 60% of the time. Standard run-on (I believe) is less time.

Then the infamous power pulsing and finally slipping of drive, you can pedal, but the motor quickly out-powers the drive belt ability to hold tight and the motor races up to full spin.

2021 Turbo Levo Pro, $13,000 USD
Mileage 1200-1500 miles, not sure, mileage is reset after each motor replacement. Importantly each motor failed between 250 and 450 estimated miles. Brose motors (in my experience) as someone else on the forum said are "not fit for use".

I have 4 Bosche bikes one with 3000 miles and not a single issue, just saying.

I spoke with at length with Michael at ebikemotorrepair.com, from sound of it, I could just be lucky, they're repairing all major brands all the time.

Stay tuned for updates

Warm Regards Ruti
 

SWORKSLOVER

Member
Aug 20, 2020
20
17
Southern California
High Rock Ruti

UPDATE on motor failure # 10

Specialized has denied (finally) the 10th motor failure after replacing 9 other motors under warranty, not complaining,
Specialized has been "saintly" in standing behind the bikes I've bought. I tried and was denied 3 times to have this motor replaced during the in-warranty period of 2 years that comes with each replacement motor.

A word about this.

1. I became complacent because Specialized had replaced 9 motors already.

2. After losing 10 motors (across
3 bikes) I've become (no bragging just the truth (BS) ruti) an expert on the symptoms of impending failures. If I had complained more I believe Specialized would have consented.

However as the undisputed champion of Brose motor killing, I was granted an extremely generous offer by an English gentleman of the highest caliber (is the enough ingratiation?) for a free stateside rebuild, in the sprit of "can Ruti kill our upgraded motor"

This is an anonymous program so I won't identify @bearingman by name

Just received my rebuilt motor from "E Bike Motor Repair", in Tennessee. "ebikemotorrepair.com".
Will have the bike up and running next week and Start the clock.

Repair notes:

Some water ingress, but did not kill the motor.

Drives gears knocked outwards, usually the result of a severe pedal strike. The misalignment probably lead to the eventual failure.

Symtoms:

Motor would run-on for 1 to 3 seconds about 60% of the time. Standard run-on (I believe) is less time.

Then the infamous power pulsing and finally slipping of drive, you can pedal, but the motor quickly out-powers the drive belt ability to hold tight and the motor races up to full spin.

2021 Turbo Levo Pro, $13,000 USD
Mileage 1200-1500 miles, not sure, mileage is reset after each motor replacement. Importantly each motor failed between 250 and 450 estimated miles. Brose motors (in my experience) as someone else on the forum said are "not fit for use".

I have 4 Bosche bikes one with 3000 miles and not a single issue, just saying.

I spoke with at length with Michael at ebikemotorrepair.com, from sound of it, I could just be lucky, they're repairing all major brands all the time.

Stay tuned for updates

Warm Regards Ruti
Hello. I have a 2019 Levo. The first two motors failed around the 500 mile mark and Specialized offered me a new 2020 model or a 2019 SWorks. I took the SWorks and have been in love with it ever since. The motors however continued to fail. I’ve replaced about 4 motors since I got the SWorks. Always failed around 500 miles of riding. The motor I have now lasted the longest. I have about 1,200 miles on it over the last 16 months. This time Specialized told me they no longer do the “rolling warranty” and I will have to spend $900 to have a new motor installed. I was told the motor always had a 2 year warranty on it so I was surprised when they told me this news. He said if I buy this motor it will come with a 2 year warranty. But what happens when this motor and future motors continue to fail? I just put new Ohlins front and rear suspension on it and it is riding like a dream now. I guess I’m wondering how to go about this with Specialized? Do I sell my bike that I love and get something new? It sounds like Bosche motors are much more reliable. I was thinking of getting something like the new YT Decoy that comes with Ohlins suspension. Anyone want to buy my bike?

IMG_9590.jpeg
 

Ribinrobin

Well-known member
Subscriber
Apr 16, 2021
338
335
Berkshire, UK
Hello. I have a 2019 Levo. The first two motors failed around the 500 mile mark and Specialized offered me a new 2020 model or a 2019 SWorks. I took the SWorks and have been in love with it ever since. The motors however continued to fail. I’ve replaced about 4 motors since I got the SWorks. Always failed around 500 miles of riding. The motor I have now lasted the longest. I have about 1,200 miles on it over the last 16 months. This time Specialized told me they no longer do the “rolling warranty” and I will have to spend $900 to have a new motor installed. I was told the motor always had a 2 year warranty on it so I was surprised when they told me this news. He said if I buy this motor it will come with a 2 year warranty. But what happens when this motor and future motors continue to fail? I just put new Ohlins front and rear suspension on it and it is riding like a dream now. I guess I’m wondering how to go about this with Specialized? Do I sell my bike that I love and get something new? It sounds like Bosche motors are much more reliable. I was thinking of getting something like the new YT Decoy that comes with Ohlins suspension. Anyone want to buy my bike?

View attachment 141797

Sorry bit lost here. Your motor failed so they offered you a new bike?!
 

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