Levo SL Gen 1 SL Levo Shimano build

[ridesantacruz]

yep, shock was equalized. I thought the same thing but when I talked to a bike shop manager, first thing he said was to add volume spacer. The stock shock has a .8inch spacer in it. The DPX2, no spacer. I think the issue is, it needs a spacer.

 

[jcmonty]

yep, shock was equalized. I thought the same thing but when I talked to a bike shop manager, first thing he said was to add volume spacer. The stock shock has a .8inch spacer in it. The DPX2, no spacer. I think the issue is, it needs a spacer.

Generally, volume spacers impact the end of the stroke (more progressive =. Better bottom out), but the sag shouldn’t be too impacted. I do think this bike needs a volume space in the DPS and probably the DPX2 as it’s not super progressive stock. Perhaps the DPX has a bigger air can/high volume?

I am a proponet of the Cascade Components link that ups the progressivity to closer to 20% overall. Better bottom out support, still supple and great mid stroke. You actually need higher PSI to get the same sag though ( I went from ~ 200psi to about 220psi on the DPS).

 

[boBE]

I looked at replacing the SRAM 12 speed with Shimano 11 speed, looks like it will come out to about $200 for the parts. I may do it, the SRAM upshifts clunky most of the time.

 

[levity]

yep, shock was equalized. I thought the same thing but when I talked to a bike shop manager, first thing he said was to add volume spacer. The stock shock has a .8inch spacer in it. The DPX2, no spacer. I think the issue is, it needs a spacer.

The shop manager may have been referring to spacers for the negative air chamber. Reducing the negative air volume would allow using less pressure to get a given sag. The stock DPS shock on the SL has two green 0.16 cu.in. spacers. I don't know if your DPX2 has negative air spacers installed, but 0.12 c.i. tokens (light red) are available.

 

[ridesantacruz]

I looked at replacing the SRAM 12 speed with Shimano 11 speed, looks like it will come out to about $200 for the parts. I may do it, the SRAM upshifts clunky most of the time.

I find that the 11 spd shimano works a lot better then the stock Sram 12 speed. I personally don't think a 12 speed is necessary on an ebike. The downside to the 12 speed: the chain is thinner, chain is longer to accommodate the larger cassette and it seems to take more maintenance to keep the shifting smooth. No issues with my upgraded XT 11 speed and I used the original cable housing that came on the SL.

 

[ridesantacruz]

The shop manager may have been referring to spacers for the negative air chamber. Reducing the negative air volume would allow using less pressure to get a given sag. The stock DPS shock on the SL has two green 0.16 cu.in. spacers. I don't know if your DPX2 has negative air spacers installed, but 0.12 c.i. tokens (light red) are available.

I will install a volume spacer when I get the kit which are coming in the mail. If that does not correct it, I will look into the negative side. I will take a look at the stock Float shock again, did not look at the negative side when I had it open. Did not even know that the negative side had volume spacers. Thanks!

 

[paquo]

I find that the 11 spd shimano works a lot better then the stock Sram 12 speed. I personally don't think a 12 speed is necessary on an ebike. The downside to the 12 speed: the chain is thinner, chain is longer to accommodate the larger cassette and it seems to take more maintenance to keep the shifting smooth. No issues with my upgraded XT 11 speed and I used the original cable housing that came on the SL.

i wonder if going to a 12 speed xt cassette , or cassette , xt der and and shifter would improve things. I cant find a 94 bcd hyperglide chainring for the full shimano effect but perhaps a different spider is available. The other possibility is axs. I like the 11 speed idea but i like the little wider range the 11-50 gives

 

[Killswitch73]

i wonder if going to a 12 speed xt cassette , or cassette , xt der and and shifter would improve things. I cant find a 94 bcd hyperglide chainring for the full shimano effect but perhaps a different spider is available. The other possibility is axs. I like the 11 speed idea but i like the little wider range the 11-50 gives

Remember we work harder with the SL . I’ve got full axs kit to put on mine when it’s ready for pick up from bike shop .

 

[p3eps]

Remember we work harder with the SL . I’ve got full axs kit to put on mine when it’s ready for pick up from bike shop .

Totally agree - I’ve had several occasions so far where I needed that dinner plate 1st gear!
On my Rail, I could have done with a 10 speed (or less) no problem!

 

[losgatosgtr]

I have AXS rear derailleur and I plan on going with XT cassette, chain when I buy a new set of wheels with microspline driver.

 

[losgatosgtr]

AXS rear derailleur shifts so damn quick and very quietly.

 

[p3eps]

AXS rear derailleur shifts so damn quick and very quietly.

Yup - I can't fault mine. I don't think I'd go back to a wired one.

 

[Killswitch73]

Yup - I can't fault mine. I don't think I'd go back to a wired one.

And having 2 bikes it can be easily changed over to other bike .. it’s just the remote bolt , mech bolt and chain .. I will use it on my stumpy still
Along with my carbon wheels . axs dropper too fits my stumpy 19 expert . All my stumpy will be is frame ,shock forks and brakes and cockpit .

 

[losgatosgtr]

I thought I would share my Levo SL shimano build. I don't care for Sram components except the AXS seat post so I decided to buy the SL carbon comp and then do a full custom build on the bike. I installed 11speed instead of 12. I feel on the ebike it's unnecessary and not a good fit. 12 speed is not robust enough and to finicky. I finished the bike today and took her for a maiden voyage. 3 hrs, 30 miles, 2500' of elev gain, 33% of battery life left, and lots of smiles. The ride included the range extender and I rode 90% of the ride in "trail mode". I will upgrade the cranks to carbon when they are available. I would like to upgrade the shock to the DPX2 or X2. I am hoping someone will do it and post it.

This was my parts list:
Pedals XTR M9100 PD-M9120
Brakes XTR M9100 BL-M9120
Shifter XTR SL-M9000 11-speed
Derailleur XT long cage SGS Shimano XT RD-M8000
Cassette XT CS-M8000 11spd (11-42)
Chain CN-HG701-11spd
Sram AXS Seatpost
Bars ENVE M7
Stem Industry 9 35mm
Fox Fork 36 grip2 150mm
Fox DPX2 210x52.5mm
Reserve Rims 30 with Industry 9 hubs
Centerlock 203mm IceTech Rotors front and rear
Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 – front
Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 - rear
Cushcore
Odi Elite Pro Grips


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How do you like the feel of the reserve 30 carbon rims? I know they are bulletproof but how do they ride, do they ricochet through rock gardens throwing you off line, things like that?

Thinking about getting them but I need micro spline as I want to utilize 12-speed Shimano cassette, chain and I'll be using it with the SRAM AXS rear derailleur.

 

[ridesantacruz]

How do you like the feel of the reserve 30 carbon rims? I know they are bulletproof but how do they ride, do they ricochet through rock gardens throwing you off line, things like that?

Thinking about getting them but I need micro spline as I want to utilize 12-speed Shimano cassette, chain and I'll be using it with the SRAM AXS rear derailleur.

The Reserve rims with the I9 hubs are killer! I don't have any complaints. Never noticed an issue. I use Cushcore with the rims and run my tires with about 19PSI.

 

[Gabypb]

DPX2 does work on a medium SL with the battery extender. View attachment 28986

Hello, what size of DPX2 works with the SL? Did you need to get a mounting kit? Thanks.

 

[ridesantacruz]

210/52.5mm. No mounting kit required

 

[onkelshort]

I find that the 11 spd shimano works a lot better then the stock Sram 12 speed. I personally don't think a 12 speed is necessary on an ebike. The downside to the 12 speed: the chain is thinner, chain is longer to accommodate the larger cassette and it seems to take more maintenance to keep the shifting smooth. No issues with my upgraded XT 11 speed and I used the original cable housing that came on the SL.

Nice one! Was the routing of the rear brake a problem?

 

[Al Boneta]

Nice build.

I must admit after short test ride of the Comp Carbon SL on Sunday the SRAM kit (and other finishing parts) felt cheap compared to my current Shimano/Hope equipped bike. Until Specialized sell a frame/motor then the CC is the best option to build the bike it should be.

They have a S-Works LEVO SL frame kit