Levo Gen 2 SLX cassette shredded in five rides

[LevoRoboto]

I have a 2021 Levo Comp - I bought it at the end of August. Today’s ride was absolutely amazing. At the end of the ride I was hammering on a road to return to my car. I noticed the chain was skipping even though I was in 12th gear. This ruled out an indexing issue.

I inspected the cassette and found gears 11-12 are worn out. The weird thing is most of my previous five rides have been super technical with most of the time spent in gears 3-9.

I stopped by my LBS and the said it’s better to set the gear index to avoid those gears entirely. These guys are not a Specialized dealer, (I wish they were), and had nothing in stock to sell me.

I ordered a XT CS-M8100 in 10-45T for lack of a better plan. I am thinking I’d like to go back to 9 or 10 speed for better chain and gears, but this is going to get expensive. Hell, if I do that why not go mullet at the same time?

Total miles is less than 100. Does going back to 11 speed make a difference on drive train durability? Since gears 11 & 12 are blown, I don’t see how fewer gears will help. Right now, I think Shimano had a bad batch of steel, hence my XT order.

Going from 51 to 45 should not be an issue for the derailleur, or will it?

 

[Konanige]

If I were you I would beg or borrow a new cassette to compare yours to. That sort of wear rate doesn't sound possible. I had my chain skipping in 12th gear, turned out that the jockey wheel was too close so had to compromise on 'official' B tension measurement

 

[DrStupid]

That cassette must have been loaning parts to another customers bike. It's not possible, what you describe, without some shenanigans.

 

[evolixsurf]

how many miles on the bike? I had the same thing happen at 250 miles. I changed the cassette(along with everything else possible), it was a little better but same issue.

Ive got a 36t chainring im going to put on to keep me out of those gears.

Also on climbs im always in those gears, ive got to learn to slow down and use more cadence. Maybe your using those gears and you dont even know it. How does your chainring look? Spesh told me that it sometimes is the chain ring...

 

[LevoRoboto]

how many miles on the bike? I had the same thing happen at 250 miles. I changed the cassette(along with everything else possible), it was a little better but same issue.

Ive got a 36t chainring im going to put on to keep me out of those gears.

Also on climbs im always in those gears, ive got to learn to slow down and use more cadence. Maybe your using those gears and you dont even know it. How does your chainring look? Spesh told me that it sometimes is the chain ring...

I would say it started happening at 100 miles or less. The skipping in gear 12 was so bad that gear was untenable.

I took the bike back to the dealer today and had the tech look at it. He spent well over 30 minutes looking at everything. He pulled the wheel to ensure the cassette was properly torqued. He looked at derailleur alignment, everything was in order. He thoroughly cleaned the chain. This fixed it. This is a new bike and has not done any mud - we’ve been in a severe drought.

I have built frame up bikes, done my own wheels, etc for a long time. Mr Tech and I both agreed the issue existed and he was as surprised as I was/am. I was impressed with Mr Tech’s work - very meticulous.

I was ready to go to 11 sp XT - he said Shimano is going be releasing an 11 sp XT for microspline. He did not remember when it is going to be released. We have maybe a month of riding left - I live in the mountains and I’ve had 3m of snow at my house. So I am holding out until Spring and will keep my chain spotless.

 

[evolixsurf]

Just wait lol. It will get worse. It’s not the chain. Even if it was the chain, when have you ever had to clean yours thoroughly after every single ride? I’m not convinced at all.

more or less I think the Slx cassette and whole drivetrain is a compromise on this bike. However, the cassette is only $100 and chain is only $27. So, fuck.

 

[DtEW]

I was ready to go to 11 sp XT - he said Shimano is going be releasing an 11 sp XT for microspline. He did not remember when it is going to be released. We have maybe a month of riding left - I live in the mountains and I’ve had 3m of snow at my house. So I am holding out until Spring and will keep my chain spotless.

He's wrong. He's thinking about Deore XT LINKGLIDE and Deore LINKGLIDE groups, which are the about-to-be-released 11/10-speed drivetrains for e-bikes and heavy-duty usage. They will go back to an HG freehub body (11t small cog, hmmm ) in lieu of Microspline.

 

[Wiltshire Warrior]

Just wait lol. It will get worse. It’s not the chain. Even if it was the chain, when have you ever had to clean yours thoroughly after every single ride? I’m not convinced at all.

more or less I think the Slx cassette and whole drivetrain is a compromise on this bike. However, the cassette is only $100 and chain is only $27. So, fuck.

I have 3 chains - one on the bike and one in jam jar filled with petrol, another new one waiting in the background. Then after each Ride I swap them over - after it comes out of the petrol it gets wiped and degreased again then lubed thoroughly and I check each link to ensure no crud/stiffness remains.

I also keep a spare set of Jockey wheels and do the same - not in Petrol though - I just keep the clean spares ready to go one with the clean chain for next time.

Yes its a faff but I get more miles per chain and trouble free indexing

 

[LevoRoboto]

He's wrong. He's thinking about Deore XT LINKGLIDE and Deore LINKGLIDE groups, which are the about-to-be-released 11/10-speed drivetrains for e-bikes and heavy-duty usage. They will go back to an HG freehub body (11t small cog, hmmm ) in lieu of Microspline.

Here’s the catch. He said the group wasn’t released yet and this is - so I am not convinced he’s wrong. Your point is well taken. It would be supremely logical for Shimano to do what he is suggesting, which is precisely why they will not.

One way or another I’d like to go back to 11sp - my gravel bike is and I‘d like to only have to chase one scarce chain type. I don’t need 12 sp - I’d rather have the durability and not blow through cassettes and chains. The motor on this TLC is ridiculously powerful and I am amazed the chain hasn’t grenaded.

If I do rebuild the wheel I am considering going mullet - when I raced motocross we did 21“f x 18”r so 27.5r makes sense to me.

 

[maynard]

Maybe you where too crunchy on the gear changes whilst in turbo . You really have to ease of the power when changing gears . Those 90nms of torque reck chains and sprockets pretty quick. Lucky you got shimano hub . Sram will cost you 200 for a cassette. Or more for eagle .

 

[evolixsurf]

Maybe you where too crunchy on the gear changes whilst in turbo . You really have to ease of the power when changing gears . Those 90nms of torque reck chains and sprockets pretty quick. Lucky you got shimano hub . Sram will cost you 200 for a cassette. Or more for eagle .

Regardless, the Slx drivetrain sucks balls for an ebike. I don’t think it should have ever been put on an ebike in the first place. I ride a buddies trek with eagle drivetrain and it’s flawless. We got fucked by specialized. Any bike I’ve bought from specialized has had a similar issue like this.

 

[salko]

I have 3 chains - one on the bike and one in jam jar filled with petrol, another new one waiting in the background. Then after each Ride I swap them over - after it comes out of the petrol it gets wiped and degreased again then lubed thoroughly and I check each link to ensure no crud/stiffness remains.

I also keep a spare set of Jockey wheels and do the same - not in Petrol though - I just keep the clean spares ready to go one with the clean chain for next time.

Yes its a faff but I get more miles per chain and trouble free indexing

Sounds like more chain replacing than riding ... Ultimately what are you gaining with replacing the chain each and every ride?

 

[Mcharza]

Regardless, the Slx drivetrain sucks balls for an ebike. I don’t think it should have ever been put on an ebike in the first place. I ride a buddies trek with eagle drivetrain and it’s flawless. We got fucked by specialized. Any bike I’ve bought from specialized has had a similar issue like this.

I will share the problem with you, but I would like to use a slightly more appropriated language here. Thank you

 

[DrStupid]

Regardless, the Slx drivetrain sucks balls for an ebike. I don’t think it should have ever been put on an ebike in the first place. I ride a buddies trek with eagle drivetrain and it’s flawless. We got fucked by specialized. Any bike I’ve bought from specialized has had a similar issue like this.

Oddly enough, my 11 speed Shimano's have been the most boring, of all the systems I've used. I'd almost say they are perfectly suited to ebikes. The range in the 11-46 is dam near perfect for me, and the option for a medium cage derailleur is nice.

I still have boxes of new Sram 12 speed stuff, I couldn't make work. Go figure.

 

[DrStupid]

We all have different needs. Most folks would not like my gearing, but another "billygoat" will immediately recognize perfection- and be filled with envy. Same first gear ratio as top shelf 12 speed, but none of the gears I don't use.

 

[DtEW]

Regardless, the Slx drivetrain sucks balls for an ebike. I don’t think it should have ever been put on an ebike in the first place. I ride a buddies trek with eagle drivetrain and it’s flawless. We got fucked by specialized. Any bike I’ve bought from specialized has had a similar issue like this.

The SLX drivetrain has so far been flawless for both of our ‘21 Levo Comps (both of which were acquired late last year), and marginally better than the GX/NX Eagle (mostly the former) I have on an old Heckler. The only upgrades I’d do/done for the SLX drivetrains on the Levos are going up to XT for the chains and pulleys to enhance service life and sustained shifting precision, respectively.

I did make it a point to instruct (and harass) my significant other to ape my cadence early on. She taught herself to stop crunching gears after I gave her some ribbing about it. TBH, drivetrain longevity is actually the secondary consideration after reducing belt/tensioner/sprag-clutch stress.

 

[IRideBikes]

did 1087 miles on my last SLX cassette without a single issue and up to 300 on my new one, im going to say youve been pretty unlucky in this case lol i have SRAM X01 and GX on my manual bikes and again no trouble, other than sram clutches been terrible.

 

[LevoRoboto]

Riding a technical trail you've never ridden, at speed, and avoiding any crunch is a nice idea. I'm with @DrStupid - I want a boring drive train.

Focus on avoiding pedal strikes on obstacles I never had an issue with is enough ancillary fun.

 

[evolixsurf]

Interesting. I put a new chain, new cassette, new derailleur, b screw and chain to factory manual spec, I still get chain skipping when cranking hard for downhill sections... the only thing I haven’t done yet is the chain ring, which I’m going to replace this week along with a new chain.

 

[evolixsurf]

I will share the problem with you, but I would like to use a slightly more appropriated language here. Thank you

I am good with talking nice. Sorry, I had some wine in me at that time

 

[DrStupid]

Interesting. I put a new chain, new cassette, new derailleur, b screw and chain to factory manual spec, I still get chain skipping when cranking hard for downhill sections... the only thing I haven’t done yet is the chain ring, which I’m going to replace this week along with a new chain.

Could be a chain line issue as well, but to be honest, you may be simply generating more force than they are designed for? Idk. Even my scrawny arse can break a connex chain when I'm going full stupid. No offense meant by that.

 

[LevoRoboto]

Interesting. I put a new chain, new cassette, new derailleur, b screw and chain to factory manual spec, I still get chain skipping when cranking hard for downhill sections... the only thing I haven’t done yet is the chain ring, which I’m going to replace this week along with a new chain.

For now, I'm going to a 36T chainring. The derailleur position in gear 12 looks a bit odd with a 32T - the 36T is going to take up some slack. Part of my skip concern comes from this slack. If I really hammer on the crank skipping has happened in the past on marginally worn stuff on my bikes of old.

The 51T gear on SLX is too low in my experience.

 

[DrStupid]

For now, I'm going to a 36T chainring. The derailleur position in gear 12 looks a bit odd with a 32T - the 36T is going to take up some slack. Part of my skip concern comes from this slack. If I really hammer on the crank skipping has happened in the past on marginally worn stuff on my bikes of old.

The 51T gear on SLX is too low in my experience.

Is the chain too long? You have pic of the mech in 12th gear ?

 

[LevoRoboto]

Is the chain too long? You have pic of the mech in 12th gear ?

I will post a pic of the chain/derailleur tomorrow.

I further cleaned the chain and rode it with gusto today. Not a skip.

Mr. Tech recommended a chain lube I have never seen or heard of. I have had great chain life from dry/Teflon chain lubes - riding Fruita/Moab with wet lubes made the chain into a sand magnet. I am going to give it a go and see how it works. chain lube preferences seem to be a belief system held by bike shops. I just want something that works.

 

[LevoRoboto]

The chain has not been modified - this is the as delivered length.

This is the link to the lube he recommended.

NixFrixShun Ultimate Bicycle Chainlube

NixFrixShun Ultimate Bicycle Chainlube

nixfrixshun.com

I'm interested if anyone has used it?

Here is a nice review of it:

Review: NixFrixShun Ultimate Chain Lube

A first-person account of NixFrixShun’s Ultimate Chain Lube from Matt Butterman, after using it for two years

www.handbuiltbicyclenews.com

The last line of the review: "My NFS Ultimate success story is a simple narrative that you’ll likely follow as well: buy the lube, apply it to your chain, go ride and forget about it. "

Hmmm. That would be the goal.

 

[DrStupid]

The chain doesn't look terribly slack, though your derailleur certainly couldn't take-up any more. The derailleur looks to be on the stop, and therefore marginal at best. My guess is the chain is too long. But I wont tell you to shorten it, because if your chain is too short and you bottom out the rear suspension in 1st gear, you may have bigger trouble... breaking things.

You mentioned a 36CR but this is a 32? If you changed the CR dropping 4 teeth but didnt shorten the chain appropriately this could easily create the situation seen in the picture.

 

[LevoRoboto]

The chain doesn't look terribly slack, though your derailleur certainly couldn't take-up any more. The derailleur looks to be on the stop, and therefore marginal at best. My guess is the chain is too long. But I wont tell you to shorten it, because if your chain is too short and you bottom out the rear suspension in 1st gear, you may have bigger trouble... breaking things.

You mentioned a 36CR but this is a 32? If you changed the CR dropping 4 teeth but didnt shorten the chain appropriately this could easily create the situation seen in the picture.

This is with a 32T - I have a 36 inbound from Praxis. Another person posted in the forum the 36T worked without modification of the chain on a Levo. I have the Matter-Replicator chain guide coming as well.

I am going to ride the hell out this until the snow flies, which may be next week. Ugh. Mud season beginneth.

I am going to spec out a 27.5 w 11 speed to go full mullet.

 

[Alexbn921]

Did you remove your chain and degrease it? The factory lube is way to thick and will completely gum up everything it touches. This will cause skipping and start destroying things. Your cassette will need cleaned too.

 

[LevoRoboto]

Did you remove your chain and degrease it? The factory lube is way to thick and will completely gum up everything it touches. This will cause skipping and start destroying things. Your cassette will need cleaned too.

I did not at the time I made the first post of this thread. I have since, and you’re spot on.

 

[evolixsurf]

hmm, thanks. Ill degrease my chain as well.