Levo Gen 3 Specialized Gen 3 2022 Levo Megathread!

[Mike640]

Yes, it does. Wouldn’t make me any faster!

Since i have 170 fork, in rougher trails, the bike como a little unbalanced, but with 160 will not be to different i think... But with that cascade new combo(Yoke+link+230x65 shock) it will way better i think...

 

[Gyre]

I asked a similar question when i bought my bike. In the end I have the invisiframe kit fitted but also left the factory stuff on. The factory stuff is thicker and high quality, is positioned in key places and it just seemed silly to remove perfect factory fitted protection. When i applied the invisiframe kit I trimmed a few areas carefully with a craft knife to get round the overlap or halo effect. Happy with the outcome. Others have removed all the factory stuff first I think, but that seemed counter productive to me!

Sounds good. Can you elaborate on how you trimmed to avoid the halo?

 

[mike172]

Question for anyone who installed tailored kits for Invisiframe or Ridewrap on their Levo: There are a few bits of wrap installed at the factory. Are you all peeling it off to avoid creating bubbles/halos when you lay down the wrap?

On a side note, Invisiframe does come with a couple pieces tailored to protect the TCU screen. It's no tempered glass, but a nice gesture all the same.

I did

On my Black expert's downtube there is some silver paint that runs half way up the downtube, removing the old protection ripped a chunk of paint off

 

[Stompweaver]

I tired Invisframe’ing mine over the existing Specialized factory fitted protection but getting the edges to stay stuck down has been problematic. It has been very wet and very muddy here as we are in the depths of winter so dirt is working it’s way up underneath these edges. After winter I am going to remove the Invisiframe and (carefully!) remove the factory stuff and redo it.

 

[Repsol]

Just bear in mind if your putting it on a satin black frame it doesn't give the same finish, it's much more of a satin sheen, I was abit disappointed in this when I fitted it to my Black levo comp carbon 2022. I found it extremely difficult in ascertaining which pieces were which, why on earth didn't they use a darker backing so the pieces stood out more easily. I carefully cut each individual piece out with the backing still attached so I could check it fitted perfectly and trim, much easier than trying to do it on a full piece once the backing is removed.

 

[WatermanJim]

Question for anyone who installed tailored kits for Invisiframe or Ridewrap on their Levo: There are a few bits of wrap installed at the factory. Are you all peeling it off to avoid creating bubbles/halos when you lay down the wrap?

On a side note, Invisiframe does come with a couple pieces tailored to protect the TCU screen. It's no tempered glass, but a nice gesture all the same.

I installed ridewrap over the factory tape and its holding up very well. here are tips which are basically the same as the instructions.
Install on a brand new bike. clean each section with alcohol and let dry. use plenty of water with the special soap. use a heat gun to soften the wrap and help the edges stick. use a blade to pop any bubbles that cant be pressed out. use a blade to cut the wrap where it meets the factory tape and is leaving an unsightly air gap. let dry for 2-3 days before riding. Take your time and block out at least 4-6 hrs to do the job.

 

[WatermanJim]

Question for anyone who installed tailored kits for Invisiframe or Ridewrap on their Levo: There are a few bits of wrap installed at the factory. Are you all peeling it off to avoid creating bubbles/halos when you lay down the wrap?

On a side note, Invisiframe does come with a couple pieces tailored to protect the TCU screen. It's no tempered glass, but a nice gesture all the same.

The ridewrap kit is impressive and the pieces fit perfectly. Leave the factory stuff on for extra protection.

 

[Jamo]

Sounds good. Can you elaborate on how you trimmed to avoid the halo?

I was about to say I'd take some photos when i get home but my bikes in the shop as the shock is done after 2 months. Hopefully get it back soon though and let you see.

 

[mike172]

X2 factory back on tonight

Brand new mounting hardware and bushes

Still making the knock thing through the frame. I'm convinced that's what's been knocking for 3x months

Like Rob said maybe capitulated (fecked)

The super deluxe was great this weekend no knocks or anything. I even lost air in it and the bike still felt great other than the bottom outs (the tokens hit the air valve and I forgot the air cap haha). Most composed I've felt on the bike so far

 

[BikeParkLevo]

Hello everybody,

after destroying the Frame of my TurboLevo Gen2 in the Summer of 2021 i finally got my new Toy!
I proudly present my new Custom Bike Park Turbo Levo Gen3...

Specials:
FORK: CUSTOM Marzocchi Z1 Coil 170mm with a 2022 Grip2 Damper -> FOXZOCCHI Z1 GRIP 2 COIL
SHOCK: 210x55mm Öhlins TTX 22M with EIBACH SPRING 450lbs (Rider Weight 82kg)
WHEELSET: CUSTOM Industry Nine Hydra Hubs on NEWMEN EG 30 & 35 RIMS with Schwalbe 2.6 TIRES
DRIVETRAIN: AXS GX EAGLE
BRAKES: Hope V4 200m Rotor on the rear and Hope E4 with 230mm Rotor on the front
plus this and that, all from Hope...

This Bikes should suit my Riding Style which is pretty aggressive with a lot of Park Riding and rough Trails all across the Alps from Bavaria Germany to Finale Ligure Italy!

But i need some help with my Suspension Setup from you Guys, because i don´t feel 100% comfortable right now on the Bike!

FORK: First Time Coil Fork (feels super plush and runs to fast threw the Travel, but Spring Rate FIRM should actually fit)

-> so which Setup on the Grip 2 do you run on your Levos for aggressive Riding?
-> does anybody have some Experience on this Z1 Coil Fork with Grip 2 Damper?

SHOCK: Because of the Bikes Progression i changed the Coil Spring from a 550lbs to a 450lbs Spring and it feels awesome and super comfortable, but i´m afraid that it will punch trough on hard landings, so i nearly closed all my settings on the Shock to
0 Rebound, 0 LSC and 1HSC

-> does anybody have some advice for me or my settings on this Bike vs. the Levo Gen 2?

THX for having me here and THX for your Help.

Greets Dominik

 

[Gyre]

But i need some help with my Suspension Setup from you Guys, because i don´t feel 100% comfortable right now on the Bike!

Good place to start:

Suspension set-up guides and info

@Rob Hancill There are a lot of threads on the forum asking questions about suspension set-up. I think it would be good to sticky a guide to suspension set-up for all users to easily find. @steve_sordy just posted an excellent and fairly thorough PDF guide to suspension set up in the commencal...

www.emtbforums.com

 

[BikeParkLevo]

Since i have 170 fork, in rougher trails, the bike como a little unbalanced, but with 160 will not be to different i think... But with that cascade new combo(Yoke+link+230x65 shock) it will way better i think...

i think i have to order that link as well...
Do you wanna ride it with a coil or air shock?

 

[Mike640]

i think i have to order that link as well...
Do you wanna ride it with a coil or air shock?

Hey! i like to ride with air Shock. A little bit harsh, but i like it that way.

 

[Gutch]

i think i have to order that link as well...
Do you wanna ride it with a coil or air shock?

I don’t think you need the link. Add in some HSC and try speeding up your rebound. I have the same fork at 170 as well.

 

[BikeParkLevo]

I don’t think you need the link. Add in some HSC and try speeding up your rebound. I have the same fork at 170 as well.

Do you mean that Rear Shock? In Case, thanks for your advice...
Any Experience with the Coil Fork and the Grip2 Damper?
Thx

 

[Stompweaver]

The ridewrap kit is impressive and the pieces fit perfectly. Leave the factory stuff on for extra protection.

Invisiframe recommend removing the factory applied protection with their kits. I can see why as it doesn’t stick very well over the edges of it if you apply over the top. It might be different if I had trimmed it though. I have used invisiframe (in the UK) for years and have been happy with their product so I should’ve really followed their instructions. I might try Ride Wrap on my next bike though for a change.

 

[Stompweaver]

Hello everybody,

after destroying the Frame of my TurboLevo Gen2 in the Summer of 2021 i finally got my new Toy!
I proudly present my new Custom Bike Park Turbo Levo Gen3...
View attachment 79811
Specials:
FORK: CUSTOM Marzocchi Z1 Coil 170mm with a 2022 Grip2 Damper -> FOXZOCCHI Z1 GRIP 2 COIL
SHOCK: 210x55mm Öhlins TTX 22M with EIBACH SPRING 450lbs (Rider Weight 82kg)
WHEELSET: CUSTOM Industry Nine Hydra Hubs on NEWMEN EG 30 & 35 RIMS with Schwalbe 2.6 TIRES
DRIVETRAIN: AXS GX EAGLE
BRAKES: Hope V4 200m Rotor on the rear and Hope E4 with 230mm Rotor on the front
plus this and that, all from Hope...

This Bikes should suit my Riding Style which is pretty aggressive with a lot of Park Riding and rough Trails all across the Alps from Bavaria Germany to Finale Ligure Italy!

But i need some help with my Suspension Setup from you Guys, because i don´t feel 100% comfortable right now on the Bike!

FORK: First Time Coil Fork (feels super plush and runs to fast threw the Travel, but Spring Rate FIRM should actually fit)

-> so which Setup on the Grip 2 do you run on your Levos for aggressive Riding?
-> does anybody have some Experience on this Z1 Coil Fork with Grip 2 Damper?

SHOCK: Because of the Bikes Progression i changed the Coil Spring from a 550lbs to a 450lbs Spring and it feels awesome and super comfortable, but i´m afraid that it will punch trough on hard landings, so i nearly closed all my settings on the Shock to
0 Rebound, 0 LSC and 1HSC

-> does anybody have some advice for me or my settings on this Bike vs. the Levo Gen 2?

THX for having me here and THX for your Help.

Greets Dominik

Dude that is a sweet looking bike! How you aren’t blowing through the rear travel on such a light spring at 82kg is beyond me though. The Levo had a high leverage ratio to start with and isn’t massively progressive. I’d expect to be running a much higher spring rate, more like 650lbs! Then you’d be able to open up the damping. Riding with all the adjusters closed isn’t good for the shock or the ride. It shows that the base tube is miles off for the rider. You’d be much better running the right weight spring and adjusting the damping to suit. Even better would be getting the shock custom tuned for you and a recommendation of the correct spring weight by a specialist suspension company. Here in the UK I have used J-Tech Suspension and TF Tuned extensively and only had have positive things to say about them. Either company would be able to tune the shock to your requirements and it would transform the ride. It must feel harsh and under sprung at the moment.
Same goes for the fork. Get it tuned by a reputable suspension specialist. You’ve paid a lot of money for the bike so why not get it to ride the best it could possibly be? It doesn’t cost much to get a fork and shock tuned and is one biggest and best changes you can make to a bike. For your weight and riding style (Bike Park) I’d expect to use a firm spring in the fork.

Edit: I wouldn’t buy the current Cascade Link for your bike, it’ll blow through the travel even faster. The new one, when it’s released, combined with a longer stroke shock would be an upgrade though. Of course your suspension will be beautifully tuned by then and won’t need it..

 

[Stompweaver]

X2 factory back on tonight

Like Rob said maybe capitulated (fecked)

You mean cavitated?

Strange that you still have the knock with the Factory X2. Didn’t you have the same with the Performance Elite X2 as well? Maybe it is a characteristic of the shock. I’m not sure if mine (Performance Elite X2) does it or not now! I’m away at the moment so can’t check . When I’m back home again I’ll confirm, or deny.

As suggested to @BikeParkLevo get your shock send off and tuned and it will make a massive difference. It might even fix the knocking if there is something wrong internally with the shock. You have plenty of shocks to use in the meantime while your shock is away!

 

[Gutch]

Do you mean that Rear Shock? In Case, thanks for your advice...
Any Experience with the Coil Fork and the Grip2 Damper?
Thx

No- the fork.

 

[mike172]

You mean cavitated?

Strange that you still have the knock with the Factory X2. Didn’t you have the same with the Performance Elite X2 as well? Maybe it is a characteristic of the shock. I’m not sure if mine (Performance Elite X2) does it or not now! I’m away at the moment so can’t check . When I’m back home again I’ll confirm, or deny.

As suggested to @BikeParkLevo get your shock send off and tuned and it will make a massive difference. It might even fix the knocking if there is something wrong internally with the shock. You have plenty of shocks to use in the meantime while your shock is away!

sorry yes

Both of them do it, the Factory more so.

Got some rockshox mounting hardware on the way to try first. then ill send it off for warranty (or just a service...)

Its a rotten shock to ride on currently just want to test the mounting gear out first to make sure it is royally screwed.

Seems transition owners also have problems with the X2. Same problem.

 

[Mike640]

Dude that is a sweet looking bike! How you aren’t blowing through the rear travel on such a light spring at 82kg is beyond me though. The Levo had a high leverage ratio to start with and isn’t massively progressive. I’d expect to be running a much higher spring rate, more like 650lbs! Then you’d be able to open up the damping. Riding with all the adjusters closed isn’t good for the shock or the ride. It shows that the base tube is miles off for the rider. You’d be much better running the right weight spring and adjusting the damping to suit. Even better would be getting the shock custom tuned for you and a recommendation of the correct spring weight by a specialist suspension company. Here in the UK I have used J-Tech Suspension and TF Tuned extensively and only had have positive things to say about them. Either company would be able to tune the shock to your requirements and it would transform the ride. It must feel harsh and under sprung at the moment.
Same goes for the fork. Get it tuned by a reputable suspension specialist. You’ve paid a lot of money for the bike so why not get it to ride the best it could possibly be? It doesn’t cost much to get a fork and shock tuned and is one biggest and best changes you can make to a bike. For your weight and riding style (Bike Park) I’d expect to use a firm spring in the fork.

Edit: I wouldn’t buy the current Cascade Link for your bike, it’ll blow through the travel even faster. The new one, when it’s released, combined with a longer stroke shock would be an upgrade though. Of course your suspension will be beautifully tuned by then and won’t need it..

Why do you say, with Cascade link will blow through the travel even faster? Its more progressive, then will be more difficult to blow through travel is it not? I think i can tune very well the suspension of my Levo, but 150mm going always be a bit little short in some trails. I cant wait to see this new combo from Cascade(Yoke+link+230x65 shock)!

 

[Stompweaver]

Why do you say, with Cascade link will blow through the travel even faster? Its more progressive, then will be more difficult to blow through travel is it not? I think i can tune very well the suspension of my Levo, but 150mm going always be a bit little short in some trails. I cant wait to see this new combo from Cascade(Yoke+link+230x65 shock)!

It is more progressive but starts at a higher leverage ratio and ends at higher leverage ratio than the standard link which is already high given the short shock stroke. That’s why Cascade have a 90kg weight limit and don’t recommend coil shocks as you’d need a very high spring rate to prevent it blowing through the travel if you are anywhere near that weight limit.

The new link will hopefully drop the overall leverage ratio and that combined with the longer shock stroke will allow the use of coils with sensible spring rates and air shocks that don’t have to have a million psi in them if you are a larger gent.

 

[Mike640]

It is more progressive but starts at a higher leverage ratio and ends at higher leverage ratio than the standard link which is already high given the short shock stroke. That’s why Cascade have a 90kg weight limit and don’t recommend coil shocks as you’d need a very high spring rate to prevent it blowing through the travel if you are anywhere near that weight limit.

View attachment 79894

The new link will hopefully drop the overall leverage ratio and that combined with the longer shock stroke will allow the use of coils with sensible spring rates and air shocks that don’t have to have a million psi in them if you are a larger gent.

Thanks for explanation! Lets see the final number for this new combo from Cascade...

 

[Stompweaver]

@mike172 I’ll have to check mine when I get back then. Mine does ride well though, I have no complaints in the suspension department which is unusual as I can normally pick fault in anything! If your shock isn’t right send it back, it’s under warranty so Fox will sort it. Plus they need to know if it’s happening to multiple units so they can correct the fault on the production line.

 

[Gyre]

use a blade to cut the wrap where it meets the factory tape and is leaving an unsightly air gap.

You're affixing the wrap over the tape and then making a cut along the perimeter of the halo?

 

[Gutch]

X2 blow. Mine did, 3 miles.

 

[Gutch]

Hit or miss, I reckon

 

[rsantos450]

Hi, I'm 165 cm I was undecided between s2 and s3, in the end, I had the opportunity to sit down if both sizes in the store and I chose size s2, it is a personal choice and I recommend, if you can, to sit on it, I like the new geometry "longer" and "slacker", but the s3 felt too big for me, I also immediately changed the dropper post to a oneup v2 150 mm

I bought the s2, i order the v2 oneup dropper 150mm, but this is longer than the stock x-fusion, did i order the wrong model?

 

[Mcharza]

S2 size has 125 mm X-Fusion dropper

 

[maramouse]

I bought the s2, i order the v2 oneup dropper 150mm, but this is longer than the stock x-fusion, did i order the wrong model?

no, it's right I use it on size s2, without problems