Turbo Levo 2018 comp alloy or carbon?!

[npatrix]

Hi There...

This is my first post on the forum... and by the subject you can guess, that I am about to join the club.

Last weekend, I made the mistake of getting a test turbo levo comp 2017 and take it to the trails... that was BIG BIG FUN!!!

I think the decision of joining the eMTB group has no turning back... though I need to think it carefully, because these "beasts" are not cheap... and need to be well handled to avoid divorce

So, I've landed already on the Turbo Levo Comp mainly because of the bigger battery, drop post and better components, now I'm hesitant to go to carbon or alloy, for aprox 1K USD, I get less 500gr, is it worth it?
seems almost nothing in 23Kg... I can lose more than 500gr and will save on food , in a serious note, what are the big differences in the riding?

To make it more complex...in a few months the 2019 models will be available... is it worth it to wait? should an increase on battery longevity to be expected? reduction of Bike weight? or just better components?

Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Witte300]

i’m in the same situation right now.
Just tested the comp carbon the last 4 days.
The comp black alloy looks better to me, I couldn’t get use to the chameleon color somehow.
For the price difference you can buy a extra battery, seems a better investment.
But I don’t think i can wait for the new models.

 

[npatrix]

But I don’t think i can wait for the new models

Same here

 

[SteveVentoux]

Ha ha, totally with you guys, think it's an alloy Levo for me, I've been MTB'ing since 1988 and I'm sorry to say, I just don't trust carbon frames, although I have to admit never owning one. However, I've only just made the decision to wait to see what the 2019 range brings....painful to wait now the good weather has arrived but going to endure the unassisted hardtail for a few months, it's still good fun!

 

[npatrix]

@ventoux now is almost impossible to wait... store come in my way and offered me a 10% discount ... on the model of my choice (most likely Carbon)

 

[SteveVentoux]

Yes, some good deals out there on 2018 models for sure, if they have them in your size. I need XL and seems as rare as hen's teeth. Anyhow, happy to wait and see.

 

[Mountie]

I’ve had both the ally and carbon levos and I haven’t noticed any downsides to the carbon frame. It deffinebtly feels lighter. The front feels slightly more sketchy but I put this down to the carbon wheels more then anything to do with the frame. I’m having issues with how to hold the bike in the work stand without clamping the seat post or frame arg. Either bike works well just make sure they have the bigger drain holes in the ally frame as this saves a lot of hassles later.

Enjoy

 

[James_MTB]

I've had the 2016 Ally Levo expert. I'm now riding the 2017 Carbon expert. The carbon feels lighter on the trail, also lifting it into my car.

The carbon frame is a little more refined; You won't go wrong with either bike tbh.

2019 models are probably 3 1/2 - 4 months away (in the UK), tough call; I would think, they'll have better batteries (I believe the new firmware support a 700-800 watt battery).

 

[npatrix]

Thanks Both. I am really tending into the carbon, some better handling expected.

@Mountie I think the wheel are alloy even on the carbon model, anything you feeling different must come from the frame.

@James_MTB waiting that much doesn’t go well with me, but if the battery gives 30%-40% more autonomy that will be a step change. I know we are speculating but wouldn’t be expectable the new batteries to be compatible with 2018/2017 models? As firmware can be updated easily.

 

[Mountie]

Really that sounds great where do you get your information and how reliable is it as I will be trading mine in. Is there an update imminent or does the existing firmware support 700 - 800?

 

[Mountie]

Thanks Both. I am really tending into the carbon, some better handling expected.

@Mountie I think the wheel are alloy even on the carbon model, anything you feeling different must come from the frame.

@James_MTB waiting that much doesn’t go well with me, but if the battery gives 30%-40% more autonomy that will be a step change. I know we are speculating but wouldn’t be expectable the new batteries to be compatible with 2018/2017 models? As firmware can be updated easily.

I have the 18 Expert it has carbon wheels and Öhlins front fork I think that’s the only differences

 

[npatrix]

I have the 18 Expert it has carbon wheels and Öhlins front fork I think that’s the only differences

Got it, that is the difference from the expert!
Between the allloy Comp and Carbon Comp they come with exactly sales specs apart from the frame...
seems alloy is the best value for money, but everyone who can afford goes carbon (cooler) or even expert like you

 

[Mountie]

On tight twisty trails I haven’t got the carbon to the same level of handling as my aluminium Levo . The fork is better yes and the motor is sftronger but there is still the level of trust in the wheels that I need to develop. They are very true still but the light feeling in the steering is new to me. I would have no problem at all riding the ally model it did feel very solid and as I said I was quicker on mine lol.

 

[Cyclone]

For what's it's worth, I was told in a number of emails, from a specialized uk manager in chessington head office that the 2019 models will definitely be in stores in July. He assured me of this in 3 occasions after a discussion regarding current size availability.

I need a small and can't find one anywhere, and he categorically assured me they will be in stores and available to buy /order here in the U.K. In July.

He said demand was strong in the smaller sizes this year, hence there is just none left. I can post the email and his details etc but not sure if that's against the rules etc?

But after the conversations I have had with spec uk im confident that it will be end of July/beginning august for 2019 bikes.

So unless there is some crazy deal on the 2018 (slight to large for me medium) I'll be waiting for a 2019 small, you might want to consider that.

Email spec uk chessington and ask them, they told me, I see no reason why they won't confirm this with you too

 

[James_MTB]

Really that sounds great where do you get your information and how reliable is it as I will be trading mine in. Is there an update imminent or does the existing firmware support 700 - 800?

No idea if it is imminent; I would imagine it'll be when the 2019 models are released (my guess)

Is was on the German pedelecforum.de/forum they're beta testing the new firmware

 

[Cyclone]

There are tests of firmware .23 and motor firmware 5.04 and 5.4.3 that users are testing saying the brose motor now deliveries up to 750w of power as they fixed the bugs And optimised the delivery. However it apparently brakes Zworks iOS app which is mentioned in the description of the app on the iOS store (was about to buy it but not going to yet, as I Don't know if I'll have a 2018/2019 bike and what's FW I'll be running)

I think they may increase the battery size on S-Works and Expert but leave the 504 on the Base and Comp and allow users the option to upgrade or buy a spare. Can't see that being the standard through the range.

New fixes do look pretty spectacular though, 200w in from the user provides 750w back from current testing, users on the .it forums are very happy with then new firmware.

 

[Doomanic]

they're beta testing the new firmware

Who? Specialized? Got any links?

 

[Cyclone]

Users are testing it now on .it forums Andy posting results. But I'm not sure where James saw it? Here Is a link to an image of the power delivery from firmware .23 / 5.0.4 / 5.4.3 (green) vs standard vs bugged zworks. There is a thread there talking about it and the positive changes the new fw makes.

https://image.forumfree.it/1/2/9/6/6/2/0/8/1525196751.jpg

 

[Yamanote]

I sorted through the same exact issues about 4 months ago. I decided on theTurbo Levo FSR Comp. My reasons were: 1) weight difference between carbon and alum not enough to justify price differential, 2) Don't need the incremental suspension differentials, 3) Specs almost the same, 4) Once I determine I really like the turbo levo, can buy up to future generations with lots of new features. So buy cheap now, understand your own personal requirements, then buy up to your dream bike later.

 

[npatrix]

I sorted through the same exact issues about 4 months ago. I decided on theTurbo Levo FSR Comp. My reasons were: 1) weight difference between carbon and alum not enough to justify price differential, 2) Don't need the incremental suspension differentials, 3) Specs almost the same, 4) Once I determine I really like the turbo levo, can buy up to future generations with lots of new features. So buy cheap now, understand your own personal requirements, then buy up to your dream bike later.

I think you have a few very valid point, I am sure the evolution on these bikes is going to be exponential, they will lose weight and increase autonomy... so maybe is better to buy the alloy comp (nice specs in terms of battery, dropper seat post, etc...) and sell it in 2/3 years when a big step change happens!

@Yamanote which color have you bought? Are you happy so far?

 

[ccrdave]

I have just been in the specialised concept store and i have say some of the latest stumpjumper carbon frames dont look like they are constructed with quality in mind, couldnt check out the levos cos the dont have any but did see the troy lee kenevo looks fantastic

 

[Mountie]

Mine was an early 18 Expert Carbon I’m pretty happy with the construction even looking inside with battery removed it looks consistent in weave.

 

[comtn]

I think you have a few very valid point, I am sure the evolution on these bikes is going to be exponential, they will lose weight and increase autonomy... so maybe is better to buy the alloy comp (nice specs in terms of battery, dropper seat post, etc...) and sell it in 2/3 years when a big step change happens!

@Yamanote which color have you bought? Are you happy so far?

Hard to disagree. I have the carbon comp. In reality you're probably better using that 1k to upgrade suspension, wheels, or other components.

 

[npatrix]

Thanks for all the insights... I guess all reason said I should order the alloy Comp... and I should, but I didn’t, new Turbo Levo Comp Carbon, black/ chameleon ordered!!!

 

[Theolegit]

Thanks for all the insights... I guess all reason said I should order the alloy Comp... and I should, but I didn’t, new Turbo Levo Comp Carbon, black/ chameleon ordered!!!

View attachment 1744

Same as mine ya gonna luv it!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Thanks for all the insights... I guess all reason said I should order the alloy Comp... and I should, but I didn’t, new Turbo Levo Comp Carbon, black/ chameleon ordered!!!

View attachment 1744

Hard to say no to carbon bling ? Great bike. Enjoy!

 

[Beanieuk]

Same as mine ya gonna luv it!

And mine, you will defiantly love it ??