Which Levo does the Rail 9.7 most resemble?

[jtbourke]

First time poster. Great community here. I've learned a lot by reading and just signed up.

I'm riding a Levo SL currently and I just love it, but I'm thinking of buying something with some more power as a second bike.

I'm looking at a Rail 9.7 and I have no experience with them so I'm wondering which Specialized Levo version it is the closest match to?

Any advice on the decision between a Rail 9.7 and Levo Comp (or ?) will be appreciated.

Jim

 

[Gary]

From the short rides I've had on both I'd say the rail is nothing like a Levo TBH
But @Rob Rides EMTB has had all 3 so can probably answer your query pretty well

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Rail is quite different. Geometry is slacker, its a bit longer in reach, chain stay a bit shorter than Levo. It rides very very well and is probably capable of just about anything. I find it easier to ride on steeper stuff and more technical stuff vs the Levo due to the geometry / sizing is better for me.

Levo geometry is a bit steeper in the head angle and reach isn't as long. Its very very similar to the Levo SL in the geometry other than the SL has a shorter rear end if I remember correctly (the SL motor allows them to make a real short chain stay). Obviously it feels a fair bit different to ride vs the SL due to weight and power. I think the Rail has a steeper seat angle than the Levo (without checking) it seems to climb really well.

Rail motor is the Bosch which is very very good. But the controller / integration isn't as neat as the Levo. Rail 625Wh battery, Levo 700Wh so not a lot in it.

 

[jtbourke]

Thanks Rob, that's really helpful!

 

[jtbourke]

Ok my local store has a Levo Comp in my size in Spruce/Tarmac and I'm going with that since I like my SL so much. Thanks for the great forum!

 

[LemonDrop]

Ok my local store has a Levo Comp in my size in Spruce/Tarmac and I'm going with that since I like my SL so much. Thanks for the great forum!

Hi JT - I did the exact opposite of your situation - Had the Rail 9.7 (loved it - really nice all around bike to throw anything at) but I always rode it in the trail mode or emts mode. So just last week traded in the trek for a Levo SL and its almost perfect (makes me cry how well the geometry fits me). @Rob Rides EMTB is correct that the fit and finish of the Levo's are next level compared to the trek. Trek plays seemed a bit rattly. Also - if you don't mind, had a question on the Levo SL ->I found the brakes to be weirdly soft, have you made any changes to the SL that greatly improved the ride quality ?

 

[jtbourke]

I found the brakes to be weirdly soft, have you made any changes to the SL that greatly improved the ride quality ?

Interesting that you mentioned this because we actually have two SLs and the other day I hopped on my girlfriend's bike to check her brakes before a ride and I noticed that her brakes were more aggressive than mine. I forgot all about it until you asked. I wouldn't call my brakes "soft" though. I like my brakes better than hers because I feel I have more control over the amount of grip I get and I still get plenty of stopping power. But she like hers too. I'll have to look into why there is a difference. If I learn something I'll let you know.

I haven't done anything special to my bike at all. I did go tubeless but otherwise it is stock and set up the way it was when I left the bike shop. It's really overkill for the kind of riding we do.

Jim

 

[LemonDrop]

Interesting that you mentioned this because we actually have two SLs and the other day I hopped on my girlfriend's bike to check her brakes before a ride and I noticed that her brakes were more aggressive than mine. I forgot all about it until you asked. I wouldn't call my brakes "soft" though. I like my brakes better than hers because I feel I have more control over the amount of grip I get and I still get plenty of stopping power. But she like hers too. I'll have to look into why there is a difference. If I learn something I'll let you know.

I haven't done anything special to my bike at all. I did go tubeless but otherwise it is stock and set up the way it was when I left the bike shop. It's really overkill for the kind of riding we do.

Jim

Thanks - I think I am such a newbie to the sport itself that maybe I am overthinking this. A lot of people make adjustments to the rear shock and front shock but I feel the bike is great as is. I did go tubeless though