Hi from Surrey - Newbie EMTB purchase advice! Kenevo or Levo?

[Craig79]

Hi there
I'm new to the forum and new to E mountain bikes. Just thought I'd say hi and pick some of your brains on purchasing my first EMTB. So I recently just moved to Surrey and noticed all the incredible bike trails and centres in the area. I am new to mountain biking in general, but I have had a go on a Trek ebike. Of course I now want an EMTB .

So I've been looking into EMTB's on youtube (and Robs channel) for the last few months, watching reviews, etc. I've decided to go for a Specialized. But the question is wether to go for a Turbo Levo or a turbo Kenevo? I have a max budget of £6000

Is it worth paying the extra for a Levo comp carbon or go with the Levo comp?
Should I go for a Turbo Kenevo expert or the expert 6Fattie?
Is there any other bikes I should consider?

Which of these is best to go for, for local trails, some down hill and some trips to wales and Scotland?

Sorry to hit you all with so many questions.

Thanks for any advice, its much appreciated

Craig

 

[R120]

Where about in Surrey are you? Personally I would go for a Levo out of the two as the new one is very capable and there isn't any terrain in Surrey which requires a Kenevo - the Kenevo is also a lot heavier which if you are new to trail riding won't help.

Also the Kenevo, whilst a great bike, is likely to get upgraded sometime towards the back end of next year, so if investing that amount of money you want something that's most up to date.

If getting a Levo I personally would get a comp and use the change to upgrade as necessary, or maybe even get the bigger battery within your budget. I am not a carbon fan boy though!

Lots of other bikes worth checking out, it really depends on the riding you want to do.

 

[Craig79]

I live in Sutton. I was swaying towards the Levo. I'll be doing mostly trails, but nothing crazy. The lighter option does make more sense especially with me being new to mountain biking.

Cheers for the reply

 

[R120]

Check out Freeborn Bikes in Horsham - about an hour from you, but they have all the specialised there, and some others, and usually offer a good discount

 

[Craig79]

Check out Freeborn Bikes in Horsham - about an hour from you, but they have all the specialised there, and some others, and usually offer a good discount

Thanks I think I'll head over there tomorrow and have look

 

[Benson]

Another vote for Freeborn, I shopped around and they beat everyone including Berkshire Cycles on price.

 

[All Mountain Coaching]

Levo. Much lighter and more appropriate for your riding. If I was choosing between comp and comp carbon. I'd go the carbon. It's worth it for the 1k. For me it was base model, so wasn't worth the 2k extra.

Why don't you arrange a demo of both. You're talking about a lot of money, you'll know as soon as you ride which one you want. You won't be left wondering then.

 

[Craig79]

Levo. Much lighter and more appropriate for your riding. If I was choosing between comp and comp carbon. I'd go the carbon. It's worth it for the 1k. For me it was base model, so wasn't worth the 2k extra.

Why don't you arrange a demo of both. You're talking about a lot of money, you'll know as soon as you ride which one you want. You won't be left wondering then.

I think thats what I'm going to do, demo both the Levo's and see which I prefer.

 

[All Mountain Coaching]

Good move! A demo ride is the only real way to know if you like the bike. I either didn't like the brand or the look of some bikes and rode them and loved them, on the flip side really wanted to love a bike (SC high tower I'm looking at you) and didn't like it at all.

It might cost a few quid, but most shops will then take that off your purchase. Make sure they're both setup for you, ignore tyres and small things like grips etc and you'll know for sure which one you prefer... Even if it doesn't match where you ride but felt better or had more fun on.

 

[Craig79]

Good move! A demo ride is the only real way to know if you like the bike. I either didn't like the brand or the look of some bikes and rode them and loved them, on the flip side really wanted to love a bike (SC high tower I'm looking at you) and didn't like it at all.

It might cost a few quid, but most shops will then take that off your purchase. Make sure they're both setup for you, ignore tyres and small things like grips etc and you'll know for sure which one you prefer... Even if it doesn't match where you ride but felt better or had more fun on.

Thanks, I think thats the way to approach it, ride them and see which is most fun for me.
Cheers

 

[StevoKickstart]

Hi Craig,
The Surrey Hills are fantastic for mtbing. Me & my riding mates have all but one moved to emtbs and Freeborn in Horsham (speak to Joe) is a very good place to go to for the Specialized brand. Two of us are on Levo's and one on the Kenevo; they will both do the job perfectly fine.
The carbon comp is lighter and will be in your price range.
personally I am recovering from a broken collarbone (fell off my bike..); I rewarded my bravery (hahaha!) by buying a Levo Comp Carbon which I have only ridden on tarmac so far, but gagging for the trails again
Let us know what you go for
Stevo

 

[More-read-than-ride]

There is this article, but It is the old Levo (2018). Considering all the changes to the 2019 model, I agree with comment above that you should consider waiting for the new model if you are going for Kenovo...

Specialized Levo vs. Kenevo: More travel = more fun? | E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine

 

[Craig79]

Hi Craig,
The Surrey Hills are fantastic for mtbing. Me & my riding mates have all but one moved to emtbs and Freeborn in Horsham (speak to Joe) is a very good place to go to for the Specialized brand. Two of us are on Levo's and one on the Kenevo; they will both do the job perfectly fine.
The carbon comp is lighter and will be in your price range.
personally I am recovering from a broken collarbone (fell off my bike..); I rewarded my bravery (hahaha!) by buying a Levo Comp Carbon which I have only ridden on tarmac so far, but gagging for the trails again
Let us know what you go for
Stevo

Hi Steveo

Thanks for the reply. Ouch that sounds painful! Hope you recover quickly mate.
Yeah Im not rushing into buying just yet. Ive had a go on the Levo and its epic, really plush. Ive been seeing a lot about the new Haibike Flyons so I might wait until I can compare it with that, have to see if they finally release them this side of summer. I'll definitely post what I decide to go for. I'll be getting about on a regular MTB until then.

Cheers