Levo SL Gen 1 Levo SL Custom Builds

[helivate]

Haven’t seen a thread dedicated to custom builds. I’m looking to try a few different builds, 160mm fork, maybe mullet build. But in the mean time if anyone had already done some customization let’s see them and hear your thoughts.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Posted already elsewhere but:

- XL Comp Carbon
- 150mm Pike Ultimate 51mm offset
- Reverb Wireless Dropper
- Removed speed controller

Still to fit: X01 Eagle cassette and DT Swiss HXC1200 Carbon wheelset

 

[Fivetones]

The SL owners thread has a few choice SLs:
Levo SL Owners Thread - EMTB Forums

Here’s another of an alloy SL:
2020 Specialized Levo SL alloy custom build thread - EMTB Forums

 

[helivate]

The SL owners thread has a few choice SLs:
Levo SL Owners Thread - EMTB Forums

Here’s another of an alloy SL:
2020 Specialized Levo SL alloy custom build thread - EMTB Forums

I know you can find them in other threads, I just wanted to have a place to go where the focus is on upgrades and the results from those upgrades. I would hope to see those posts in this thread too.

 

[Fivetones]

I know you can find them in other threads, I just wanted to have a place to go where the focus is on upgrades and the results from those upgrades. I would hope to see those posts in this thread too.

Just tying them in so when people search they find them.

 

[Dirtnvert]

Going to interesting to see what the pimped out light weight build will weigh. Cant remember the name of the site with the light weight builds. Wonder if they have eebs?

 

[Fivetones]

Weight weenies. I think 15.5kg with extender, no internal battery is easy enough.

 

[helivate]

Just tying them in so when people search they find them.

Good call, thanks!

 

[Fivetones]

Another couple:
SL Levo Shimano build - EMTB Forums

Levo SL Backcountry Build - EMTB Forums

 

[Fivetones]

A couple of ‘Fattie’ SL builds:
Levo SL “6-Fatties” (his and hers) - EMTB Forums

 

[gwbcn]

Somebody had to do it - Levo SL "Embiggened"

Lyrik Ultimate 170mm
DPX2 shock (52.5)
Minion DHR 2.4 rear + cushcore
Minion DHF 2.5 front + cushcore
AXS X01 upgrade kit
AXS reverb 170
SQlab 16º 780 carbon handlebar
Ergon GR2 fat grips
200mm rear rotor

Don’t know the weight but it’s gotta be 6-8 kilos lighter than my 2020 Kenevo+Fox 49

 

[helivate]

Somebody had to do it - Levo SL "Embiggened"View attachment 27263
Lyrik Ultimate 170mm
DPX2 shock (52.5)
Minion DHR 2.4 rear + cushcore
Minion DHF 2.5 front + cushcore
AXS X01 upgrade kit
AXS reverb 170
SQlab 16º 780 carbon handlebar
Ergon GR2 fat grips
200mm rear rotor

Don’t know the weight but it’s gotta be 6-8 kilos lighter than my 2020 Kenevo+Fox 49

I’ve been thinking I want to go to 160 for a little more travel but ideally slacken the bike out a little more. But I’m concerned slightly because there is so much talk about not adding a long fork. How is the 170 lyrik feeling?

 

[Jpzeroday]

Lightweight build. Repost here for posterity.


Groupset: XTR 9100 12sp
Brakes: XTR 9120
Rotors: Shimano MT-900 180mm Front/Rear
Bars: Enve M6
Stem: Enve M6 40mm
Top Cap: Wolftooth
Grips: ESI
TOGS
Dropper: Revive 185mm
Seat: Phenom Pro 143
Cranks: Praxis Carbon Levo SL 165mm
Pedals: HT MEO3T (w/Black Pins)
Wheels: Enve M525
Valve Stems: CushCore 44mm
Tires: Maxxis Aspen 2.25 120tpi EXO
Insert: CushCore XC Rear
iPhone/Light Mount: QuadLock
Fender: Mucky Nutz
Bottle Cage: Zee 2 White/Black

 

[gwbcn]

I’ve been thinking I want to go to 160 for a little more travel but ideally slacken the bike out a little more. But I’m concerned slightly because there is so much talk about not adding a long fork. How is the 170 lyrik feeling?

Feels great to me - I'm used to the slacked out 49 on my Kenevo. Not really any air to get or jumps to case that stress the head tube joint here so the risk on my trails is minimal. Maybe slightly more nervous on techy climbs but no big deal. Even with the stock 170mm cranks - no hint a pedal strikes. (running in the "low" flip-bushing setting)

 

[jemen]

Wrooomm.....

 

[Fivetones]

Of course I’ve missed @p3eps’s build:
Levo SL Expert - First Ride - EMTB Forums

 

[losgatosgtr]

Somebody had to do it - Levo SL "Embiggened"View attachment 27263
Lyrik Ultimate 170mm
DPX2 shock (52.5)
Minion DHR 2.4 rear + cushcore
Minion DHF 2.5 front + cushcore
AXS X01 upgrade kit
AXS reverb 170
SQlab 16º 780 carbon handlebar
Ergon GR2 fat grips
200mm rear rotor

Don’t know the weight but it’s gotta be 6-8 kilos lighter than my 2020 Kenevo+Fox 49

How does the dpx2 shock feel? What position is your flip chip in?

 

[ridesantacruz]

Somebody had to do it - Levo SL "Embiggened"View attachment 27263
Lyrik Ultimate 170mm
DPX2 shock (52.5)
Minion DHR 2.4 rear + cushcore
Minion DHF 2.5 front + cushcore
AXS X01 upgrade kit
AXS reverb 170
SQlab 16º 780 carbon handlebar
Ergon GR2 fat grips
200mm rear rotor

Don’t know the weight but it’s gotta be 6-8 kilos lighter than my 2020 Kenevo+Fox 49

What size is your bike? I am trying to find out if a DPX2 will fit on a medium SL.

 

[James_MTB]

An interesting custom build Pimp My E-Bike: Specialized Levo SL von Marco Sonderegger gepimpt

 

[gwbcn]

How does the dpx2 shock feel? What position is your flip chip in?

The 52.5 is supposedly "tuned" for the Trek. It comes with a big honking blue volume spacer that wouldn't allow me full travel with 17-19mm of sag. Took it out and took a hacksaw to cut most of it away and now have the bare minimum vol spacer. Getting full travel, proper sag, no bottom out problems.

 

[gwbcn]

What size is your bike? I am trying to find out if a DPX2 will fit on a medium SL.

There are slots in the Z-cage that allow you to position it lower. By sliding the Z-cage down to its lowest I get about 5mm clearance on my size L.

 

[gwbcn]

The 52.5 is supposedly "tuned" for the Trek. It comes with a big honking blue volume spacer that wouldn't allow me full travel with 17-19mm of sag. Took it out and took a hacksaw to cut most of it away and now have the bare minimum vol spacer. Getting full travel, proper sag, no bottom out problems.

flip chip in low position

 

[ridesantacruz]

There are slots in the A-cage that allow you to position it lower. By sliding the Z-cage down to its lowest I get about 5mm clearance on my size L.

Z-cage already in the lowest position.

 

[Firekid]

Picked up my SL two days ago in Cupertino, CA, at Trailhead Cyclery. Amazing shop.

I opted for the S-Works SL with these upgrades:

Fox Factory 36 Fork (160mm)
SRAM XX1 AXS wireless RD
SRAM CODE RSC brakes
Reverb AXS wireless dropper post (stock item on the S-Works)
Cush Core front and back
DVO Jade X Coil shock with LS spring (light steel)
WTB Volt Titanium saddle
Specialized Butcher Grid Trail 2.6 (front)
Specialized Black Diamond Eliminator 2.3 (rear)
OneUp flat flat pedals (not pictured below)

Weight without pedals is 39.86 lbs (18kg). BEAST.

 

[helivate]

Picked up my SL two days ago in Cupertino, CA, at Trailhead Cyclery. Amazing shop.

I opted for the S-Works SL with these upgrades:

Fox Factory 36 Fork (160mm)
SRAM XX1 AXS wireless RD
SRAM CODE RSC brakes
Reverb AXS wireless dropper post (stock item on the S-Works)
Cush Core front and back
DVO Jade X Coil shock with LS spring (light steel)
WTB Volt Titanium saddle
Specialized Butcher Grid Trail 2.6 (front)
Specialized Black Diamond Eliminator 2.3 (rear)
OneUp flat flat pedals (not pictured below)

Weight without pedals is 39.86 lbs (18kg). BEAST.

View attachment 27395View attachment 27396View attachment 27397View attachment 27399

View attachment 27398

This right here is my dream build. I’d really like to hear about the 160 fork with the coil shock overall feel.

 

[Firekid]

This right here is my dream build. I’d really like to hear about the 160 fork with the coil shock overall feel.

I will definitely update. Haven't been able to get out yet as it's been pouring rain in NorCal for last 18 hours, but may get out tomorrow. Bike is so sweet.

 

[losgatosgtr]

Nice build and congrats. I'm in Los Gatos and have had my SL for about 1 month. I'm planning similar upgrades as far as fork and shock. Did trail head do any tuning to the shock based on the leverage ratio of the SL? Please do tell how the coil feels. Also please share your experience with how the 160mm fork feels in regards to handling on uphill and downhill tech and tight switchbacks when you get a chance. Also if you can comment on the balance between the front and rear in those same trail situations.

Were you able to use the flip chip bushings in the shock? Is it in low or high position?

Thanks.

 

[jcmonty]

I will definitely update. Haven't been able to get out yet as it's been pouring rain in NorCal for last 18 hours, but may get out tomorrow. Bike is so sweet.

Looks amazing!

Curious what size and if the Range Extender fits with that Jade X? Good weight for that beefier build!

 

[Blinkie]

Curious what size and if the Range Extender fits with that Jade X?

Yes interested also....

At the fear of going all weight weenie whats the weight of the shock?

 

[Firekid]

@losgatosgtr Frame is a Medium. Flip chip in down position currently. Spring in the shock is the light steel version, 550lb x 2.5". (I weigh 195 lbs.). Will def report back on first impressions soon.

@jcmonty Frame is a Medium. Range Extender fits no problem (see attached).

@Blinkie I can't locate any official weight spec online for the shock. But it's definitely heavier than the stock FOX FLOAT DPS Factory that was on there. The stock bike out of the box was 36.75 lbs without pedals. My upgrades added 3.1 lbs, but it's basically a full-stop Enduro-capable beast at this point.