Removing the mist from your lust filled eyes and getting real for a moment...
I've been very interested in the launch of this bike, not because I want one (I really don't, geometry and intended use are way off for my use) but to see the developments Spesh have made.There's no doubting the new Levo is an improvement over the old model but lets take a look at the reasons for this.
I read here before the launch that the new levo was stiffer and more playful... but didn't get a decent answer as to why. It's now fairly obvious to me why.
1) Gone are the vague (and heavy) 27.5x3.0 tyres - Specialized themselves have now admitted they were off the mark specing these on the old levo and a 2.5" (or 2.6 if you truely believe anyone went away and redesigned a tyre 0.1" wider
) gives plenty grip for an Emtb but doesn't have the weight penalty or vagueness.
2) Weight, They've done a great job of reducing the weight on these bikes but it's not without a downside. eg. the 20.5kg quoted is minus pedals and Specialized have slapped a rider weight limit on there. That's only 500g lighter than my 170mm travel vitus which has far more agressive geometry, is intender for Enduro riding rather than all-mountain and has no rider weight limit.
3) Suspension tune, Specialized have firmed up the shock tune to give more midstroke support. Personally I'd have preferred them to also alter the leverage curve, but fair enough. both ways work and this can only be a good thing.
I personally think a 47lb (21.3kg in euros) Emtb is right at the sweetspot of giving a heavy AF Emtb bike back some much needed playfulness and agility and Specialized seem to feel the same.
Back to the improvements, aesthetically Spesh have done a brilliant job of making it look almost like a normal bike with the new internal downtube battery design. This alone will sell them way more bikes than any of their humpback battery competitors. The improvements to the motor (weight, and control system) sound frankly brilliant. The lighter/stiffer fram design and small things like the neater controls, optional display etc all ad up to a great, well thought out package, I can't see anyone wanting an all mountain Emtb being unhappy purchasing one of these (Although their bank balance might grumble a bit tho).
Looking forward to the 21kg 27.5 non plus, slacker, lowAF, more progressive/supportive, non rider weight/intended use restricted Kenevo's release.
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