Levo Gen 4 Specialized Gen 4 Levo - Official Thread

[Hitorogoshi]

there is a reason the WC downhillers like Loic bruni use 2.3/2.4 only. traction in corners,
2.5/2.6 in front slides out easier. in the back they like the thinner tires for reduced friction.

well - they aren't smashing 23+kg bikes down those tracks are they (those guys prefer rolling efficiency over anything else which = MORE SPEED). Common sense would tell you a wider tyre would give more grip (and slow you down). Rear is much of a muchness for weekend warriors. Would love to hear who said the wider tyre slides out easier

 

[Power1tobe]

The way he cased every single jump leads me to believe the bike is very heavy and hard to get off the ground.

Its the way he rides... the bike comes off jumps remarkably well for its weight. Hoppin logs is entirely different story.

 

[beerglass]

well - they aren't smashing 23+kg bikes down those tracks are they (those guys prefer rolling efficiency over anything else which = MORE SPEED). Common sense would tell you a wider tyre would give more grip (and slow you down). Rear is much of a muchness for weekend warriors. Would love to hear who said the wider tyre slides out easier

there is a reason the WC downhillers like Loic bruni use 2.3/2.4 only. traction in corners,
2.5/2.6 in front slides out easier. in the back they like the thinner tires for reduced friction.

Not on a 23KG bike and Uk mud in the winter. I ran the 2.3 tyres and it was close to dangerous.

 

[beerglass]

I have the gen3 and now 100miles on the gen4 and yes it is absolutely better in techical climbs and its the first real difference i noticed beside better handling in general. The motor has a much more natural and smooth power delivery and overun that helps you up without being noticible. my buddy who rides a gen3 noticed it imeadiately as well. The other big difference is downhill stability i found the gen4 is easier to control when it gets fast and rough so you are encouraged to ride harder. All of this translates to more fun. We are talking about subtlety, as my gen1 still feels great and is actually quieter than all of them.

Totally agree .

I've had alloy gen 2, alloy and carbon gen 3 and now carbon gen 4 with each one an improvement

 

[Eduardoramundo]

How do I make this bigger so my old man eyes can see it?

 

[beerglass]

How do I make this bigger so my old man eyes can see it?

View attachment 160019

You cant and I've feed this back to spesh via my LBS

 

[WatermanJim]

I tend to agree on this perspective on the weight. Curious to know though: how much more complicated is to get and maintain a manual on the Gen 4 compared to Gen 3? Not that u manual all the time, but I think this would be a good “test” on the weight.

I noticed when i first got on the gen3 that it was easier to lift than expected. I noticed right away that the gen4 was a bit harder to lift. Must be from the motor/battery weight being more forward. I think its a ok compromise because you want more weight on the front in general and cornering is significantly better/easier than gen3. Because of this i would not change the "short" chainstays.

 

[WatermanJim]

well - they aren't smashing 23+kg bikes down those tracks are they (those guys prefer rolling efficiency over anything else which = MORE SPEED). Common sense would tell you a wider tyre would give more grip (and slow you down). Rear is much of a muchness for weekend warriors. Would love to hear who said the wider tyre slides out easier

There is a reason why 27.5+ /2.8" tires never made it on the race track. Bouncy and slides easier. There is a similar effect with 2.5/2.6 so thats why the DH pros are running thinner tires than you might expect. I was a big fan of 2.8 and was surprised that the 2.5 ran better on the gen3, then i was surprised again with the 2.3 on the gen4.
I realized there is no need to second guess spesh, they got it figured out.

 

[WatermanJim]

How do I make this bigger so my old man eyes can see it?

View attachment 160019

They should switch the time and battery fields, put battery at the top. time not so important.

 

[etoni]

This is a very good article. And honestly I also feel that we don’t really need this race to win as the most powerful motor on paper.

In fact this is one of the reasons I am not rushing to get a new bike and this Gen 4 specifically. I am considering more and more a lower power assistance (I love my SL gen 1!!) like the orbea rise… if they only had a frameset option I was already riding one!

is this happen sponsored by the opponents of avinox?

 

[unclezz]

is this happen sponsored by the opponents of avinox?

Well… of course the big players try to protect themselves but besides that, the concept is not wrong

 

[Tadmcmichael]

One thing I don’t hear mentioned much about the Gen 4 is that it has close to 60 mm of extra seat post insertion room in an S4. That’s a big deal and drove a lot of the design choices that led to the side loading battery. They had to rotate the motor and that eliminated the ability to drop the battery from the bottom.

I’m the buyer that Specialized has targeted for this bike. I have a Gen 3 already and have enough discretionary income to buy a Gen 4 if I wanted it. However, it just doesn’t move the needle enough for me to justify upgrading. I run at 70% assist almost always, so won’t be able to use the extra power. I care much more about how it rides than what it looks like, but that bloated belly is really tough to ignore. Despite the improvements of the look of the motor area for Gen 4, the Gen 3 looks much better overall. I actually like the side brace of the shock on the Gen 3 as well, although it may cause issues with shock loading. Wish they had gone with longer chain stays for S4 and bigger sizes for Gen 4. In short, I don’t think the compromises were worth it to get the removable battery. If I needed a bike, I would get something else as long as I had a local dealer to support. The Forbidden Druid looks very cool.

 

[linkqwd]

However, it just doesn’t move the needle enough for me to justify upgrading.

gen3 was ahed of its time, gen4 is just a regular emtb nowdays, I thought to upgrade to it too but I cant think of any reason to do so right now, maybe in 3 or 4 years if prices on gen4 drop significantly I would upgrade just because reliability things, I still adore my gen3 but I dont think I would be able to ride it in 5 years or so.
But event then I'm not sure to stick to spesh, since I consider only removable battery Trek Rail on gen5 Bosch is really looks like a better choice over gen4 levo

 

[Lightme]

gen3 was ahed of its time, gen4 is just a regular emtb nowdays, I thought to upgrade to it too but I cant think of any reason to do so right now, maybe in 3 or 4 years if prices on gen4 drop significantly I would upgrade just because reliability things, I still adore my gen3 but I dont think I would be able to ride it in 5 years or so.
But event then I'm not sure to stick to spesh, since I consider only removable battery Trek Rail on gen5 Bosch is really looks like a better choice over gen4 levo

Totally agree. I’m their target market, I’ve bought 4 Spec emtbs, and would have bought the Gen 4 Pro model in size S5.

There’s no way I’m spending top money for the least powerful new ebike on the market, with the largest downtube, non-size specific/too short chainstays and tyres I’d swap out immediately.

 

[cañonaco]

After the first ride, some conclusions:

Today I went out to test fuel consumption for the La Rioja Bike Race. I rode with low fuel assistance settings, mainly MICROTUNE 20/20 and 30/30, with moments of 10/10 and 40/40.

It consumed 46% of fuel over 30.5 km and 1,300 m of elevation gain.
With a little effort, you can ride 3,000 m.
GOOD FUEL CONSUMPTION.

I also liked that it has very little friction and you can ride very well at 10/10 without overloading the patellar tendon in your knees, something that did happen with the previous Brose.

The display and the new assistance options are fantastic.

I was much more surprised by the naturalness and smoothness of the engine than by the power.

But what really impressed me was the bike going downhill—VERY GOOD! Agile, fast, intuitive, but VERY WELL PLANNED, the rear suspension is brilliant.
It feels greedy but doesn't bottom out, reminiscent of a Kenevo much more than the previous Levos.

Those looking to upgrade their Levos should have no doubts, this bike is much better downhill than the Gen3s, there's no comparison!

I haven't touched the stock setup: centered steering, low bottom bracket, and short chainstays. The balance achieved with such short chainstays is surprising!

The ride was 100% enduro.

 

[WatermanJim]

After the first ride, some conclusions:

Today I went out to test fuel consumption for the La Rioja Bike Race. I rode with low fuel assistance settings, mainly MICROTUNE 20/20 and 30/30, with moments of 10/10 and 40/40.

It consumed 46% of fuel over 30.5 km and 1,300 m of elevation gain.
With a little effort, you can ride 3,000 m.
GOOD FUEL CONSUMPTION.

I also liked that it has very little friction and you can ride very well at 10/10 without overloading the patellar tendon in your knees, something that did happen with the previous Brose.

The display and the new assistance options are fantastic.

I was much more surprised by the naturalness and smoothness of the engine than by the power.

But what really impressed me was the bike going downhill—VERY GOOD! Agile, fast, intuitive, but VERY WELL PLANNED, the rear suspension is brilliant.
It feels greedy but doesn't bottom out, reminiscent of a Kenevo much more than the previous Levos.

Those looking to upgrade their Levos should have no doubts, this bike is much better downhill than the Gen3s, there's no comparison!

I haven't touched the stock setup: centered steering, low bottom bracket, and short chainstays. The balance achieved with such short chainstays is surprising!

The ride was 100% enduro.

View attachment 160085 View attachment 160086 View attachment 160087

Thank you. Thats my impression as well.
Bikes looks great, enjoy!

 

[WatermanJim]

gen3 was ahed of its time, gen4 is just a regular emtb nowdays, I thought to upgrade to it too but I cant think of any reason to do so right now, maybe in 3 or 4 years if prices on gen4 drop significantly I would upgrade just because reliability things, I still adore my gen3 but I dont think I would be able to ride it in 5 years or so.
But event then I'm not sure to stick to spesh, since I consider only removable battery Trek Rail on gen5 Bosch is really looks like a better choice over gen4 levo

I love my gen3 but the gen4 is even more fun.

 

[linkqwd]

I love my gen3 but the gen4 is even more fun.

Is it ? Or you just enjoying new components on the new bike?
It's always nice to ride a new bike no doubts in that.
My gen3 is from early years, I think if I would be able to ride some nicer gen3 in new color I would feel it differently.
Biking is full of placebo effects.

So comparing this two, gen4 has same travel, nearly the same geometry (but shorter chainstays ), almost the same suspension kinematics but a bit less progressive (it was stated by one of spesh engineers), I cant see any reason why gen4 should be different bike from gen3. Okay maybe its Genie shock, but buying whole new bike just because of a new shock is not what I'm ready to do.

I agree that gen4 is overall better bike but by marginal gains, in my opinion.

 

[Myke]

So now that I have had my bike since the release I do really like the way it rides and how it works but the biggest problem is the looks of it. I just can't get past the huge down tube. I tried to add some custom bits but it just doesn't take the attention away from the downtube.

When I look at it it just doesn't get me excited to ride it.

I really miss my Levo SL. I think this was one of the best looking ebikes it was just a bit short on power so I couldn't ride it with anyone. To slow for other ebikes and to fast for analog bikes.

 

[TorAtle]

Had a short test on the Pro and S-Works models today:
* As others have mentioned, when on the bike you forget about the weight. It felt agile and stable at the same time.
* Immediately felt at one with the bike, no adjustment period needed.
* The motor noise was like a refined, mechanical purr. Comes off better than in most of the videos I've watched. Nicer sound signature than the Bosch gen 5 to my ears.
* Motor power was not amazing. S-works a bit better, but I'1m guessing nothing like the DJI.
* Colors: Show paint on the S-Works (they had both in store), not my style. The Pro was brown/black-ish. Hoping the satin burnt gold will be better.

Lots of things I wish Specialized would have done differently, but lacking options (available locally now) I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. Picking up on friday if all goes well.

 

[luna87824]

Had a short test on the Pro and S-Works models today:
* As others have mentioned, when on the bike you forget about the weight. It felt agile and stable at the same time.
* Immediately felt at one with the bike, no adjustment period needed.
* The motor noise was like a refined, mechanical purr. Comes off better than in most of the videos I've watched. Nicer sound signature than the Bosch gen 5 to my ears.
* Motor power was not amazing. S-works a bit better, but I'1m guessing nothing like the DJI.
* Colors: Show paint on the S-Works (they had both in store), not my style. The Pro was brown/black-ish. Hoping the satin burnt gold will be better.

Lots of things I wish Specialized would have done differently, but lacking options (available locally now) I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. Picking up on friday if all goes well.

When comparing power to DJI, the levo is sucking the nipple closest to the rectum......

 

[Eduardinior]

Had a short test on the Pro and S-Works models today:
* As others have mentioned, when on the bike you forget about the weight. It felt agile and stable at the same time.
* Immediately felt at one with the bike, no adjustment period needed.
* The motor noise was like a refined, mechanical purr. Comes off better than in most of the videos I've watched. Nicer sound signature than the Bosch gen 5 to my ears.
* Motor power was not amazing. S-works a bit better, but I'1m guessing nothing like the DJI.
* Colors: Show paint on the S-Works (they had both in store), not my style. The Pro was brown/black-ish. Hoping the satin burnt gold will be better.

Lots of things I wish Specialized would have done differently, but lacking options (available locally now) I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. Picking up on friday if all goes well.

Que modelo cojes?

 

[TorAtle]

Que modelo cojes?

Expert

 

[Phil M]

Totally agree. I’m their target market, I’ve bought 4 Spec emtbs, and would have bought the Gen 4 Pro model in size S5.

There’s no way I’m spending top money for the least powerful new ebike on the market, with the largest downtube, non-size specific/too short chainstays and tyres I’d swap out immediately.

What’s the issue with the chainstays?

You can run them at stock 435, or 446 if you put them into ‘long’ (leaving shock as standard)

On an S5 sized bike 446 chainstays aren’t that short, they’re pretty much the same as an XL bullit.

 

[Lightme]

What’s the issue with the chainstays?

You can run them at stock 435, or 446 if you put them into ‘long’ (leaving shock as standard)

On an S5 sized bike 446 chainstays aren’t that short, they’re pretty much the same as an XL bullit.

The chainstay thing is more of a pet peeve. Charging AUD23.5k for a bike with the same rear triangle (or pivot points) across sizes just comes across as arrogant.

The motor power is a much more substantial issue. Like BMW’s famous seat-heating subscription, I think the two tiered power levels is a major commercial failure. It just stinks. This compounded with the fact that none of them match Bosch or DJI’s power outputs.

I’d probably buy the Pro if they increased changed the software to match the S-Works model. But they won’t, so I won’t, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

 

[B-man]

Are the gen 3 and gen 4 cranks the same?
I have a set of hopes off my gen 3 that Id like to put on my new gen 4 coming next week.

 

[luna87824]

Are the gen 3 and gen 4 cranks the same?
I have a set of hopes off my gen 3 that Id like to put on my new gen 4 coming next week.

The left and right gen 3 cranks have different offsets because the center line of the motor to the tip of the crank spindles were different, They will mount on the gen 4, but the short offset arm may hit the chain stay.

 

[Phil M]

The chainstay thing is more of a pet peeve. Charging AUD23.5k for a bike with the same rear triangle (or pivot points) across sizes just comes across as arrogant.

The motor power is a much more substantial issue. Like BMW’s famous seat-heating subscription, I think the two tiered power levels is a major commercial failure. It just stinks. This compounded with the fact that none of them match Bosch or DJI’s power outputs.

I’d probably buy the Pro if they increased changed the software to match the S-Works model. But they won’t, so I won’t, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

Ok fair enough, I see how it may bother some but I’m happy running them in long to get it how I want it.

Also (for me) the motor power thing is a complete non issue as I run around in as little assistance as possible, the big batter however is a huge bonus for me as is the option of the range extender, the compromise of that is the bigger downtube but tbh on the S5 it looks fine.

Black S5 Pro due in a few days and I can’t wait.

 

[kawamaha]

Anyone knows the shock stroke of the Gen4?
I would like to calculate the rising rate of the linkage and would need the exact shock stroke. Thank you...

 

[Flo7]

Anyone knows the shock stroke of the Gen4?
I would like to calculate the rising rate of the linkage and would need the exact shock stroke. Thank you...

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