New to E-MTBS - Between Levo 3 and 4.

[K-Rimes]

Hi all, about to pull the trigger on my first e-bike from a local bike shop.

Gen 3 Expert - $5000
Gen 4 Alloy - $6750

Really having a tough time deciding, any advice appreciated!

 

[Kramer]

I’ve got a Gen 4 Expert, it’s still new to me, but so far it’s been excellent.

I wouldn’t worry too much about alloy vs carbon when it comes to range, however the alloy models only come with Fox 36s as standard and they do make an already heavy bike even heavier.

For your extra money, you’re getting a bigger battery, a more powerful, (hopefully) more reliable motor, the ability to take the battery out, the option of a range extender, a fancier display with a few more tuning and tracking options, and if it’s your thing, there are bespoke racks that are made for it.

A friend has a Gen 3 and loves it. So far I’m loving my Gen 4. A few of the features above were dealbreakers for me, YMMV.

 

[K-Rimes]

I’ve got a Gen 4 Expert, it’s still new to me, but so far it’s been excellent.

I wouldn’t worry too much about alloy vs carbon when it comes to range, however the alloy models only come with Fox 36s as standard and they do make an already heavy bike even heavier.

For your extra money, you’re getting a bigger battery, a more powerful, (hopefully) more reliable motor, the ability to take the battery out, the option of a range extender, a fancier display with a few more tuning and tracking options, and if it’s your thing, there are bespoke racks that are made for it.

A friend has a Gen 3 and loves it. So far I’m loving my Gen 4. A few of the features above were dealbreakers for me, YMMV.

The big concern for me is motor reliability. Yes, I know, Specialized warranty is good and I'll have 2 years of full coverage but I'd rather have a trouble free ownership as the LBS is far from me (40 minutes). My use case will not be intensive, I'm not going to be hammering drops, rock gardens, or so on - but I am near the ocean with salty air, and extremely dusty trails / fire roads. With time, my skills may improve, which I hope for.

I am 210lb, so the suspension is a bit of a concern, and the Expert Gen 3 has that handled. I know, however, that suspension can be upgraded on an alloy but the motor cannot so... It's a tough decision!

The Gen4 seems by all accounts more reliable with a variety of quality of life improvements, but is it worth $1750 to get it?

 

[zerofunds]

Resale on that gen3 will be a problem, go Gen 4

 

[brovo3]

I bought my Gen 3 Expert for full retail price when they first came out in 2021. Over 10,000 km, weighs 22.6 kg (with pedals).
A fantastic bike, it goes anywhere and really is subtle.
Compared to what else is around and available for the price you have listed, If I had to replace my bike, I would get the Gen 3 Expert again.

 

[K-Rimes]

I bought my Gen 3 Expert for full retail price when they first came out in 2021. Over 10,000 km, weighs 22.6 kg (with pedals).
A fantastic bike, it goes anywhere and really is subtle.
Compared to what else is around and available for the price you have listed, If I had to replace my bike, I would get the Gen 3 Expert again.

Any issues to report over that period? Motor replacements?

 

[Mikerb]

Hi all, about to pull the trigger on my first e-bike from a local bike shop.

Gen 3 Expert - $5000
Gen 4 Alloy - $6750

Really having a tough time deciding, any advice appreciated!

I would say a lot depends on the type of riding you want to do......the gen 3 Expert will better equipped. The gen 3 has the benefit of being on the market for 3+ years of development. It is however still a 90nm bike whilst the gen 4 has had the recent power increases........you may view that as a negative or positive!

 

[brovo3]

Any issues to report over that period? Motor replacements?

Not many factory or warranty issues.
Mine came with Code R brakes, one of them seized/locked within the first few months, so I upgraded to Code RSC - they've been great.
The motor died around 7000km, I had that rebuilt by the Ebike Motor Centre in Australia. They replaced the sprag clutch, belts, bearings and upgraded the seals. I'm not sure where you are, but there are plenty of motor repair places that are not Specialized for when warranty ends. They would be listed on the forum. The battery health is still %100
Where I am is fairly mountainous, so I go through chains, tyres and pads.
- Another thing between them, the Gen 4 Alloy cheap forks and shocks are not something you would love over time. The Gen 3 Fox 38 and Float X2 really are confidence inspiring.

 

[Paulquattro]

Welcome to the forum

 

[K-Rimes]

I would say a lot depends on the type of riding you want to do......the gen 3 Expert will better equipped. The gen 3 has the benefit of being on the market for 3+ years of development. It is however still a 90nm bike whilst the gen 4 has had the recent power increases........you may view that as a negative or positive!

Considering I am happy pedalling mountains without a motor at all, I don't really care that much about nm being honest. I am a reasonably good climber. It's mostly the reliability of the new motor that makes me really consider the gen 4. The riding around me will be fire roads and medium level trails, but lots of elevation no matter what - it is really steep here. The price increase of $1750 for a lower tier build isn't as attractive, and I sort of doubt I'd be able to sell it for $1750 more in the future.

Not many factory or warranty issues.
Mine came with Code R brakes, one of them seized/locked within the first few months, so I upgraded to Code RSC - they've been great.
The motor died around 7000km, I had that rebuilt by the Ebike Motor Centre in Australia. They replaced the sprag clutch, belts, bearings and upgraded the seals. I'm not sure where you are, but there are plenty of motor repair places that are not Specialized for when warranty ends. They would be listed on the forum. The battery health is still %100
Where I am is fairly mountainous, so I go through chains, tyres and pads.
- Another thing between them, the Gen 4 Alloy cheap forks and shocks are not something you would love over time. The Gen 3 Fox 38 and Float X2 really are confidence inspiring.

7000km before a rebuild seems totally fine honestly. That would take me a long time to rack up.

The better suspension is what makes me lean towards the Expert. It would be nice to not have to think about upgrading the suspension, it's already way past what I could ever want.

 

[Kramer]

I test rode the comp in the Alps. It’s fine. It’s got the Genie shock, and the 36 performance works ok, there’s just not as much to fiddle with.

 

[brovo3]

I test rode the comp in the Alps. It’s fine. It’s got the Genie shock, and the 36 performance works ok, there’s just not as much to fiddle with.

OP said his choice is between Gen 3 Expert and Gen 4 Alloy, G4 Alloy only comes with entry Marzocchi suspension.

 

[philinnz]

Hi all, about to pull the trigger on my first e-bike from a local bike shop.

Gen 3 Expert - $5000
Gen 4 Alloy - $6750

Really having a tough time deciding, any advice appreciated!

I have had both. Gen 3 carbon comp and gen 4 levo evo. I would go gen 4 its a way better motor.

 

[Kramer]

OP said his choice is between Gen 3 Expert and Gen 4 Alloy, G4 Alloy only comes with entry Marzocchi suspension.

I stand corrected. My mistake. Yeah, the Levo 4 deserves better suspension than that.

 

[Eduardoramundo]

Gen 3 has much better suspension, but Gen 4 is a better all round bike.

If you have to ask the question, then chances are that you do not need the better suspension, so get the Gen4.

 

[De$lo(]

If you need the extra power go with the Gen4 base, but if you want a lighter platform(7lbs lighter in the S4), much better suspension, brakes, drivetrain, etc, then get the Gen 3 Levo Expert.

The suspension on the Gen 4 base is subpar as are the brakes. The cost up upgrading the base Gen 4 Levo should also be a factor in your choice if that matters to you.

 

[K-Rimes]

If you need the extra power go with the Gen4 base, but if you want a lighter platform(7lbs lighter in the S4), much better suspension, brakes, drivetrain, etc, then get the Gen 3 Levo Expert.

The suspension on the Gen 4 base is subpar as are the brakes. The cost up upgrading the base Gen 4 Levo should also be a factor in your choice if that matters to you.

Yes, the suspension build of the Expert is head and shoulders above the Gen 4 Base, which is convincing. I had always thought the Gen 4 was the clear winner in drivetrain though? At least reliability wise.


I am not an outstanding high level rider smashing chunky descents and getting big air, I can be honest about that. It's just my weight that concerns me for the base build of a Gen 4 base model compared to the extremely stout build on an Expert, not to mention the t-type transmission that I quite like the feel of.

 

[CraigR]

Are you looking at the Gen 4 Alloy ($4,999 USD) or the Gen 4 Comp Alloy ($6,700 USD)? I am thinking the Comp Alloy based on the price you mentioned. The Gen 4 Comp Alloy has much better suspension and brakes than the 4 Alloy (Which is what I believe previous posters might be looking at when they say base model). I have the Gen 4 Levo Comp. Same components as the Comp Alloy, basically the same bike, just carbon vs alloy. The suspension is really good on it. Both have a FOX FLOAT X Performance with the Specialized GENIE modifications (Google what changes Specialized made to the shock, they are really good). I don't know what the Gen 3 Expert has for suspension, but I really like my Gen 4. As for breaks, the Levo 4 Comp and Levo 4 Comp Alloy both have Maven breaks. The Levo 4 Alloy does not.

Also as other have mentioned, the Gen 4 has more torque and more max power than the Gen 3 and in theory the Gen 4 motor is more reliable (Gears vs belts - The belts were the issue on the Gen 3 motor). However, for me, while the power is great, I mostly ride in eco and trail which I have tuned down the torque and max power settings. I rarely use Turbo (max power and torque). So while the power is great, you most likely won't use the max power settings much. Though it is fun if you are doing laps .

The other minor difference between the 3 bikes is the derailer:
Turbo 4 Comp: SRAM S1000 wireless T-Type
Turbo 4 Comp Alloy: SRAM 90 T-Type (not wireless)
Turbo 4 Alloy: SRAM 70 T-type (not wireless)

I am extremely happy with my Gen 4 Levo Comp and if you are looking at the Turbo 4 Comp Alloy I would recommend it over the Gen 3. But that is my 2 cents not having ridden a Gen 3 bike of any model.

 

[K-Rimes]

Are you looking at the Gen 4 Alloy ($4,999 USD) or the Gen 4 Comp Alloy ($6,700 USD)? I am thinking the Comp Alloy based on the price you mentioned. The Gen 4 Comp Alloy has much better suspension and brakes than the 4 Alloy (Which is what I believe previous posters might be looking at when they say base model). I have the Gen 4 Levo Comp. Same components as the Comp Alloy, basically the same bike, just carbon vs alloy. The suspension is really good on it. Both have a FOX FLOAT X Performance with the Specialized GENIE modifications (Google what changes Specialized made to the shock, they are really good). I don't know what the Gen 3 Expert has for suspension, but I really like my Gen 4. As for breaks, the Levo 4 Comp and Levo 4 Comp Alloy both have Maven breaks. The Levo 4 Alloy does not.

Also as other have mentioned, the Gen 4 has more torque and more max power than the Gen 3 and in theory the Gen 4 motor is more reliable (Gears vs belts - The belts were the issue on the Gen 3 motor). However, for me, while the power is great, I mostly ride in eco and trail which I have tuned down the torque and max power settings. I rarely use Turbo (max power and torque). So while the power is great, you most likely won't use the max power settings much. Though it is fun if you are doing laps .

The other minor difference between the 3 bikes is the derailer:
Turbo 4 Comp: SRAM S1000 wireless T-Type
Turbo 4 Comp Alloy: SRAM 90 T-Type (not wireless)
Turbo 4 Alloy: SRAM 70 T-type (not wireless)

I am extremely happy with my Gen 4 Levo Comp and if you are looking at the Turbo 4 Comp Alloy I would recommend it over the Gen 3. But that is my 2 cents not having ridden a Gen 3 bike of any model.

I am looking at Gen 4 Comp.

I know the Genie is a fabulous shock and that is convincing value in of itself, along with the Mavens. I would imagine the Gen 4 suspension is not far behind the Gen 3 Expert - and I do hear the Mavens are superior to the Code RS that are on Expert - both are excessive for my needs, but there is a lot of elevation near me, and I expect to use all of it.

 

[E-NUB]

Both great bikes here.. Ride them both back to back to decide which one speaks to you to justify any price difference!

..if you prefer the feel of riding one vs the other you will be more comfortable, have more fun, and get more riding pleasure out of it over time!!

That's where the true value starts in my opinion. If there's not much difference when you are in the saddle and budget is a factor, the Gen 3 will put the same smile on your face I would think!

 

[PSeMTB]

Money difference is there, but Gen4 all the way. Awesome motor with no problems and quiet and it turns like a razor. I have two Gen4's and came from Gen3. It was a big leap forward.