Back to the the op. I sold my FF Levo as soon as I heard about the SL. Bought the SL Expert for all the reasons in the OP. Never looked back. I ride the bike over 50% of the time without the power even turned on. I find the bike offers best of both worlds between E and analogue.
No regrets since switching from FF Levo to the SL. I ride the SL with motor off when out with my acoustic mates or on family rides. Motor back on when I cover more distance or want the extra fun factor.
When I ride my SL with wife and kids on their acoustics, I leave the engine turned off. Green and Blue runs. Amazing how well the bike rides as an acoustic also.
I switched from full fat Levo to the SL after a demo ride. I think it is the Goldilocks eMTB. I am 49 and a fit rider (not great MTB'er though) and like to swet a little! I actually use Turbo on the road to get to the trails from home ASAP reserving my energy, then turn the assist off or use...
Check out this article. Good piece about the sizing. I am 174cm (5ft 8in) & 30" inch leg so going Medium which I was happy with when tested. Did not try large.
First Ride | 2020 Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon Review
Option 3. 2019 Levo still has 1yr warranty left on motor. Also, this is the year that that they went to Brose2.1 and a significantly better ebike. And the Comp spec is Goldilocks for a newbie.
I currently ride conventional and eMTB (Levo) for two different types of experience. Just sold eMTB to upgrade to new light eMTB (Levo SL) and thinking this may actually result in me no more using the conventional at all. Conventional is (has been) for days I want a workout on wheels but eMTB...