Nottingham Noobie here! Advice Appreciated

JC94 · Mar 18, 2024

Hi folks.

I’m new here and hoping to join the e-mtb community very soon.

I currently own a Boardman MHT 8.6 which I’ve had for roughly 3 years, so as one would say, pretty basic. I mainly use this for riding down canals and the odd trail in the Peak District, Sherwood Pines and Cannock Chase. Sherwood Pines is relatively easy, but Cannock Chase and the Peak District are out to get me at times.

If I’m honest, I have no clue what is considered top tier, mid or low, but do have a few options in mind, so would like to know what people think of the following, and provide a little advice if possible please:

S4 Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL Expert Electric 2022 (Yellow) with the Specialized SL 1.1 Custom Lightweight Motor (35Nm/320Wh)

S3 Specialized Levo SL Comp Carbon Electric 2024 (Orange) with the Specialized 1.2 SL Custom Rx Trail Tuned Motor (50Nm/320Wh)

S3 Specialized Kenevo Comp Electric 2024 (Gold) with the Specialized 2.2 Custom Rx Trail Tuned Motor (90Nm/500Wh)

S4 Specialized Kenevo Comp 6Fattie Electric (Blue) with the Specialized Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor (90Nm/500Wh)

S3 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon Electric (Black) with the Specialized Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor (90Nm/700Wh)

S3 Specialized Enduro (Black/Purple) Custom Build similar price to the above bikes - Fox 38 Forks with 180mm travel, Fox Float x2 Shock, SRAM GX Eagle AXS Drivetrain, Hope Tech 3 E4 Brakes, Hope Evo Spiderless Crank, SRAM GX Eagle Cassete, Sixth Element Carbon Tubeless Wheels, Michelin Wild Enduro Tyres and Fox Factory Transfer Seatpost.

I'm mostly drawn to the e-mtb with bright in your face colours, i.e yellow or the cyan blue, but would happily go for an all black e-mtb or mtb that is capable of doing everything I need.

The plan is to commute to work and begin doing more trails over the summer period, as I need to lose a little weight before the end of this year. I work in the office 3 days a week when possible, however, my job takes me all over the UK, so could take the bike and consider riding trails when nearby.

The route to work is mostly level, with a few hills on route, nothing major.

If I did go for an SL with the smaller motor, how would this handle the climbs on trails? I've heard the SL motor especially the 1.1 can be noticably loud, is this true? Or should I be swayed into going for a bigger motor for more torque?

What is the main difference between the Levo and Kenevo?

Is the enduro bike a good option? I'm assuming no motor/battery within from the frame size, nevertheless, would be a huge upgrade from the Boardman.

Don't hate me for showing only Specialized, I did look at Orbea, Trek, Yeti and other brands, but noticed they have been highly rated whilst watching e-mtb videos online, so thought Kenevo's may be the same

Mikerb · Mar 19, 2024

A lot to unpack there!!
As a first EMTB I would go with a full power model.....85/90nm. You can always use a low power mode if you are are fit enough and 700w/h or 750 w/h battery which is typical now, will give you lots of range.

One issue you will need to address is using an EMTB for a mix of tarmac commuting and off road MTB. Depending on the commute distance they can both be done on an EMTB but the type of tyre best for offroad is not optimal for less rolling resistance on tarmac. That can be addressed by using a different rear wheel with a faster rolling tyre for the commute journeys...........or possibly just running higher pressures.

It sounds like you would be best suited to a LEVO ( or similar) rather than a Kenevo. The LEVO is is a trail/all mountain type bike both in terms of geo and suspension travel, whereas the longer, slacker, larger suspension travel Kenevo is more of a enduro/gravity/bike park type design.

I would recommend you buy from a local bike shop both because you can actually try whatever bike you pick, for size etc, and also have the LBS close by for support if needed.

JC94 · Mar 19, 2024

Mikerb said:
A lot to unpack there!!
As a first EMTB I would go with a full power model.....85/90nm. You can always use a low power mode if you are are fit enough and 700w/h or 750 w/h battery which is typical now, will give you lots of range.

One issue you will need to address is using an EMTB for a mix of tarmac commuting and off road MTB. Depending on the commute distance they can both be done on an EMTB but the type of tyre best for offroad is not optimal for less rolling resistance on tarmac. That can be addressed by using a different rear wheel with a faster rolling tyre for the commute journeys...........or possibly just running higher pressures.

It sounds like you would be best suited to a LEVO ( or similar) rather than a Kenevo. The LEVO is is a trail/all mountain type bike both in terms of geo and suspension travel, whereas the longer, slacker, larger suspension travel Kenevo is more of a enduro/gravity/bike park type design.

I would recommend you buy from a local bike shop both because you can actually try whatever bike you pick, for size etc, and also have the LBS close by for support if needed.

Thanks for this Mikerb and apprecaite the advice.

I thought people may suggest the bigger motors would be best considering this will be my first e-mtb, and didn't really consider the suspension/geometry of the of the different builds, but this would only leave like you said, the Levo, considering the rest are 500Wh >

The ones that have 90Nm of torque and lets say a lower battery than 700Wh, could these still be a contender, as I'm not out of shape, simply need to lose a little weight, as I play football/squash 3 times a week, just enjoy my food too much

If it was >700Wh's, maybe I'll try fine 2 others that match the Levo from Orbea, Cube, etc and go test them in the local shops as I didn't really think about testing, even though theres plenty within 10 miles, Leisure Lakes, Rutland Cycling, Cycle Inn, Rocky Riders, Evans Cycles and some smaller ones.

The journey to work would be a mixture of tarmac and gravel sand, as quiet a substantial portion will be along the canal and this section of the route is level, so could easily adjust the pressure of the tyres or switch out the rear wheel.

Thanks for all this.

Ark · Mar 19, 2024

on my bike I have

Front Tyre // Maxxis Assegai WT 29×2.5in 3C MaxxGrip EXO+
Rear Tyre // Maxxis Minion DHR II 29×2.4in 3C MaxxTerra DoubleDown

1050 miles on them so far, about 600 on tarmac cycle paths and gravel paths.
I've got another set of the same tyres too but don't think I will need them f or a looong time yet

with full fat Bosch CX and running the PSI at the tyres max it feels fine to me, picks up speed rolling down virtually any slope as well

Commuting on mostly flat terrain with a Bosch cx and 750 watt battery I can get around 50miles on a single charge.
me+bikes weight is around 130kg

Paulquattro · Mar 20, 2024

Welcome

JC94 · Mar 20, 2024

Ark said:
on my bike I have

Front Tyre // Maxxis Assegai WT 29×2.5in 3C MaxxGrip EXO+

Rear Tyre // Maxxis Minion DHR II 29×2.4in 3C MaxxTerra DoubleDown

1050 miles on them so far, about 600 on tarmac cycle paths and gravel paths.
I've got another set of the same tyres too but don't think I will need them f or a looong time yet

with full fat Bosch CX and running the PSI at the tyres max it feels fine to me, picks up speed rolling down virtually any slope as well

Commuting on mostly flat terrain with a Bosch cx and 750 watt battery I can get around 50miles on a single charge.
me+bikes weight is around 130kg

Thanks for this Ark, exactly what I needed, sounds bang on with what I’ll be using the e-mtb for.

I’m roughly 5ft 8 and normally weigh 75kg, currently at 85kg due to the Carsington run injuring my foot and preventing me from doing much for several months, but started everything back up in November and getting back on it. So looking at 100-110kg in total if I account for gear.

On my boardman I did switch to Maxxis Minion DHR front and rear, never had an issue except the odd puncture which is normal, so would go back to this setup in a heartbeat unless different tyre setups for front/rear is preferred because of different characteristics, I.e levels of grips, etc, or is this personal preference?

Paulquattro said:
Welcome

Hey Paul

Bob88 · Mar 20, 2024

JC94 said:
Hi folks.

I’m new here and hoping to join the e-mtb community very soon.

I currently own a Boardman MHT 8.6 which I’ve had for roughly 3 years, so as one would say, pretty basic. I mainly use this for riding down canals and the odd trail in the Peak District, Sherwood Pines and Cannock Chase. Sherwood Pines is relatively easy, but Cannock Chase and the Peak District are out to get me at times.

If I’m honest, I have no clue what is considered top tier, mid or low, but do have a few options in mind, so would like to know what people think of the following, and provide a little advice if possible please:

S4 Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL Expert Electric 2022 (Yellow) with the Specialized SL 1.1 Custom Lightweight Motor (35Nm/320Wh)

S3 Specialized Levo SL Comp Carbon Electric 2024 (Orange) with the Specialized 1.2 SL Custom Rx Trail Tuned Motor (50Nm/320Wh)

S3 Specialized Kenevo Comp Electric 2024 (Gold) with the Specialized 2.2 Custom Rx Trail Tuned Motor (90Nm/500Wh)

S4 Specialized Kenevo Comp 6Fattie Electric (Blue) with the Specialized Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor (90Nm/500Wh)

S3 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon Electric (Black) with the Specialized Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor (90Nm/700Wh)

S3 Specialized Enduro (Black/Purple) Custom Build similar price to the above bikes - Fox 38 Forks with 180mm travel, Fox Float x2 Shock, SRAM GX Eagle AXS Drivetrain, Hope Tech 3 E4 Brakes, Hope Evo Spiderless Crank, SRAM GX Eagle Cassete, Sixth Element Carbon Tubeless Wheels, Michelin Wild Enduro Tyres and Fox Factory Transfer Seatpost.

I'm mostly drawn to the e-mtb with bright in your face colours, i.e yellow or the cyan blue, but would happily go for an all black e-mtb or mtb that is capable of doing everything I need.

The plan is to commute to work and begin doing more trails over the summer period, as I need to lose a little weight before the end of this year. I work in the office 3 days a week when possible, however, my job takes me all over the UK, so could take the bike and consider riding trails when nearby.

The route to work is mostly level, with a few hills on route, nothing major.

If I did go for an SL with the smaller motor, how would this handle the climbs on trails? I've heard the SL motor especially the 1.1 can be noticably loud, is this true? Or should I be swayed into going for a bigger motor for more torque?

What is the main difference between the Levo and Kenevo?

Is the enduro bike a good option? I'm assuming no motor/battery within from the frame size, nevertheless, would be a huge upgrade from the Boardman.

Don't hate me for showing only Specialized, I did look at Orbea, Trek, Yeti and other brands, but noticed they have been highly rated whilst watching e-mtb videos online, so thought Kenevo's may be the same

Full power is my recommendation. Enduro a plus for Nottingham streets... Recently moved up here and the roads/paths/cycling infrastructure are garbage compared to what I'm used to. Everything's flooded too. Can't wait till it dries up a bit.

Ark · Mar 20, 2024

JC94 said:
or is this personal preference?

just what my bike came with and what most bikes around 5000+ come with.
I think they do a deal with bike manufactures because the retail version have different coloured Maxxis logos on them.

some brands do "ebike" tyres that are supposed to have less rolling resistance but from what I gathered they aren't as grippy as a nice set of proper enduro tyres..

I don't notice any rolling resistance at high psi anyway and as said my tyres have done 1050 miles and still look good for probably another 300-500 if not more, had a spare set in my bedroom since months just waiting.

I grew up in Bulwell btw

irie · Mar 20, 2024

Bob88 said:
Full power is my recommendation.

Also my recommendation. You can always turn the power down to get a good workout. As you get more ambitious then the power will be there when you need it, for example to get up steep stuff.

ReadyShreddy · Mar 20, 2024

Out of those bikes you have mentioned and what you ride the turbo levo is a good option.

It's got plenty of power adjustable geometry and quite a capable all round bike. If you wanted something a little lighter I'd consider the orbea rise rather than the kenovo, based on what you ride.

DieBoy · Mar 20, 2024

I'm also a combined-use rider. My commute is a mix of unpaved track, ok to good tarmac, and really shitty tarmac with 90% potholes. Mostly potholes... Generally flat with long gentle incline and a bridge.

Off road, mostly mild single trails through forests (rocks, plenty of roots). I'm too old for this flying 50 metres through the air malarkey

The Sam Smart tires (Schwalbe) that came on the bike have been more than adequate for my modest needs. I'd also consider the Johnny Watts, depending on your offroad style.

A 750Wh battery gets me over well 80km with the battery down to 20% (at which point I recharge normally). I'm neither small (6'4") nor light (96kg), though I'm putting plenty of leg work in. Easily reach over 30km/h on the flat (motor, Bosch gen4, doesn't seem to have hardly any resistance after it's cut out)

I'd probably recommend the Levo Comp from your list. I'd likely advise against a full-power motor paired with a small battery for your use-case.

Have fun!

Nottingham Noobie here! Advice Appreciated

JC94

New Member

Mikerb

E*POWAH Elite World Champion

JC94

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Ark

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Paulquattro

E*POWAH Elite

JC94

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Bob88

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Ark

Active member

irie

E*POWAH Elite World Champion

ReadyShreddy

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DieBoy

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