I have a similar build on my Amflow. Coil, DH tyres, Mavens etc. with pedals weighs 23.5kg.
Article 2026 Specialized Levo 4 S-Works makes a big leap
- Thread starter knut7
- Start date
I have a similar build on my Amflow. Coil, DH tyres, Mavens etc. with pedals weighs 23.5kg.
DirkWisely
Well-known member
It's a big leap over the gen3 in many ways, imo. Definitely isn't a big leap over the DJI or Bosch now that the Bosch update came out. I think it's telling how people chat up stuff like the swat storage as if that matters at all. I can put a bike bag on it, or just keep stuff in my hydration pack which is what I already do. In-frame storage that requires me to take off the side is not useful at all.If you wanna talk about big leaps ... I think that silence from Rob not releasing a full ride/review 3+ months after the release is very telling how big that leap actually is
robikinkela
Active member
Yesterday I tested the aluminum Turbo Levo Comp. I could title this short review with the title: "Bikes should be tested before passing judgment." Anyway, these are my two cents on the new Specialized e-bike: I have to admit that the Specialized engineers have performed a small miracle.
Despite the bike's considerable weight, from a dynamic standpoint the surprise was remarkable because on the terrain the bike proves agile, responsive, stable, and very fun—in short, a small miracle due, in my opinion, to the great work they managed to centralize the masses.
From a suspension perspective, another significant step forward: the plush effect is evident, the fork and especially the Fox Genie really work excellently (in this regard, it's a shame not to have the 38 front, on this bike it's almost mandatory). Being 1.86 m tall, I'm happy with the result. I tested an S4 that seemed agile on the technical and difficult mountain trails I rode, responsive, very well balanced, even on small jumps, and stable on rough terrain.
The Maven brakes were also excellent, another nice surprise, finally a SRAM brake that works! There's little to say about the motor, it excels in every area and releases the abundant power available smoothly and always usable. So, overall, a truly remarkable bike.
But it's not perfect, and I'll explain what didn't convince me or convinced me less. First of all, fuel consumption: it's true, the motor pushes hard, but this means it consumes more than the old-generation Brose, so much so that it equals it in terms of battery life; despite having a larger battery, overall battery life hasn't increased, and this is, in my opinion, the main limitation of this new Levo.
Note that I used the Dynamic Microtune setting at 10/100 for almost the entire route and at 50/100 on the more technical uphill sections. Another aspect I didn't like was the walk mode: it's too fast on alpine trails where the bike consistently overtakes the rider, creating problems and forcing an unpleasant on/off ride. The assembly: Specialized looks like a bum by installing old-generation SRAM Centerline discs on a bike that costs €7,000 and a Fox 36 fork instead of a 38, which would make the front end more stable and the overall balance better.
The T-type 90 drivetrain, on the other hand, works very well, no complaints there. The weight of the bike is certainly a limitation (we're almost 27 kg with pedals), especially when performing bunny hops and nose presses on tight sections, not to mention when you're forced to lift the bike to overcome obstacles or put it in a car.
In short, it's a good bike, very good in fact, but it's the philosophy behind it that still doesn't convince me: more power (but do I really need it?), therefore a larger battery (hence an increase in weight with the resulting disadvantages) with a final range that hasn't increased compared to my Gen. 3 despite the increased battery capacity for a result aimed at a generalist user, an e-bike that winks more at the motorcycling world than at those who come (like mine) from a cycling experience in which the act of pedaling still prevails over everything else.
One more thing: applause for the construction of the new Levo, which is really well finished, even in the details. Would I buy it? Maybe, but the question I'm asking myself is: Is it really worth replacing my Gen. 3, which does essentially the same things, is lighter, and has the same battery life? I'd have to think twice...
www.strava.com
Despite the bike's considerable weight, from a dynamic standpoint the surprise was remarkable because on the terrain the bike proves agile, responsive, stable, and very fun—in short, a small miracle due, in my opinion, to the great work they managed to centralize the masses.
From a suspension perspective, another significant step forward: the plush effect is evident, the fork and especially the Fox Genie really work excellently (in this regard, it's a shame not to have the 38 front, on this bike it's almost mandatory). Being 1.86 m tall, I'm happy with the result. I tested an S4 that seemed agile on the technical and difficult mountain trails I rode, responsive, very well balanced, even on small jumps, and stable on rough terrain.
The Maven brakes were also excellent, another nice surprise, finally a SRAM brake that works! There's little to say about the motor, it excels in every area and releases the abundant power available smoothly and always usable. So, overall, a truly remarkable bike.
But it's not perfect, and I'll explain what didn't convince me or convinced me less. First of all, fuel consumption: it's true, the motor pushes hard, but this means it consumes more than the old-generation Brose, so much so that it equals it in terms of battery life; despite having a larger battery, overall battery life hasn't increased, and this is, in my opinion, the main limitation of this new Levo.
Note that I used the Dynamic Microtune setting at 10/100 for almost the entire route and at 50/100 on the more technical uphill sections. Another aspect I didn't like was the walk mode: it's too fast on alpine trails where the bike consistently overtakes the rider, creating problems and forcing an unpleasant on/off ride. The assembly: Specialized looks like a bum by installing old-generation SRAM Centerline discs on a bike that costs €7,000 and a Fox 36 fork instead of a 38, which would make the front end more stable and the overall balance better.
The T-type 90 drivetrain, on the other hand, works very well, no complaints there. The weight of the bike is certainly a limitation (we're almost 27 kg with pedals), especially when performing bunny hops and nose presses on tight sections, not to mention when you're forced to lift the bike to overcome obstacles or put it in a car.
In short, it's a good bike, very good in fact, but it's the philosophy behind it that still doesn't convince me: more power (but do I really need it?), therefore a larger battery (hence an increase in weight with the resulting disadvantages) with a final range that hasn't increased compared to my Gen. 3 despite the increased battery capacity for a result aimed at a generalist user, an e-bike that winks more at the motorcycling world than at those who come (like mine) from a cycling experience in which the act of pedaling still prevails over everything else.
One more thing: applause for the construction of the new Levo, which is really well finished, even in the details. Would I buy it? Maybe, but the question I'm asking myself is: Is it really worth replacing my Gen. 3, which does essentially the same things, is lighter, and has the same battery life? I'd have to think twice...
37 - 2025 Test Turbo Levo 2025 | Strava
View Robi Kinkela's E-Bike Ride on July 17, 2025 | Strava
www.strava.com
Last edited:
This is a good observation, part of the Gen 4s problem is that the Gen 3 was so competent.
It’s evolution rather than revolution I think. I haven’t had much time riding a Gen 4, just a couple of short test rides, it felt like a well put together and competent e-bike, with excellent suspension feel. It would depend on your riding type and style whether it would be a step up from whatever you’re riding now.
The problem is now, and this might be just a forum and YouTube thing, but everything is compared to the Amflow or anything boutique and powered by a DJI.
These spaces have lost their heads in my humble opinion, good e-bike chat diluted by ‘bike tarts’ who must have the latest and greatest thing, only see things from how they use an e-bike and probably take more pride in ownership and endless upgrades than actually riding the things.
Oh, and posting on the internet endlessly about how everybody else purchased the wrong bike. It’s almost like people are being paid to spout it…
Maybe, but the question I'm asking myself is: is it really worth replacing my Gen. 3 to get a bike that does essentially the same things, is lighter, and has the same range? Let's just say I'd have to think twice...
37 - 2025 Test Turbo Levo 2025 | Strava
View Robi Kinkela's E-Bike Ride on July 17, 2025 | Strava
Try some other brands or save your money.
Did I read correctly, a few kg more than a Cube One77 with a 38 fox fork , instead of a 36 on the Levo? The Cube is a compelling bike that is not lightweight... now it sounds sort of svelte.27kgthis bike is so wrong it’s on the same level as a cube now looks and weight the cube probably has a better m
Indeed, a members advice to "go buy a Cube" sounds like sage adviceSeems everyone is happy with the way the bike rides, but at 27kg and $9,500 (Canadian$) for the Comp Alloy, sadly, as much as I was eagerly awaiting the introduction of that model, I think there are better options out there.
Exactly the Gen3 rode like a much better bike, Ok the new geni shock is nice I get that. But when you ride this Gen 4 back to back with the likes of an AMflow it doesn’t take long before just you realise it’s very dated and step back in the way it rides.
IMO.
DirkWisely
Well-known member
This seems to be a minority opinion. It won the Loam wolf shootout.
Yes I noticed that. Some of these supposedly independent reviews look more like a marketing review for some makes. Lol
Yes, those thoughts come to mind when I see professional youtube reviews by prominent individuals. Hearing from a person that paid for their kit is refreshing.
DirkWisely
Well-known member
I guess the other brands just paid less?
I just live my life assuming people have some integrity unless there is evidence otherwise.
Who is Loam Wolf?
DirkWisely
Well-known member
Ahh I didn't know there was only one God telling everyone what to do since they can't make their own decisions.
Thanks
DirkWisely
Well-known member
I'm not saying you have to listen to some random Youtuber, just an example of people that ride a lot of bikes not agreeing that the gen 4 is "Exactly the Gen3 rode like a much better bike, Ok the new geni shock is nice I get that. But when you ride this Gen 4 back to back with the likes of an AMflow it doesn’t take long before just you realise it’s very dated and step back in the way it rides"
Like, that's just an incredible fringe position. Especially holding up the Amflow like some revolutionary riding bike, when it's basically a gen3 levo with a better motor. It seems like only obvious contrarians think the gen4 is a bad bike. Plenty of people prefer other bikes, but that's not the same as thinking it is bad.
Few of our guys have them, our highest mile guy does not like his that much. Says his wife's Orbea is more fun to ride.
Which one does his mistress prefer to ride?
When you get to ride the said bike you’re self it’s plainly obvious….that the review was biased. That DJI v New Spec Motor one is a good example.
I would not say the Gen 4 is a bad bike, I mean the Geni shock is very comfortable and I’m sure that the ability to remove the battery some will find useful, any power upgrade is always nice. The problem for me is how it looks, if it looks bad it’s off to bad start with me, and then you ride it and it feels and handles like a very heavy bike. I was so looking forward to this new Gen 4 S works based on all the hype “ it’s revolution not evolution this time “ for me it doesn’t ride as good as the S3 S Works.
The styling matches most Levo owners
I have a Canyon spectral cf8 its both of those with less power.
I would ride that gen 4 everyday with a smile on my face, it is my second choice, because of the power and the genie
The Orbea Rise certainly is more lively and I guess "more fun", but it depends on where you're riding. The gen 4 is too front heavy for my liking. It's hard work to lift the front wheel, and I usually just plow through any obstacles compared to the Rise where I would pick other lines to finesse my way through. On the other hand, I am able to carry more speed on average with the gen 4, which is also fun.
Some days I think about how the gen 4 would be with the 600Wh battery and more trail focused fork, brakes, tyres. It's a financial commitment, though, so it may be better to keep the bike stock until something else is available here.
Gen 4 definitely needs to lose some weight from the front end, first good corner it overshoots and it’s difficult to pull back and correct even with a slower line in. The AMflow would be long gone down the trail while you’re trying to figure out how to get the best from this Gen4. I just can’t see this Gen 4 lasting 4 years , there are so many other much better bikes around way cheaper
And that’s relevant how? Unless you’re in some kind of a ‘race’ with a rider on an Amflow?
The ‘figuring it out’ part is actually pretty important, my Gen3 washed out on me a couple of times when I first got it, I was blaming the tyres, or the weight (it was a 24kg alloy version) or the fork etc etc. It was actually me and my riding style, I needed to put more of my body weight over the front wheel and then it clicked and started to feel like a properly sorted bike.
It’s a bit like the Unno you’ve ordered, lots of reviews are saying you need to ride it differently to perhaps what you’re used to,
I’ve got 3 e-bikes I ride regularly, as well as a couple of non powered mtb’s, they all ride differently. They all required a bit of time to understand and get best out of them. They all have different strengths and weaknesses.
It’s also very dependent on where and what kind of terrain you ride, and how you like to ride a bike. What you’re describing as a fun bike is purely your judgement, others will make their own judgements for their own circumstances, as it should be.
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