Calling those that are running 29" on their Turbo Levo

[khorn]

Hello

I went the 29" way with my Levo and I love the way it behaves but having a severe space issue, I'm running a Maxxis Ardent TR EXO 2.4 and I have about 2 mm of space up towards the engine. That is with 30 Psi and do I lift it to 40 Psi(for the seldom asphalt ride) it will make contact. My rims are 25 mm internal width and I guess that I could flatten it a bit with a 30 mm internal width but again, maybe I gain another 1 - 2 mm by doing so. Those of you that are running 29" what tires/internal width do you have and how much space do you have up against the engine(Lower triangle, front part)?

This it how it looks right now:

Karsten

 

[Witte300]

Ow, that’s not ok. I was thinking to go 29 also.
Gonna follow this

 

[Mcharza]

Hello

I went the 29" way with my Levo and I love the way it behaves but having a severe space issue, I'm running a Maxxis Ardent TR EXO 2.4 and I have about 2 mm of space up towards the engine. That is with 30 Psi and do I lift it to 40 Psi(for the seldom asphalt ride) it will make contact. My rims are 25 mm internal width and I guess that I could flatten it a bit with a 30 mm internal width but again, maybe I gain another 1 - 2 mm by doing so. Those of you that are running 29" what tires/internal width do you have and how much space do you have up against the engine(Lover triangle, front part?

This it how it looks right now:

View attachment 5101

Karsten

Oooops! That's close or too close

 

[Al Boneta]

Yeah I never had a clearance issue with mine and I was running 2.6s. When I’m at the shop tomorrow I’ll check it and post a picture

 

[khorn]

Yeah I never had a clearance issue with mine and I was running 2.6s. When I’m at the shop tomorrow I’ll check it and post a picture

Perfect and thanks Al, what is your internal rim width on your 29ers?

Karsten

 

[junglie69]

Not sure about frame/rear triangle differences, mines all alloy. I’ve gone 29er almost from the start. Running DT Swiss EX511 30mm rims and minion DHF 2.5 front and rear 22psi out back no clearance issues.

 

[khorn]

Not sure about frame/rear triangle differences, mines all alloy. I’ve gone 29er almost from the start. Running DT Swiss EX511 30mm rims and minion DHF 2.5 front and rear 22psi out back no clearance issues.

View attachment 5124

Thanks a lot and I'm quite sure that the rear triangle is the same - My Levo is a Comp Carbon so I also got an alu rear end. Yours look ok clearance vice and with a wider tire but also wider rims. Can the 5 mm difference between my 25 mm and 30 mm give 5+ mm extra space? If that is the case I will get wider rims for sure.

Karsten

 

[junglie69]

Hi Karsten, bit of a puzzler, I’m struggling to believe 5mm internal width will make the difference you need. Could it be the tyre there is something about Maxxis wide trail which is what I have on now does that give a flatter profile? Do you have a DHF or DHR to try or borrow one. Would be cheaper to find out than changing wheels, perhaps unnecessarily. Just a few thoughts!

 

[khorn]

Hi Karsten, bit of a puzzler, I’m struggling to believe 5mm internal width will make the difference you need. Could it be the tyre there is something about Maxxis wide trail which is what I have on now does that give a flatter profile? Do you have a DHF or DHR to try or borrow one. Would be cheaper to find out than changing wheels, perhaps unnecessarily. Just a few thoughts!

Unfortunately I only have a 2.1 Maxxis Aspen and that tire fits just fine with acceptable space. But again it’s a narrower tire and basically a slick with almost no knobs.

Honestly this was not an issue I expected to have when the bike is sold as also a 29er

Karsten

 

[khorn]

Hi Karsten, bit of a puzzler, I’m struggling to believe 5mm internal width will make the difference you need. Could it be the tyre there is something about Maxxis wide trail which is what I have on now does that give a flatter profile? Do you have a DHF or DHR to try or borrow one. Would be cheaper to find out than changing wheels, perhaps unnecessarily. Just a few thoughts!

Could you do me a favour and measure the aspect ratio of your setup, from outer edge of your rim to top of center knobs?

My aspect ratio is around 58 mm with the 2.4 Ardent tire and comparing to the stock 2.8 Butchers they are only 3 mm taller. I do have an old bike with some 2.1 tires and there the aspect ratio is only 51 mm. It seems like there are big difference in aspect ratio between different tire models so now i'm initially in the market for a low aspect ratio 2.4 tire with a decent grip.

Karsten

 

[ccrdave]

I run 2.5 Maxxis shortys on 29ers in the winter and even when its really muddy I dont get clearance issues.
I am on my way to Philippines but can do pictures for you when i am back if you like

 

[khorn]

I run 2.5 Maxxis shortys on 29ers in the winter and even when its really muddy I dont get clearance issues.
I am on my way to Philippines but can do pictures for you when i am back if you like

Thanks and safe travels

 

[junglie69]

Hi I just took the vernier to the rim and tyre, from edge of rim to top of knobs is 58mm or 57.79 if you want it exactly so almost the same as you have. Something else is different, it can only be where the rear triangle meets the frame it must differ slightly? Somewhere on here, I think in the specialized Levo thread there is a photo of someone in the US with a carbon bike running it as a 29er so it must be possible. Sorry I can’t help more.

 

[khorn]

Hi I just took the vernier to the rim and tyre, from edge of rim to top of knobs is 58mm or 57.79 if you want it exactly so almost the same as you have. Something else is different, it can only be where the rear triangle meets the frame it must differ slightly? Somewhere on here, I think in the specialized Levo thread there is a photo of someone in the US with a carbon bike running it as a 29er so it must be possible. Sorry I can’t help more.

That was interesting, if we are running the same size rim and have the same aspect ratio, the conclusion must be that there are different rear triangles in alu. That is the only way there can be so much difference in clearance. Again calling my Levo for a 29er is a joke, I need to run a 2.1 rear tire if I want to have more than 2 mm clearance. I think I will ask specialized if they have a good explanation!

1 last question, is your rim “Hookless”?

Karsten

 

[Jeff McD]

Hey Karsten, here you go. 2018 levo carbon comp with specialized Roval traverse SL wheelset with 30 mm ID, Maxxix DHF 2.5 WT tires. Clearance between tire and motor near the bottom bracket measures 4.5 mm, and never seems to cause problems for me but I don't ride very muddy trails where it might pack up. Gap on the sides of the chain stays is much wider. Aspect ratio measures 58 mm on hookless rims but there is some wear on the knobs and is probably closer to 59 mm brand new. Hope this helps.

 

[bekolu]

Hi @khorn , do you still use the 29er with the Maxxis Ardent 2.4? I have changed to 29er (Roval Traverse 29mm inner width) and use Butcher Black Diamond 29 x 2.6 as rear tyre. Looks like your picture, space between enginge and tyre increases a little bit when sitting on the bike. I have asked my LBS, they confirmed I can use that. Did one ride so far, no clearance issues. By the way: the grip of the new Butcher is great, and I can ride even faster with the 29er wheelset.

 

[khorn]

Hi @khorn , do you still use the 29er with the Maxxis Ardent 2.4? I have changed to 29er (Roval Traverse 29mm inner width) and use Butcher Black Diamond 29 x 2.6 as rear tyre. Looks like your picture, space between enginge and tyre increases a little bit when sitting on the bike. I have asked my LBS, they confirmed I can use that. Did one ride so far, no clearance issues. By the way: the grip of the new Butcher is great, and I can ride even faster with the 29er wheelset.

Enjoy your setup, I cannot ride with my 2.4 tire as it is rubbing - I have no clue why I have this issue when others can easily use 2.6 tires without issue. I’m now running a Ardent Race in 2.2 but it is not the best as I’m lacking grip. I might try a wider rim if I can find one to borrow for the test.

Karsten

 

[bekolu]

Thanks! Interesting to see how different the space between tyre and motor is: I asked my LBS to check the space on one of his 2018 test bikes (Comp Carbon like mine) and it seems that the space was even less! I think for the next setup I will go for the Schwalbe Hans Dampf 29 x 2.35 - I need to order one for my regular MTB and maybe I will try that with the Levo, too. Let´s see...

 

[bekolu]

In my view it is still unclear where the difference comes from: I have a Comp Carbon, using the Roval Traverse with 29mm inner width and Butcher 29 x 2.6 Black Diamond tyres. The picture Karsten posted is quite similar to mine. Aspect ratio of the Butcher is 59mm with around 20 Psi. I also have a paint protection film, that has max 1mm. Space left is 2mm. My LBS says as long as there is some space left, it is OK. I´m riding the bike with around 25% SAG, this gives an additonal 0.5mm I would say.

But there is still around 1 to 2mm left to the picture Jeff posted. Does anyone know the reason for that? And by the way: Is the aspect ratio of the Butcher GRID 29 x 2.6 lower?

 

[ccrdave]

I guess it comes down to tyre height I sometimes run 29ers with 2.5 maxxis shortys and I have a resonable amount of space. although I have to say I have a set of 27.5 x 2.6 butchers and 2.35 magic marys are a fair bit bigger

 

[bekolu]

I guess it comes down to tyre height I sometimes run 29ers with 2.5 maxxis shortys and I have a resonable amount of space. although I have to say I have a set of 27.5 x 2.6 butchers and 2.35 magic marys are a fair bit bigger

Thanks, and I assume it is a little bit of try and error. With the Levo the only issue is the rear wheel or tyre. The Revelation fork has enough space, so no issue there. My 27.5 2.8 Butchers are fine, too. The MMs (I assume 29 x 2.35?) are they wider or higher?

 

[ccrdave]

i was comparing 2.35 to 2.6 but at 27.5 the MMs are wider and a little taller

 

[bekolu]

i was comparing 2.35 to 2.6 but at 27.5 the MMs are wider and a little taller

OK, understood. Thanks.

 

[khorn]

From ny perspektive the difference in clearance must be due to different rims and how the tire is sitting on the rim. The rim width also plays a role as a wider rim with the same tire will give a flatter profile. All of you have better clearance than me and all of you are running wider rims compared to my 25mm. When that is said 2mm clearance is not enough in my opinion as a piece of rock could get caught. Aspect ratio on tires plays a role as well but my findings are that there is not much difference between different tire brands within the same width. Claiming that the 2018 Levo is a 29” bike is yet another gimmick from Specialized ☹

Karsten

 

[ccrdave]

Well they do say its a 29 not a 29 plus
I supose 29 means 2.3 tyres 2.4 max anything bigger could be seen as a plus complicate that with the sometimes huge difference between the suposed same size tyres and its buyer beware.
I think you are right about rim width

 

[bekolu]

Well they do say its a 29 not a 29 plus

That´s right but the 2.6 Butcher isn´t a plus tyre as the 2.35 Schwable MM or even Hans Dampf has at least the same width and height. The guys at my LBS were suprised that the 2.6 Butcher is so close to the motor.

By the way: I have roughly 2mm (maybe 2.5 ) in the middle and around 4mm on the side. A piece of rock would get chaugt on the side, the middle knobs are not really in danger to do so.

 

[khorn]

From ny perspektive the difference in clearance must be due to different rims and how the tire is sitting on the rim. The rim width also plays a role as a wider rim with the same tire will give a flatter profile. All of you have better clearance than me and all of you are running wider rims compared to my 25mm. When that is said 2mm clearance is not enough in my opinion as a piece of rock could get caught. Aspect ratio on tires plays a role as well but my findings are that there is not much difference between different tire brands within the same width. Claiming that the 2018 Levo is a 29” bike is yet another gimmick from Specialized ☹

Karsten

I got some new asymmetric 34 mm inner width carbon rims yesterday and tried it out with the same 2.4 Ardent tire that was rubbing with the 25 mm inner width rim. Well, with a 34 mm inner width rim it is rubbing even more

@Specialized Rider Care

Can you answer why my frame cannot handle a 59 mm aspect ratio 2.4x29" tire when other Levo's have no issues running a wider/taller 29" tire - Are there different chain stray lengths on the 2018 Levo FSR?

Karsten

 

[2unfit2ride]

I'm just chucking in my experience of the 29er 2.4 Ardent here but I have some that are quite old but they are by far the biggest 2.4 tyre I have come across, they look & act twice the size of my specialised 2.3 ground controls, maybe specialised have based their claims of using a 29er wheelset on normal 2.4 tyres & not ones off a monster truck?
Cheers.

 

[khorn]

I'm just chucking in my experience of the 29er 2.4 Ardent here but I have some that are quite old but they are by far the biggest 2.4 tyre I have come across, they look & act twice the size of my specialised 2.3 ground controls, maybe specialised have based their claims of using a 29er wheelset on normal 2.4 tyres & not ones off a monster truck?
Cheers.

Actually Maxxis are true to their tire sizes where as Specialized usually is about 0.2 under their indicated size.

Karsten

 

[Kim]

Old thread, but I'm wondering how the Levo feels with 29" compared to 27.5+. Do you feel the bikes bb height get to high? I would imagine its almost 38cm with 29ers.