Levo SL Gen 1 Official Levo SL Thread

[Dave_B]

Apologies if I added added any confusion over the hardware fitment. But I did have issues and needed wider spacers. Seems really odd that no one else has.

Did you remove the eyelet bushing from the DPS and put it in the X2? I did. I removed the brown bushings from the X2 and fitted the eyelet bushing, then the press fit pivot pin, then the spacers.

Your X2 settings look similar to how I have mine setup.

 

[Mcharza]

Did you remove the eyelet bushing from the DPS and put it in the X2? I did. I removed the brown bushings from the X2 and fitted the eyelet bushing, then the press fit pivot pin, then the spacers.

Your X2 settings look similar to how I have mine setup.

Try this trick if it's good for you. Knobs opened fully clockwise (full open mode)
Compression:
- HSC fully open or click 1-2 to close, depends if you bottom out the shock
- LSC 5-7

Rebound:

Edit because my mistake! (HSR)

Play first only with LSC
- HSR fully closed, and open it if LSR is not enough
- LSR adjust it where it's where you want you rebound. Fast enough

 

[apac]

Try this trick if it's good for you. Knobs opened fully clockwise (full open mode)
Compression:
- HSC fully open or click 1-2 to close, depends if you bottom out the shock
- LSC 5-7

Rebound:
Play first only with LSC
- HSR fully open, and close it if LSR is not enough
- LSR adjust it where it's where you want you rebound. Fast enough

Keeping HSR fully open will surely catch you out at some point when landing hard from height... surely? That sounds like it could leave the bike out of control as it bucks.

Though I might give it a try

 

[Mcharza]

Keeping HSR fully open will surely catch you out at some point when landing hard from height... surely? That sounds like it could leave the bike out of control as it bucks.

Though I might give it a try

Sorry, my mistake. HSR fully closed
And this advice is for normal trail riding.

There's a video too

 

[Dave_B]

I’ve just fitted the trail watts de-restricter module. Will this show up if I have to take the motor in for warranty service (obvs I would remove it first).
would I also need to remove it for firmware upgrade? Mission control tells me there is one available but can only be done in store. (How long does that take them?)

 

[apac]

I have the same fitted and I took it for a firmware upgrade just the other day and it was fine.
if you were going for a warranty claim I would remove it before taking the bike to the shop. It won't show up. It's just a bypass cable, it will leave no trace.

update will take about 10-15 minutes in the shop

 

[apac]

Btw, I have the module that fitted near the motor, not the Blevo one that fits to the tcu

 

[Dave_B]

Same. Mine is fitted at the motor.

 

[apac]

You'll be fine for the update, I just had the same one.

 

[Dave_B]

Did it add anything of note?

 

[apac]

Sorry, my mistake. HSR fully closed
And this advice is for normal trail riding.

There's a video too

Just watched this, I understand the logic. I've fully closed HSR to tryout tomorrow

 

[apac]

Did it add anything of note?

no. I was having no issues beforehand with the motor. Only thing was my charger wouldn't start until I had switched on and off the bike.

 

[Mcharza]

Just watched this, I understand the logic. I've fully closed HSR to tryout tomorrow

Please tell how it feels or work

 

[squeegee]

I’ve just fitted the trail watts de-restricter module. Will this show up if I have to take the motor in for warranty service (obvs I would remove it first).
would I also need to remove it for firmware upgrade? Mission control tells me there is one available but can only be done in store. (How long does that take them?)

Out of curiosity, what are you getting from the de-restricter? Just a higher top speed or are there benefits for the SL I'm overlooking?

 

[Dave_B]

Just a higher top speed.

 

[apac]

Out of curiosity, what are you getting from the de-restricter? Just a higher top speed or are there benefits for the SL I'm overlooking?

All it does is stop the motor cutting out at 15mph. I find this is useful when descending at speed and needing a quick boost if you lose any momentum. It doesn't add power... Which is a misconception.

 

[apac]

Did you remove the eyelet bushing from the DPS and put it in the X2?

i just checked this,, no I didn't, so that's where I went wrong! Could have saved myself £18 and a trip to Silverfish.

 

[Dave_B]

Every day is a school day. But to be honest, you would have had to buy a bushing press to get the eyelet busing out and put it back into the new shock. I was lucky and already had the tools.

 

[apac]

Every day is a school day. But to be honest, you would have had to buy a bushing press to get the eyelet busing out and put it back into the new shock. I was lucky and already had the tools.

Yeah true, probably best I didn't try and remove it with a hammer... which inevitably i would have tried.

 

[boBE]

Every day is a school day. But to be honest, you would have had to buy a bushing press to get the eyelet busing out and put it back into the new shock. I was lucky and already had the tools.

A bushing press, sometimes masquerading as a long bolt, a couple of correct size sockets, and some washers/nuts.

 

[Dave_B]

are there shorter crank arms available for the SL?

 

[AdmChr]

are there shorter crank arms available for the SL?

I've removed the Praxis Carbon 165mm cranks and installed Praxis Alloy 160mm cranks on my Kenevo SL.

 

[Dave_B]

I may do similar but can’t find anywhere in the UK that sells them.

 

[Dave_B]

Well, I have very successfully 'downgraded' my bike, Fox X2, Lyrik Ultimates, carbon bars, Hope Brakes, Hope Pro 4 rear hub, lighter SRAM Cassette (the expensive one!), Vaults, SRAM AXS dropper and shifter, Maxxis DHRII 2.4 rear, 2.6 front. Stans Fluid.

Size large, alloy frame. 20kg !!!!!
lol. made it heavier

 

[apac]

I may do similar but can’t find anywhere in the UK that sells them.

I may do similar but can’t find anywhere in the UK that sells them.

I couldn't find them anywhere in the U.K. Even 'Upgradebikes U.K.' that I think import them from Praxis did not carry the Alloy 160mm. I asked them why and they didn't answer me. They only sell the Carbon and the 160 is out of stock. I turned to a Mate in the States that got 160 alloys delivered to his home and then posted them over to me.

I managed at one point to get my SL size large (Carbon) down to 16.5kg by adding lighter carbon wheels with i9 hubs, Carbon bars, composite pedals, mt7 brakes, and light tyres. But the tyres were too thin and I had to go for thicker carcasses, got some lyriks, and X2 and now I reckon I've put on a Kilo.

 

[Dave_B]

yeah, a wheel upgrade would be next on my list.

 

[George_KSL]

Don't save too much weight on wheels. I built myself high-end carbon (Nextie) "light trail" wheelset for my accoustic enduro bike on DT 240 hubs. Total weight was still reasonable 1600 grams because it was still meant to be ridden on trails, the guy who built it for me runs 1200 gram XC version :- ).
I felt so unsafe on those wheels.. ridden them with too much babysitting even when not necessary. I am glad I gave them away to my wife who runs them on her Levo SL now. And I am barely 85KG (starved from too much work in past year).

There is reason why high-end (even 2000+ euro) carbon wheelsets for enduro are still 2000 grams often. Lightweight parts are finally out of fashion and things are built to be used properly and to last.

Once you run proper 1800-2000 grams wheelset, with 1200+ grams tires and cushcore insert on back you'll realize the weight gain is absolutely worth it :- ). The secure feeling, safety and amazing damped wheel that's like 2cm more of suspension is worth any weight penalty.

Or just watch Phil's bike on Cushcore where he literally slams in full speed on sharp rocks from 2 meters drops with 9 PSI lol. Burly wheels are massive hindrance on regular bike if you're unfit... but on e-bike? Burly wheels all the way. Save weight on cassette.

Cross country racers are now running 900 grams tires with inserts (Nino Schurter) :- ) E-bike lets you get away with so much, Levo SL and Kenevo SL are so light that you can splurge on bit of weight in exchange for riding quality.

Even good carbon handlebar doesn't save any weight. My two bars, Enve DH 800/31.8 and Deity Speedway (810/35) are 250 grams. Most decent alloy handlebars are 310 grams. Nothing saved, it's just based the feel (and look).

Don't fall on weight-weenie trap on e-bikes :- ) ! It's all about ride quality now when it comes with zero pedaling penalty.

Also... weight-weenies often cheat ;- ) Do they count with 400 grams on tire sealant for 2 29" wheels ? I highly doubt. Never trust numbers on internet forums.

 

[apac]

Don't save too much weight on wheels. I built myself high-end carbon (Nextie) "light trail" wheelset for my accoustic enduro bike on DT 240 hubs. Total weight was still reasonable 1600 grams because it was still meant to be ridden on trails, the guy who built it for me runs 1200 gram XC version :- ).
I felt so unsafe on those wheels.. ridden them with too much babysitting even when not necessary. I am glad I gave them away to my wife who runs them on her Levo SL now. And I am barely 85KG (starved from too much work in past year).

There is reason why high-end (even 2000+ euro) carbon wheelsets for enduro are still 2000 grams often. Lightweight parts are finally out of fashion and things are built to be used properly and to last.

Once you run proper 1800-2000 grams wheelset, with 1200+ grams tires and cushcore insert on back you'll realize the weight gain is absolutely worth it :- ). The secure feeling, safety and amazing damped wheel that's like 2cm more of suspension is worth any weight penalty.

Or just watch Phil's bike on Cushcore where he literally slams in full speed on sharp rocks from 2 meters drops with 9 PSI lol. Burly wheels are massive hindrance on regular bike if you're unfit... but on e-bike? Burly wheels all the way. Save weight on cassette.

Cross country racers are now running 900 grams tires with inserts (Nino Schurter) :- ) E-bike lets you get away with so much, Levo SL and Kenevo SL are so light that you can splurge on bit of weight in exchange for riding quality.

Even good carbon handlebar doesn't save any weight. My two bars, Enve DH 800/31.8 and Deity Speedway (810/35) are 250 grams. Most decent alloy handlebars are 310 grams. Nothing saved, it's just based the feel (and look).

Don't fall on weight-weenie trap on e-bikes :- ) ! It's all about ride quality now when it comes with zero pedaling penalty.

Also... weight-weenies often cheat ;- ) Do they count with 400 grams on tire sealant for 2 29" wheels ? I highly doubt. Never trust numbers on internet forums.

I do agree with you, but the pedalling and rolling resistance difference between Maxxis DHR max Terra Exo tyres and DHR Double Down max grip tyres is Very Very noticeable when climbing and freewheeling.

 

[Dave_B]

I tend to disagree. I’ve built Carbon wheels for all my bikes and it has to be the best place to save weight. I’ve also never had a problem with them.

the stock wheel weight (without cassette)for the alloy Roval wheels is something like 2.2kg. A carbon wheel build is approx 1.6kg. That is a huge saving in weight. Less rotational mass has to be a good thing for agility and overall performance when accelerating the bike.

tyre weight is what it is and tyre choice is seasonal and something that just is. I choose tyres that grip/roll well for the season. Currently DHRII front and rear for the autumn winter. I don’t consider weight when choosing a tyre, I choose it for its performance and grip.

A Nextie Carbon AM wheel build on i9 hubs is 1610g and costs £1000. Compare that to SC Reserves (which I have used and are fantastic wheels) which cost £1500+, Nexties are great value and from experience, fantastic quality.

a mate has some i9 Nexties and they are brilliant. Very tempted to put my own order in, or, get a set of Reserves, but, a 29’r set of Reserves and good hubs are like short neck’d Giraffes at the moment……

 

[apac]

I had my carbon wheels built by Carbon Rims & Wheels - 100% Customizable | Light Bicycle You can choose type of rim, hubs, spokes. All custom built for a reasonable price. I highly recommend. Even just for fun you can compare their rims, and hubs etc.