Levo Gen 4 What do you dislike about the 2026 Gen4 Levo

[Polar]

Nothing to dislike about G4 just pure joy.

 

[profgruen]

Carlson is partner of Specialized according to his website ...

 

[Ridgydidge]

…but Specialized missed an opportunity to make it a GREAT bike….

With language like that, are you implying that Specialized is ‘as dumb as a sack full of bricks’ too?

 

[BikeBert]

I couldn't find anywhere how much the 3.1 smart charger weighs.

Smart charger is over 2 kg and 500 €

 

[luna87824]

I need to remove the battery in winter and don't mind the side removal if it proves reliable. And not *horribly* offended by the size of the down tube. I suspect (hope?) Specialized knows more about their customers and how they utilize batteries than I do.

But for me personally I think I would indeed preferred a smaller down tube for perhaps 600w (no SWAT) and then and extender. Would have looked better and covered all *my* rides. Not sure how that would have effected ride/center of gravity with the new motor placement though. Per the reviews it sounds like they have managed weight/balance well, and so weight while moving seems not an issue. But I run across down trees all to often, as well as use a bike pad on a pickup to get to many trails. Every kilo makes a difference in these cases.

There is quite a gap between Gen 4 and SL2. Perhaps Gen 4 is the start of a different kind of balance in the line up?

In any event, I'll be keeping and upgrading my Gen 3 as needed to match my improving skills over the next year.

I'll note that last week I did receive (and complete) an invitation from Specialized to complete a rather comprehensive survey. Lot's of preference/ratings requests. The survey made it quite clear that they are focused on being (remaining?) the "premium" brand by asking lots of questions of what contributes to that perception.

Please post the survey questions so we can all see them!!

 

[Mike O]

Please post the survey questions so we can all see them!!

Unfortunately, I cannot. It was an "interactive" on-line, primarily multiple choice survey from a link in an email from them. Lots of animation with a "globe" kind of thing representing "thought" between questions. Questions later in the survey were dependent on previous questions. Pretend AI.

Nearly bailed on the survey several times. Probably should have done so, as I'm not a big believer in the ability to craft open ended surveys. Too often they simply support the marketing guy/gals world view so they can take 'objective' info back to the CEO - "This is what we need to do."

Was particularly put off by several "status" questions. "What do you think contributes to the perception a brand as premium?" ; "What is your house-hold income". etc. Perhaps a 'thinking' globe implying AI?

I re-checked to see if I could get to the survey again from the link, but I've deleted the email that contained the link. Surely someone else here got a request to fill it out?

For the record, I'm a happy Gen 3 owner; for now.......

 

[Tgianco]

I was all ready to buy the Comp Carbon for $8k (US), but turned off by the whole "have to buy the S Works to get the 111nm" thing. It's the same motor. I'll hold onto my Gen 3 Comp Carbon and, either: wait for Spesh Gen 4 to come down in price or get a new Bosch-powered Gen 5 which will have 100nm and, frankly, is a more known, reliable and easily-serviced just about anywhere platform (usually lighter, too, without that big belly of a downtube).

 

[Bman]

That everybody raves about how great “S” bikes are when they come out (must have seen 100? articles/videos the first day), ignoring that they’re overpriced and soon to be outdated with the new “best ever” with even more proprietary parts. ugh

 

[Myke]

Everyone complaining about the price:

 

[DirkWisely]

Everyone complaining about the price:

View attachment 158477

Most brands have overpriced bikes. Bike prices are crazy.

 

[TonTonUB]

it will be the last time i add a reply to this topic.

What i really dislike about gen4 release ?

It makes me think about the 'if you don't make it, it's you own damn "vault" picture, in 'land of the lost'

 

[CjP]

What do you dislike about the Gen 4 Levo ? (might stop a lot of duplicate complaining when we get a main thread )

All the whinging! Haven’t been here for a while and nothings changed.
Just took one for a ride and it’s pretty good. Definite motor improvement, handles very well and over all a great ride.
As always can’t make everyone happy. They will sell as they always do.
So many options of bikes now, choose one, smash some trails and stop your whinging!
FFS
Missed you Zim!

 

[robikinkela]

Just took one for a ride and it’s pretty good. Definite motor improvement, handles very well and over all a great ride.
As always can’t make everyone happy. They will sell as they always do.

I don't doubt it but, as far as I'm concerned, it's not an ebike that makes my heart beat... this doesn't mean I won't take it but, if I do, it will be more for a rational choice than anything else.

 

[randycpu]

Everyone complaining about the price:

View attachment 158477

I actually think the prices have gone down here in the US (at least at the high end).

 

[Stue007]

Sorry, but the prices haven‘t got down, not here in Europe, for example in Germany or the Netherlands etc.

 

[randycpu]

Sorry, but the prices haven‘t got down, not here in Europe, for example in Germany or the Netherlands etc.

Yes, I changed my comment. I do not know the prices in every geo...

 

[Johneracer]

Had to get S-works. It’s is really good. Better motor over gen 3. Quiet and very powerful. Takes some getting used to. Turbo can come on strong and bike will wheelie. I havent messed with setting and you can turn the turbo down. Auto mode is fantastic. Set and forget. I don’t notice any weight difference between gen 3 and 4. Better in switchbacks, brakes are as powerful as every review stated. Seat sucks. Dropper is ugly but absolute joy to use. Transmission works as expected. I run rocks, heavy downhill and my times are immediately quicker on strava. Bike? Feeling better? Who knows. There is more ground clearance I think. Climbing position is better. Shock is excellent. Fork typical 38, harsh off bottom, trying to work it out. yeah It’s big but after looking at it for several days I think it’s gorgeous. Down tube looks fine from the side but it does look large looking down. It doesn’t bother me at all. It rides light, can smash anything. at full retail, ehhhh but if you have friends in right places, it’s a good buy. I got it at smokin deal. Batt extender is over $700 and I of course had to have it. I may just keep it 160/150. Upgrading to cascade, genie shock (if like levo gen 3) more travel in front will be expensive, even for us that are in the dental profession. Come get your cleanings done! I need to pay for this thing .

 

[luna87824]

Had to get S-works. It’s is really good. Better motor over gen 3. Quiet and very powerful. Takes some getting used to. Turbo can come on strong and bike will wheelie. I havent messed with setting and you can turn the turbo down. Auto mode is fantastic. Set and forget. I don’t notice any weight difference between gen 3 and 4. Better in switchbacks, brakes are as powerful as every review stated. Seat sucks. Dropper is ugly but absolute joy to use. Transmission works as expected. I run rocks, heavy downhill and my times are immediately quicker on strava. Bike? Feeling better? Who knows. There is more ground clearance I think. Climbing position is better. Shock is excellent. Fork typical 38, harsh off bottom, trying to work it out. yeah It’s big but after looking at it for several days I think it’s gorgeous. Down tube looks fine from the side but it does look large looking down. It doesn’t bother me at all. It rides light, can smash anything. at full retail, ehhhh but if you have friends in right places, it’s a good buy. I got it at smokin deal. Batt extender is over $700 and I of course had to have it. I may just keep it 160/150. Upgrading to cascade, genie shock (if like levo gen 3) more travel in front will be expensive, even for us that are in the dental profession. Come get your cleanings done! I need to pay for this thing .

Is this the one you got?

 

[erider1]

I would give the Specialized Levo Gen 4 score 8 of 10. Not a bad bike; these are things I see need improvement.

0) improved/lowered motor resistance !! less drag; (this can be felt when riding in Eco around the threshold of the motor support, around 19.5 mph when motor support is constantly switching on and off... this is very unnatural).
1) Weight: Make it lighter; bike is way overbilt.... weight matters even on ebikes.... why is battery door is so heavy, throw away that s...d swat pouch and magnet, also the swat in headtube, lighter chain protector, make carbon suspension links , and who know what else is hiding inside the frame.. alarm ?? possibly..
2) software/ motor tunability - need threshold for when to start applying power; ability to remove Auto mode; ability to reposition Auto mode past the turbo, etc... perhaps this will be released with software update..
3) longer cranks- 155 is ridiculous if you plan to do some work on the bike and not just use battery all the time....
4) ability to go to 38t chainring
5) 29er ... should allow to mount 29er rear wheel with say 2.4 tire.
6) 180mm rotor in back (200mm is overkill for most riders, adds weight)
7) 500 or 400 Wh battery option during the purchase. (600 is too close to 800)
8) larger display
9) more sensitive mode controller/ switch
10) price... could be for sure better
11) would love the see mechanical Eagle RD; or much rather have electronic transmission with standard battery that works when bike is turned off.

 

[ckkone]

I would give the Specialized Levo Gen 4 score 8 of 10. Not a bad bike; these are things I see need improvement.

0) improved/lowered motor resistance !! less drag; (this can be felt when riding in Eco around the threshold of the motor support, around 19.5 mph when motor support is constantly switching on and off... this is very unnatural).
1) Weight: Make it lighter; bike is way overbilt.... weight matters even on ebikes.... why is battery door is so heavy, throw away that s...d swat pouch and magnet, also the swat in headtube, lighter chain protector, make carbon suspension links , and who know what else is hiding inside the frame.. alarm ?? possibly..
2) software/ motor tunability - need threshold for when to start applying power; ability to remove Auto mode; ability to reposition Auto mode past the turbo, etc... perhaps this will be released with software update..
3) longer cranks- 155 is ridiculous if you plan to do some work on the bike and not just use battery all the time....
4) ability to go to 38t chainring
5) 29er ... should allow to mount 29er rear wheel with say 2.4 tire.
6) 180mm rotor in back (200mm is overkill for most riders, adds weight)
7) 500 or 400 Wh battery option during the purchase. (600 is too close to 800)
8) larger display
9) more sensitive mode controller/ switch
10) price... could be for sure better
11) would love the see mechanical Eagle RD; or much rather have electronic transmission with standard battery that works when bike is turned off.

Wired remote is criminal in 2025.

 

[cozzy]

I attended an enduro event in the south of the uk at the weekend. A fairly gentle series sponsored by one of the main uk specialized dealers.
I had hoped to see a gen4 to see if they looked better in the flesh than the pictures.
Probably 1/2 the 120 ebike entries are specialized.
There wasn't a single one there.
Speaking to gen2 and 3 owners the complaints were the same, too expensive, annoyed by the disparity of power between the sworks and the other models, lack of fast charging on the lesser models, questionable aesthetics due to the fat downtube and battery flap.
Quite a few amflows though..

 

[DS.]

The bike does not look any better in the flesh

 

[electricbogaloo]

I saw a few amflows and one Gen 4 in finale ligure. It doesn't look bad. Just like a random ebike. The Amflow looks like an acoustic mountainbike.

The ride feel/time comparisons never mention if they mean the motor is more powerful or if the handling/kinematics are better.

I want to see a controlled dh comparison between gen4 and gen3 with same/normalized contact points, brakes, weight, suspension components and tires. Same weight is important because a heavier bike tends to feel pusher in rough sections. So inexperienced riders will hop on a heavier bike and be like 'this feels way better when I'm strait lining stuff in the bikepark'.

 

[galaga187]

I saw a few amflows and one Gen 4 in finale ligure. It doesn't look bad. Just like a random ebike. The Amflow looks like an acoustic mountainbike.

The ride feel/time comparisons never mention if they mean the motor is more powerful or if the handling/kinematics are better.

I want to see a controlled comparison between gen4 and gen3 with same suspension components and tires.

I’m on the fence between Gen 3 Comp Carbon (discounted) and Gen 4 Comp (RRP) about £1500 difference in the UK. My Gen 3 Alloy is a hefty girl with a few upgrades and you do have to push a fair bit once the limiter kicks in.

 

[electricbogaloo]

Trick decision because of the belt issues of the old motor. You could get similar weight on the gen4 but you'd pay a lot more.

I got my base carbon with multiple fork/shock, battery, cascade link upgrades for under 5k so it weighs 22,5 kg with pedals with the small battery. Gen4 comp carbon in my country is 8k and weighs over two kgs more. I only use the 700wh battery on big alpine adventures so I definitely don't need the weight penalty of the 840wh battery. But I'm also a light rider.

 

[AKAKTM]

Earlier in this thread I articulated several reasons I did not like the new Levo Gen 4 and I still stand by some of them. Since writing that post, I have purchased a Gen 4 Levo Pro and have ridden it about 120 miles and my opinion has shifted. Having had a lot of e-bikes and spent time on this new Levo, I love it. I still wish the downtube was smaller and wish there was no battery door. I'd love for it to weigh a few pounds less too. Overall, it's a fantastic bike--the best I've owned.

 

[erider1]

Earlier in this thread I articulated several reasons I did not like the new Levo Gen 4 and I still stand by some of them. Since writing that post, I have purchased a Gen 4 Levo Pro and have ridden it about 120 miles and my opinion has shifted. Having had a lot of e-bikes and spent time on this new Levo, I love it. I still wish the downtube was smaller and wish there was no battery door. I'd love for it to weigh a few pounds less too. Overall, it's a fantastic bike--the best I've owned.

I too have stated over 10 things that I felt could be improved and most of them still stand- almost all. Having said that the bike is still quite amazing and growing on me..
Geometry it excellent for overall riding, even XC riding, bike climbs very well. I am using the steep fork setup (+1 deg) and short wheelbase base.
Most notable improvements for me still would be:
* lower motor drag
* lighter weight... so overbuild especially the downtube, and yes, agree, the battery door add most weight to it..
* more software tunability and customization

I was also considering to build Gen3 S-works from frame, but the 28mph option and motor without belt speak for Gen4 strongly, in my view.

 

[Fangs2k]

I was at a local country show over the weekend and amongst all the agricultural gear, bbq’s and garden furniture etc, the local Specialized dealer had just about every Specialized bike on display. The only EMTB there was the Gen 4 Levo, and it looked pretty good in comparison to everything else and in the sensible blue colour scheme.

It certainly looked like something I’d want to ride anyway, and viewed against the rest of the e-bikes Specialized manufacturer it actually looked like it made sense visually and you could see the family DNA.

It’s not the latest boutique bike forum queen for sure, but in a world where mass produced often means awful, it’s clearly a quality product, will be easily supported by your local bike shop and makes sense to me in a lot of areas.

Not everything is built for ‘downduro’ nor needs to be, and not many of us ride like Loic Bruni either…

 

[Renton]

Two rides in and I like the bike a lot!. Handles well, Maven brakes are awesome and just inspire confidence.

The only thing I dislike is the range..... Ive never had range anxiety before until my firs ride on this.... 24 miles in on trail and got back to the car with 2% battery left. I wasn't expecting it to be loads better than the gen 3 but the same ride on my previous gen 3, all in trail would leave me about 25-30% battery.

Did a second ride on Saturday with the settings turned down. 25.3 miles and 3250 ft and came back with 12% still not great but better.

 

[roccobarocco]

That's what I realised the first test ride I did with the Gen4. I went for a Mondraker Crafty RR, great bike with far better Range and soon also with 100 Nm.