The bike is available in four equipment variants, one of which is the S-Works version, and as a frameset. The top model differs not only in terms of equipment, but primarily in terms of motor power. The S-Works Levo has 111 instead of 102 Newton meters and 720 instead of 660 watts of maximum support. As before, Specialized has completely redeveloped the motor with the manufacturer Brose. The drive can be individually configured via the app or the handlebar remote. Various very different support modes are available.

As part of a press camp in Madeira, Ride was able to subject the top model to an initial test ride. The bike was equipped with an 840 watt-hour battery and a range extender with 280 watt hours was available. The latter can also be used as a stand-alone solution, i.e. without the main battery inserted.

The bike in action

The 77-degree seat angle ensures a very upright riding position. As the motor has plenty of power, moderate climbs can be tackled in a very relaxed manner. When climbing up narrow and steep serpentines, the body position is a little cramped and you need to keep your weight on the bike to master the bends. Otherwise, the Levo leaves nothing to be desired on climbs. Even with maximum support, the motor doesn't push a bit and throttles back skillfully on loose surfaces. The sensors are state of the art.

Downhill, the mullet bike sits firmly on the ground, swallows fine impacts imperceptibly softly and offers optimum counter-pressure when exiting corners or pushing off on jumps. The landing is soft even from a great height. If you touch down on the flat, however, you lose some propulsion and there is a lack of support from the suspension's high-speed compression. The lost momentum is made up for thanks to the powerful motor, quickly building up speed again.

The handling of the bike itself is very similar to that of the Levo SL and the new Stumpjumper. The fact that the same DNA is present here is immediately noticeable. There are only a few e-bikes that can be cornered so easily and playfully. The very smooth ride, paired with the excellent suspension, is like an insurance policy if you get off track. Simply turn in and aim back onto the ideal line or initiate emergency braking if you veer into the ditch. That's all that happens.

Because of the almost 24 kilograms, the bike rolls a little sluggishly on flat terrain. If you remove the main battery and only ride with the range extender, you save almost 2 kilograms. The handling is noticeably lighter and the Levo feels like a non-motorized all-mountain bike. Only the air pressure of the fork should be reduced slightly, as less mass acts on the front end.

Conclusion

The new Levo simply rides great and exactly as you would expect from a high-end e-bike. The new motor impresses with its dynamic support, which feels very "natural" even in turbo mode. You hardly notice that you are supported by 111 Newton meters of power, the motor is so finely tuned. This new edition once again sets the bar high.