Specialized adds alloy Turbo Levo options to its lineup
Specialized has made its trail e-MTB more attainable with three new Turbo Levos, including alloy versions
Specialized’s best electric mountain bike has become a bit more affordable, thanks to three new derivatives of the Turbo Levo, which includes two alloy models.
When the American brand launched its third-generation enduro e-MTB earlier this year, the technology offering was a significant evolution of what had gone before. But prices were steep with bikes starting at a whopping $11,000.00 / £8,500 for the Levo Expert model.
Today Specialized launched a trio of new Turbo Levo's, which use frame materials and component specifications that significantly reduces the price, without sacrificing ability.
The new additions are Comp carbon and alloy Turbo Levos, and a base alloy model. The two alloy frame e-MTBs offer solid value propositions for anyone who previously felt this bike was out of reach, financially.
Geometry and suspension kinematics remain unchanged from the Turbo Levo S-Works, with the only exception being the adjustable headset. That means riders get 150mm of rear suspension, adjustable geometry using a flip-chip, a Turbo 2.2 mid-drive motor and potent battery packs.
Trail e-MTB at a much lower price
The Turbo Levo range now starts at $5,500 / £5,250 with a base alloy model that uses a RockShox 35 Silver fork and Deluxe Select R rear shock. The drivetrain is SRAM GX with Guide RE brakes controlling deceleration.
Specialized’s Turbo Levo base model features a range of size-specific TransX dropper posts, ranging from 100- to 190mm of stroke. Enabling the more affordable price point is a 500Wh battery pack, which is smaller than that included with most other Turbo Levo e-MTBs.
If you prefer Fox suspension, the Turbo Levo Comp alloy runs Fox’s Rhythm Performance 36 fork and FLOAT X shock, for $7,500 / £6,750. Its drivetrain is SRAM GX, with Core R brakes helping riders to retain control on steep descents. Dropper post specification on the Comp alloy is X-Fusion’s Manic range and the battery capacity increases to 700Wh.
The Comp carbon option
Riders who can extend their e-MTB purchasing budget a touch, have options on the new Turbo Levo Comp carbon. It features a Fox 36 Float Rhythm fork and DPS Performance Elite shock, with Code RS brakes actuating those 220/200mm brake rotors, front and rear.
The drivetrain on the Turbo Levo Comp is SRAM XO1/GX and it includes a SWAT tool, that stows conveniently in the steerer. Integrated into the top tube is the latest Specialized TCU e-MTB display and control unit.
Specialized has equipped its new Turbo Levos with its latest gravity tires: at the rear there is a 27.5x2.6-inch Eliminator T7, while the front rolls a larger and softer 29x2.6-inch Butcher T9.
All bikes have 44mm offset forks and the head angle can be set from 63- and 65.5-degrees, depending on rider preference and terrain steepness.
Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect, Lance has written for MBR.com, Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.