Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy: The Ultimate Trail Companion

At The Ark Cycles, we have the privilege of testing some of the latest and greatest bikes on the market. Recently, I had the opportunity to test ride the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy in Caberston Forest, also known as The Golfie located in the beautiful Tweed Valley in Scotland. This e-MTB has been generating quite a buzz, and I was eager to see if the Specialized Levo SL lives up to the hype on the legendary Tweed Valley natural trails.

First Impressions of the Specialized Turbo Levo SL

The moment I laid eyes on the Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy, I was impressed. The sleek design and high-quality build are a testament to Specialized's commitment to great looking bikes. The bike features an aluminium frame that looks robust and ensures durability. At 18.3 kg, it’s lighter than most e-MTBs, which immediately sparked my curiosity about its performance on the trails.

Trail Performance: Specialized Levo SL in Action

The Golfie’s trails are renowned for their technical, rooty sections, rutty berms, and rocky descents. It’s a true test for any bike, and the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy did not disappoint. Equipped with the Specialized SL Marley 1.1 motor, the bike provides 240 watts of assistance—half of what traditional, full power, e-MTBs offer. This lower power output translates to a more natural riding experience, akin to a regular mountain bike but with an added boost.

On the climbs, the motor’s assistance was subtle yet effective. Although it wasn’t the quietest of motors it delivered power smoothly and didn’t overpower my pedalling but provided just enough support to make the long ascents less grueling. The bike allowed me to maintain a steady pace without feeling overly assisted.

Handling and Control of the Turbo Levo SL

The Specialized Levo SL truly shines in handling. The reduced weight compared to other e-MTBs makes it incredibly nimble. The Fox Rhythm 34 fork and Fox Float DPS Performance shock provided a plush ride, absorbing the bumps and roots, typical of the Golfie’s trails. On the descents, particularly on the fast and flowy ‘3G’ and the more technical ‘Lone Wolf’, the Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy was a joy to ride. It felt stable at high speeds, and the suspension worked flawlessly to keep the tyres planted, providing excellent traction.

The bike comes with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, which offered smooth and precise shifting throughout the ride, despite it being rather wet and muddy. Whether tackling steep inclines or rapid descents, the gearing was more than adequate for the varied terrain of the rainy Scottish mountains.

Battery Life and Range of the Specialized Turbo Levo SL

One concern with lighter e-MTBs is battery life. The Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy is equipped with a 320Wh battery, which might seem modest compared to other ‘full power’ e-MTBs. However, during my test ride, the battery life proved more than sufficient. I rode for several hours, covering a mix of climbs and descents, and still had plenty of charge left. I did use a range extender which added another 50% of battery life but I ended the ride with about 70% left meaning I had only used 80% of my available 150%. I believe the range extender provides an additional 160Wh. I would recommend getting one of these if you plan on doing longer, all day rides (5hrs+). 

Conclusion: Why the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy Stands Out

After a long day on the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy in the Golfie, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer for most trail riders. Its blend of playful handling, seamless motor assistance, and all round enduro/trail fun, making it an ideal choice for those who want the benefits of an e-MTB without the bulk and overly aggressive power delivery.

In summary, the Turbo Levo SL Comp Alloy is a remarkable piece of engineering that stands out in the crowded e-MTB market. Whether you’re a seasoned enduro/trail rider or new to the e-MTB world, the Specialized Turbo Levo SL is worth considering for your next all round E-bike.

See you on the trails!!