My thoughts after the last 2 years of riding both bikes.
The 2024 Specialized Levo Gen 3 and the 2024 Specialized Kenevo SL 2 e-bikes offer incredible performance but cater to slightly different riding styles and preferences. Here's a detailed comparison of these two high-end models:
Motor & Power Delivery.
-Levo. The Levo is equipped with a Brose 2.2 motor, producing a max 90 Nm of torque. This powerful motor is designed to provide maximum assistance on tough climbs and challenging terrain. With its robust motor, the Levo is geared more toward riders who want full-on power and aren’t concerned with keeping the weight to a minimum. It’s perfect for those who prioritise maximum support over long distances.
-Kenevo SL. In contrast, the Kenevo SL is powered by the Mahle 1.2 SL motor, producing a max 50Nm of torque, which is lower than the Levo. This model aims to deliver a more natural pedalling feel, offering lighter assistance compared to the full-power Levo. The Kenevo SL is designed for aggressive trail riders who prefer more autonomy in their pedalling and value the bike’s lightweight handling.
Weight & Handling.
-Levo. The Levo, while a powerhouse, is heavier due to its larger motor and higher battery capacity. This weight can be a trade-off in technical or flowing singletrack riding, where nimble handling is preferred, but it excels in stability and confidence on more aggressive terrain.
-Kenevo SL. The Kenevo SL is substantially lighter, making it more agile and playful, especially on technical descents and tight turns. The reduced motor power combined with the lighter frame makes it feel much more like a traditional mountain bike, making it the better choice for riders who want a blend of e-bike support and natural bike handling. It’s less about sheer power and more about giving a subtle assist, particularly for longer trail sessions.
Battery Life & Range.
-Levo. With its bigger battery options up to 700wh, the Levo offers an impressive range, perfect for long rides and extended trail sessions. Its large battery complements the powerful motor, allowing riders to tackle steep climbs and rough terrain for extended periods.
-Kenevo SL. The Kenevo SL comes with a 320Wh battery as standard, which is much smaller but designed to complement the bike’s lighter motor. Riders can add an optional range extender(160Wh), which can boost the total capacity to 480Wh. The Kenevo SL may appear to offer less range in comparison but is designed for riders who prefer a lighter overall bike and are willing to trade off battery life for better handling. The range capability is more than sufficient for most rides, especially with careful use of the motor's assist modes. It is also more than capable of being pedalled with the motor off if required.
Both bikes also feature ‘Smart Control’ via the ‘Ride App’ that dynamically adjusts motor output based on how much battery you want to conserve.
Suspension & Geometry.
-Levo. The Levo Gen 3 is built for a variety of terrain and comes with 150mm rear and 160mm front travel. Its geometry is adjustable via a flip chip, letting you tweak the head angle and bottom bracket height, making it adaptable to everything from technical climbs to downhill runs. It’s more of a versatile all-mountain e-bike, capable of handling both climbs and descents with ease.
-Kenevo SL The Kenevo SL is also designed for gravity-focused riding with 170mm front and rear travel, making it a highly capable enduro machine. Its geometry is also adjustable via a flip chip. However, its lighter frame and motor setup gives it a snappier, more responsive feel on descents, making it a go-to for riders who like to push the limits on aggressive trails but still want some electric assist. It’s built to shred enduro/downhill style trails but still climbs effectively thanks to its lightweight build.
Ride Feel.
-Levo. The Levo feels more powerful and muscular. It’s perfect for riders who want to take on demanding trails and value power on climbs. The weight is noticeable compared to the Kenevo SL, but the handling is still impressive for a full-power e-bike. On descents, the added mass can help stabilize the ride, especially in technical sections.
-Kenevo SL. The Kenevo SL feels closer to a traditional enduro bike, with just enough power to make climbing easier but without compromising on the ride feel. On the descents, it feels agile and responsive, and the suspension absorbs big hits with ease.
Target Rider.
-Levo. The Levo is perfect for riders looking for maximum assistance and comfort on long, challenging rides. It’s ideal for e-bike riders who want to tackle tough trails, conserve energy for long climbs, and aren’t as concerned about the bike’s weight. It’s also a great fit for riders who want a more powerful e-bike experience.
-Kenevo SL. The Kenevo SL e-bike is ideal for advanced mountain bikers who enjoy aggressive enduro and downhill riding, seeking a lightweight e-MTB that enhances their performance on technical and rugged terrain. It’s for riders who prioritise handling and downhill performance but still want a bit of pedal-assistance, then the Kenevo SL is perfect.
Final Verdict.
- If you want power, range, and an all-around trail conqueror that can take on steep climbs and long adventures without breaking a sweat, the Levo Gen 3 is the bike for you.
- If you prioritise lighter weight, and agility, and prefer a more natural, less-assisted riding feel on technical and aggressive terrain, then the Kenevo SL would be the perfect choice.
Cheers Paul @fodmtb
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