Specialized call the all new Turbo Levo SL a game changer and it’s not hard to see why. E-MTBs have improved in popularity almost exponentially since Specialized last delved into the electric trail bike sector, so much so that they have now brought out a range suited for every rider. With the powerful SL 1.1 motor doubling your power output, Specialized promise more time on the trails, less lung-busting when climbing and more time soaring through the air. That can only be a good thing, right? The Specialized motto for this range is “it’s you, only faster,” and with its powerful motor and range extender add-on, the Turbo Levo SL it certainly backs up this promise.
In this blog we take a look at the models in the range that we have at 99 Bikes and the other power assisted adventure and mountain bikes we stock.
Turbo Levo SL from Specialized
It’s easy to see where Specialized got the inspiration for this one – hallmarks from their popular Stumpjumper bike can be seen throughout. It looks, feels and rides like it too, only it’s got a bit more oomph, and with a lightweight battery, even when the motor isn’t engaged it handles like a dream. The Expert Carbon weighs in at 17.3 kilograms, making it a super lightweight power-assisted bike, which means you can take on the trails, hills and tracks faster than ever before. 150 millimetres of suspension are provided by FOX’s 34 Performance fork and DPS shock, and SRAM Eagle GX drivetrain polishes of the quality components on this top-notch bike.
Perfect for day-long riding and adventures, the Turbo Levo SL is your introduction to the world of e-MTBs.
The next model down is the SL Comp Carbon. As with the whole range, this still comes with 150 millimetres of travel, only the provider is slightly different – this time it’s FOX’s RHYTHM 34 fork and DPS shock compared to the Performance on the SL Expert. The motor has a maximum speed of 20mph – enough to get you up that tricky climb and then some.
Specialized have also brought a budget option to the range for riders who want the benefit of a power-assisted bike without paying the premium for a carbon frame. The SL Comp is the perfect option for such a rider. With an aluminium frame, it may not be as light as it’s siblings, but it retains the robustness and performance associated with a Specialized trail bike. It also doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to performance. RockShox provide 150 millimetres of front and rear suspension which, combined with the motor, still gives you all the fun of the fair just like the other bikes in the range. An added perk is that all the new Turbo Levos can be synced with the Mission Control App so that the rider can tailor the motor to their specific riding style. This budget SL Comp is perfect for first time e-bike riders.
Other e-MTBs
Here at 99 Bikes we also stock e-MTBs from Cannondale, Bergamont and Scott. These models are a bit closer to the SL Comp and Comp Carbon than the SL Expert, which stands head and shoulders above its challengers.
That being said, Cannondale’s e-MTBs offer premium performance at a respectable price. The Habit Neo 2 range for 2020, for example, has 130 millimetres of rear and 140 millimetres of front suspension allowing it to perform on the trails with that added kick of the motor.
The E-Trailster from Bergamont also rides like a quality trail bike and boasts a powerful 75 Nm of torque thanks to its integrated Bosch drive unit.
Scott have also dipped their toe into the world of e-trail bikes with the Spark eRide 910 which gets its power from a 500Wh internal Shimano battery. With a dropper post, quality components and respectable travel, the Spark eRide is an aluminium trail bike of the highest quality.
There we have it – your introduction to the new range of e-MTBs from Specialized as well as a look at the other brands we stock. Why not come down to one of our shops, compare the bikes in person and start your electric trail bike journey with us? Our friendly staff will help you find the right bike to fit your riding style.
