Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy Review

Few brands update their products as frequently as Specialized, but to stay at the forefront of innovation, design, and performance, nearly every model in their lineup sees some level of redesign every couple of years. For the 2022 model year, Specialized continues to improve upon the award-winning Turbo Levo Comp with the primary changes being the new Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor, a move to mixed wheel sizes (aka MX or mullet), and the highly adjustable geometry found on the new Stumpjumper EVO models. The result is an extremely refined and well-integrated electric mountain bike package with enhanced versatility through quick and easy geometry adjustments. While the previous version slotted squarely in the trail riding category, the new Turbo Levo Comp Alloy has you covered for a much broader range of riding styles and scenarios while still pumping out all the power, range, and smiles we've come to expect from one of the top electric mountain bikes on the market.

Since we first tested this Levo, a few changes have made this an even better machine. The nomenclature has changed as new models were introduced, and this model is now known as the Levo Comp Alloy, which denotes that it isn't the carbon-framed model. The Mastermind TCU has been updated with a brilliant new display that can be customized to show abundant data in 120 configurations. The motor and software continue to get upgrades that have made the bike smoother and more intuitive. The newest model uses SRAM's Maven Stealth brakes and a UL-listed battery.

Tested and Rated

There are an abundance of ebike reviews out there but many of them read like glorified advertisements because they don't actually pay for the bikes they review. At GearLab, we lay down the cash and buy these bikes through local bike shops or online retailers. We don't accept free equipment and pay the same prices as you would. What really stands out about the Levo is its level of integration. This bike feels so incredibly dialed and well-engineered; it's not a me-too product that has been slapped together with parts from different manufacturers. The motor is made by Brose, but the software that brings it to life is such a work of art, and it really shows in the ride quality.

Performance Comparison

Downhill Performance

I loved the previous version of the Levo Comp Alloy because it handled the most like a “regular trail bike” of all the full-power, heavyweight models I've tested. Despite the move to mixed wheel sizes and the highly adjustable geometry of the new version, Specialized has managed to maintain that level of agility while also giving the rider the option to set the bike up for a much wider range of terrain or to match their riding style and preferences. This level of adjustability is unique, making the Levo a snappy trail bike, a steeps slayer, and everything in between, with enough travel to handle just about anything.

The geometry adjustments are among the biggest changes to the design of the 2022 Turbo Levo Comp Alloy and beyond. While not identical, it is essentially an electric version of the Stumpjumper EVO. It allows you to choose between 6 distinctly different geometry settings using swappable head cups and flip chips on the chainstays. Unlike other bikes with flip chips that make small changes to geometry, the Levo's system makes very substantial changes to alter the bike's character significantly. By rotating or swapping the upper headset cup, you can adjust the head angle into three positions with a full degree of change in each. Our test bike arrived in the neutral setting at 64.5 degrees, and it can be adjusted to 65.5 degrees in steep or 63.5 degrees in slack. At the bike's rear, the flip-chips on the chainstays change the bottom bracket height by 7mm between the high and low settings. So, if you're going for a pedal-heavy trail ride or prefer quicker handling, set it up steep and high. If you're going to ride steeps all day, set it slack and low. Swapping the head cups and flipping the chips is fairly straightforward and only takes a few minutes, and it allows you to choose the setup that best matches your style, preferences, or terrain of the day.

The other big change for this model is the move to mixed wheel sizes. Mixed, MX, or “mullet” wheels refer to having a larger 29-inch front wheel and a smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel. This setup is becoming increasingly common, especially on electric mountain bikes, because it provides the best of both worlds. The larger front wheel rolls over obstacles more easily and provides front-end stability, while the smaller rear wheel keeps the bike's back end more maneuverable and provides better clearance in steep terrain. With weights in the 50-pound range, full-power e-MTBs can be a bit of a handful to maneuver in tight spots, and the smaller rear wheel definitely helps to keep the rear end feeling agile and quick. Good weight distribution also helps, and Levo's low center of gravity is also beneficial here. Whether ripping some berms, negotiating some tight technical sections, or slapping some steep loamy corners, it remained maneuverable and well-balanced.

Beyond those significant changes, the Levo Comp Alloy has a perfectly up-to-date geometry. Generous front center lengths and moderate chainstays provide a well-balanced feel, although the abovementioned geometry adjustments can significantly affect the bike's handling. Specialized's S-sizing (1-6) does away with traditional frame sizes to have riders choose their frame size based on the way they want their bike to handle. Size up for more stability, and size down for more agility. Our size S4 test bike fits our 6'0" tall tester perfectly, providing plenty of stability and composure at speed while retaining responsive handling and maneuverability at lower speeds.

The 150mm of FSR 4-bar rear suspension feels plush and forgiving, and paired with a 160mm travel fork, this bike has enough squish to handle everything short of park terrain. Specialized did their homework to make a quality suspension design. The Turbo Levo feels incredibly balanced, with solid support in the mid-stroke, swallowing up the big hits without bottoming out and accommodating smaller hits for a smooth ride over choppy terrain. In very loose conditions or on trails with scattered baby head-size boulders, the added weight of the Levo and its low center of gravity keep the bike stable and tracking straighter than any traditional mountain bike ever could.

Climbing Performance

The combination of comfortable geometry and a powerful motor makes the Turbo Levo Comp a joy to ride uphill. Some of our testers find the climbs more fun than the descents. The revised 2.2 motor has eliminated the abrupt power cut-off in the original Levo, providing a more natural feeling of power delivery and climbing experience. The assistance levels are tuneable through the Mission Control app so that you can dial them to your exact preferences, and the Comp build is perfectly functional, even if it's not flashy.

There's no denying that the Levo Comp Alloy is a heavy bike, but unlike some other models, the weight feels very well distributed and doesn't affect its handling negatively while climbing. Sure, compared to a non-powered trail bike, you'll notice a difference, but compared to other heavyweight e-bikes, it's among the best for its “normal” handling feel. A relatively steep seat tube angle puts the rider in a comfortable seated climbing position, and the reach is roomy without feeling too stretched out. Considering the amount of geometry adjustability, this bike's handling will vary pretty dramatically depending on how you have it set up. In the steep and high settings, it has responsive handling and a relatively agile feel that we found ideal for general trail riding. If you have this bike in slack and low settings, however, the steering becomes notably more sluggish and the front end a bit harder to control, particularly when negotiating technical sections or sharp uphill switchbacks. Again, how this bike handles on the climbs will result from how the rider chooses to set it up, and you'll have to make that judgment based on your trails and decide where your priorities lie.

Power delivery from the Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor feels smooth and consistent, and shifting between the modes is equally smooth. Full-power e-MTBs make the climbs a lot of fun, and the Levo is no slouch, with a whopping 90Nm of torque to grind up the steepest climbs and three assistance levels to suit your needs. A 12-speed SRAM GX drivetrain is well-paired, delivering plenty of range and durable performance. The rear shock has a compression dampening switch for use when climbing, but like all of the other e-bikes in this test, our testers preferred to ride with it wide open on the trail to maximize traction. Like the previous version, Specialized has spec'd shorter 160mm Praxis cranks to minimize the chances of rock strikes. Typically, on a trail bike, 160mm cranks would be a little shorter than usual, but with the pedal assistance available, it goes virtually unnoticed.

Range

In the e-bike world, “range anxiety” is a thing - that nervous feeling you get when the battery life indicator drops into the red zone. Because nobody wants to be stuck out in the woods on a 50-pound bike. Specialized equips the Levo with a 700Wh battery, balancing range, and weight. Until recently, this was about as big a battery as you could get, although the battery size wars have been heating up, and Specialized is no longer at the front of the pack. Regardless, the Levo can deliver incredible range numbers paired with the redesigned motor. We tested it on our standardized range test hill and on many massive battery-draining trail rides to see how it stacks up and came away very impressed. There is no range extender available for the full-power Levo like there is on the SL model.

On our standardized range test hill, I rode laps in Turbo mode starting with a full battery and going until it was completely drained. I rode 33.14 miles with 5,341 vertical feet of elevation gain, giving the bike minimal help. Now, that's very impressive in and of itself, but our real-world trail riding tests also confirmed the Levo's impressive range capabilities. Using a mix of Trail and Turbo modes, a 185-pound rider could easily do trail rides of 35 miles with up to 7,000 feet of climbing. Even more impressive was when I took the Levo on some hot laps of an incredibly steep trail in Downieville, California, ascending 2,200 vertical feet in right around three miles. The Levo delivered three complete laps- roughly 18 miles and 6,600 vertical feet - all in Turbo mode up a trail too steep to ride on a traditional mountain bike. Only once did we run out of power on a ride, and our tester was definitely asking for it when it happened. On a ride of 41 miles with 6,141 feet of climbing, our test rider was a little overzealous and drained the battery to its last bar 5 miles from the car. Fortunately, the bike entered a power save mode, and he could limp it back to the car in what felt like a low-powered eco mode. Regardless, the Levo can go the distance and should have more than enough juice for most rides.

The Specialized Mission Control App has lots of features, one of which allows you to control your power output levels depending on the distance you intend to ride to ensure you don't run out of battery on a ride. The app also allows you to monitor power usage, customize output settings, record rides, and more. Dialing in the Mission Control App is worthwhile for those looking to eke out the most range possible from the 700Wh battery.

While some riders will opt to carry a second battery for 50+ mile days over big terrain, we find those rides to be better suited for acoustic bikes. The Levo battery can be quickly and easily removed with only one hex bolt. However, the battery is long enough that it doesn't fit into most packs. While not a big deal for some, those looking to go big enough to carry an extra battery should consider finding a pack that can handle the 25-inch battery length.

Power Output

The latest Specialized Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor is one of the most powerful and refined systems I've used. The small motor delivers 90NM of power and a peak output of 565 watts. In addition to being reasonably quiet, the new motor unit is incredibly torque-rich. Like most motor systems, however, the noise becomes more noticeable when it is working the hardest in high-torque situations. Regardless, we feel Specialized has done a fine job designing one of the best motor systems on the market with smooth, seamless, and natural feeling power delivery.

In Turbo mode, barely turning the pedals over, the Levo grunts its way up virtually any pitch you can garner enough traction to climb. And, the motor delivers an entire extra half stroke of power after the rider stops pedaling, it no longer has the abrupt and awkward cutoff of the earlier models. In addition to Turbo, the Levo also features Trail and Eco modes. The preset support settings provide a great range of pedal-assistance, whether you want to work a little harder in Eco mode or blast at full power in Turbo. On the Turbo setting, rolling up to its top speed of 20mph is no problem on flat ground. These support settings and other features are customizable in the Specialized Mission Control App. We didn't fiddle with the settings during testing, as the preset pedal assist modes feel quite good to begin with. Still, you can dial in the support, peak power, and acceleration response. Additionally, a walk-assist mode allows you to push the bike along at up to 3.7 mph should you find yourself in a hike-a-bike situation.

E-Bike Controls

While Specialized improved its e-bike controls in the 2019 model year, especially the location of the LED display, it still loses a little ground to the competition in this metric. Of course, the controls work fine and function as intended, but the lack of a digital display screen on the Levo Comp Alloy, like those found on some of the other models in this review, is a clear drawback to their system. Newer Levo models come with a more advanced display screen integrated into the frame's top tube.

The location of the Specialized Turbo Connect Unit (TCU) LED battery charge and power output display on the top of the top tube was first found on the previous version of this bike. This was leaps and bounds better than the old location, which also carries over to the newest model. The simple, functional interface directly in front of the rider takes a cue from the iPhone; one button can control power mode selection and on and off control while viewing current power mode and battery life. An illuminated ring in three sections displays the rider's mode (Eco, Trail, or Turbo), while 10 bars indicate battery life after a full charge.

The left grip attaches to the low-profile handlebar-mounted control unit and has buttons to shift up or down through the pedal assist settings, plus a button for the walk-assist. These controls are intuitive and simple to use, while the size and shape of this handlebar control still allow for a 1x style dropper post remote lever. Two additional modes can be accessed in the Specialized Mission Control App, Stealth and Shuttle. Shuttle mode is designed for big uplift days at the bike park, boosting the motor's peak power to 100 percent. Stealth mode is more of a novelty than anything, turning off the readout lights on the top tube, but we're not sure why you'd want to do that in the first place unless you're trying to hide the fact that you're riding an electric bike.

The charging port has seen a major upgrade over the previous version, which was difficult to keep clean. It is still located on the non-drive side of the bike on the side of the motor, but it has a double cover that does a much better job of keeping debris, dust, and moisture at bay. Unlike the previous version, we never had an issue with dirt or water entering the charging port. The cord uses the same Rosenberger style magnetic head, which seems to work relatively well, though it can be easily knocked off the charging port if you aren't careful.

Build

Specialized bikes are known for coming at a premium price, and the Turbo Levo Comp lives up to that reputation. This bike is one of the most expensive models in our test, and the build is less impressive than some of its lower or equally-priced competitors. While nothing about its build is especially noteworthy, it comes together well on the trail and left us with only a few complaints.

For 2022, the Levo Comp Alloy comes with a Fox Rhythm 36 fork to handle the 160mm front travel. We found this fork to work well enough, although it is not the e-bike-rated version, which would likely provide a slightly stiffer front end. The Fox Float X Performance rear shock covers the 150mm of rear wheel travel with a buttery feel, rebound adjustment, and a 2-position compression damping/climbing switch. The cockpit features a proper 780mm width handlebar paired with a short stem and Specialized lock-on grips for precise steering. Dropper length is size-specific, and the size S4 we tested came equipped with an internally routed 175mm X-Fusion Manic dropper seat post with a 1x style remote lever. The X-Fusion dropper worked smoothly and trouble-free during testing. Specialized also makes some of the most comfortable saddles on the market, and the Turbo Levo comes with a very agreeable Bridge Comp saddle.

Specialized spec'd a set of SRAM Code R 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 200mm rotors front and rear on the Turbo Levo Comp. Although adequate, the brakes quickly developed a spongy and inconsistent feel, particularly compared to the Shimano brakes that came on some of the other models we tested. The drivetrain consists of a 12-speed SRAM GX rear derailleur and shifter with a 10-52t cassette, 32T chainring, and 160mm Praxis cranks. The short cranks help to reduce the likelihood of pedal strikes, and this drivetrain setup provides a more than adequate range, especially considering the pedal assistance offered by the drive unit.

The Levo Comp Alloy rolls on mixed-size Specialized Alloy rims with a 30mm internal width. A 29" x 2.6" Specialized Butcher GRID TRAIL with the tacky T9 rubber compound comes mounted up front with a 27.5" x 2.6" Eliminator GRID TRAIL with the slightly more durable T7 rubber in the rear. While we love this tire combination for its higher air volume and impressive traction, we found the GRID TRAIL casing of the rear tire to be a little too flimsy for the weight and hard-charging demeanor of this bike. Sure, tires are an inexpensive upgrade, but it would be nice if Specialized equipped it with a GRID GRAVITY casing rear tire right off the bat. A full-sized bottle fits inside the front triangle on the down tube; a side-pull Specialized bottle cage is also included.

Should You Buy the Turbo Levo Comp?

It's certainly not cheap, but if you can afford it, we feel the Turbo Levo Comp is among the best electric mountain bikes on the market today. With their years of experience, Specialized has got the design and details very well sorted with excellent system integration, a powerful motor, the Mission Control app, and a dialed trail and all-mountain bike. Building off the success of the previous versions, the latest Turbo Levo and its mixed wheels and highly adjustable geometry make it even better and far more versatile than its predecessor without straying too far from its trail-riding roots. The Turbo Levo Comp should be on your shortlist if you're looking for a full-power e-MTB with a great range that can span multiple riding styles and disciplines.

What Other Electric Mountain Bikes Should You Consider?

We feel that the Turbo Levo is one of the best electric mountain bikes you can buy, but that doesn't mean there aren't other great options. For a few hundred dollars less, the Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8 comes with a carbon frame, a slightly nicer build, and a massive 900Wh battery. It lacks the adjustable geometry of the Levo, but we found it to be an excellent trail-riding e-MTB with an even more impressive range, and we feel it is an incredible value. Not looking to spend that much? The Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy costs significantly less. While its suspension isn't as robust, it differs only slightly from the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy, and we found it to perform surprisingly well in our tests. It is a great option that would be worthy of upgrading over time.