The all-new alloy Specialized Turbo Levo e-mountain bikes literally cut the cost of entry in half, with two models starting at just $5,500. And there are new carbon models that bring those versions down to $11,000, which sounds like a lot until you realize the S-Works model is $15k, and the Pro model jumped to $13k.
Two alloy models will be offered, the base bike for $5,500, and the Comp Alloy for $7,500. Let’s take a look at what you get…
2022 Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy
The alloy Turbo Levos come with the same Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor as the latest carbon Levos, which we reviewed and really, really liked, even giving them a spot in our Editor’s Choice Awards.
They also get the 700Wh battery and Turbo Connect Unit that deliver a powerful 90Nm of torque and 565 watts of power.
The brains are the same, offering you intelligent assistance modes with levels you can customize in their Mission Control app. From power output and “oomph” per mode to letting it calculate the assist based on anticipated ride time, there’s a lot of tinkering you can do.
The alloy Levo Comps also get their six-way geometry adjustments. Using a flip chip at the rear pivot and three different head angle settings thanks to swappable bearing cups, you get six unique positions to choose from. These affect head angle (63º to 65.5º), bottom bracket, and wheelbase, but travel remains the same.
The base model loses the adjustable headset, but keeps the two-position pivot at the rear dropout. This means a middle-position 64º-64.5º as standard, depending on the rear end’s setting.
That means 150mm rear travel, with a 160mm fork up front. Like many modern eMTBs, it also uses a mixed wheel size, with a 29er up front, and 27.5″ in the rear.
The frame itself is an M5 alloy chassis that’s offered in six sizes and uses their sidewinder-style shock brace. Protective tape sits in the impact zones, and an integrated chain keeper sits atop the chainring.
Turbo Levo Alloy pricing & specs
The $7,500 Turbo Levo Comp Alloy gets SRAM GX Eagle shifter and derailleur, chain, XG-1275 12-speed cassette, and Code R brakes with 200-220mm rotors depending on frame size. Cranks are Praxis M30 alloy with 160mm arms and custom offset.
The cockpit is a full alloy Specialized mix plus X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost. It’s rolling on Specialized alloy wheels with Butcher (T9) and Eliminator (T7) GRID TRAIL tires, both in 2.6″ widths.
They get a 160mm Fox Rhythm 36 fork, with only the the S1 (smallest) frame size dropping that down to a 150mm travel fork. The S1 uses a Fox DPS rear shock, and all other sizes get the Fox FLOAT X, both in Performance guise. Choose from black, red, blue, and sage green.
The $5,500 base model subs in a SRAM SX drivetrain with the same Praxis cranks, a TranzX dropper post, and a Rockshox 35 Silver fork and Deluxe Select R rear shock with external rebound adjustment. Same shorter 150mm travel fork setting for the S1 size applies here, too.
Brakes are SRAM Guide RE with 200-220mm rotors. It comes in Oasis, Ice Blue, and Black. It’s worth noting that you get all the same motor, battery, and electronics here, so if you have better drivetrain parts or suspension laying around, the $2,000 you save here could go along way toward lighter wheels and cockpit parts.
The new Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Carbon
Specialized told us there’s a 1.8lb difference between carbon and alloy frames. So, if you’re in the spending mood and want a nearly 2-pound head start, the $11,000 Expert Carbon model uses the same FACT 11R frame as the higher end models, relying on spec changes to drop the price.
This one comes with SRAM XO1 shifter and derailleur, GX-level chain and cassette, and the same Praxis alloy cranks. Wheels are Roval Traverse, with the same Butcher/Eliminator tire combo, which are fantastic tires. It gets SRAM Code RS brakes, an X-Fusion Manic dropper post, and a higher end (but still alloy) Specialized cockpit with Diety grips.
Not all of these models or sizes are listed as available yet, and it was a pretty quiet launch, so check with your local dealer for availability.
