Name: Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6Fattie Review
Item: Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6Fattie
Author: Court Rye

Home
Reviews
Brands
Specialized Reviews
Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6Fattie Review

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie Electric Bike Review

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie Brose Trail Tune Motor

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie 36 Volt Downtube Battery Led Display

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie Bars Grips Shifters Dropper Lever

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie Side Z Cage Water Bottle

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie Rockshox Reba Rl Suspension Fork

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie Sram Gx 10 Speed

Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6fattie Energybus Magnetic Charging Port

The lowest priced Turbo Levo eMountain bike model from Specialized, it's a hardtail with 10 gears, an air fork and the Brose drive system
You get a slightly smaller battery capacity here but the same beautiful integration into the downtube, it secures with a thru-axle bolt and doesn't rattle but also doesn't lock
Beautiful wire integration, clean paint job with optional stickers, one of the few electric mountain bikes with a bottle cage and tool included
Excellent 200 millimeter hydraulic brakes for smooth stopping, plus sized 650b tires for comfort ant traction, no shift sensing on the motor, minimalist casing design

Make:

Specialized

Model:

Turbo Levo Hardtail Comp 6Fattie

Price:

$4,000 USD

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Trail, Mountain

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Battery and Motor, Lifetime Frame and Fork

Availability:

United States, Europe

Model Year:

20162017

Total Weight:

49 lbs (22.22 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.7 lbs (3.03 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.61 lbs (2.99 kg)

Frame Material:

Specialized M5 Aluminum Alloy, Forged and Braced Motor Mount

Frame Sizes:

15.5 in (39.37 cm)17.5 in (44.45 cm)19 in (48.26 cm)21.5 in (54.61 cm)

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Satin Gloss Black

Frame Fork Details:

RockShox Reba RL 29/27.5+, Fast Black Uppers, Solo Air, 15 mm x 110 mm Thru-Axle, 100/120 mm Travel (Frame Size Specific), Quick Release

Frame Rear Details:

12 mm x 148 mm Thru-Axle, 28h

Attachment Points:

Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

10 Speed 1x11 SRAM GX, 11-40 Tooth, SRAM GX Type 2.1 Long Cage Derailleur

Shifter Details:

SRAM GX Triggers on Right

Cranks:

Custom Alloy Arms, 32 Tooth Chainring

Pedals:

Alloy Platform

Headset:

1-1/ 8" and 1-1/ 2" Threadless, Campy Style Upper with 1-1/ 2" Lower, Cartridge Bearings

Stem:

Specialized 3D Forged Alloy, 4-Bolt, 6-Degree Rise, 31.8 mm Clamp

Handlebar:

Specialized, 6061 Alloy, 6-Degree Upsweep, 8-Degree Backsweep, 27 mm Rise, 750 mm Width

Brake Details:

SRAM DB5 Hydraulic Disc with Semi-Organic Pads , 200 mm Rotors, 4 Piston Front Caliper 2 Piston Rear Caliper, SRAM DB5 Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Specialized Sip Grip, Light Lock-On, Half-Waffle, S/M: Regular Thickness, L/XL: XL Thickness

Saddle:

Body Geometry Henge Sport, Steel Rails, 143 mm

Seat Post:

TranzX Dropper, Internal Cable Routing, Remote Lever, 30.9 mm, S/M: 100 mm, L/XL: 120 mm Travel

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

Roval Traverse 650b, Hookless Alloy, 38 mm Inner Width, 24/28h

Spokes:

DT Swiss Industry, Stainless Steel

Tire Brand:

Specialized 6Fattie Purgatory Control Front, Specialized 6Fattie Ground Control Rear, 27.5" x 3"

Wheel Sizes:

27.5 in (69.85cm)

Tire Details:

60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, Aramid Folding Bead

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Plastic Chain Guide, Zee Cage II Right Bottle Holder, Optional Replacement Battery Pack $800, Optional 1.3 lb Portable 1.6 Amp Charger, Integrated Rubberized Slap Guard

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, Battery Stops with 4% at Top and Bottom to Avoid Straining Cells, 42 Volt 4 Amp Charger with Rosenberger Plug (Magnetic EnergyBus Standard), IP67 Water and Dust Protection Rating on Battery Pack, Fully Sealed Cartridge Bearings

Motor Brand:

Brose, Trail Tune

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

530 watts

Motor Torque:

90 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

12.7 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

460 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours (7 Hours with Optional Travel Charger)

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

55 miles (89 km)

Display Type:

Integrated 10 LED Console on Downtube

Readouts:

Battery Level, Assist Level (1-3)

Display Accessories:

Integrated Button Pad on Downtube, Mission Control App (Bluetooth, iOS and Android), ANT+ Wireless

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Cadence and Torque Sensing)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Hide Advanced Search

Search Now

Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

Trusted Advertisers

Specialized introduced their first electric bike internationally back in 2012, it was a road-only model that turned heads because it was beautiful looking and super quiet. In 2016 they wowed ebike enthusiasts again with their first mountain models in the US including this hardtail called the Turbo Levo Comp 6Fattie. At $4,000 it isn’t the most affordable electric mountain bike on the block but it was designed from the ground up to be a respectable mountain bike first and then thoughtfully-electric. The wires are internally routed, the mid-drive motor completely replaces the bottom bracket and merges with the frame and the battery pack slides up into the downtube. The entire geometry of the bike was built around the added weight and tube sizing and it’s being made available in four frame sizes so you don’t have to compromise body position and comfort if you’re taller or shorter. They even have female-specific electric Turbo models. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a fanboy for Specialized and actually purchased one of the more expensive FSR full suspension models myself in early 2016 because it was one of the first Brose motorized bikes to hit the US and I wanted to see how the motor performed. So far, I’m loving it!

The motor on this thing produces an impressive 90 Newton meters of peak torque output. It’s rated at 250 watts nominal, which is efficient, but peaks out closer to 530. It climbs very well and hasn’t failed me or my friends when riding on actual mountain terrain in Colorado, California and elsewhere. It isn’t as easy to bunny hop or lift when navigating technical terrain but it something you get used to and is applicable to all ebikes (which tend to weigh 40+ lbs). I realize this video review was a bit underwhelming since we just tooled around on the streets of New York City with under-inflated tires but it illustrates an interesting point. The bike blends in and being a hardtail, would work well for commuters. It does’t have a big fancy display that could get scratched at a rack, it has 10 gears so even pedaling unpowered feels comfortable and the all-black frame doesn’t attract unwanted attention from fellow commuters or trail riders. The quick release skewer and bolt-in battery aren’t great for urban parking but the battery can be removed easily enough for charging in-office and the EnergyBus charger uses a magnetic connector that eliminates bent pins and snag drops or trips. I was a bit bummed that the seat stays didn’t have bosses for adding a rear rack but it’s a purist bike… what you do get are a bottle cage with trail tool from the SWAT series and a remote seat post dropper.

Powering the bike up is incredibly fast and simple. Once the battery is charged (on or off the frame) you press the rubberized button on the left side of the downtube to switch it on. At once, it shows 10 LEDs (all green when full and changing to red as 10% increments are expended). Above and below the power button are rubberized up and down buttons that change assist, all of them seem well protected against water and are indented to reduce snags or crushing if the bike tips. It’s a simple, rugged and non-distracting design for the rider but ironically garners interest and attention from passers by. It’s one of the areas I’d like to see addressed with the app. I’d like to be able to turn off the side LED lights! The fact that this electric bike (and all newer Turbo models) are compatible with a “Mission Control” app and that it works on select Garmin devices is a huge win which offers some unique abilities that very few other ebikes have. And ultimately, even if LED light control isn’t one of them, it’s an issue that black electrical tape fixes easily enough. While the app sort of makes up for the lack of a more traditional bar-mounted ebike LCD display it doesn’t completely address the need to bend over in order to change assist levels (of which there are 3). The app lets you tune acceleration, torque and power for the second level of assist as well as record rides in an e-bike are of Strava. You can search and plot courses with GPS and even tell the bike to “get me there and back without draining the battery” to help reduce range anxiety. In my own experince, the app is cool but not something I use regularly. One of the biggest reasons is that it requires Bluetooth and uses GPS while also illuminating my screen and there is no USB charging port on the bike to offset that drainage. The secondary reasons I don’t frequently use the app are that my phone is huge and I don’t want to mount it to my bars and that sometimes when I’m trail riding I don’t get good reception so the GPS features are useless anyway. One approach is to set the custom performance levels with the phone then just toss it in a bag or pocket the screen off. I guess what I’m saying is that it’s nice to have an app and I LOVE that my Garmin can control it vs. my phone but I don’t use it for much beyond tuning.

At the end of the day, this is what I would consider a premium cross country or trail style electric mountain bike. You can definitely spend more and get higher capacity batteries, full suspension or a fat tire version for sand and snow (all other models in the Turbo lineup) but for many riders the Comp level and hardtail design is great for what it is. It’s the kind of technology that is fun, can help overcome injuries, is a capable commuting platform because of it’s excellent range and app route planning performance and it doesn’t stand out. It’s not as comfortable as the FSR full suspension models but with plus size tires this is still more comfortable than average. As an owner of a Levo I still have an unpowered mountain bike, it’s a Specialized Stumpjumper, that is way lighter and tons of fun in its own ways. The Turbo Levo Hardtail ebike has been designed as a bicycle first with all of the same hardware and accessories as similar unpowered models but it simply takes you further. It’s as easy to tune and upgrade as the other Specialized models and shops aren’t as put off or intimidated by it as some other electric bicycles but it still has cutting edge technology there, sort of set off on its own, meant to “just work” without a whole lot of thought. Someday you might need to replace the battery pack, or even want to upgrade the battery to a larger capacity, but the motor is very durable and should just work. It’s exciting to see more companies stepping into the space, really investing themselves and showing what’s possible now. On the one hand I missed some of the little extras found on electric-first ebikes like a USB charger, display, rack options etc. but these are not items you’d find on a normal mountain bike and I respect that Specialized set them aside and made something more pure here with the Levo.

Pros:

The bike looks beautiful in all-black, I love that it hides cables and that they ship it with optional stickers so you aren’t overwhelmed with colors and patterns if you don’t want them
It’s becoming more common but this is one of the few electric bikes that has bottle cage bosses and the Specialized Z-Cage works great with side-mounting bottles, you could also use it for a folding lock or mini-pump mount, I like that the bike comes with the cage AND a little tool at the bottom (part of the SWAT series of accessories)
Beautiful battery and motor integration, both are positioned low and center for improved balance and handling
This is a relatively quiet and stealthy electric bike, great for riding on trails where some riders might not be as receptive to ebikes, it’s a Class 1 so allowed in more spaces than any other type of electric bike (pedal assist only, 20 mph max speed)
At $4k this isn’t exactly a cheap electric bike but it’s the entry price point for the Turbo Levo series and it comes with a great warranty, dealer support (from a wide network of dealers) and is made in four sizes so the overall experience should be great
The plus sized tires improve comfort by adding cushion and in my experience they grip well and handle soft surfaces excellently, they do increase drag a bit but the motor and battery make that a non-issue
Sturdy thru-axle design for both wheels increases stiffness and manages trail and mountain terrain properly, the bike is actually a mountain electric bike and not a converted regular bike where they just slapped on a motor, the frame geometry is specific
I’m a big fan of the seat post dropper, it’s not as fancy as the higher-end Levos with internal routing but it still works well
I wouldn’t call this bike super light weight at ~49 lbs but it uses high quality Specialized M5 Aluminum and the RockShox air fork is lighter
Extra large 200 mm hydraulic disc brakes front and rear for improved stopping power and smoother more controlled stops
This is one of the few electric mountain bikes I’ve tested that has bumpers to prevent oversteer and frame contact of the fork (since the downtube is a bit longer), nice little touch and another “purpose built” feature
In addition to the mobile phone app (iOS and Android), you can actually download a special app to some Garmin devices and use them to adjust bike performance and battery use so you arrive without fully expending the charge, it connects with a special ebike area of Strava as well

Cons:

The battery integration looks great and the pack doesn’t rattle but it really isn’t “locked” into the frame, a standard hex wrench bolt holds it in place… at least you don’t have to worry about losing the key but a thief could get at it easier and they cost a lot
The simple LED side display concept makes good sense for mountain biking because it keeps the bars clear and there’s less to break if you crash but the lights can garner unwanted attention, this is something I’d like to have an option to disable in the app, some people use electrical tape to cover them
Without a standard LCD computer screen or clicker buttons at the bar you don’t get the same feedback about speed, range or battery and aren’t able to adjust on the fly without taking a hand off the bar (or stopping completely to reach down to the buttons on the downtube)
No rack bosses on the seat stays means you have to resort to more expensive, less sturdy racks if you want to use this for urban riding during the week… or wear a backpack, the beam rack option would also raise the seat post dropper (do not mount it to the sliding part of the seat post)
The Brose motor system is compact, quiet and responsive (with cadence and assist sensors) but doesn’t offer shift sensing so you can mash gears and wear the chain faster if you don’t pedal and shift carefully (just let off a bit and ease the motor out when shifting)
Specialized opted for a more compact, smooth look at the bottom bracket so you’ve just got a thin plastic shield around the motor vs. a tougher, possibly easy to replace metal skid plat seen on some of the other bikes… just a different approach and probably fine for cross country riding, I believe there is a sticker protector for the downtube
Considering the large capacity of the battery pack and the ability to sync the bike with apps and select Garmin devices it would be nice if there was a USB charging port somewhere so you don’t drain your portable device using wireless and GPS featuers

Resources:

Official Site: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/men/bikes/mountain/turbo-levo/turbo-levo-hardtail-comp-6fattie/118332
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/zhFfCiEFSdz5hjV56

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Step-Through Review

MSRP: $4,000
MODEL YEAR: 2022

A sporty urban commuter with suspension fork and suspension seat post included! Outfitted with some of the best fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights I've seen on any ebike. Available in high-step or step-thru frame styles, comes in four, three trim levels (3.0, 4.0, and 5.0), and the battery integration looks much nicer than previous generations.. Excellent weight distribution (low and center), clean integrated cables, powerful hydraulic disc brakes from SRAM…...

Read Review

Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 Review

MSRP: $6,500
MODEL YEAR: 2023

A premium full suspension SUV electric mountain bike that blends commuting with cross country, trail, and high-speed performance. includes outstanding custom fenders, rear rack, a 1,000 lumen headlight, and brake sensitive rear light. Available in four frame sizes, two colors, and three trim levels (4.0, 5.0, 6.0). Mullet wheel setup with 29" front and 27.5" rear.. Excellent weight distribution and electronics integration, IPX6 water and dust rated. Lightweight, smooth, responsive Brose…...

Specialized Turbo Tero 4.0 EQ Review

MSRP: $5,800
MODEL YEAR: 2022

A feature-complete hardtail cross country electric mountain bike outfitted with outstanding fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights available in four frame sizes and three trim levels (3.0, 4.0, 5.0). Capable as a commuting platform and light off-road machine thanks to knobby 29er tires and high-end hydraulic brakes.. Excellent weight distribution and electronics integration. Lightweight, smooth, responsive Brose motor (custom made with Specialized)…...

Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 IGH Review

MSRP: $3,750
MODEL YEAR: 2022

A refined cruiser electric bike that's lighter than most. Incredibly approachable wave step-thru frame. It's more active and sporty with narrow handlebar and suspension fork. Smooth responsive Brose motor is custom tuned by Specialized. Available in three frame sizes, four colors, and several trim levels. The IGH stands for internally geared hub, and relates to the enviolo continuously variable transmission on this particular version.. Emphasis on safety with bright integrated lights, reflective decals, and reflective tires that are puncture…...

Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 Review

MSRP: $4,800
MODEL YEAR: 2021, 2022

One of the sportiest cruisers I've ever reviewed. Relatively light weight at 47.2lbs including integrated lights, a pannier-only rear rack, and custom designed tubular alloy fenders with extra long rubberized flaps to keep your feet dry. Class 3 speed-pedelec performance offers 28mph (45km/h), which is very unique for a cruiser! Available in three frame sizes and three colors.. Boost hub spacing on the front wheel provides sturdier spoke bracing angle, 12mm thru-axles provide…...

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 EQ Review

MSRP: $3,500
MODEL YEAR: 2020

One of the best ebikes I've ever reviewed. Relatively light weight at 36.9lbs including integrated lights, a rear rack, and custom designed tubular fenders with extra long rubberized flaps to keep your feet dry. Reasonably priced for outstanding motor and battery technology. Class 3 speed-pedelec performance offers 28mph (45km/h) assisted speeds for fun, respect from automobiles, and overall faster commutes. Boost hub spacing provides sturdier spoke bracing angle, 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at…...

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert Review

MSRP: $9,000
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A super-lightweight ~29lb full carbon electric road ebike, Class 3 speed-pedelec performance offers 28mph (45km/h) assisted speeds, proprietary Future Shock 2.0 steer tube suspension adds comfort while minimizing weight and maximizing rolling efficiency. Available in six frame sizes, sold through a vast network of dealers with professional fitting systems, solid two-year comprehensive warranty. The frame offers provisions for two bottle cages, fenders, and a rear rack. Boost hub spacing provides sturdier spoke bracing angle, 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at…...

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Expert Carbon Review

MSRP: $9,025
MODEL YEAR: 2020

One of the most satisfying lightweight full suspension electric mountain bikes available... just 38.8lbs total! Uses a proprietary mid-drive motor and downtube-integrated battery pack that weigh under 8.3lbs combined. Optional range extender bottle-shaped batteries weigh 2.3lbs, are easy to use, and the control system allows for simultaneous or independent drawdown. You can even remove the downtube battery and rely solely on the range extender packs, which may be eligible for commercial air travel. Boost hub spacing for strength, varied front and rear tire for improved handling and traction,…...

Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO Review

MSRP: $6,500
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A lightweight gravel grinder road ebike with flared handlebars, wide treaded tires, a seat post dropper, and unique Future Shock 2.0 steer tube suspension. Available in six frame sizes, sold through a vast network of dealers with professional fitting systems, solid two-year comprehensive warranty. The frame offers provisions for two bottle cages, fenders, and a rear rack, wide range of color options. Boost hub spacing with sturdy 12mm thru-axles provide stiffness and control at higher speeds, sturdier…...

Specialized Turbo S-Works Levo SL Review

MSRP: $13,525
MODEL YEAR: 2020

Extremely lightweight and satisfying. The S-WORKS Levo SL is the most premium offering in the Levo SL lineup, featuring more lightweight carbon fiber and titanium hardware (crank arms, derailleur cage plate, handlebar, saddle rails). It comes with an electronic dropper post, gold colored 12-speed SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, and Fox Factory Kashima coated 150mm suspension. Weighs just ~38lbs, uses a proprietary mid-drive motor and downtube-integrated battery pack that weigh under 8.3lbs combined. Optional range extender bottle-shaped batteries weigh 2.3lbs. You can even remove the downtube battery and rely solely on the range extender packs, which may be eligible for commercial air travel. Boost hub spacing for strength, varied front and rear tire for improved handling and traction,…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 Review

MSRP: $5,150
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack. Available in 6 sizes including high-step and mid-step frame styles with gender-specific saddle and grips,…...

Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Review

MSRP: $4,150
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great top of the line model for Specialized, starts at $4,150 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, front rack, a smooth mid-drive motor, 28mph top speed, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose S ALU mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, high…...

Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 Review

MSRP: $3,350
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great mid point for Specialized, starts at $3,350 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, a smooth mid-drive motor, 28mph top speed, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose T mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, 36v 14ah…...

Specialized Turbo Kenevo Expert Review

MSRP: $7,550
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A purpose built, strong and sturdy, full suspension, all mountain with some enduro, agile and balanced with it’s 50/50 weight distribution, smooth and powerful mid-drive electric mountain bike. This is an extremely sturdy and overbuilt setup, thanks to points of interest like this…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Review

MSRP: $3,550
MODEL YEAR: 2020

Specialized Turbo Como 3.0 Review

MSRP: $2,950
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A great entry point for Specialized, starts at $2,949 and has relaxed cruiser riding position, hydraulic brakes, a smooth mid-drive motor, and a lot of great little features. Features a custom Brose CB mid-drive motor that was tuned just for Specialized, 36v 12.8ah…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Review

MSRP: $8,250
MODEL YEAR: 2019

A lighter, stiffer, even more powerful second generation Turbo Levo platform, custom side-arm rear suspension design improves cable routing, tubeless ready rims and tires, unique hidden SWAT multi-tool under stem cap. 29er wheel size with narrower 2.6" tires reduce friction and improve steering precision, new battery…...

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Fat Review

MSRP: $5,000
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A hardtail, fat tire electric bike with high-volume 4.6" tires, four frame size choices, and an extensive network of dealers in the United States. Sturdy thru-axles provide stiffness and strength, the RockShox Bluto air fork provides comfort with lots…...

Specialized Turbo Como 2.0 Low-Entry 650b Review

MSRP: $2,600
MODEL YEAR: 2018

A comfortable, stable, quiet, and efficient electric bike made in two frame sizes and colors, well-suited to neighborhood riding and cruising. Relatively lightweight at ~48 lbs, in part because it comes without lights or fenders, you…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 6.0 Review

MSRP: $4,800
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A high-speed, feature-complete, urban electric bike with unique tubular fenders that have flexible extensions and water routing system to keep your legs, back and face dry, integrated lights and a tight modern rack. Available in four sizes including high-step and mid-step frame styles with gender-specific saddle and grips,…...

2017 Specialized Turbo Vado 5.0 Review

MSRP: $4,600
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A high-speed urban electric bike with premium tubular fenders, minimalist rack with integrated light, 600 Lumen headlight, reflective stickers on fenders and rims. Available in four frame sizes but only one style (high-step), rigid alloy fork and thru-axles…...

Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 Review

MSRP: $3,200
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A feature-complete urban electric bike with premium tubular-alloy fenders, integrated rack and lights, rims and tires as well as a suspension fork with 50 mm travel. Available in four frame sizes and two styles (high-step or mid-step), rigid thru-axles improve handling,…...

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Expert 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $7,500
MODEL YEAR: 2016, 2017

One of the stealthiest electric mountain bikes around with integrated battery and motor technology from Brose, available to demo and buy from a wide network of shops. Responsive and zippy without producing a lot of noise, you don't get shift detection here…...

Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Comp 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $5,500
MODEL YEAR: 2016

A full suspension electric mountain bike with 650b plus "six fatty" tires for improved traction, handling and comfort. Seamlessly integrated Brose motor and downtube battery pack, completely purpose built frame available in two…...

Specialized Turbo S Review

MSRP: $7,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016

An extremely fast, quiet and stiff electric bike with premium drivetrain and brake components and sleek integrated lights, available in four frame sizes for improved fit. Beautifully integrated battery pack, it matches the frame perfectly and even features a bottle cage…...

Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie Review

MSRP: $9,000
MODEL YEAR: 2016

The highest level full suspension e-mountain bike from Specialized, purpose built frame incorporates battery and motor seamlessly. Premium suspension from RockShox Pike RCT3 and Fox Float with Autosag, 11 speed SRAM XX1…...

Specialized Turbo Review

MSRP: $3,800
MODEL YEAR: 2015

Completely purpose built with integrated lights, in-frame cabling and downtube mounted battery pack that blends in. Available in four frame sizes for improved fit, optional city kit with fenders and rear…...

Specialized Turbo X Review

MSRP: $4,000
MODEL YEAR: 2015, 2016

Stealth appearance with integrated battery pack and near-silent motor helps it blend in like a "normal bike". Excellent weight distribution, responsive hydraulic disc brakes, integrated LED lights, rack and fender mounts, nice…...

2014 Specialized Turbo S Review

MSRP: $6,000
MODEL YEAR: 2014, 2015

One of the fastest, quietest and sturdiest road-style electric bikes around, extremely refined. Solid 15mm thru-axles, tapered head tube and alloy frame for efficient power transfer and high…...

2013 Specialized Turbo Review

MSRP: $5,900
MODEL YEAR: 2013

One of the fastest and priciest electric bikes around, Top speed 45kph (27.96mph) at $5,900 USD. Clean aesthetic with internally routed cables, integrated lithium ion battery pack and built in LED…...

Vincenzo

8 years ago

Hi! Thanks for all your reviews that help me and others to get what is most suitable for us. In fact, I ride an “unlocked” Bosch engined bike by BMW. It is an older version, 2015, so Active Line with low torque. Specialised and Brose convince me to get this bike but you pointed out an important issue: the battery locking system. Since you have seen it in person, can you tell if this Hexlox locking system could work out for securing the battery?

Court Rye

Hi Vincenzo! The skewer is like a 15 mm thru-axle with the threading on the left side of the downtube. If you could find a bolt with a proprietary locking pattern vs. the standard hex that was the same length and diameter then yeah, I think it could work! I don’t have access to the bike at this moment so cannot say the exact length but I think you’re onto something with this idea. Also, I was trained by a Specialized rep on how to lock the bike with a u-lock in a way that it keeps the battery from being removed. Here’s a short video on that.

Jesus Ochoa

Had this for about 2 weeks now. The thing is awesome getting to work and back. It makes the commute to work seem like a trail ride sometimes. I go about 22 miles round trip in trail mode and still have around 20-30 percent when I get home. The no display is really awesome and if you do want that option, just download the mission control app and it will give you the map, speed, battery, and motor out-put. Lots of other options as well. The dropper post is amazing when stopping at intersections. Over all, I am super happy with this bike. It has me looking at the clock at work because I can’t wait to ride it home! Choose this because my commute is not the best bike friendly route and this thing has no problem going into grass/dirt.

Nice! I’m so glad the bike is performing for you Jesus, I love this thing too… Sounds like it gets the job done and adds a splash of fun and interest to the day. That’s a big part of why I love bicycles, awesome!

Johan Bezuidenhout

7 years ago

i am intrested buying a Levo 2016 model as model above 4000 dollars .Please contac me

Hi Johan, perhaps you could find someone who is trying to sell their used electric bike in the EBR Forums in the for sale section here.

Flavia

I test rode the women’s version of this bike at Cynergy Cycles in Santa Monica. I loved the color: glittery black with a splash of white! What a beauty. I took the bike out to test responsiveness, battery range and performance. It is a truly amazing piece of engineering and I enjoyed every minute of my ride. The Mission Control app from Specialized is really useful to adjust acceleration from start and other parameters at the beginning. However I would expect not to use it again after the first few adjustments. The biggest drawback of this bike for me is the lack of an integrated assist control on the handlebar. The garmin button has limitations in that it would not show me the current level of assist. On the other hand for those who want to conceal the motor there is nothing better than the Specialized Turbo Levo. Cynergy Cycles in Santa Monica has a great service shop, accessories and I highly recommend it.

Thanks for the feedback Flavia! Glad to hear you enjoyed the bike and also got a chance to experiment with the Mission Control smartphone application. It’s funny that you mention the lack of reachable buttons, to control assist. For me, after riding so many other ebikes, I did miss that… I feel that they could have done a tiny display and buttons to be “minimalist” but instead, you have to reach way down. Great points all around, thanks for sharing your insights :D

Bryan C

6 years ago

Thank you for the excellent review! I’m thinking of purchasing a 2018 model that is being cleared out right now but the store only has a M and XL left. I am just under 5 feet 10 inches so I was thinking large would be my appropriate size, however there are none left in stock. I see you rode a medium size LEVO COMP here. Do you think medium would be appropriate for people up to 5″10? Thanks!