Specialized Is Even Rewriting Its Ebike Categories for the New S-Works Levo 4 X

Since April this year, Specialized has been really going for it. It feels like a new or updated model is being released every two weeks. OK, strictly speaking, it’s a bit fewer than that. But following the launch of the Specialized Turbo Vado 3 X, Specialized Turbo Vado 3 and Specialized Levo 4 Evo, the Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X is already the fourth new model in a very short period of time. That’s enough to leave you running out of superlatives. So what do you do then? Exactly – simply create a new one.

1. Specialized launches the “Electric Overland” segment
2. Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X: The cargo bike among full-suspension e-MTBs?
3. The newcomer’s frame offers plenty of travel and is finely adjustable
4. Luggage is cushioned softly
5. A tricky balance between maximum payload and your body weight
6. Standard secret compartment on the Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X
7. Levo 4 X featuring top-tier electric drive

1. Specialized launches ‘Electric Overland’ segment

If there’s one thing you can’t accuse Specialized’s ebikes of, it’s being too modest. The same can be said of the manufacturer’s marketing activities. Given the elaborate – and stylistically very appealing – videos, images and online campaigns, it looks from a distance as though the company is still doing really well. And that’s a good thing. Otherwise, we might no longer be able to enjoy phrases such as “full-bore, ride-anywhere freedom machine”. Well, how does that sound?

Clearly, the ‘freedom machine’ defies all the usual terms and classifications that Specialized has used for ebikes to date. So, for the new S-Works Levo 4 X, the manufacturer has simply invented its own product category: Electric Overland. There you go. What this means is the following principle: Take the drive system and geometry of an extremely powerful full-suspension e-mountain bike and add the aspect of convenient luggage transport. The result is an ebike that allows you to ride aggressively whilst carrying plenty of extra gear on the bike. Other manufacturers might have resorted to the term ‘SUV ebike’ for a comparable model. Whether the combination of automotive vocabulary and cycling jargon is better is open to debate. At the very least, however, you could probably already imagine what to expect from an ebike classified in this way.

2. Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X: The cargo bike among full-suspension e-MTBs?

Perhaps, however, that is precisely why Specialized does not refer to its new model as an SUV ebike. It is quite conceivable that it aims to be something different and therefore does not wish to be associated with existing categories. What is certain, in any case, is that the S-Works Levo 4 X is based on the Specialized Turbo Levo 4 and its various variants. It is a full-suspension e-mountain bike in the all-mountain category with plenty of suspension travel, a full-power motor and two massive racks. It is designed to offer plenty of riding fun off-road, whether loaded or unloaded. The concept emphasises making it as easy as possible to switch between a ‘pure’ e-mountain bike and a touring ebike. The attachment and removal of the racks are therefore taken into account, if not a key feature of the Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X.

3. The newcomer’s frame offers plenty of travel and is finely adjustable

As mentioned, Specialized uses the carbon frame of the current Levo 4 as a point of departure. This means the setup features a 29-inch front wheel combined with a smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel. With 160 millimetres of travel on the suspension fork and 150 millimetres on the rear triangle, the suspension system provides excellent conditions for riding on technically demanding terrain. According to the manufacturer, the front travel can apparently even be increased to 180 millimetres.

Available in five frame sizes, the ebike is recommended for riders between 157 centimetres and 203 centimetres tall.

The S-Works Levo 4 X frame stands out from comparable models thanks to its numerous options for adjusting the frame geometry to suit your own riding preferences, the specific characteristics of the terrain on your doorstep, or even varying loads due to more or less cargo. There are three areas where you can make adjustments and feel free to experiment:

1. Flip-chip on the shock: Two different positions alter the height of the bottom bracket. In the lower position, riding stability improves, particularly when cornering. A higher bottom bracket, by contrast, provides more pedal clearance, making it easier to clear obstacles.
2. Headset cups: When choosing the head angle, special cups provide a total of three positions. From the neutral setting with a head angle of 64.5 degrees, you can switch to a steeper or flatter head angle. A steeper angle makes the steering more responsive, but also more precise. With a flatter angle, the bike loses some of its agility but offers better control at high speeds.
3. Flip-chips on the seat stays: Agility and control are once again the two aspects you can influence by changing the length of the seat stays. Once again, two options are available. Extending the seat stays, which increases the wheelbase, results in greater tracking stability on descents. If both are shortened, the turning circle is reduced and you can ride tighter turns with the bike.

The rear triangle of the Levo 4 X also deserves a mention. More specifically, every single one of its bearings. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on these. This is particularly impressive on an e-mountain bike that also wants to carry a fair bit of weight. Especially as the warranty still applies should you ever sell the ebike or purchase a second-hand model yourself.

4. Luggage is cushioned softly

Alongside riding, carrying luggage is the second core strength of the Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X. Key to this are a front and rear rack. Both are fairly narrow and long. The rear rack features side struts designed to stabilise compatible panniers. Three mounting eyelets for Ortlieb’s Quick-Lock 3.1 system can be fitted to each strut on either side. The cargo area is compatible with the MIK standard. On the front rack, you’ll find two mounts for bottle cages or other accessories.

Usually, a lot of luggage and a full-suspension e-MTB are two things that tend to be mutually exclusive. The reason for this is that you always have to find a way to ensure that the weight of the load does not add to the sprung mass as far as possible. Specialized solves this by mounting the racks directly onto the frame. No bracket is attached to any of the suspension components. In this way, the design transfers the forces generated via the suspension system. Without this, the ebike wouldn’t really be suitable for off-road use with a corresponding load.

5. A tricky balance between maximum payload and your body weight

But as it stands, your luggage shouldn’t be a problem on the go. And you can actually take quite a lot with you. The rear rack is permitted for a load of twelve kilograms. At the front, it’s ten kilograms. However, you’ll need to source any necessary straps and tension belts yourself. To our knowledge, these are not included as standard.

Both racks can be screwed on and off in just a few simple steps. If you want to ride without luggage, it’s worth taking them off. After all, the manufacturer states that the entire rack system weighs around 3.2 kilograms. It cannot be removed entirely. But you’ll certainly feel the difference on the trails. Incidentally, Specialized offers the racks as separate accessories. Anyone who wishes to can fit them to a current Levo 4 or Levo R.

It is unclear to us what the ratio is between the total payload of 22 kilograms and the maximum permitted total weight of the ebike. We could not find this figure anywhere. However, it is likely to be 149 kilograms, as with the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4. After all, both models are based on the identical frame. If you take into account the weight of the ebike, which Specialized puts at around 27.2 kilograms, that leaves less than 100 kilograms for your own body weight on a fully loaded bike if you are to stay within the limit. So the ‘freedom machine’ isn’t quite so uncompromising in this respect. For comparison, take a look at the Tern Orox. It takes a similar approach but does away with any suspension. In return, its rear rack can handle a load of 100 kilograms. Up to 25 kilograms are possible at the front. And its maximum permitted total weight is 210 kilograms.

6. Standard secret compartment on the Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X

Part of your tools, a spare inner tube, the CO₂ cartridge or other small items can alternatively be stored elsewhere on the Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X. Namely, in the down tube. That’s right, that’s where the removable battery is housed. But there is still a gap in the frame tube above the battery. This fits a small bag custom-made by the manufacturer, which it calls the SWAT Bag. It’s not a quick-access spot, but it’s certainly a dry one. If you use it, you should just make sure nothing rattles loudly inside. That might get a bit annoying over time.

7. Top-tier electric drive on the Levo 4 X

The motor is another feature that links the S-Works Levo 4 X with the other members of the Levo family. The Specialized 3.1 S-Works has the power you need to tackle steep climbs even when fully loaded. A maximum torque of 111 Newton-metres and peak power of up to 850 watts should prove very helpful.

The battery has already been briefly mentioned. With a capacity of 840 watt-hours, it is perfectly suited to an ebike designed for long-distance touring. As it can be removed from the side, recharging on the go should also be easily achievable. The manufacturer also offers an additional battery providing a further 280 watt-hours. This takes you well beyond the much-discussed 1,000 watt-hour threshold. As is well known, the resulting range depends on a number of factors. With this ebike, the payload, the terrain and the route profile are likely to be particularly decisive.

Specialized’s fast charger could prove very useful for such ventures. Fortunately, the device, with a charging current of twelve amps, is included in the hefty price of an S-Works ebike. It takes less than an hour to charge an empty Specialized Turbo X2 battery to 80 per cent. If you wish, you can select Eco mode from the four different charging modes. The device then automatically stops charging at 80 per cent. This is intended to extend the battery’s lifespan.

With a full battery, you can then head back out onto the trails and let this machine of freedom run wild. Provided, of course, that you had 14,499 euros to spare beforehand. That’s how much freedom costs in this case.

Specialized S-Works Levo 4 X at a glance

• Frame: Carbon
• Frame sizes: S2 to S6
• Front fork: FoxFactory 38
• Shock: Fox Float X Factory
• Motor: Specialized 3.1 S-Works
• Battery: Specialized Turbo X2 840Wh
• Display: Specialized Mastermind T3 TCU
• Drivetrain: Sram XX Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: Sram Maven Ultimate
• Weight: from approx. 27.25 kg
• Maximum permitted total weight: n.a.
• Colour: Fiery Red
• Price: 14,499 euros

Pictures: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.