Every few years mountain biking goes through periods of huge advances in technology and what is called the trickle-down affect: where technology from high end products extends down to a more affordable price point. While eMTBs are never cheap, we are seeing high performance tech make its way to lower priced models. Brands like Specialized went all in on eMTBs early, and are showing no signs of giving up their position as leaders in the area.
In 2021 Specialized released their third iteration of the popular Turbo Levo. Ryan tested the Levo Expert and swooned over Specialized’s newly updated Master Mind TCU (turbo control unit), seamless power delivery, suspension capability and the lovely smooth lines of its carbon fibre frame. Still, the Levo Expert sells for $16,300.00. Yes, it has adjustable geometry, the nimble handling of a mullet setup and a super punchy 2.2 motor with a 700wh battery pumping out 565 watts. But what if we could jam all of that motor performance and geometry into a more affordable package for, say, $11,700.00? Yes, it's still a lot of money; but having change for a pretty sweet riding holiday or two AND a new bike sounds pretty good, right?
