RRAPTRR
New Member
A few weeks ago, I made the plunge (gulp) and picked up the S-Works Turbo Levo. This baby had been sitting at the front display of my local bike shop for a few months, and every time I walked by it called my name! Before this, I was riding a Luna-Cycle converted Trek mid-drive.. but it just wasn't up to the task of the off-road abuse! Both me and the bike were getting too beat up! I figured it was time for an upgrade, and had been eyeing this bike for too long.
Originally, I was going to go with a Comp model and MAYBE an Expert... But I asked what they would REALLY sell it to me for, as the sticker MSRP is $9500 on this bad boy. We negotiated a bit, and they eventually agreed to sell it for 20% off since it's technically a 2016 model, which came out to $7600. Essentially the same price as the 2017 Expert model they had also (they wouldn't discount 2017 bikes).
From the very first trail ride... I was both hooked, and blown away. My converted bike made it easy to go anywhere, but it was NOT on the same level of fun and not NEARLY as smooth as this bike. The way this thing tackles the rough downhill sections is just incredible... literally floats over rocks I used to have to navigate around a bit. Even when not using the power, it feels like you're cheating when flying downhill because of how well it tackles the rough terrain.
I've used the bike primarily in ECO mode, which I programmed to 25% assist. This is more than enough to get you up any hills you need (assuming you gear way down when you need to) and still give you a crazy good workout... you just cover an amazing amount of trails while doing so! I put the "Trail" power level at 45% for when I really need a push... and left the "TURBO" mode at 100%, which I've only used a handful of times just for fun (and boy, is it fun).
The S-Works model stands out a bit from the Expert, mostly because of the carbon fiber wheels and handle bars... I weighed the bike at 48.7 pounds with pedals, and tubeless conversion (tires filled with fluid)... which seems reasonable considering!
For now, I've yet to really find anything I DON'T like about the bike. The clean integration and lack of control screen I actually LOVE. Very stealthy look! I do have a Garmin Edge 820 that I use on the bike on occasion... allows you to also adjust the power output and view battery life, from the Garmin!
Can't say enough great things about the bike... highly recommend you try one, if you get the chance!
Matt
Originally, I was going to go with a Comp model and MAYBE an Expert... But I asked what they would REALLY sell it to me for, as the sticker MSRP is $9500 on this bad boy. We negotiated a bit, and they eventually agreed to sell it for 20% off since it's technically a 2016 model, which came out to $7600. Essentially the same price as the 2017 Expert model they had also (they wouldn't discount 2017 bikes).
From the very first trail ride... I was both hooked, and blown away. My converted bike made it easy to go anywhere, but it was NOT on the same level of fun and not NEARLY as smooth as this bike. The way this thing tackles the rough downhill sections is just incredible... literally floats over rocks I used to have to navigate around a bit. Even when not using the power, it feels like you're cheating when flying downhill because of how well it tackles the rough terrain.
I've used the bike primarily in ECO mode, which I programmed to 25% assist. This is more than enough to get you up any hills you need (assuming you gear way down when you need to) and still give you a crazy good workout... you just cover an amazing amount of trails while doing so! I put the "Trail" power level at 45% for when I really need a push... and left the "TURBO" mode at 100%, which I've only used a handful of times just for fun (and boy, is it fun).
The S-Works model stands out a bit from the Expert, mostly because of the carbon fiber wheels and handle bars... I weighed the bike at 48.7 pounds with pedals, and tubeless conversion (tires filled with fluid)... which seems reasonable considering!
For now, I've yet to really find anything I DON'T like about the bike. The clean integration and lack of control screen I actually LOVE. Very stealthy look! I do have a Garmin Edge 820 that I use on the bike on occasion... allows you to also adjust the power output and view battery life, from the Garmin!
Can't say enough great things about the bike... highly recommend you try one, if you get the chance!
Matt
(and any pics too!)
