Stealthy EMtb:Bulls or Levo?

[Josh888]

Hi guys. My local dealers don’t have any to look at, so I’m in the process of requesting them for test rides, and I’m looking for feedback from those of you who have seen them in person:which makes/bikes look the most like non-electric bikes? Thanks in advance.

 

[MikeDD]

I have a Levo, it does not have a control panel on the handlebars. There is a small button for levels of assist. All of the data on a control panel is in the Mission Control App for your smartphone. At first I thought I would miss data being visible in front of me all the time. I don't. I ride for fun not miles or speed. I was visiting with some walkers and one asked if it was an e-bike, the give away being the lights on the side of the down tube that indicate the amount of battery charge. These lights may have been moved to the top of the down tube.

I tried various brands and the Levo fit my body the best. Specialized has 4 frame sizes that may help with fit.

 

[Josh888]

I have a Levo, it does not have a control panel on the handlebars. There is a small button for levels of assist. All of the data on a control panel is in the Mission Control App for your smartphone. At first I thought I would miss data being visible in front of me all the time. I don't. I ride for fun not miles or speed. I was visiting with some walkers and one asked if it was an e-bike, the give away being the lights on the side of the down tube that indicate the amount of battery charge. These lights may have been moved to the top of the down tube.

I tried various brands and the Levo fit my body the best. Specialized has 4 frame sizes that may help with fit.

Reply
Yes, I think they moved that display to the top of the tube, which I would think would help. How do you like your Levo, and have you seen the 2019 for a comparison?

 

[bob armani]

Test rode both the Men's Turbo Levo and the Expert. They both are very stealthy and do have that E-bike look at 1st glance. Both bikes performed quite well, however the Expert was far superior in ride quality and responsiveness overall, however not very budget friendly. The Men's Turbo was a bit more sluggish, and you had to work a little harder to get your speed up. As stated no obvious interface on the bars. Switched all PAS levels on the button located on the downtube. I found that to be a little out of place with the access point by my middle thigh. Just my own impressions. I believe more stealthy than the Bulls. Ride before you buy could be your best option. Happy shopping.

 

[MikeDD]

I like my Levo. What really sold me was the fit. At 5'6" with a 30" inseam and long arms I struggled to find the right bike. With a medium frame and the dropper down, I can put my feet on the ground. I was fortunate to purchase a rental with a dropper seat post and tubeless tires. The battery had been charged 10 times as indicated by the Mission Control App. The savings was over $1000.00. I was the original purchaser when I registered the bike with Specialized.

You can adjust the different PAS levels with the App. I changed the lowest assist to provide more power than the standard settings. This allows quicker starts from stop signs and starting on hills. My bike has the PAS switch on the handlebars next to the dropper lever.

 

[linklemming]

I think the 2019 levo is the definition of 'stealth' for an FS eMTB. Trek also seem stealthy.

After test riding many bikes in the fall of 2018, I settled on a Bulls Evo 3 27.5+ hardtail. Stealth was a major factor and the Brose motor is the most quiet of the bunch. My use case didnt really need FS but if it did, a turbo levo would have been the pick.

I also own a 2018 Juiced Bikes CCX and a DIY hardtail TSDZ2 conversion. While the Bulls requires the most user input (for power), it is the most like riding a non-ebike.

I have ridden a 2019 Levo and consider it 'perfection' for what I would want from a FS eMTB. Hope to own one soon. My Bulls works for what is currently 'legal', if that changed even slightly, I would own a Levo as well.