Are you looking for a capable, lightweight eMTB to be able to blast the downhills? Then the new Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL 2021 with its 170 mm travel and Specialized 1.1 motor could be the right machine for you. We tested the 18.7 kg, Light eMTB and can tell you how it rides on the trail.
18.7 kg in size S4 | € 13,999 | Manufacturer’s website
At first glance, it quickly becomes apparent who the new Specialized bike’s mentor was. The slim and lightweight Kenevo SL might have the Turbo Kenevo as its namesake, but looks more similar to the capable, analogue Specialized Enduro! If you’ve been looking for a Specialized bike that lets you take on really hard downhill trails, you previously had the pick of the analogue Enduro or the Turbo Kenevo and Turbo Levo eMTBs, both equipped with the powerful Brose Drive S Mag motor. As a Light eMTB with low levels of assistance, the Kenevo SL closes the gap between the most capable bikes in Specialized’s lineup and relies on the same motor concept found in its little brother, the Turbo Levo SL.
The new Specialized Kenevo SL has the Kenevo as its namesake, but its spiritual kin are the Enduro and Levo SL!
Pants DHARCO GRAVITY | Shoes Specialized 2FO DH Clip
The goal of the innovative motor concept: on the downhills, the bike is supposed to offer similar handling to an analogue bike, on the uphills you can enjoy the advantages of an eMTB. For Specialized, the optimal compromise is found in the combination of the Specialized 1.1 motor, capable of doubling your input, paired with a lightweight 320 Wh battery. As such, the weight difference to the analogue Enduro is smaller than that to the Kenevo, while the visual similarities are immediately apparent. The design language of the carbon frame, geometry and suspension leave no question as to which example the Kenevo SL follows. The suspension design is also based on the kinematics of the Enduro, designed to allow Specialized to tune the suspension to suit the 29″ wheels and 170 mm travel precisely.
You’re probably asking which bike is right for you: Kenevo SL, Levo SL, Enduro or even the new, capable Levo? You can find all the information about the new Specialized Kenevo SL and a recommendation on who should buy which bike in our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE.
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Words: Photos: Jonas Müsssig
