• All-new full-suspension e-bike from Specialized
  • 170mm travel front and rear
  • Turbo Superlight 250-watt motor with 320Wh battery
  • 12-pound (claimed) weight savings over current Kenevo

Price: $15,000 (S-Works), $11,000 (Expert), $8,500 (S-Works frame)


[Note: This is a preview of this new bike model. We do not yet have the bike in our hands, but we’ll keep you updated once we get a chance to ride one on the trail.]

Specialized has made some rather bold claims about the weight, performance, and interface of its new Kenevo SL full-suspension e-bike that, if they hold true, could shake up the power-assist mountain bike market and move some goalposts.

The marketing package on the new Kenevo SL models lists key features including a full monocoque carbon frame, integrated Turbo Superlight 250-watt motor, 320Wh battery with 4.5-hour ride time (plus optional 160Wh range extension battery pack), and 170mm suspension travel on both ends—all while shaving “around five and a half kilo” (12 lb. 2 oz.) off the existing Kenevo platform and adding only 8.8 pounds when compared to its non-Turbo model, the Enduro.

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While we do not yet have a Kenevo SL in our possession to check the actual weight, if these numbers hold true, it should weigh well under 40 pounds. While not exactly svelte in comparison to most non-pedal-assist offerings out there, the Kenevo will likely be about 8 to 10 pounds lighter than competitors such as the Santa Cruz Bullit and YT Decoy. This weight will put it right in the ballpark of many top-level downhill bikes.

The Kenevo SL model clearly draws a lot of influence from the aforementioned Enduro model, visually cutting an almost identical profile. Spec-wise, both Kenevo SL models will roll on 29-inch wheels with 2.3-inch wide tires. Suspension duties are handled by Fox dampers front and rear, the drivetrain is 12-speed SRAM, and four-piston SRAM Code brakes will help you keep speed in check. There will also be a frame-only option for the S-Works model.

In addition to a new carbon frame and reduced weight, the Kenevo SL looks to be adding to the software functionality, as well, with the MasterMind Turbo Control Unit from the latest Levo, including over-the-air updates, on-the-fly adjustment of peak power, “Live Consumption” reading, and heart rate-monitor pairing.

We will have to spend some saddle time on the Kenevo SL to see how useful some of these improvements will be on the trail, but on paper it all seems like a rather enticing package.

According to our contacts at Specialized, bikes and frames are available now at "finer Specialized dealers", so keep your eyes out for them. We will keep you updated with details and a ride review once we have a bike in our hands.


The Kenevo SL Models


Specialized Kenevo SL S-Works

specialized kenevo sl
Specialized Kenevo SL S-Works - $15,000
Courtesy of Specialized

Specialized Kenevo SL Expert

specialized kenevo sl expert
Specialized Kenevo SL Expert - $11,000
Courtesy

Specialized Kenevo SL S-Works Frame

specialized kenevo sl s works frame
Specialized Kenevo SL S-Works Frame - $8,500
Courtesy