Bike Park Laps on the New 2022 Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL // First Ride & Media Camp Interview

Hot on the heels of the recently released Turbo Levo, big hit eMTB fans are sure to get their electrons moving at the sight of the new Specialized Kenevo SL. Offering a rider a “2X You” amplified ride that’s 12-pounds lighter than their full-powered Kenevo, the new Kenevo SL promises a ride experience closer to that of the Specialized Enduro than that of heavier, full-power eBikes. While we’ve only had a limited amount of time on the new Kenevo SL, here’s our first take and the tech on what makes this bike tick.

The new Specialized Kenevo SL comes in at 41 3/4lbs for the S-Works model and packs 170mm of travel both front and rear. An impressive weight for such a capable big travel eBike for sure. The Kenevo SL is 12lbs lighter than the previous Kenevo and 8.8lbs heavier than its analog cousin, the Enduro.

Specialized’s Super Light or SL motor and controller are the heartbeat of this new Kenevo. Much like the new Levo, the Kenevo SL benefits from advancements in technology, more sophisticated algorithms and software improvements to offer a very intuitive and seamless application of power. We’re excited to spend more time on the bike on our home trails to see how these big claims hold up. The new motor puts out 240 watts of power and 35Nm of torque with a very natural power curve, supplied with juice from a 320wh battery. Specialized claim that the ideal cadence for power delivery and maximum efficiency is 75 RPM, which is a pretty natural stroke for most riders. Obviously for converted eBikers, 35Nm is a definite reduction in power compared to other Specialized Turbo-equipped bikes, and those from Shimano and Bosch who have max torque numbers of 80Nm or more, but this also is a different category of bike.

Controlling and modulating that power is Specialized’s latest hardware and software. The Mastermind TCU is very simple to use but offers a ton of rider data and control over the bike, even on the fly. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass and keeps you worry free out on the trail whether it’s raining or splattering mud. This new system displays exact battery percentage (bonus when you add a range extender it goes up to 150%!), and has the ability to be personalized to display one of several arrangements of your choosing.

One of my favorite features of the new TCU (new Levo and Kenevo SL) is the MicroTune. It can be accessed on the fly and it allows the rider to choose their power delivery in increments of 10%. Want to get back to the top as fast as possible? Crank it up! Out for a ride with a bunch of rigid singlespeeders who hate technology? Drop that power all the way down and maximize your range and suffering! The MicroTune feature allows you to fine tune the power delivery for your day and ride while not having to stick to the stock modes.

Check out our full first ride report here:
https://theloamwolf.com/2021/05/13/fi...

Check out the full press release here:
https://theloamwolf.com/2021/05/13/th...

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