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really want to believe forbidden saw the crab link convo in here and gave us a little nod with this one.
I screen shoted the photos of the Forbidden ebike. Are we sure this bike is using the DJI Avinox motor? I can’t see any motor in the photos which leads me to believe it’s hidden behind the chainring, so either a) a new model DJI motor or b) it’s a TQ.
Unless the photos are edited/not accurate.
Edit- could also be the Fazua.
I have it on very good authority that it’s a DJI motor.
From a while back from Forbidden's founder's IG, can clearly see "DJI" on the screen
DJI Avinox, 800Wh.
So a more traditional crab high-pivot like the Norco's. Glad they ditched the shock tunnel, giving you the option for a longer dropper (and easier access to the shock). I can only fit a 175 in my Druid v2.
Looks like an orbea wild and norco sight VLT had a baby. Neat.
What size V2 do you have?
New Revels coming in hot:
https://revelbikes.com/bikes/
And a much higher Damper position in general.
Been posted a few times…
Aye, but it's useful information to know that the whole team are moving to this prototype and it's not a one off. My theory is that a lot of teams are going to switch to the high pivot "4+2 bar" linkages as they switch their focus from geo (we've kinda reached peak geo) to anti-rise, anti squat and leverage rates. With the shock linkage, you can fine tune leverage rate separate to the axle path and anti-rise. With the idler, you can tune anti-squat independently of these values too.
Neko Mulally at Frameworks has kind of gone in the opposite direction, he's baked in a leverage rate and anti squat that he likes, but he's got a brake arm to test out different levels of anti rise.
Specialized Levo 4 is live. All the details and first ride impressions - https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/e-bikes/specialized/turbo-levo-64786#comment-598601
I am personally very concerned about the ability for the user to toggle to class 3 and the higher speed cutoff. Specialized just opened a can of worms with access issues and ebikes being lumped in with electric motorbikes. Going to be interesting to see how this plays out.
Really wish Spesh would have just shadow funded their own version of STUnlocker not associated with their brand. I personally don't think the class 3 thing will be a huge issue outside of us nerds here but it's just unnecessary. The eSUV crowd and mountain bikers who want to derestrict their bike will find out how to do so with a Google search.
I'm going to go out on a fairly sturdy limb here and say that the venn diagram of riders who buy the new Levo and use the class 3 thing to plod down the blue Flow trail at Soquel Demo near Specialized HQ (where ebikes are technically not allowed) would look awfully close to a single circle.
(Disclosure: I've ridden my ebike there too, but only go there like once a year because its so vanilla.)
So much this. The opportunity for land access people to just say "well as even you can't tell the difference anymore unless you physically stop someone and check their machine the easiest thing is just to ban all bikes" I know access issues are different all over the world but the risks here out weigh the gains.
"In the US market, access to those options is open to the user, with Specialized saying it’s “up to the rider to switch modes according to local rules and regulations”
I trust Specialized are going to be very clear to the dealers that all the sales floor reps have to make this crystal clear to potential purchasers.
Does that also mean that in Europe that option isn't available (i.e geo-restricted software?)
My god, the class 3 thing is a nightmare locally. We're going through a major US forest service recreation plan "re-work" and eBike access is a huge sticking point. The local MTB advocacy group was for opening up class 1 access but not class 3 because no one reputable made them. Thus implying that class 1 was as far as mtb eBikes would go.
But that argument is moot now.
As for my two cents? I don't honestly care all that much personally, but the access can-o-worms in the US at least makes me want to puch everyone at specialized in the face.
Fair play to the PB review for calling it out.
It is going to be a problem for sure. First retailer email I've seen on it (NB: I don't think ProBike Supply is going to be unique here so it is not about them mentioning it).
Kind of feels like a jack of all trades sitting among a large group of masters of specific applications...
Want a fast uphill focused trail bike: AMflow
Want a fast descender: Crestline, Orbea Wild
Want a well balanced trail/enduro bike: New Mondraker Crafty
Want to pay more, for a heavier and worse specced bike: Specialised...
For all the marketing leading up to this, it’s actually just a pretty bland bike with a bit more power and battery. Specialized likes to talk about how innovative they are, but if this is their big release nothing about it really stands out at all.
Can’t believe the new Levo has the same short chainstay length for all sizes in 2025… Was this designed before the Stumpy 15? 🤦
I read flip chips can extend them to 444mm.
C'mon folks, it's ONE (1) click away: "Adjustable chain stay length"
https://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/e-bikes/specialized/turbo-levo-6…
You've got that backwards, It is a class 3 ebike with the option to turn on a 20mph speed limiter. That is the only way to logically treat this bike, and it is definitely a bad idea. Be prepared for land managers to not allow any specialized ebikes because of it.
Forbidden went full gas on the crab link
Many would argue that’s still way too short for the s5 and s6. My size medium Raaw has 445 chainstays, adjustable up to 450 on a 455 reach.