2024 Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL2 | Trail Tested
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Pedal-assist mountain bikes have been around for years, but the category was originally greeted with resistance and skepticism by purists who deemed them “cheater bikes” or “motorcycles.” eMTBs, however, have gained massive popularity in recent years and depending on your riding area, they can seem to outnumber acoustic bicycles on the trails. Specialized was one of the first manufacturers to introduce a “lightweight” eMTB with the 2020 Turbo Levo SL (the SL designation stands for “Super Light”) and it followed up with the more aggressive enduro-based Turbo Kenevo SL in 2022. For purists, the SL bikes might be considered the “stepping stone” into eBike life, as they boast less power and weigh around 10 pounds less. We’ve been ripping an original Turbo Kenevo SL for around three years and were excited to get into the saddle of the new 2024 Turbo Kenevo SL2, which boasts an all-new motor that packs 42% more torque. While the rest of the bicycle returns unchanged, the 50 nm of torque (compared to the original SL’s 35 nm) that the new SL1.2 motor produces changes the bike’s personality. While the original KSL was tough to pedal in the ECO power setting – it actually felt tougher to climb with than a standard Enduro – the added power of the KSL2 motor makes it feel just like an Enduro; the pedal assist in effect making up for the added weight of the electric motor and its associated componentry. We were already huge fans of the KSL and Enduro platforms, and the KSL2 could very well be our favorite all-around mountain bike, ever. The S-Works Kenevo SL2 was originally priced at $14,000, but it has already come down to $11,999. Of course, Specialized will follow with more affordable versions of the KSL2 in the coming weeks. Find out more about the KSL2 at specialized.com
The Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL2 S-Works model is in stock and available at Roy’s Cyclery
