Competing Powerhouse Electric Bikes: Gen 4 Turbo Levo vs Amflow PL Carbon - a side-by-side examination of the two most sizzling e-bikes currently available!
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The market-leading Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 4 and the disruptor Amflow PL Carbon Pro with DJI motor face off in a fierce battle on the trails. The latest generation of Specialized's flagship e-bike goes head-to-head against the Chinese interloper, tested and compared in a shakedown session.
The new S-Works Turbo Levo Gen 4 offers an array of features, but it struggles to match the Amflow PL Carbon Pro on power and price.
Power and Price Comparison
Two levels of the Specialized 3.1 motor can be found in the new Turbo Levo. The S-Works model, priced at £12,500, promises access to the full potential of the motor, boasting 720W and 111Nm. The Pro model, costing £10,250, is less potent, with 666W and 101Nm. The Amflow PL Carbon Pro, in contrast, delivers 850W and 105Nm (although it can be boosted to 1,000W and 120Nm in short bursts). On paper—and on the trails—the Amflow outperforms the Specialized.
Battery and Removability
Both brands focus on a larger battery to extend the e-bike's range. The Turbo Levo packs an 840Wh battery, beating the DJI's 800Wh. Smaller, lighter 600Wh units are also available from both brands. Unlike the Amflow, the Turbo Levo includes a removable battery, found quickly and easily via a door on the side of the down tube.
Frame and Geometry
While both models offer 150mm rear wheel travel and 160mm forks, the Amflow is a full 29er, whereas the Turbo Levo uses MX wheels. Adjustments on the Amflow are more limited, with options only through a flip chip at the shock, as compared to the multiple geometry options available on the Turbo Levo.
In terms of sizing, the Turbo Levo accommodates a broader range of riders, with five options unlike the four offered by Amflow. Both bikes are category 4 rated, but only the Specialized is warrantied to run up to 180mm forks, making it the obvious choice for heavier riders.
Weight Comparison
Both e-bikes feature full carbon frames, but the Turbo Levo frame weighs 2.7kg, while the Amflow claims a weight of 2.2kg. On the scales, the S-Works Turbo Levo with the 840Wh battery (size S4) weighs 23.8kg, and the Pro model weighs 24.05kg. The Amflow PL Carbon is lighter out of the box, at 21.5kg, although adding DH casing tyres and a smaller rear wheel can reduce the weight to 21.3kg.
Suspension, Controls, and Accessories
The Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 4 features a dual-rate spring curve with the ability to tune the precise feel of the shock using volume spacers. The cheaper model from Amflow offers a more free-flowing, active, and grip-enhancing shock compared to the FLoat X on the PL Carbon Pro.
The Amflow's touchscreen interface on the top tube, along with wireless handlebar controllers, contributes to an intuitive and feature-rich user experience. The Specialized integrates an Apple watch screen for a sleek, clear, and customizable display but a wired-in remote, which may not be as clean and convenient as the Amflow's DJI system.
The Turbo Levo comes with a lifetime frame bearing replacement, a generous warranty on frame and Roval wheels, and a vast dealer network. The Amflow offers five years on the frame and two years on the motor.
Pricing and Accessories
At £5,999, the Amflow PL Carbon Pro undercuts the cheapest Turbo Levo, the Comp, by £800. For that extra investment, riders can enjoy upgrades such as a SRAM wireless AXS drivetrain, burly SRAM Maven brakes, DH-casing tyres, and a piggy-back shock.
Stay tuned for in-depth reviews of both e-bikes as we test them under various conditions and compare them against other premium options featuring Bosch CX and DJI motors.
- Despite the S-Works Turbo Levo Gen 4's impressive features and the Amflow PL Carbon Pro's hefty price tag, the power comparison between the two gadgets reveals that the Amflow outperforms the Specialized in both power output and price.
- In the realm of technology and sports-analysis, the Amflow PL Carbon Pro showcases an intuitive user experience with its touchscreen interface on the top tube and wireless handlebar controllers, compared to the Specialized's Apple Watch screen integration and wired remote.
