2021 Trek Rail 9.7 vs 2022 Specialized Levo Expert back to back! I've let my buddy George (Vet moto rider and E-MTB rider), Nick (Vet moto rider, long time MTB rider), Dave (Vet moto rider and former F-16 fighter pilot), and my son Chase (fast moto rider) all ride both of these bikes back to back at Horns Hill. All of them picked the Trek Rail over the new Levo Expert. The common theme was the Trek simply felt better. The suspension was more compliant leading to better tire contact patch feel in the corners and if you came up short on a jump it absorbed it better. The Trek had a more freer feel on the trail rolling with less effort and the Bosch motor was powerful yet controlled. They all felt more confident riding the Rail and simply liked the overall performance better.
I can understand the handling, suspension, and Bosch motor comments about the Rail from my riding buddies. I really like the smoothness of the Brose motor in the Levo. Plus the motor character is totally tunable with the Mission Control app. The Levo also has adjustable geometry at the headset - something I have not changed yet but like having the ability to experiment.
For this back to back I am out numbered 4 to 1! The Rail wins!
