Prototype Pinarello MTB plus Specialized Levo SL first ride review
Our round-up of the very best tech stories of the week
This week we spotted Tom Pidock and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot aboard prototype Pinarello mountain bikes under wraps. We also filed our in-depth first-ride review of the 2023 Specialized S-Works Levo SL and looked at the special-edition Scott Spark RC of ten-time cross-country mountain bike World Champion Nino Schurter.
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Bike check - Nino Schurter’s Scott Spark RC
2023 scott sram spark nino schurter seat tube.jpg, by Liam Mercer
A special-edition colourway, the latest SRAM components and a world champion perched on its saddle, this is Nino Schurter’s new Scott Spark RC machine. The 10 time World Champion has marked this massive achievement in the way of this SE Spark that celebrates all of Nino’s racing achievements.
Scattered throughout the HMX SL Carbon frame are the location names of all his World Championship wins, and even the chain marks these occasions in small detail. The bike features SRAM’s all-new Eagle AXS tech, while a RockShox SID Ultimate fork and a RockShox Deluxe Nude tally up 120mm of suspension. As requested by Nino, the SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth have four-piston calipers, and the Syncros Silverton SL wheels are paired with Maxxis Aspen tyres.
Undercover Pinarello XC mountain bikes spotted
2023 pinarello proto2.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Covered by a black and white striped camouflage, a prototype Pinarello has been spotted being ridden by Tom Pidcock and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot. What we can see so far is the bottom bracket looks bigger to improve stiffness during strong surges of pedal power, and the rear shock seems to feature something similar to RockShox Flight Attendant to give the rider seamless automatic suspension adjustments. The front fork comes from SR Suntour and Pinarello's own component arm, MOST, looks to be creating an integrated bar and stem combo.
First ride review - Specialized S-Works Levo SL Gen II
2023 specialized s works levo sl 2 riding 1-2.jpg, by Liam Mercer
First unveiled in 2020, the Levo SL has recently gone under the knife, and we tested the 2023 model pictured here in Snowdonia, Wales.
Specialized has made changes to the frame that makes a significant difference to the overall weight of this beautiful machine, plus geometry has been tweaked to suit the terrain. This frame offers plenty of adjustability with adjustable headset cups, a flip chip for the bottom bracket height and another offering the option of a mullet or a 29-inch wheel set-up.
With its nearly silent motor, a 320Wh battery and a ground-hugging suspension feel, it's worth clicking the link below to read what Liam thought of the new S-Works Levo SL.
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