Innovations at Bentonville Bike Fest, New Turbo Levo Alloy, Revel Bikes is Back | TWR Ep 33

The Bentonville Bike Fest wrapped up May 23–25, delivering plenty of excitement for cycling fans with much to check out, demo opportunities, and brand showcases. However, beyond the big-name displays, the event also provided a platform for emerging startups to shine.

One of the more noteworthy programs was a showcase supported by the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA), which helps early-stage companies (pre–Series A) bring innovative ideas to market. Ten companies were selected to receive support from a $125,000 fund established by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, with matching contributions from the Walton Family Foundation.

Among the cohort:

• Skarper, a London-based firm developing a promising clip-on e-bike conversion kit.
• Lockstop, a Bentonville startup that adds locks to existing public bike racks that secure bikes and generate transit data for cities.
• Posedla, a Czech company producing 3D-printed saddles customized to riders using a sit-bone imprinting kit.

Our Take: Festivals and bike shows are always a good time, but Bentonville stands out for its deep connection to cycling, which is deeply ingrained in the town’s culture. Programs like AGCA don’t just support innovation—they help embed forward-thinking bike tech in the region, which could pay dividends for both Arkansas and the broader industry.

The latest generation of the Specialized Turbo Levo made waves with a beefed-up motor offering 101Nm of torque and a peak output of 666W. Combined with 150mm rear / 160mm front suspension and proven geometry, the new Levo is a potent all-mountain machine.

Specialized initially launched the carbon S-Works and Comp builds, but now two aluminum-frame options are joining the lineup: the Turbo Levo Alloy and Turbo Levo Comp Alloy, starting at $5,799 and $7,299, respectively. Both retain major features like mullet wheels, 4-piston brakes, and 12-speed drivetrains. The primary differences lie in component spec and frame weight.

Our Take: It’s great to see the Turbo Levo platform becoming more accessible. Getting the same high-torque motor and large battery in a sub-$6K package opens the door for a much wider group of riders. Yes, the aluminum frame adds a few pounds—the Comp Alloy is reportedly 57 lbs versus 53 lbs for the Comp Carbon—but the performance gains might make that a small trade-off. We’ve just received our test unit and are excited to see how it rides.

Photo credit: Bike Rumor

Earlier this year, Revel Bikes announced plans to shut down unless a buyer emerged. Now that the buyer has stepped forward, founder Adam Miller, who originally launched the brand before selling it to a private equity firm in 2021.

The closure announcement came unexpectedly, especially after Revel had just unveiled three new bikes at Sea Otter, including its first e-MTB. But under the firm’s aggressive growth strategy, the company struggled to stay afloat as the bike market softened.

Now back in Miller’s hands, Revel aims to refocus on quality and grow sustainably with help from a small, passionate team.

Our Take: After so many closures in the past two years, it’s refreshing to see a brand come back from the brink—especially under the leadership of its original founder. Adam Miller’s passion for the brand has never been in question, and we’re hopeful this back-to-basics approach will give Revel the footing it needs to thrive again.