Stevens Aspin - Good niche place
Measured against current standards, the Aspin from the Hamburg-based bike manufacturer seems a little out of date. While the competition equips its aluminium fleet with disc brakes or aerodynamically optimises tube profiles, Stevens does its thing with Hanseatic imperturbability. Although the Aspin was occasionally available as a disc version, for a few years now the North Germans have been sending it back into the race exclusively with rim brakes - and thus successfully occupying a niche. The aluminium racer, with its classic look and great workmanship, proves that it is not old hat in the test lab and on the road.
Resounding name
Named after the Col d'Aspin pass in the Pyrenees, the road bike is unrivalled in its lightness compared to the candidates with disc brakes: it weighs up to 1600 grams less; in addition to the brakes, it benefits from one of the lighter aluminium frames in the TOUR test history. In combination with the extremely stretched seating position, the Aspin is aimed at sporty riders and is less suitable for randonneurs.
The low tyre clearance is a tribute to the rim brakes, with no more than 25 millimetres. A little more suspension comfort than from the tyres can be achieved with a carbon seat post, which Stevens offers in the configurator from a complete bike price of 1799 euros, along with many other equipment options. As a standard bike, the aluminium racer we tested is available with full Ultegra equipment and simple Fulcrum wheels. Tuning tip for little money: The handlebar tape in carbon look matches the sporty character of the Aspin, but offers little grip - especially when riding at the height of summer.
TOUR also tested these aluminium road bikes
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Cube Attain HPA SLX
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Fuji SL-A 1.3
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Canyon Endurace 7
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Radon R1 Disc Ultegra
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Rose Reveal AL Ultegra
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Specialized Allez Sport
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Trek Emonda ALR 5
Stevens Aspin - Details and evaluation
- Price1999 Euro
- Weight: 8.1 Kilo
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1,442/443/81 grams
- Frame sizes** 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64
- Seat/top tube/head tube 565/555/156 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 560/397 millimetres/1.41
- Wheelbase/caster 990/58 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Ultegra (2x11; 50/34, 11-32 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Ultegra
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Fulcrum Racing 600/Continental Grand Prix 25 millimetres (front/rear: 1241/1665 grams)
Strengths: Lightweight aluminium frame, customising in the configurator, eight sizes
Weaknesses: little spring comfort
>> The Stevens Aspin gets an overall TOUR score of 2.3, making it one of the test winners
* Weighed weights.
** Manufacturer's specification, Test size bold.
*** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
**** Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
