Stevens Aspin (photo above)
The aluminium racer named after a Pyrenean pass has long been a classic in the Stevens range. The stable, black anodised frame is quite light at 1,275 grams and is very well equipped for the price range with the complete Ultegra. With a chainring combination of 50/34 teeth at the front and a wide-stepped cassette, the bike is just as well equipped for the high-speed chase at the Cyclassics as it is for mountain pass tours in the high mountains. The thick handlebars, which are angled towards the rider, are easy to grip and their relatively short pre-bend softens the sporty riding position a little. The own-brand Oxygen saddle is comfortable if the narrow shape suits you. The smooth-rolling, 25 millimetre wide top-of-the-range Continental tyres contribute to the impeccable riding impression, which you would normally only find on mail-order bikes in this price range. The Aspin is not far off the mark in terms of price either: € 1,700 is fair for the performance on offer. The fact that Stevens can supply the frame in eight sizes is another argument in favour of the Aspin.
CONCLUSION Lightweight, stable, well-built aluminium racer with a sporty, stretched seating position. Robust and functionally equipped. Mountain-friendly gearing, top tyres, eight sizes. Fairly priced
OVERALL SCORE 1.7
Price 1,699 Euro
Weight 7.8 kilos
Info www.stevensbikes.de
Available in specialised shops
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,275/425/90 grammes
Frame sizes** 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 555/560/158 mm
Stack/Reach*** 565/391 mm/1.45
Equipment
Drive Shimano Ultegra (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Wheels/Tyres**** Mavic Aksium/Continental Grand Prix 4000S II 25C (v/h: 1,166/1,595 grams)
Stevens Izoard
100 euros more expensive than the Aspin, 200 grams heavier and "only" a 105 groupset on board instead of the Ultegra: At first glance, the Cabon-Izoard clearly has the edge over the aluminium Aspin from the same company. But the two Stevens models are not quite so easy to compare. In direct comparison, the Izoard offers a much sportier ride, which is surprising when you look at the very similar geometry data. However, the handlebars on the Izoard are bent further forward and the distance to the brake levers and the lower handlebars is correspondingly longer. The narrower stepped cassette also suits the competition-orientated design. However, it would be more consistent if a 52/36-tooth drivetrain were fitted instead of the compact crankset. There is nothing to be said against the technical values of the carbon frame. 1,072 grams for the frame is fine, even heavy riders don't have to worry about the stiffness values. The heavier equipment cancels out the weight advantage of the carbon frame over the Aspin.
CONCLUSION Solid, stable carbon frame with functionally flawless equipment. Relatively stretched seating position. Seven frame sizes
OVERALL GRADE 1.9
Price 1,799 Euro
Weight 8.0 kilos
Info www.stevensbikes.de
Available in specialised shops
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,072/439/89 grammes
Frame sizes** 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 560/555/156 mm
Stack/Reach*** 564/388 mm/1.45
Equipment
Drive Shimano 105 (50/34 t.; press-fit)
Brakes/gears Shimano 105
Wheels/Tyres**** Citec Accelerator/Continental Grand Sport 25C (v/h: 1,151/1,773 grams)
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement 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 riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.
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