With the "Aspin", you would love to plunge down the Pyrenean pass of the same name: frame fluttering is not an issue in view of the proud 105 Newton metres per degree in the steering head and a laterally stiff fork. Stevens equips the bike with the triple version of the "Ultegra SL" groupset to take the fear out of counter-climbs. Two details cost the bike two tenths in the final score: The seat post with screw-in clamp is no longer considered up-to-date because incorrect handling with this clamping principle can lead to the post head breaking. The choice of tyres is also incomprehensible. Simple clincher tyres not only push the weight upwards, but also accumulate numerous stones due to their soft rubber compound. They also emphasise their high rolling resistance with a bright, buzzing rolling noise.
PLUSextremely stable ride; robust surface
MINUS: Seat post not up to date; simple clincher tyres
Web: www.stevensbikes.de
Correction: In the test of the 1,500 euro racers, we criticised the "Aspin" from Stevens for allegedly having clincher tyres fitted. Wrongly so: the UltraSport tyres from Continental fitted are the folding version. The bike's overall rating therefore improved from 2.4 to 2.3.
Weighted weights; **Test frame size greased; ***Projected dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of head tube; ****Saddle to head tube rise at 75 cm seat height (centre of saddle frame - top edge of headset cap)
