The E-Inception hit the bull's eye immediately after its launch: Test victory in the high-end E-All-Mountains! A year later, the Stevens once again came out on top in a similar test and is still one of the most versatile e-MTBs on the market today. It was therefore clear that the evergreen from Hamburg should be put through its paces. Would the Shimano motor and lightweight parts stand up to everyday use?
The facts about the Stevens E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm
- Battery: 726 Wh (Darfon, removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch/27.5 inch
- Tested frame size: 22 inch / XL
- Price: 7999 Euro
- Weight: 22.66 kg (test bike in size XL, BIKE measurement)
- Permissible total weight (manufacturer's specification): 140 kg
- Mileage: 1168 km / 60,000 vertical metres
We recruited outdoor film professional Christian Walter for the endurance test. For him, the E-Inception not only had to prove itself on altitude-intensive after-work laps in the high alpine Kleinwalsertal. Christian also regularly used the Stevens as a pack mule for his film tours and attached the youngsters to the back of the bike on the climbs. Hard work, even for the Shimano EP8 with a full 85 Newton metres.
Kleinwalsertal, Massa Vecchia, Liguria: The Stevens in action
The e-bike also shone on longer tours around Massa Vecchia and in Liguria. The battery paid off here. By today's standards, 726 watt hours is no longer a huge amount, but when the E-Inception was launched, it was hard to beat in terms of range. In addition, the built-in Darfon battery (3.8 kg) still offers a very good ratio of weight to range and thus also ensures an attractive overall weight of the bike. A short ride in boost mode or a long day's ride with reduced support? The E-Inception once set standards in this balancing act and was on a par with classics such as the Specialized Levo or Rotwild's R.X 750.
Lots of wear at the rear, few defects
The bike was used correspondingly intensively, despite the relatively low mileage at the end. No wonder, as the many metres in altitude often carry more weight than the actual distance travelled. Wear was particularly noticeable on the rear wheel. The tyre itself soon had to be replaced and was already due again at the end of the test, and the two-piston rear brake also required a conspicuous number of pad sets. With a rider weight of 95 kilos including a thick photo backpack, four pistons at the rear would probably have been better.
Also noticeable, but less surprising: the four-piston Magura on the front wheel showed a wandering pressure point in the test. Towards the end, the front brake lever almost falls through. You can counteract this by bleeding and mobilising the pistons, but both only provide temporary relief. Unfortunately, we already know the increased maintenance effort from many other Magura brakes. Scratches on the rear triangle and the slightly flaking rubber coating on the cover are the result of less than optimal transport and loading. The bike can do little about it.
E-Inception in workshop findings: used, like new
However, the discussion about such details also shows that overall, the Stevens remained extremely unremarkable during the test period. At the end of the test, we dismantled the E-Inception in the BIKE workshop and found hardly any anomalies, even considering the moderate mileage. The suspension elements and bearings were still running smoothly, the elegant carbon rims had no knocks or cracks, and the Shimano motor and the Darfon battery with 726 watt hours didn't make a fuss either.
Even the high-quality XT chain is still just below the wear limit, and the XTR drivetrain continues to sort the gears reliably. This shows: Well looked after and without too much bad weather, high-quality drive components can last a while, even on a full-power eMTB. The bike was not spared on the climbs - Christian rides almost only narrow paths uphill on his home circuit with 1500 metres of altitude and is an avowed uphill trail fan.
Stevens E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF: The endurance test results
- Mileage: 1168 km / 60,000 vertical metres
- Cost of wearing parts during the test period: 288 euros (tyres & brake pads only)
- Loss of value: approx. 4000 euros
As there were no real defects during the test period, the high loss of value is the most significant cost factor. Unfortunately, this is not atypical. Especially with e-mountainbikes, even cutting-edge technology quickly becomes obsolete. Even high-end parts such as the Raceface carbon wheels, the XTR drivetrain and the Fox Factory parts can't do much to change this. Anyone buying a bike in this price range should be aware of this.
Conclusion Christian Walter, long-term tester
The Stevens really convinced me. The geometry is still up to date today. Apart from the rear brake, there are no problems in continuous operation despite the lightweight construction. This powerful all-rounder has the potential to become a true classic - Christian Walter, c:dub films
About the endurance tester
The Kleinwalsertal local is no stranger to the bike industry. The outdoor aficionado and filmmaker prefers bikes, kites or skis and has found his calling at the interface of sport, outdoor and film. With his company c:dub films, he has shot various image campaigns ranging from mountain biking to tourism. His current documentary about bike mountaineer Harald Philipp is being shown in various German cinemas as part of the European Outdoor Film Tour (E.O.F.T.) until the beginning of 2025.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
