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Stevens has been making a name for itself with e-bikes for some time now. Although the Hamburg-based company actually in the sporty segment with racing handlebars are also at home on motorised bikes, which have already won various tests. The E-Inception won the mountain bike categorythe lightweight urban bike E-Strada FEQ secured the sports tip in our last test of lightweight e-bikes.
With the E-Simeto, Stevens is now attempting a balancing act. With the Bosch Light Motor Performance SX, the bike is lighter than classic e-bikes, but should offer more comfort and significantly easier handling than the minimalist E-Strada. We test whether the concept works in practice.
Stevens E-Simeto: Details
- Price: 3999 Euro >> available here
- Drive: Bosch SX, Purion 200, 400 Wh
- Circuit: Enviolo Urban (stepless)
- Translation: 256 per cent
- Brakes: Tektro Volans (two-piston)
- Tyres: Continental Urban Contact, 55 mm
- Lighting system: v. / h. Supernova Mini 3, 125 lux / Supernova TL3
- Luggage carrier: Racktime front carrier
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapes: Diamond, trapezoid
- Fork: Stevens S-Lite Aluminium
- Permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Enviolo and belt, LED support, frame lock
- Weight: 23.9 kg (MYBIKE measurement)
Is the power of the mini engine sufficient?
The centrepiece of the E-Simeto is the Bosch Performance SX motor (tested here)which is otherwise known primarily from sporty light e-mountainbikes. However, the small Bosch also looks great in lightweight urban and trekking bikes, for example the good and affordable Centurion Speeddrive (reviewed here) the weight to well under 20 kilos.
Compared to a classic e-system, the combination of mini motor and small battery saves around three kilograms. The power of the Bosch SX is easily sufficient for urban use. A maximum of 55 Newton metres is possible, but the peak power can reach a generous 600 watts for short periods.
Focus on user-friendliness
Many manufacturers also opt for a permanently installed battery for even less weight. Stevens, on the other hand, opts for the heavy solution with a removable battery. The right choice, because the E-Simeto prioritises user-friendliness over lightweight construction anyway.
At just under 24 kilos, the bike is not heavy for a robust city e-bike with a frame lock, but it is not a real lightweight either. Lightweight E-SUVs like the Diamant Zing Trip Plus (test here) weigh a similar amount in some cases - despite the larger motor and battery.
This also means that the E-Simeto is not always a pleasure to handle on a daily basis. 24 kilos are a challenge even for fit riders if you have to carry the bike or lift it up a flight of basement stairs. On the other hand, the Stevens scores with features that are rarely found on lighter bikes.
A front carrier can carry loads of up to 10 kg. Thanks to the frame lock, the bike can be parked quickly and securely. The Gates drive belt also makes the E-Simeto low-maintenance in the long term.
With the Enviolo Urban drivetrain, the gear ratio can be adjusted as intuitively as possible using the twist grip and is even infinitely variable. In city traffic from 10 to 30 km/h you can easily pedal along, but for steep climbs or longer descents you would wish for a little more range from the Enviolo hub.
Flexibility in city traffic and comfort with and without loads
The cockpit is pleasing with comfortable handlebars with plenty of back bend and good wing grips. You sit upright and comfortably. However, the frame feels stiff. It is therefore important to adjust the tyre pressure to elicit some comfort from the unsprung wheel. The mudguards over the wide urban tyres provide reliable weather protection.
Thanks to the front carrier and optional rear carrier, the Stevens can easily handle heavier loads. The bike is approved for a total weight of up to 140 kilos (rider, bike and luggage). A centre stand is also available as an accessory.
In this function, as a lightweight urban and flexible transport bike, the E-Simeto is in its element. It is not really built for long tours. The agile riding characteristics are pleasing. However, the gear ratio and the rather small battery with 400 watt hours limit it on long rides.
The 400 Bosch battery provides a good range for fast and light SX bikes with derailleur gears. They often roll along quickly even in Eco mode. The Stevens with Enviolo hub and higher weight, on the other hand, is better ridden with more support. Ranges of around 50 kilometres are realistic here without the optional Power More range extender.
Strengths
- Low-maintenance with belt and hub gears
- Versatile in urban use
- Good visibility and clean look
- fair price
Weaknesses
- Range and gear range could be better
- Rather stiff, less comfortable frame
MYBIKE conclusion on the Stevens E-Simeto
The Stevens E-Simeto is an uncomplicated and user-friendly urban e-bike with a stylish look and a fair price-performance ratio. The Bosch SX motor makes the bike a little lighter and is perfectly adequate for city use. The gear ratio can be limiting on tours, and useful accessories such as a pannier rack and centre stand must be purchased separately. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
