The Stevens is not only a black and grey little mouse in appearance (white/orange available as an alternative colour), the bike also lacks any outstanding character traits. With the heavy wheelset (4696 grams) and the tough Recon fork weighing over two kilos, the S8 won't win any mountain prizes. Especially as the front wheel of the tourer quickly lifts off the ground on steep slopes. Downhill, the gripping, easy to modulate Deore brakes come up trumps. However, the narrow, cranked handlebars make the steering feel nervous. However, this can be quickly defused with wide handlebars and a short stem. The alternative to the S8: more attractive in colour and equipped with the significantly better and lighter Recon Gold fork, the S9 is available for an extra 200 euros.
PLUS Good brake
MINUS Weak handling characteristics, heavy wheels, heavy fork
Tuning tip Shorter stem and wider handlebars; lightweight tubes/tyres
Conclusion: for occasional bikers. More ambitious riders should invest 200 euros more for the better S9.
