Sporty, robust, versatile: The new Stevens Izoard

The Stevens Izoard is a true classic – and not just within the Stevens range, as this model was around long before road bikes branched out into endurance, lightweight or aero variants. Like many other manufacturers, the Hamburg-based company now also has a genuine aero road bike – the Arcalis – and a typical endurance road bike – the Xenith – in its range. The ever-popular Izoard, however, remains in the range; for the 2027 model year, this speedster is set to hit the market in its next generation, featuring a newly developed carbon frame.

For tours and races: Stevens Izoard

Yet the bike remains true to its ethos, presenting itself as a sporty, robust all-rounder without any particular specialisation. The Stevens Izoard is a bike for all occasions: from an after-work training ride to long-distance rides and extended mountain tours, right through to amateur races. This new model now incorporates design features from the flagship Arcalis and Xenith models: the aero shapes of the race bike are evident on the head tube, whilst the slender rear section, with its distinctive seatpost clamp, is more reminiscent of an endurance bike.

In typical Stevens style, the design is clean and uncluttered; the frame does away with gimmicks such as an integrated storage compartment or luggage racks. One very practical feature, however, is the bag fitted as standard beneath the top tube, which was developed in collaboration with the specialists at Vaude and is secured with a Fidlock magnetic fastening.

Well-equipped

Our test bike, the Stevens Izoard, is the top-of-the-range model in the series; it is fitted with a SRAM Force groupset and carbon wheels from Vision. Given the asking price of 4,499 euros, this seems extremely good value, as most other manufacturers offer bikes in this price range fitted with Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival – groupsets that are one tier below Force.

The fact that, at just over eight kilograms, the bike cannot pull decisively ahead of its rivals in terms of weight is down to slightly cheaper components elsewhere. For example, the aluminium handlebars and the fairly basic Conti Grand Prix tyres add a little extra to the weight.

The frame – which isn’t particularly light but is very stiff – forms the basis for a model that is typical of the Hamburg-based brand: rock-solid and unassuming, even in its handling. The Stevens Izoard is very smooth-running and, at high speeds, rolls as if on rails. The comparatively agile steering nevertheless gives the bike a lively feel, so that riding through fast corners is still a pleasure, whilst you always retain the feeling of being in complete control. The riding position strikes the perfect balance between a comfortable, upright position and a racing-style, stretched-out position – overall, a pleasant balance that should suit many road cyclists.

Significantly improved: ride comfort

You can certainly stay in the saddle for a long time, as a high level of riding comfort was a top priority in the design specifications. With the newly designed seatpost clamp, Stevens has addressed a weakness of its predecessor: that model felt relatively stiff compared to other endurance bikes. Combined with the round carbon seatpost fitted here, the new Izoard now achieves a level of comfort that means it no longer has to take a back seat to the established endurance competition. The easy-to-grip top tube, with its large hand rest, and comfortable details such as the saddle and the thick handlebar tape also take the fear out of long days in the saddle.

The Izoard is also keeping up with the times when it comes to tyres; 30-millimetre-wide tyres are fitted as standard. The frame can accommodate tyres up to 32 millimetres wide, which sounds rather modest given current developments in the endurance segment. However, anyone who only rides on tarmac roads shouldn’t have a problem with this.

A customised bike from the modular system

The new Stevens Izoard is available in four pre-configured spec options; the most affordable costs 2,399 euros and is fitted with a mechanical Shimano 105 groupset. From as little as €2,999, you can get electronic shifting from Shimano or SRAM. If you’d prefer a different setup, you can also configure the Izoard yourself to suit your own preferences using Stevens’ comprehensive modular system.