The first special feature of the Stevens E-Inception ED: the large battery is permanently installed in the carbon chassis. This imposes certain restrictions, but is intended to keep the weight low. Unfortunately, this is only partially successful. Despite the carbon fibre on the main frame and rear triangle, the bike checks in at a whopping 25 kilos. However, the equipment is fully enduro-compatible. Thick 38 mm fork from SR Suntour, massive Eddy Current rear tyre with supergravity casing.
Off-road, the e-bike is very balanced and unobtrusive. It can cope with rough bumpy sections as well as winding flow sections. Demanding uphills anyway! However, the Stevens E-Inception ED doesn't really stand out in enduro terrain. The rear suspension works comfortably, but feels like it has less travel than the 170 millimetres indicated. The rear end is not as plush as that of Rocky Mountain, Giant, Radon or Specialized. Overall, we see the bike more as a capable touring and all-mountain bike with plenty of reserves than a racy full-throttle enduro bike.
You can find an overview of all 7 E-Enduro bikes tested here. In it, we discuss in detail, among other things, the Motorswhich Reach heights and the question of whether a Light E-MTB or a classic E-Enduro is the better choice.
The wide 2.6 tyres are also aimed more at comfort and riding safety than super-precise hunting for the ideal line. The new 38 mm Durolux fork from Suntour is very sensitive and leaves a good impression. The Stevens is easy on the climbs. Although the front is quite high, you still sit a little stretched out on the long bike. Added to this are the long wheelbase and the powerful Bosch motor. As a result, the Stevens E-Inception ED climbs even difficult uphills with ease.
Conclusion by Florentin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief of EMTB:
"Comfortable all-rounder with balanced riding characteristics. There are racier candidates for tough enduro use. Very confident uphill. Attention: no removable battery."
Technical data and notes Stevens E-Inception ED 8.7.1 GTF
General information
- Price: 6299 Euro
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Carbon
- Further information/Stevens website
Measured values²
- Weight²: 25 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 2009 (+0) hm
- Average speed: 14.9 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 538 mm
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 178 mm
- Ground clearance⁵: 489 mm
Drive
- Motor: Bosch Perf. CX Smart
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Powertube 750 Wh / permanently installed / 999 euros
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-52
- Display / size: Bosch Kiox 300 / 33 x 48 mm
PLUS: Powerful and lively; top modulation and response behaviour
MINUS: High total weight with 750 power tube; rattling noises
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 140 kg
- Fork / shock: SR Suntour Durolux 38 / Rocks. Superdeluxe Select+
- Suspension travel (f. / h.): 170 mm / 170 mm
- Telescopic seatpost: Oxygen E-Scorpo, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code RS /200 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H 1900 Spline Hybrid
- Tyres (f. / h.): Schwalbe Magic Mary ST Soft, 29 x 2.6" / Eddy Current Rear SG Soft, 27.5 x 2.6"
EMTB test rating: 8.2 points - very good
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
⁵ Measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel (step).
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
