Lots of carbon, up to 180 millimetresStevens takes off!

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 31.08.2020

Lots of carbon, up to 180 millimetres: Stevens takes off!Photo: Markus Greber
Lots of carbon, up to 180 millimetres: Stevens takes off!
The new e-MTBs from Stevens are a real eye-catcher - and a huge step for the Hamburg-based manufacturer. The 2021 E-Inceptions are high-end carbon full-suspension bikes with 150 to 180 mm travel.

The e-mountainbikes from the traditional Hamburg brand Stevens have so far stood for solid technology and unagitated riding characteristics. Reasonable prices instead of a flood of innovations and good-natured handling instead of super sports bike genes. For the coming season, Stevens is entering a new league with the new E-Inception series. Sportier, more innovative and lighter. For the sporty models, Stevens has opted for the brand new Shimano EP 8 motor and high-quality full carbon frames. All the details about the new Shimano motor can be found in this article.

  Shimano's new EP8 is at the centre of the E-Inceptions. Light and compact, it fits into the slim full carbon frames.Photo: Markus Greber Shimano's new EP8 is at the centre of the E-Inceptions. Light and compact, it fits into the slim full carbon frames.

The facts about the Stevens E-Inception series

  • Shimano EP8 motor (85 Nm)
  • Darfon battery with 726 Wh (3.8 kg)
  • Full carbon frame
  • MX wheel mix
  • 150 (AM), 170 (ED) or 180 (FR) mm suspension travel
  • From 22.1 kg (manufacturer's specification)

The highlight: Stevens E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF

Let's start with the absolute eye-catcher of the range: the top model of the All-Mountain line. 150 millimetres of suspension travel, MX wheel mix, lots of carbon on the frame and add-on parts. The super all-rounder with top equipment is said to weigh a slim 22.1 kilos. The price: 7999 euros. This is a fair offer in view of the high-end equipment with complete XTR gears, Magura MT Trail brakes, carbon wheels and handlebars from Race Face and Fox Factory suspension. The cheaper full carbon version, the E-Inception AM 8.7 GTF, costs 5699 euros.

  22.1 kilos with a 720 battery and solid Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres: If the E-Inception AM 9.7 delivers what Stevens promises, it has the potential to become a top all-rounder.Photo: Markus Greber 22.1 kilos with a 720 battery and solid Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres: If the E-Inception AM 9.7 delivers what Stevens promises, it has the potential to become a top all-rounder.  The Shimano EP8 blends in beautifully with the E-Inceptions. Despite the 720 battery, the down tube is not too thick.Photo: Markus Greber The Shimano EP8 blends in beautifully with the E-Inceptions. Despite the 720 battery, the down tube is not too thick.
How do you like this article?
  The new Stevens e-mountainbikes not only make a good impression technically. The finish is classy.Photo: Markus Greber The new Stevens e-mountainbikes not only make a good impression technically. The finish is classy.  A USB-C charging port is located under the on/off switch as standard. This detail was not yet on board this photo bike.Photo: Markus Greber A USB-C charging port is located under the on/off switch as standard. This detail was not yet on board this photo bike.

Relaxed on tour: E-Inception AM 7.7 and 6.6

In addition to the very sporty models, Stevens also offers the E-Inception AM in a moderate, more comfortable version with an aluminium frame. The E-Inception AM 7.7 and AM 6.6 models cost 4999 and 4299 euros respectively. In addition to the frame material and equipment, the cheaper models also differ in terms of geometry. These are aimed at moderate touring bikers who are not looking for their fortune in demanding terrain and prefer to sit more comfortably on the bike.

  The suffix "GTF" characterises the sporty models in the E-Inception line. Longer reach, slacker steering angle, lower front - this should suit sporty trail riders.Photo: Stevens The suffix "GTF" characterises the sporty models in the E-Inception line. Longer reach, slacker steering angle, lower front - this should suit sporty trail riders.

Stevens E-Inception in detail

The full carbon frames of the E-Inceptions rely on many harmonious detail solutions. The speed sensor is integrated into the dropout, the cable routing runs through the headset, the chainstay protector is distinctive and of high quality, as is the rubberised cover for the battery. There's also a USB-C charging socket on the top tube, which can be used to keep smartphones or other tech gadgets charged.

  The rubberised chainstay protector is designed to protect the frame and prevent noise from chain slap.Photo: Stevens The rubberised chainstay protector is designed to protect the frame and prevent noise from chain slap.  Power for all occasions: A smartphone can be supplied with power via the USB-C interface.Photo: Stevens Power for all occasions: A smartphone can be supplied with power via the USB-C interface.  The charging port for the main battery is located above the bottom bracket.Photo: Stevens The charging port for the main battery is located above the bottom bracket.

For the rough stuff: Stevens E-Inception ED and FR

If the All Mountain with 150 millimetres of suspension travel is not enough for you, you can opt for the E-Inception ED or even FR. Stevens is breaking new ground with bikes in this suspension travel class, just as it is with the full carbon frames. Here too, Stevens combines a 29er front wheel with a 27.5er at the rear.

  The Stevens E-Inception ED 8.7 offers 170 millimetres of suspension travel and is said to weigh 23.1 kilos. Cost point: 5999 euros.Photo: Markus Greber The Stevens E-Inception ED 8.7 offers 170 millimetres of suspension travel and is said to weigh 23.1 kilos. Cost point: 5999 euros.  The E-Inception FR 9.7 even comes with a 180 mm fork (Rockshox ZEB Ultimate) and 170 mm at the rear. 22.7 kilos, 6999 euros, according to the manufacturer. You'll find a detailed test of this downhill artist in EMTB 5/2020.Photo: Stevens The E-Inception FR 9.7 even comes with a 180 mm fork (Rockshox ZEB Ultimate) and 170 mm at the rear. 22.7 kilos, 6999 euros, according to the manufacturer. You'll find a detailed test of this downhill artist in EMTB 5/2020.

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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