In EMTB issue 5/20 presented us with the Enduro version of the E-Inception surprised us with its strong handling characteristics. We were correspondingly excited to see how the AM 9.7 GTF model would perform in the Comparison with the high-end competition of the 2021 E-MTB vintage beats. The basis is an elegant full carbon frame, plus a large battery with 726 watt hours and Shimano's new EP8 drive. Equally modern: the sporty geometry with a long reach, slack head angle and very steep seat angle. And yes: with this package, the new E-Inception invites you to dance on wild enduro trails.
High riding safety, good suspension, successful equipment - there is no need to shy away from demanding terrain on board the E-Inception. The shock absorber without a reservoir and the somewhat low end progression are the most likely to put you in your place. We didn't miss any counter-pressure in the suspension. However, once we had really got to grips with the bike, we suffered the odd puncture in the bike park when a manoeuvre didn't sit perfectly. On the other hand, the Stevens remains manoeuvrable even on tame terrain. It manoeuvres nimbly around corners and is easy to get onto the rear wheel. Only those who prefer bikes with a low front might feel more comfortable on other candidates. So a pure downhill machine? No, because the bike also does an excellent job on the climbs. The steepest seat angle in the test field places the rider far forward on the bike, allowing you to keep a lot of pressure on the front wheel and climb even steep ramps in a controlled manner. The rear suspension and grippy tyres don't let the rider down either. The price remains comparatively fair for what is on offer and the equipment is really top-notch.
Test summary of the Stevens E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF
Strong uphill, strong downhill. Neither unsteady nor sluggish. Not too heavy, not too sparsely equipped with battery. The E-Inception AM is a genuine but sporty all-rounder at a fair price!
Technical data - Stevens E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF 29/27.5'' (2021)
Reach height⁴ 1884 hm
Average speed 19.0 km/h
Price 7999 Euro
Drive
Engine Shimano Steps EP8
Maximum torque 85 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² / price Replacement battery Darfon, 726 Wh, 3780 g / 999 Euro
Circuit Shimano XTR (12-speed)
Translation (v. / h. ) 34; 10-51
Display / Size Shimano SC-EM800 / 21 x 38 mm
Equipment
Max. system weight 140 kg
Fork/damper Fox 36 Factory Grip2 / Fox Float DPS Factory
Suspension travel¹ (f./h.) 150 mm / 150 mm
Telescopic support / lift Fox Transfer Factory / 175 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Magura MT Trail C / 200 mm / 200 mm
Impellers Race Face Next R Carbon 30
Wheel size 29 / 27,5''
Tyres Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Trail Soft 29/27.5x2.6''
Measured values²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Carbon
Weight 22.6 kg
Centre of gravity height 534 mm
Handlebar width 800 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 165 mm / 182 mm
Reach / Stack 472 mm / 647 mm
EMTB test judgement³ SUPER (380 points)
You can download the complete comparison test of super all-rounders from EMTB 6/2020 as a PDF below the article. The test costs 2.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in EMTB. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them - hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
You can find these eight high-end e-mountainbikes in the comparison test:
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC SLT Nyon
- Merida eOne-Sixty 10k
- Radon Render 10.0 HD Supreme
- Rotwild R.X 375 Ultra
- Santa Cruz Heckler MX CC X01 Reserve
- Scott Genius eRide 900 tuned
- Stevens E-Inception AM 9.7 GTF
- Trek Rail 9.9
¹Manufacturer's specification
²Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
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 355 points), very good (from 325 points), good (from 295 points), satisfactory (from 265 points), with weaknesses (from 235 points), below insufficient.
⁴Determined on the roller test bench in the EMTB laboratory at the highest support level, constant incline without flat sections, 130 watts of pedalling power from the rider, 85 kg rider weight.
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Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
