With all its new e-fullies STEVENS relies on the new STEPS E8000 motor from Shimano. The very first e-bike with this motor ridden by E-Mountainbike also was a Stevens, the authors remember at the beginning of their report. The E-Sledge+ ES now combines this motor with the also new and ”extremely precisely” shifting Shimano XT Di2 group and its ”powerful” brakes with 203mm diameter discs - so much about the exterior.

Powerful Climber
”right after getting into the saddle you just feel great,” the testers said about their first impression. The E-Sledge+ ES was a bike for long days in the saddle that scores with lots of comfort. The Shimano motor worked powerfully as usual especially uphill and thanks to the steep seat angle of 75.6° one could climb the hardest slopes with ease.

Nimble Descender
Downhill the testers praised the ”very natural and agile handling”. One of the reasons for this handling besides the - for an e-MTB - low weight of 21.5kg (47.3lbs) were the short chainstays. They measure only 436mm which is made possible by the design of the Shimano motor. It beautifully hugs the downtube facing forward. E-Mountainbikes concludes: ”The E-Sledge+ ES loves quick changes of direction.”

Switchback Lover
The very comfortable chassis was responsible for the ”well-balanced handling”. It ”filters big bumps but also little ripples very well and provides good feedback.” The bike kept its course securely even at high speeds. Only in really steep descends the testers found the stem to be too long and in extreme situations the ”switchback lover’s” tires could offer more grip.
The testers pointed out clever details like the 2.8” wide tires’ so-called Apex reinforcement which provided more flat protection and also the E13 chain guide. Though it’s quite small it safely keeps the chain on the chain ring.

Conclusion: The STEVENS E-Sledge+ ES is a well-made E-MTB through and through that lives up to more than its promise. Its natural and predictable handling added by the comfortable seating position make it a perfect companion for all kinds of tours. Some minor flaws with some parts slow it down when descending.

The STEVENS E-Sledge+ ES in Turquoise is available in sizes 16, 18, 20 and 22in. The STEVENS E-Sledge+ in Fire Red is based on the same frame with the same sizes.