The E-Sledge+ is one of the top models in STEVENS’ range of by now ten e-mountain bikes. The first thing that caught the testers’ attention was the bike’s flashy red paintjob. ”This look is a real eye-catcher. We like this colour very much.”

Also the testers of Favorite Bike pointed out that STEVENS does not design its e-bikes based on an existing frame platform but explicitly engineered the geometry of the sturdy aluminium frames around the Shimano STEPS E8000 motor which nicely integrates into the downtube.

Compared to un-motorized bikes the frame was a little longer and taller, the bottom bracket sits lower, the chainstays are also longer, the seat angle steeper and the steering angle a littler slacker. ”The geometry is really to our taste. I works and feels really well-balanced,” was the editors’ verdict after the first test ride. They also liked the modern features such as internally routed cables, boost axle spacings, and frame details like a tapered steerer tube and plastic caps in all places were cables enter the frame to prevent them from rattling and to keep dirt and grime out.

When riding, the testers certified the e-fully with its 160mm of travel to deliver a really natural mountain bike ride feeling. This was due to the frame being a little longer than normal bikes in this category in order to fit the Shimano Steps E8000 motor, but compared to other motors systems it was a lot more similar to typical fullies.

They also attested the motor to provide good support when in trail mode, the middle of three support levels. ”With this the bike moves very quickly. Overall, in trail mode the motor felt pleasantly natural”. Yet in the more powerful ”boost” mode it was slightly uneven. The motor would release too much power making the bike jump forward and then slow down abruptly at exactly 25kph (15mph). ”This makes the E-Sledge appear a little nervous in some places (…), which is more the fault of the motor’s characteristics than that of Stevens.” Also the testers had preferred a 34-T chainring rather than the 38-T mounted on the test bike to make the bike perform as strongly on the uphill as it did downhill, where it proved to be ”very nimble and agile.”

According to the test report the Plus tires from Schwalbe provided necessary grip at the front wheel and somewhat lower rolling resistance at the rear wheel.

Another detail contributed to the natural mountain bike feeling: The editors pointed out how little space was occupied at the handlebar by the support level selector button and the respective levers for dropper post and front brake. Speaking of which, the BR-M615 from Shimano’s Deore series with 203mm discs performed convincingly. ”Their braking power was insignificantly less than that of the high-end models.”

Favbike’s conclusion: ”With the E-Sledge+ STEVENS presents a rock solid e-MTB for the rougher kind of riding which offers great ride characteristics. It shows agile and secure handling especially when going downhill and delivers lots of fun. Thanks to the well-integrated Shimano Steps E8000 it subsequently speeds uphill again with ease. A complete package that is fun to ride in the roughest of terrain.”

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