”Well-behaved, but with surprises” is the conclusion of Trekkingbike Magazine’s editors after a thorough lab and field test of the STEVENS Esprit, and ”well-behaved” is surely meant as a compliment.

A dozen of trekking bikes in the 1,500 Euro range had been invited to the test. The bikes should be ”versatile, reliable, robust and easy to use” and deliver lots of fun due to their specs and ride characteristics.

The Esprit fulfilled these requirements so well, obviously, that it was a awarded with a ”buy it tip” by Trekkingbike. The testers were won over by the mix from a solid base with reasonably placed details: The frame was sturdy, the combination of Shimano Deore, -LX and –XT parts solid.

Also the relaxed seating position and comfortable balance are all but a flaw.” From shifter to lights the specs were rather inconspicuous but very functional. The testers were pleased by technical refinements such as the tapered steerer tube that offered ”lateral stiffness and steering precision” and the matching suspension fork.

The fork would work very sensitive and well-tuned, the made-to-measure pannier rack that props against the seat tube handled luggage up to 15kg (33lbs) with ease.

Conclusion: A ”wall flower” at first sight but solid with classy details and at an attractive price.

The STEVENS Esprit is available in the Gent (men’s) version in frame sizes 48, 52, 55, 58, 61 and 64 cm, in the Ladies’ version with trapezoid frame in sizes 46, 50, 54 cm as well as in Forma (low-instep) variant in 46 and 52cm for 1,399 Euros at your certified STEVENS dealer.