E-cycling is in flux E-Mountainbike claims in its test report about the ten most exciting e-mountain bikes for 2017. Power-assisted bikes with their new developments are now well-received by society and have become the technological ”avant-garde of mountain bike sports”. This is contributed by the Shimano Steps E8000 motor like it is installed in the tested STEVENS E-Whaka+ ES.

The smartest feature of the pedelec system is its integration into the shifting components. The 500Wh battery doesn’t only supply power to the 250W motor. Also the Shimano XT Di2 shifting system which ”delivers crisp, fast and precise gear changes”, is connected to the battery.

According to E-Mountainbike this system’s most distinctive specialty was not its power which is similar to other systems. Rather it’s ”display integration, the control unit’s ergonomics and the motor housing’s compact build”. The other specs also were ”high-quality throughout and functional”. The finishing kit also was ”to the (testers’) liking” with comfortable handlebar width of 76cm and well-chosen stem length of 5cm.

”The Guys At STEVENS Know What Handling Is All About”
Another trend of the current model year are 2,8” wide tires like those mounted on the Whaka+ ES. They were spec’d on nine out of the test tested bikes. Their advantages: ”More comfort, more control, more traction.”

The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires would make the E-Whaka+ ES a sovereign climber. The tires together with the ”softly tuned rear shock” offered ”a high amount of traction.” Thanks to the steep 76° seat angle one does not get the impression of sitting to back over the rear wheel.

”That the guys at STEVENS even without mountains close to home know what handling is all about” shows in the downhill. Super agile yet comfortably stable the Whaka+ ES conquers any trail. The combination of long front triangle and short rear stays works and delivers lot of fun in absolutely any terrain!”

Conclusion: The STEVENS E-Whaka+ ES is really spot-on. Great chassis, awesome handling and reasonable specs add up to a very attractive overall package.”

The STEVENS E-Whaka+ ES in Electric Red ES is available in sizes 16, 18, 20 and 22in for 5,599 Euros. The STEVENS E-Whaka+ sells for 4,599 Euros at your certified STEVENS dealer.