The Aspin goes into the test comparison as an "exotic" bike. It is the only bike with rim brakes, while the competitors all rely on disc brakes for stopping power. The use of the more than proven technology is rewarded with an extremely low total weight of 8.1 kilograms. The majority of the tested bikes, on the other hand, weighed in at 9.3 to 9.7 kilograms. "The bike named after the Col d'Aspin pass in the Pyrenees is unrivalled in its lightness compared to the candidates with disc brakes. It weighs up to 1,600 grams less," writes the Tour editors.

Another advantage of the mechanical rim brakes: simplified adjustability, ease of maintenance and tidy-looking wheels.

In other respects, too, the Aspin continues to set standards: "The aluminium racer with its classic look and great workmanship does not belong to the old iron, as it showed in the test lab and on the road," say the test editors. The low overall weight is reflected in the agile handling. Strong in acceleration and nimble in handling, it is also at home on angled courses. In addition, the Tour test riders were impressed by its downhill strength.

The Shimano Ultegra groupset equipment is also impressive – right down to the brakes. This also contributes to the low overall weight and the extraordinary riding performance of the Aspin.

The STEVENS Aspin is available both as a complete bike, as tested by the Tour, and via the STEVENS Custom Bikes Configurator. It allows you to assemble your dream bike from some of the best parts on the market.