”Experienced testers meet excited cyclists” – was the obvious motto of MountainBIKE Magazine’s readers’ test at the Bike Festival in Brixen. In September MountainBIKE's editors had recruited random passers-by to test-ride a couple of brand-new 2017 e-mountain bikes to complement their professional verdict. One of these bikes was STEVENS’ new E-Whaka+ ES.

”Offering a huge selection for 2017, Stevens has great ambitions in the E-MTB market.” is the editors’ opening statement for the test report. No less than nine models in all mountain bike categories are part of Stevens’ range. The E-Whaka+ belongs in the all-mountain category. Its most prominent specs are 2.8” wide tires, Shimano Steps E8000 motor and electronic Shimano XT Di2 electronic shifting, which was a great fit for an E-MTB.

The new motor was a lot quieter, delivers very effective acceleration yet runs smoother than other electric MTB motors. Even when the motor shuts off one would hardly notice any additional resistance.

Thanks to the wide tires but also due to 140mm of travel at the fork and 130mm at the rear shock the bike’s behavior is very secure. ”Handling is awesome with a very good mix of agility and directional stability.”

Readers’ Verdict: ”Excellent Work From Hamburg”
The verdict was confirmed by one of the reader-testers, a passionate freerider, who reportedly had already ridden quite a few other E-MTBs: ”It was the best handling and most nimble bike I have ever ridden. The STEVENS was mega fun,” He had never thought that it could be so easy to follow others on the downhill. ”The rear triangle flattened almost all kinds of bumps that came into our path ...”

Uphill the motor provided inconspicuous but efficient torque. The wide tires sank aggressively their teeth into the surface. ”The seating position was comfortable and the bike kept its line precisely. I am totally excited, the guys in Hamburg really did an excellent job.”

The Editors’ conclusion, short and simple:
The E-Whaka+ ES relies on the new Shimano Steps motor. This … fully is a secure but also agile ride. We and reader Chris also liked the motor’s characteristics very much.

The STEVENS E-Whaka+ ES with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting is available in sizes 16”, 18”, 20” and 22” at your certified STEVENS dealer. Spec’d with a mechanic Shimano XT group the STEVENS E-Whaka+ sells for 4,599 Euros.