The Sledge Max is a model clearly made for riding downhill, World of MTB wrote in its current issue after an extensive „First Ride“. This already became apparent in the specs: the „powerful Fox suspension system“ (170/160 mm travel), the tires – Schwalbe Hans Dampf and Magic Mary in 2.35“ with robust SnakeSkin casing -, Shimano’s XT brakes with a diameter of 203 mm and 1x11 XT gears as well as RaceFace crank.

World of MTB about the changes made to the frame in comparison to last year: The rear was adapted to the new standard of 148 mm for increased stability. With forgings of smaller dimensions the aluminium finish frame’s weight was reduced by about 400 grams.

World of MTB tested the Sledge Max on „partly rough passages“ of the Fleckalmtrail in Kirchberg/Vorarlberg. The „very responsive suspension system provided a lot of comfort there“. Stevens nevertheless managed to fine-tune the suspension in such way that the chassis was sufficiently stable and did not dive.

The tester wrote: „The bike can be ridden very fast trough bends – so fast that even the tire gasped in a combination of turns and I had to pump it up again.“

Bends and fast changes of direction were the preferred territory of the agile bike anyway. At higher speeds the suspension system provided a lot of safety, however.
The Sledge Max climbed uphill effortlessly as well, ascends could be pedaled up in a relaxed manner, the rear was kept sufficiently at rest, traction remained high.

Summary:
With the Sledge MAX Stevens expands its product range into the downhill sector. The well suspended bike has a Fox suspension system, XT gears and brakes and other high quality accessories. It will be available for 3,699 euros which makes it already one of the new season’s bikes with a very interesting price point

The STEVENS Sledge Max is available in sizes 16, 18, 20 and 22“ for 3,699 euros in specialist STEVENS shops.