In STEVENS Sonora SL all of up-to-date mountainbike technology unites, says Cycling.be in its test of Sonora SL and names specs like the E-thru-axle, the side swing front derailleur and Shimano's current XTR groupset.

Standardly the cables can be reached via down tube access. The new solution allows for 15 mm more space at the rear which in turn allows for shorter chain stays, editors wrote.

The frame with its combination of stiff chain stays, voluminous bottom bracket area,  flexible seat stays and extremely flexible carbon seat post offers an accomplished mix of high lateral stiffness and vertical flexibility. Editors did not criticize the bike's weight, either, which amounts to less than one kg for frame size 56. All in all the Sonora SL was a hardtail made for competitive racers.

The side swing front derailleur did his job enormously fast, the Shadow+ rear derailleur worked well, even under load. The wheels were of high lateral stiffness, equipped with excellent hubs and quite lightweight for aluminium wheels weighing only 1,520 grams and making them the perfect match for a bike of this performance level. Schwalbe's Rocket Ron tires were considered the matching all-round choice by Cycling.be. The whole bike only weighed 9.15 kg when Cycling.be put it on the scales, which is something special for a hardtail.

But Sonora SL offers much more: “Due to its weight and its lateral stiffness the bike is fast straight ahead, but still pleasantly agile. It has good traction uphill and provides for a lot of confidence downhill thanks to its foreseeable agility.”

Conclusion:
“Due to its forward thrust Sonora SL is the perfect choice for competitive racers. It provides all other riders with a lot of fun because of its light weight, the high comfort level and lateral stiffness, its agility and smoothness. We cannot imagine anything better.”

STEVENS Sonora SL is available in frame sizes 16“, 18“, 20“ and 22“. In size 16 it is specced with size-matching 27.5“ wheels.