“Izoard is an attractively priced bike for entering the carbon class“, the test summarizes. Editors especially liked that the bike is specced with a full Shimano 105 group set: “Many manufacturers replace brakes and/or crank set by cheaper options.“

The brakes’ performance was assessed well accordingly and reminded in the testers’ view of the fact that rim brakes still were a very effective option for most road riding situations despite the seemingly ever-present disc brakes.

That the STEVENS Izoard – which is named after the alpine pass that has often been a Tour de France destination – was made for ambitious riders became obvious when looking at the frame geometry: short wheelbase and chain stays as well as a stiff tapered head tube for more direct handling – or as editors put it: “You feel the road a little more than on a marathon racer.“ But also on rides of several hours testers felt comfortable on Izoard, though they noted that “the racey position is not for everyone.“

What (almost) everyone should get by well with, however, was the semi-compact gears with 52/36 teeth at the front and 11-32 teeth at the rear. In combination with the stiff frame they provided for “effective power transfer as well as good riding characteristics and grip, even in demanding downhill sections and difficult bends. “The 25” tires provide for good traction and also manage rough surfaces“, testers enthuse.

In a nutshell: “All in all STEVENS provides a convincing package for all riders looking for a sporty ride (made of carbon) for less than 2,000 Euros.“

STEVENS Izoard is available in frame sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62 centimeters at 1,799 Euros at STEVENS specialist dealers.