The ”nationale Fietstest” (”national bike test”) conducted by De Telegraaf, one of the Netherland’s major newspapers, is published every year in spring for the beginning of the cycling season as a special supplement but also as an app. The overall reviews of all categories of bikes explain what now is available in the shops.

In the ranking of road bikes between 999 and 1,499 Euros the STEVENS Stelvio won second place and in the 1,999 to 2,499 Euros price range the STEVENS Izoard Pro even was declared the winner.

The silver medalist in the 999 to 1,499 Euros range the STEVENS Stelvio, selling for 1,299 Euros, (almost) always performed better than bikes costing 1,499 Euros. The model from the advanced beginners’ class would also be appropriate for experienced riders. Test riding the bikes made the editors’ hearts beat faster which was not only due to the cardiac work-out.

The frame scored with up-to-date aluminium technology. The editors pointed out the tapered seat tube. The tube is wider at the bottom bracket for higher stiffness and becomes smaller in diameter towards the saddle to fit a thinner, more flexible seatpost.

So it feels like no power is lost when accelerating or even more: Every push to the pedal seems to directly turn into speed. The specs with a complete Shimano 105 gruppo also would offer good value for money.

Conclusion: The Stelvio lets even experienced riders’ hearts beat faster. The frame with advanced aluminium technology and the 105 gruppo turn every push of the pedal into speed.

Best-in-Test: Izoard Pro
In the 1,999 to 2,499 Euros price range the Izoard Pro performed even better – the carbon racer became best-in-test! In almost all of the tested categories the model selling for 2,199 Euros received best marks. In this test field, the Izoard Pro also was not the most expensive bike.

Yet, it’s spec’d with Shimano Ultegra throughout and stiff DT Swiss wheels, weighing in at 7.5kg (16.5lbs). The Izoard Pro showed nimble and direct steering almost to the point where it went in the desired direction even before the rider had thought about it, the De Telegraaf editors say regarding the bike’s handling.

Conclusion: The Izoard Pro rides nimble, direct and safe. Shimano Ultegra group and DT Swiss wheels are truly classy specs.