The new Sledge Max proves that STEVENS cannot only assemble sporty and slim bikes, but just as well “mountainbikes which are really fun to ride with“, reads the beginning of a test published in MountainBIKE's current issue 3/2016. STEVENS' enduro top model was praised for its solid aluminum frame and parts: “solid frame, proven Shimano XT brakes with 203 mm disc also at the back wheel, voluminous tires, indestructible Syntace cockpit, massive Fox suspension elements in luxury version.“

The Sledge Max was a real lightweight bike with great uphill performance due to the rider's very good seating position and a rear suspension offering a lot of traction. The focus when developing this bike was set on creating something robust and safe to ride with, a bike that lasts long and offers a fun ride where enduros are at home: downhill.

Therefore MountainBIKE concludes: “The Stevens bike flexes its muscles on downhill passages: The whole bike is in close contact with the ground, the chassis absorbs every dust particle, but also does not get out of step when riding in blocked terrain, the components with their focus on riding downhill further enhance the rider's confidence.“ All in all the “bundle of joy from Hamburg“ pampers its rider with an enormously smooth ride without losing its maneuverability.

The test riders sat “well over the bottom bracket, upright, hardly stretched.“ The price of 3,699 euros was furthermore at the lower end of the price range which ranged up to 4,600 euros in MountainBIKE's test.

All this makes it the perfect fit for the average enduro rider who MountainBIKE describes as follows: „The original enduro rider does not hunt for best times. He does not need to make a fuss about his passion, he loves mountain adventures and is looking for a bike he can make it to the summit in a decent manner with – just to ride down at full speed. A muscular bike which catapults him to new riding spheres, to an even more spectacular way of riding a bike.“

Conclusion: Riders who are looking for a real solid, sturdy and safe enduro bike will find it in this Stevens model. Sledge owns the trail and is specced with great parts. On uphill passages it is a good ride, but not a fast one.“

STEVENS Sledge Max is available in sizes 16, 18, 20 and 22'' at specialist STEVENS dealers.