In its November 2015 edition, Tour, Germany’s largest road cycling magazine, tested current models of gravel bikes for the winter. Among them the STEVENS Super Prestige Disc Di2 used by Mathieu van der Poel to become World Champion in February 2015. Tour concluded: ”If you love cyclocross you will love the Super Prestige”.
The replica of the camouflage painted world champion bike looked solid and confidence-inspiring, ”great directional stability is combined with impressive acceleration.” The fast acceleration is also due to the wheels that like on van der Poel’s actual bike, are built with carbon rims.
In addition the Challenge tubular tires buffered hard hits from the ground quite well. One of the bike’s distinct features was the almost level top tube, which makes the bike easier to shoulder. This also results in short seat post extrusion which reduces the post’s vertical compliance.
The latter is provided largely by the tubulars: ”They can be ridden with extremely low pressure of less than two bars (28 psi). Grip on a loose, bumpy surface is excellent; the risk of pinch flats is almost non-existent due to the special rims.” Tubulars’ disadvantages are high price and difficult application.
When you look at the STEVENS Super Prestige, with its disc brakes, it has nothing in common with ’cross bikes from 20 years ago. It demonstrates technological progress boasting carbon rims, disc brakes and electronic Shimano Dura Ace Di2 shifting. ”The almost maintenance-free shifting system has established itself in cyclocross indeed a lot faster than on the road. Even pressure washers used to clean ’cross bikes during and after the race can’t do any harm to the Di2 components.”
TOUR concludes: Light, stable and sturdy, excellent grip thanks to tubulars, not cheap, but definitely worth its price.
Test riders’ statements:
- ”Offers as much fun as the Open. The smooth tubulars are awesome.”
- ”A true sports bike, ideal for soft, muddy courses. Great acceleration.”
- ”Super secure, direct handling and ride experience. Super harsh ride compared to the other bikes.”
The STEVENS Super Prestige Disc Di2 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 gruppo and DT-Swiss wheels is available in sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 cm in either camouflage, Team White or Lime Green paintjob, with mechanical Ultegra.Frameset is available, too.
