STEVENS is well-known for its online configurator that customers can use to tailor a road bike to their measurements. In addition there is a line of standard-spec bikes, says Fiets magazine in its 11.2018 edition. Of course, also in many sizes and always with the option to have a STEVENS dealer adjust the bike for you.

The Izoard Pro is one of those standard models and new in the range for this season. Fiets magazine now tested this bike for the first time. In a comparison of bikes that could well be ridden throughout winter, with the highest rating of 8.1 (of 10) it performed even better than more expensive models.

The Izoard Pro Disc is based on the well-established Izoard Pro. Fiets magazine sums it up like this: “The difference between the standard Izoard Pro and the disc brake version is remarkably small.” The Izoard Pro Disc’s frame offered the same, load-specific, sometimes bulky, sometimes slim tube shapes says Fiets and points out the pencil-thin seat stays and the beefy bottom bracket area housing press-fit bearings. All in all, the frame weighs in at only 1,100 grams, the fork at 400 grams.

The Izoard Pro Disc, just like the Izoard Pro is spec’d with a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain including semi-compact 52/36T cranks and 11-speed 11-32T cassette plus Fulcrum Racing 600 DB wheels with QR-12 thru axle for maximum lateral stiffness. About the appearance Fiets remarked: “In deep black with golden stripes the bike looks nice and elegant, definitely not too excessive.”

But is this disc racer only about good looks? This rhetorical question is answered in this interim verdict: “The Izoard Pro Disc is the right choice when you are looking for an outstanding all-rounder. As soon as you’re in the saddle to enjoy the autumn sun, you are going to appreciate this bike.”

The pleasant handling is the bike’s main character trait, an in general ”the Stevens is just all-right.” Besides the all-round geometry and the relatively low weight, the smooth-shifting Ultegra group, the frame’s vertical compliance and the Continental Grand Prix tires were all to the testers’ liking.

Conclusion: The new Izoard Pro Disc is a pleasant all-rounder to ride many kilometers in winter – as basic training for a beautiful 2019 season. For the many vertical meters along the way the semi-compact drivetrain comes in handy.

The STEVENS Izoard Pro Disc with Shimano Ultegra group and 160 mm disc brakes front and rear plus Fulcrum Racing 600 DB wheels is available in sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62cm for 2,299 Euros. The Izoard Pro with conventional brakes and similar specs is available for 1,999 Euros.