"The Whaka rocks the downhills like no other bike in the test group," writes Bike in its April 2015 Edition after their test conducted at Lake Garda.  Adding, "Through its new development, it emerges as a real go-getter.”  The new touring fully with 140mm travel and high quality components on its very rigid frame, makes it appealing for both small bumps in the road as well as the roughest trails. When the Whaka ES goes downhill, it "rides its competition off its wheel. Its suspension functions superbly."

Bike writes, “Touring fullys with 140 mm of travel are either sporty, racey or built to be downhill-oriented.  The STEVENS Whaka ES is, through its choice of fork - Rock Shox Pike - and tires - Schwalbe Hans Dampf - uniquely designed for downhill. That’s why the Bike-editors give it an "Enduro" tip.

On descents, the Whaka ES has extra allowance for travel, while the flat handlebar angle calms the bike immensely. And despite its rather heavy frame, it is still smooth traveling to go uphill. "Stay cool uphill, fly downhill," was the comment of a tester.

Bike complained that the handlebar was too narrow (700mm) on the test bike - and rightly so. Unlike the test bike, the Whaka ES comes standard with a 740mm wide handlebar.  Otherwise, Bike praised the "very good equipment" with Shimano XT shifting group and hydraulic brakes as well as the DT Swiss Spline M1700 29-inch wheels and the "range matching" tire choice with Schwalbe Hans Dampf up front and Nobby Nic Evo Trail in the rear (2.35”).

Conclusion:The Whaka loves heavy terrain, with a preference for downhill. Great frame and equipment - but for longer trips, it is too slow.

The Whaka ES in Lime Green with complete Shimano XT group is sold by STEVENS retailers. As an alternative, Bike suggests the Whaka in "Fire Orange", which is, in terms of comfort, on par with its big brother Whaka ES. The difference is in the equipment; Whaka in “Fire Orange” uses Shimano SLX components.