Trail biking is hip, is the basic message of a test of fullies with 120mm to 130mm travel conducted by German BIKE magazine. The editors now classify this kind of bikes as trail bikes instead of all-mountain. Trail bikes are fun packages that deliver lots of flow and great ride experience in the mountains, says Bike in its 1/2016 edition. A growing number of bike parks were adapting to a more joyful riding stile with a more modern trail design, says BIKE.

The STEVENS Jura ES 27,5” was a well-fitting touring bike for this kind of riding with very good specs, says BIKE. Great directional stability derives from a relatively long wheelbase and a flat steering angle which also works well when climbing. In the test when riding uphill, the ”great chassis” worked inconspicuously in the best sense of the word.

Downhill the combination of well-setup rear shock and suspension fork from Fox with the 2.25” Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires provided necessary control. A complete Shimano XT drivetrain with double chainrings and hydraulic disc brakes are the usual and appropriate choice to make up a fun-package for the 3,000 Euro trail bike category.

In addition the Jura ES scores with ”nice details like the perfectly protected chainstay, vibrant colours and high-quality specs” to make it stand out from the masses. The editors pointed out the size split: Depending on frame size the bike rolls on either 27.5” or 29” wheels. In 18 and 20 inch frame size the trail bike/touring fully is available with both wheel sizes.

According to BIKE’s new testing and scoring procedure (explained in detail in its 01/2016 issue), that makes it harder for a bike to reach a ”Super” rating, the STEVENS Jura ES gets a ”Very Good” plus one of the best value-for-money rating among the bikes sold by certified dealers.

Conclusion:
Great chassis, good directional stability, very good specs. An ideal touring bike - with a slightly high front end.

The STEVENS Jura ES is available with 27.5” wheels in frame sizes 16, 18 and 20in. Sizes 18, 20 and 22in are available with 29” wheels. Because the choice of wheel size is not only a matter of rider height but also a matter of taste. With frame sizes 18 and 20in mountain bikers can choose: Rather riding singletrails swiftly on 27.5” wheels or use 29” wheels if they prefer more directional stability and perfect obstacle-clearing capabilities.
As an alternative the STEVENS Jura is available at your local STEVENS dealer.