German brand Stevens might be best known for their cyclcross bikes outside their native land, but their road range for next year includes some real showstoppers.
Comet
The new Comet was created to be Stevens’ pro level chassis, with a claimed frame weight hovering around the seriously light 800g mark and a new fork co-developed with THM (makers of the world’s lightest forks, including the one found on Cérvelo’s R5ca uber bike).
That fork does come with a 600 Euro premium over the standard issue model, but as one of the lightest and stiffest forks around its well worth the investment.
The Comet should weigh about 800g, depending on size
The Comet range is pretty extensive, ranging from Shimano 105 (2,799 Euros) to Dura-Ace 11-speed Di2 (6,099 Euros). The special Comet SL5.0 costs 9,990 Euros and comes fitted with SRAM’s latest Red groupset, plus a THM-Carbones fork.
Elsewhere on the SL5.0 you’ll find a just-over-1kg Xentis wheelset and Ritchey Superlogic components. The bike tips the scales at a frankly frightening 5kg (11.02lb).
Volt
The new time trial/tri specific Volt uses a UCI compliant aero design, with a rear-facing V brake on the fork, and the rear brake hidden under the chainstays.
The seatclamp has a full sliding adjustment, enabling infinite tweaking between 74 and 78 degrees. Full internal routing helps maintain the design’s slippery nature, too.
The Volt comes with a 3T bar setup and Scorpo carbon clinchers
Ventoux
The Ventoux is designed to have a light weight, but with a much bigger emphasis on comfort than the range-topping Comet. The frame’s carbon tubes use a double chamber design (with a central spine to enhance rigidity) that allows the sidewalls to be slimmed, saving weight.
Created around a press-fit bottom bracket, the bike has full internal cable routing that can be switched between mechanical and electronic systems. And with full carbon dropouts, the new version of the Ventoux has everything we’d expect from a cutting-edge carbon bike.
With Campag Chorus, the Ventoux will set you back 4,858 Euros
Izoard
Stevens’ entry point to the carbon bike market is the Izoard, and at 1,999 Euros it looks as though it could give the more established competition a serious run for its money.
Based around a 1.1kg (2.43lb) frameset complete with a tapered head tube and full carbon dropouts, this Ultegra-equipped bike comes complete with Mavic’s latest Aksium wheels and tips the scales at a claimed 7.7kg (16.98lb). That’s an impressive package for the money.
The Izoard could be a good entry-level option to the carbon market
Xenon
We liked the 2012 Xenon Ultegra Di2, with its accomplished ride and great spec – the only downside was its Marmite looks.
For 2013, however, the bike’s got a matte black livery, and we think it looks all the better for it. You also get a new, uprated fork that tips the scales at a light 320g, plus a new Citec wheelset (1,650g) and full Ultegra Di2 for a supposed all-up weight of 7.4kg (16.31lb).
When you take into account the 2,999 Euro price tag, this could be one of the best value Di2 bikes on offer for 2013.
The Xenon’s Citec wheels have unique straight-pull hub flanges
