The sporty E-Inception series from Stevens comprises an impressive ten models: four enduro and six all-mountain e-mountain bikes. At 7599 euros, the E-Inception AM 8.7.1 GTF is the second most expensive model in the all-mountain series. The facts: 150 millimetres of suspension travel front and rear, mullet wheel mix of 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel, Bosch Smart System and high-quality Rockshox suspension. Stevens has also added a real equipment highlight: Sram's AXS electronic shifting system. The whole thing sits in a stylish carbon frame. A well-rounded package?
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The facts about the Stevens E-Inception 8.7.1 GTF
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart System, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 750 Wh (permanently installed)
- Carbon, including rear triangle
- Suspension travel: 150 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL; tested size: L (45.5 cm)
- Price: 7599 Euro
- Weight: 24.45 kg (EMTB measurement)
Good acquaintance in the EMTB test
The Stevens E-Inception is a good old acquaintance in the EMTB test. In the Comparative test of E-Fullys under 5500 euros the E-Inception convinced us as a well-equipped touring all-rounder. One of the main differences between the affordable 7.6.1 and its more expensive counterpart is that the battery is permanently installed on the carbon model, while Bosch's 750 Wh Powertube battery can be removed from the affordable aluminium Inception. However, both bikes are similar in character: the E-Inception 8.7.1 GTF also stands out in our comparison test for its comfort.
The e-bike drive
With the Bosch Performance CX Stevens is a safe bet: powerful motor, good integration and connectivity thanks to the Smart System, very good range. That gives you a few arguments on your side. Rather unusual in the touring and all-mountain league: the 750 Wh Powertube battery is permanently installed. This gives the designers more design freedom in terms of geometry and motor/battery integration. In addition, this design usually also saves weight - which you don't really notice on the Stevens with a total weight of 24.45 kilos. It has to be said: Bosch bikes are generally among the heavier representatives of their guild. This is because the Powertube battery weighs over 4.3 kilos and the CX unit is also not a lightweight at 2.96 kilos.
The drive itself is beyond reproach - on trails, especially when it comes to climbing the steepest and trickiest climbs, it is the benchmark. The Swabian unit pushes powerfully, especially when the rider is pedalling hard, but remains very sensitive. Unlike many of its competitors, the Bosch continues to pull powerfully even at a high cadence, which gives it a lively, sporty character. Thanks to the new Smart System, the drive unit can be extensively networked with the mobile phone, allowing, for example, riding data from the Bosch motor to be analysed via app or the Eco and Turbo support levels to be adjusted to the rider's preferences.
The geometry: unagitated
All-round characteristics are required in the all-mountain application area: the bikes have to work equally well on sporty trails, technical uphills, rough downhills and long tours. Extreme geometries are therefore the exception. The Stevens also remains well-behaved in terms of dimensions. The most noticeable feature is the rather long wheelbase, which is the result of a fairly long reach of 482 millimetres, a steering angle of 64.7 degrees and fairly long chainstays of 451 millimetres. This ensures that the Stevens runs very smoothly.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 455 mm
- Wheelbase: 1270 mm
- Reach: 482 mm
- Stack: 643 mm
- Steering angle: 64.7 degrees
- Seat angle: 76.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 451 mm
The equipment of the Stevens E-Inception 8.7.1 GTF
The equipment highlight of the Stevens E-Inception 8.7.1 GTF is undoubtedly Sram's AXS electronic drivetrain, albeit in the cheaper GX version. Special feature: The rear derailleur is not powered by its own mini battery, but by a cable from the main battery. With a 36 chainring, the gear ratio is quite large, but thanks to the 52-speed climbing gear and powerful Bosch drive, this is not limiting on the climbs. Stevens has made a good choice for the suspension: The Rockshox Lyrik Select+ at the front responds finely and harmonises well with the Deluxe Select+ shock. In terms of tyres, Stevens prioritises traction and puncture protection over weight: with the Schwalbe combination of Magic Mary at the front and Eddy Current at the rear, both in 2.6 inch width, there is no need to worry about punctures. However, the Stevens wheel combination is also one of the heaviest in our test field of eleven high-end all-mountain bikes. This further dampens the playfulness of the already not particularly agile bike.
Practical test: How the Stevens E-Inception 8.7.1 GTF rides
On tour
Massive tyres, a 482 reach and the abbreviation GTF (Gas to Flat): There is much to suggest that the Stevens is a crossover between the all-mountain and enduro leagues. But the outward impression is deceptive: the Stevens is a good-natured all-mountain bike with ample reserves for rough terrain. Its strengths on long tours are: comfortable suspension, pleasant riding position, puncture-proof tyres, high riding safety downhill, powerful drive and the very good range. Unfortunately, the battery is permanently installed, otherwise the Stevens could score even more points on tours.
Uphill
On the climbs, the Stevens stands out with its uncomplicated climbing characteristics. This is due to the lively Bosch motor, the not-too-short rear end and, above all, Schwalbe's grip monster Eddy Current on the rear wheel. Medium-difficulty climbs are easy to manage. When things get very steep and technical, we would have liked more support from the rear suspension. This would also alleviate the most important problem. Because when it gets really steep, you often sit too rear-heavy on the Stevens. This sometimes forces the rider into a too passive position.
Downhill
Playful riders will find the E-Inception a little too sluggish for trail riding. Active riding manoeuvres or even gimmicks - the Stevens is a little bulky for this, and the high weight of the wheels in particular is a negative factor. On the other hand, the bike has its strengths on rough downhill courses. Here, the Stevens also gives less experienced bikers a lot of confidence: long wheelbase, slack steering angle, high-traction tyres and the forgiving suspension - so even inexperienced bikers can tackle nasty descents. The 2.6 mm front tyres lack a little steering precision and the suspension is more plush than defined - not so bad: there are plenty of other options on the market for really fast riders
The EMTB conclusion
With the E-Inception 8.7.1 GTF, Stevens presents a well-equipped touring all-rounder with superior downhill characteristics. The comfortable suspension and robust tyres make it easy even for inexperienced downhill riders. On manoeuvrable trails, however, the bike's rather long geometry and heavy wheels make it a little sluggish.
Pro
- Good equipment
- Comfortable seating position
- Strong reach height
- Downhill safety
- Puncture protection
Contra
- Sluggish in trail use
- No exchangeable battery
Technical data and notes Stevens E-Inception 8.7.1 GTF
Manufacturer information
- Price: 7599 Euro
- Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 45.5 cm), XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 24.45 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1989 (+28)hm
- Average speed: 13.7 km/h
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/150 mm
- Centre of gravity height: 515 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 178 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 488 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price Replacement battery: Powertube 750 / permanently installed / 999 euros
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle AXS
- Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-52
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300
- Permissible total weight³: 140 kg
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Lyrik Select+ / Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Telescopic seatpost: Oxygen E-Scorpo, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code RS / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H 1900 Spline 35 Hybrid
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Supertrail 29 x 2.6; Eddy Current SuperGravity 29 x 2.6
EMTB test rating⁵: 8.3 points - very good
¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
Manufacturer information
⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
