Due to the great show put on by the new World Championship record winner Mathieu van der Poel, the fact that a new cyclocross bike was to be seen in the field at the Cross World Championships in Hulst in the Netherlands almost went unnoticed. We are talking about a previously unreleased Super Prestige from Stevens. Joran Wyseure (Belgium) from Team Crelan Corendon helped the prototype make its race debut and finished 13th. But what's new about the successor to the Super Prestige, which Van der Poel once rode to become U23 world champion?
Overall, the previously unreleased off-road bike appears more delicate and more modern in its design language than the current model. As Stevens announced on request, the more slender frame set is primarily intended to help optimise the weight. The potential is around 200 grams, as the Hamburg-based bike manufacturer announced. The most striking update concerns the top tube: a flat shape and a flowing transition to the rear triangle will improve the carrying characteristics, according to Stevens.
In addition to the visual makeover, Stevens also changed the frame geometry. Thanks to a shorter reach, the Super Prestige should be even easier to manoeuvre through winding courses. The current CX specialist already impressed in the TOUR test with its extreme agility. The information about greater tyre clearance is exciting. Although Wyseure & Co. are allowed to ride a maximum of 33-millimetre tyres in racing, the professionals would benefit from a platform with more clearance due to the often soggy terrain. Stevens did not provide any official information on the maximum tyre clearance. According to our experience, the current Super Prestige can already accommodate tyres up to 40 millimetres wide. Typical race gravel bikes such as the Camino RS from Stevens roll on studded tyres that are not much wider.
It is not known to what extent the prototype is ready for series production. However, Stevens told TOUR that the new Super Prestige will be available from next autumn with electronic shifting groups. As before, a frame set will also be available. The Hamburg-based company currently offers complete Super Prestige bikes for between 3299 and 3999 euros. The cyclocross bike can also be customised in the in-house configurator.
Julian Schultz
Editor
