The Stevens Ventoux is a bike aimed at the sportive market.
While some debate exists over the relevance of the term “sportive geometry” (the counter argument runs that a machine of standard geometry correctly set up for the rider can be made comfortable and efficient) the Ventoux contains the hallmarks of cycles whose manufacturers claim an accent on comfort rather than speed.
A head tube length of 165mm on our 56cm test model (some 10mm taller than its sister model, the range-topping Stratos) places it squarely in a category of machines marketed by the bicycle industry at riders participating in semi-competitive, mass participation rides.
Stevens is a German brand, family owned, and with a stellar reputation in cyclo-cross (reigning world champions Niels Albert and Marianne Vos have previously found success on Stevens bikes). RoadCyclingUK understands the von Hatch brothers are extremely selective in their choice of business partners, hence their belated entry in to a UK market in which other German brands, notably Cube and Focus, have been well received.
The award-winning Ventoux (winner of the 2010 IF Design Eurobike Award 2010) has a full Shimano Ultegra groupset, Mavic Ksyrium wheels, Stevens’ own brand Scorpo cockpit, and a Ritchie carbon seat post. A Selle Italia SLR saddle completes the specification.
A first look at the frame discloses many of the features considered de rigueur on a modern carbon machine: tapered head tube, press fit bottom bracket, and an oversized down tube that gives every appearance of stiffness and effective power transfer. Internally routed brake cables add to the Ventoux’ elegant appearance. A claimed frame weight of 950 grams makes it light while avoiding the super slender category inhabited by Cannondale’s SuperSix Evo and NeilPryde’s recently launched BURAsl (Stevens own entry into the super lightweight market is the above mentioned Stratos, whose frame tips the scales at 830 grams).
We’ll let you know how it rides on our ‘first ride’ report coming soon.
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