Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Stevens E-Pordoi Review

10.09.2014
by

Hamburg-based bike brand Stevens sent us the poison-green 130mm E-Pordoi full-suspension trailbike. The 4000 € machine is the only e-mountainbike in the their range fitted with the proven Bosch Performance Line center-motor. Named after an Italian mountain pass, the e-bike should provide unimaginable fun in Alpine terrain. We tested its qualities in the South Tyrol and the hills around Stuttgart.

Stevens Pordoi E-Mountainbike Magazine (8 von 8)

First impressions

The component spec of the bike could be described as functional but not too flashy. The Fox Float CTD suspension can be adapted to the terrain with three modes (Climb, Trail, and Descend) accessible from the handlebar remote lever.

Stevens Pordoi E-Mountainbike Magazine (1 von 8)


The Stevens E-Pordoi costs 3.999 EUR.


Specification

Gears and brakes are provided by the Japanese component giant Shimano and never cease to impress us. The XT Shadow Plus rear mech is particularly impressive with its integrated clutch that reduces the movement of the chain in rough terrain. The cheaper Shimano Deore brakes fitted with 180mm discs also work without any complaints and quickly bring the bike to a stop. The spec is finished off with house- brand parts such as seatpost and cockpit from the “Oxygen“ range and the cheaper Schwalbe Nobby Nic performance tyres. They really lacked in grip on damp forest trails, which along with the lack of a dropper post spoilt the overall performance.

Stevens Pordoi E-Mountainbike Magazine (7 von 8)

Handling

The geometry has been developed along the lines of „the long run.“ With a wheelbase of 1192 mm in size large, the E-Pordoi is in downhill bike territory. In addition, the chainstays are very long at 479 mm. On our test bike the 80mm stem positioned the rider in a slightly stretched position, but remained comfortable enough for effective pedalling.

Elevation can be gained on the Pordoi without particular effort. The great rider position gives the bike efficient climbing skills. The low position of the main suspension pivot creates a very neutral rear suspension; only when standing up with the Fox shock set open does the rear end bob. This can be quickly eliminated by using the bar-mounted remote lever.

The Stevens feels at home on fast, flowing, and open trails without big obstacles. If it gets tight and technical, the very linear rear suspension reaches its limits (even though the Fox 32 Float fork sits nicely high in its travel). The rear suspension lacks end-progression and the shock uses the whole of its travel far too easily, especially in the mid-travel range.

The aforementioned long wheelbase and chainstays cost the bike in a noticeable lack of agility in tight situations. You can only navigate tricky sections with a considerable amount of effort. When the trails are fast and turbulent, however, the rider profits from the straight-line stability of the E-Pordoi.

Unnecessary. You can easily do without the bar-mounted remote suspension control levers, as efficiency is not such a huge priority for E-bikes. A dropper seatpost, on the other hand, would massively increase fun and the range of use of the bike.
Unnecessary. You can easily do without the bar-mounted remote suspension control levers, as efficiency is not such a huge priority for E-bikes. A dropper seatpost, on the other hand, would massively increase fun and the range of use of the bike.
Power package. The Bosch motor boasts excellent power delivery, fast response and high range: a perfect match for the character of the bike.
Power package. The Bosch motor boasts excellent power delivery, fast response and high range: a perfect match for the character of the bike.
Strong drive. The rear suspension combined with the Fox Float CTD shock is exceptionally efficient, only exhibiting bob when climbing standing up. A handlebar remote allows this to be easily suppressed.
Strong drive. The rear suspension combined with the Fox Float CTD shock is exceptionally efficient, only exhibiting bob when climbing standing up. A handlebar remote allows this to be easily
suppressed.
Comfort zone. The tall steerer tube and 80 mm stem create a very comfortable position on the bike, great for long rides. On descents this comfort comes at a cost in terms of agility. Here you‘ll need more pressure on the front to find the right line.
Comfort zone. The tall steerer tube and 80 mm stem create a very comfortable position on the bike, great for long rides. On descents this comfort comes at a cost in terms of agility. Here you‘ll need more pressure on the front to find the right line.
Tour compatible. The economical Schwalbe Nobby Nic performance tires offer low rolling resistance but were not convincing in damp conditions. Here we wanted a tire with grip and traction like the high-end Schalbe Evolution tyres.
Tour compatible. The economical Schwalbe Nobby Nic performance tires offer low rolling resistance but were not convincing in damp conditions. Here we wanted a tire with grip and traction like the high-end Schalbe Evolution tyres.

Conclusion: the Stevens E-Pordoi is an honest trailbike with a great rider position and solid spec. Perfect for longer rides.

Go back to the article: E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Ten E-Mountainbikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the E-Mountainbike test and our conclusions in the E-Mountainbike issue #001! It’s free & only digital for iPad, Online-Viewer, as well as soon on Android: Issue #001.

Text: Sebastian Gierulski Photo: Christoph Bayer

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