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Riding stability – Measuring instead of feeling
The minor frame wobbling stated by the testers during the subjective test ride with luggage is not in compliance with other tests. We not only rely upon subjective riding impressions, but on tests on testing systems perfomed at Zedler - Institut für Fahrradtechnik und -Sicherheit well-known in the sector and independent. STEVENS takes the StiWa test results as an opportunity to perform still more tests and to include further bicycles of the current tests comparatively and to communicate the results.
Statement by Dirk Zedler: The purely optical comparison of some test candidates already raises doubts with regard to the product testers’ judgement of the riding characteristics. The model with the best riding characteristics according to Stiftung Warentest is nearly identical in construction with the complained Stevens E-Courier Forma. Another model with comparably thin frame tubes, slim pannier rack with integrated rechargeable battery and a load distribution comparable at first sight has allegedly still “satisfactory” riding characteristics. Other models with riding characteristics on a clearly higher level due to technical features from my own experience, were not rated accordingly positive.
We do not really understand the facts which led to these judgements. What we do know is that test rides are extremely important, but that they can also be major error sources. Riders’ judgements are necessarily subjective. Another saddle already, another handlebar position or simply the tyre pressure may blur the riding experience.
For this reason Zedler-Institut has developed specific testing systems and processes for the evaluation of riding characteristics already years ago. Among the manufacturers optimizing their e-bikes on these systems is also STEVENS. Two years ago we made examplary tests on our machines and on the road. In the result the pedelecs of STEVENS Bikes were above the average. I’m therefore highly surprised that the model E-Courier Forma allegedly ranges at the bottom end of the spectrum.
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Author: Markus Fritsch
