FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy a STEVENS bike?

Thank you for considering buying a STEVENS. STEVENS bicycles are available only at specialist shops. With their expert knowledge, our STEVENS dealers offer the best advice on our wide range of products and will be advise you on the current state of the technology. You will receive the best possible advice regarding your personal requirements and wishes. Your advantage: You can test drive the bikes in the shops, compare different models and decide after careful consideration. Your STEVENS dealer will hand over your STEVENS ready-to-use, fully assembled and perfectly adjusted to your body measurements.

If required, your dealer will supply you with the desired accessories and of course is available for all maintenance and service work. You can find STEVENS dealers in your area using the dealer search.

How do I find the correct frame size for my bike?

Which size suits you best is best determined by consulting your certified STEVENS dealer and a test ride. Your dealer is experienced and has a trained eye. Maybe they will offer you several sizes of the same model. The most important thing is you to feel comfortable on the bike.

As every single body has different proportions – lengths of legs, arms, and upper body – it is difficult to make general statements via remote diagnosis. Also, individual preferences of how to sit on the bike are to be considered.

The following formulas may help you with a first assessment:
Stand with your back against a wall, at best wear nothing but underwear, and put a book, a level or the like between your legs with its spine firmly up against your crotch. There should be a right angle between legs and book. Measure the distance from the floor to the spine of the book with a tape measure or folding rule.

To determine frame size, multiply the measured number for the different bike types as follow

  • Trekking or touring bike: 0.66
  • Road bike: 0.66 + 2
  • Mountain bike hardtail: 0.226 (for frames specified in inches)
  • Mountain bike fully: 0.225 (for frames specified in inches)

If the resulting number is between two frame sizes, we advise you to go for the smaller frame size. Please keep in mind: this value only indicates the correct size of the seat tube, not how stretched out or upright you sit on the bike!

The frame height calculator, which you can find on the model page of each bike, is more precise. By clicking the "What's my size?" button you can calculate your almost optimal frame height in four steps. In any case, we recommend that you seek further advice from your STEVENS dealer to find the correct frame height for you.

Where do I find information on older STEVENS bikes?

All information on bikes of STEVENS' model years up to 2011 can be found here under production years. As usual you will find detailed information on specs, colour options and geometry.

It is very likely, however, that those models are no longer commercially available.

What Exactly Is a Pedelec?

Pedelecs (Pedal Electric Cycles) also EPACs (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles) are bikes with an electric motor that only engages as long as the rider is pedalling. As soon as you stop moving the pedals, the motor shuts off.

For pragmatic reasons, STEVENS has been using the more common term "e-bike" instead of "pedelec" since 2020.

You do not need a driving licence to ride an e-bike if the assistance provided by the motor switches off automatically at a speed of 25 km/h. You also do not need an operating licence or an insurance licence plate (unlike a "fast e-bike" (also known as an S-pedelec)).

E-bikes are bicycles before the law, you may or must use cycle paths without restriction. Wearing a helmet is recommended but not compulsory.

Please note that each type of e-bike is designed for a specific area of use. Only use your STEVENS E-bike for its intended purpose. Improper use will also invalidate the warranty.

Please refer to the chapter "Intended use" in your STEVENS short instructions and your STEVENS Pedelec | E-bike manual.

What Exactly Is a Speed Pedelec?

Speed pedelecs (or in short S-pedelecs) according to EU regulations are legally treated as “lightweight motor cycles with low power” (L1e) whose electric motor will also deliver support at speeds over 25kph (15mph) up to 45kph (28mph) as long as you keep pedalling. S-pedelecs also will propel your bike without pedalling along to a maximum speed of 20kph (12mph).

Since S-pedelecs are considered motor cycles (class L1e) according to EU guide line 2002/24/EG, they require an operating license or an EU type approval certificate and are subject to strict guide lines in terms of components and modifications. To be road legal you need an operating license, a license plate and proper insurance. Most countries require a driver’s license for the operation of S-pedelecs on public roads. Please check your country’s/area’s laws regarding these requirements. Also in most countries you may not use STEVENS Speed Pedelecs on inner-city bike lanes unless those lanes are legally cleared for access with small motor cycles. Please check your local laws before riding a speed pedelec on public roads.

In most countries also wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding an S-pedelec. Please refer to the chapter “special requirements for riding STEVENS Speed Pedelecs” in your STEVENS pedelec | E-Bike manual.

What do the frame designations HT, LT and Forma mean?

With the 2024 model year, STEVENS has introduced new frame designations for the Gent and Lady frame shapes.

HT (formerly Gent) stands for High Tube and refers to a diamond frame with a "high" top tube that is more or less parallel to the ground.

LT (formerly Lady) stands for Low Tube and refers to a frame with a steeply sloping top tube. Another term for this frame shape is trapezoidal frame. LT frames have a significantly lower standover height than HT frames, making it easier to get on and off the bike.

STEVENS uses the frame designation Forma for classic step-through or wave frames without an additional top tube. This frame shape with a low step-through allows easy mounting and dismounting. Thanks to optimised frame construction techniques, our Forma frames are in no way inferior to the HT and LT frames in terms of rigidity. A guarantee for riding safety and robustness at the highest level.

What do abbreviations such as AM or ED mean behind the model names of E-Inception and E-Maverick?

The full suspension E-MTB models in the STEVENS E-Inception and E-Maverick series are available in versions specially customised for their respective areas of application. They differ primarily in terms of the available suspension travel of the fork and shock and are labelled with abbreviations such as AM, ED or FR.

The FR (Freeride) models offer the greatest suspension travel with 180 millimetres of travel on the fork and 170 millimetres on the shock. With bike category 7 E, they are suitable for rides with jumps and drops in the toughest terrain and in bike parks.

The ED (Enduro) models with 170 millimetres (E-Inception) respectively 160 millimetres (E-Maverick) of suspension travel on the fork and shock offer extremely generous suspension travel for riding in very rough and sometimes blocked terrain with steep gradients and the associated higher speeds. They therefore belong to the category 6 E bikes, for which regular jumps of up to 1.2 metres are no problem for experienced riders.

E-Full suspension MTBs with the designation AM (All Mountain) offer an average suspension travel of 150 millimetres (E-Inception) or 140 millimetres (E-Maverick) on the fork and shock. This makes them the perfect companion for challenging off-road use, ideal for Alpine crossings and the like. Just like the Enduro E-bikes, the All Mountain models belong to bike category 6 E.

The E-Inception TR series is a small exception. The E-Crossover bikes, sometimes also referred to as "SUV bikes", are based on the E-Inception full suspension E-MTBs. They are equipped with an extremely capable frame with 120 millimetres of suspension travel, which ensures comfort and riding safety on cycle paths and trails alike. In addition, the TR models are fully equipped for everyday use with a high-quality lighting systems, effective mudguards and Ortlieb QuickLock 3.1-compatible rear pannier racks.

What do the three digits in the model names mean?

Many STEVENS bikes have a combination of three numbers in addition to the model name to make it easy to differentiate the specification and other details. What do they mean in detail?

9.7.2 or 5.5.1? Many of our E-bikes have a combination of three numbers in addition to the model name. For example, E-Triton 7.7.1 or E-Strada 6.3.4, which provide information at a glance about the specification grade, battery capacity and the manufacturer of the drive unit.

The first number refers to the quality of the specification. The higher the number, the higher the quality of the specification. For example, 5.x.x or 6.x.x bikes have functional, high-quality specification that promises riding enjoyment and low maintenance over a long period of time. E-bikes with the designations 8.x.x or 9.x.x are very exclusively equipped and made up of some of the best components on the market.

The second number indicates the capacity of the battery. The 5 stands for batteries of about 500 Wh capacity, the 6 for batteries about 600 Wh capacity and so on.

The last digit provides information about the manufacturer of the drive unit. 1 stands for Bosch drive units, 2 for Shimano, 3 for TQ and 4 for Mahle drive units.

In practice, this means that – as an example – the E-Triton 9.8.1 Plus, is the top model in the range, equipped with an 800 Wh battery and Bosch drive unit. The E-Strada 7.3.4 FEQ is a mid-range model with a 250 Wh battery and Mahle drive unit.

What does ACT, GTF or FEQ mean?

ACT or GTF - STEVENS engineers have equipped the E-Inception E-Fully range with two different frame geometries that give the bikes a different character. The comfortable "ACT" Active geometry, which is suitable for touring and long rides, is used as standard on the two all-mountain bikes AM 6.6.1 and AM 7.7.2 with aluminium frames. Alternatively, the bikes are available with the GTF suffix. The frames have a sportier geometry with a shorter head tube, slacker head tube angle and longer top tube, which results in a longer wheelbase and greater reach – and therefore more stability and control downhill. This is also the home of the abbreviation "GTF", which stands for the slang expression "Gas to Flat" commonly used among MTB riders and and means "full throttle and with full control down the mountain". Further information on the ACT and GTF geometries can be found here.

FEQ – The abbreviation FEQ stands for Fully Equipped and is used for E-bikes with full everyday specification. In addition to powerful lighting, FEQ bikes are equipped with effective mudguards and, in the vast majority of cases, fully-fledged pannier racks. The bikes are therefore particularly suitable for daily commuting all year round and in all weathers, as well as for extensive tours that can last a little longer.

What do additions such as "Plus" or "Tour" mean in the model names?

STEVENS E-bikes with the suffix "Plus", such as the E-Universe 9.8.1 Plus, have a higher permissible total weight than our regular E-bikes. The system weight of the "Plus" E-bikes is 180 kilograms40 kilograms more than our regular E-bikes with a permissible total weight of 140 kilograms. In addition to the weight of the bike, the permissible total weight also includes the weight of the rider, the load or attached loads. This is achieved on the one hand through particularly stable frames, but also through special add-on parts such as reinforced wheels. This makes "Plus" bikes the ideal towing machines for (children's) bike trailers, shopping mules or tours with a lot of luggage.

The addition "Tour" refers to sporty, particularly lightweight models that are equipped with a touring kit, a comprehensive range of everyday equipment. This includes powerful lighting and efficient mudguards. An example of this is the classic Strada series, which is available as a sporty "naked" fitness bike without a touring kit, or as the Strada 800 Tour and Strada 1000 Tour with a touring kit. Ideal for daily commuting in wind and weather as well as for fast excursions in changing conditions.

What range can my e-bike battery provide?

eBike Systems from BOSCH has developed a range assistant on its website that takes the above factors into account. On the site, you have the option of determining the approximate range of your STEVENS e-bike.

How many kilometres you can ride on an e-bike cannot be answered with a simple figure. The range of an e-bike system consisting of motor and battery depends on a variety of factors, some of which change, all of which have a greater or lesser influence on the efficiency and power consumption of the e-bike. There is currently no industry-wide standard for comparative determination of range.

The factors primarily include the technical characteristics of the motor and battery - the capacity in watt hours (Wh) and, for example, the support levels with which the e-bike is ridden. The average speed and cadence are also decisive. On the e-bike, the total weight of the bike, rider and luggage is particularly important, but the tyre profile and air pressure and, last but not least, the riding position - and therefore the wind resistance - also have an influence on battery consumption.

External influences: The hillier the route and the stronger the headwind, the more the motor has to work. The same applies: the smoother the surface, the more economical an e-bike can ride. And a battery also consumes more energy when starting off frequently than when it is used evenly.

In addition to using the range assistant, we also recommend that you always allow a few kilometres for safety on a tour to allow for spontaneous detours - and to recharge not only your battery but also that of your STEVENS e-bike during a break.

What is the best way to look after the battery on my STEVENS e-bike?

E-bike batteries from our suppliers such as Bosch or Shimano are efficient, long-lasting and reliable energy sources. Like all modern lithium-ion batteries, they are subject to a natural ageing process, even if they are not used. Factors that have a positive effect on service life include, for example, storage at temperatures between 0°C and 20°C and at a charge level between 30% and 60%.

"The eBike Battery Guide" from Bosch eBike Systems, which we recommend, as well as the FAQ section from Shimano, for all STEVENS E-Bikes with Shimano STEPS drive unit, summarises everything you need to know about care, handling, maintenance, charging times and more.

Please also note the information on battery care in the STEVENS Pedelec | E-Bike manual.

Can I convert my STEVENS e-bike as I wish?

E-bikes are subject to the Machinery Directive due to their electric motor, which means that there are some differences to a bicycle when it comes to placing on the market and conversions. For example, an e-bike requires CE labelling and a conformity assessment from the manufacturer. Anyone who modifies an e-bike beyond certain parts becomes the manufacturer and can be held liable for any damage.

As a general rule, components can of course be replaced with original components. In addition, STEVENS dealers follow the“Guide Line for Exchange of Components on CE Marked E-Bikes/Pedelecs with Motor Support Up To 25kph”, a recommendation of the industry associations Zweirad Industrie Verband ZIV, Verbund Service und Fahrrad VSF, Bundesinnungsverband Zweiradmechaniker-Handwerk and Zedler Institut.

According to the guide, the replacement of bells and grips, for example, is permitted without any problems, but the motor unit with battery and control unit is not. Please always ask your STEVENS dealer if you want to modify your STEVENS e-bike!

Can I Transport Children in a Trailer Or Child Seat On an E-Bike or S-Pedelec?

With a STEVENS E-Bike that supports pedalling up to a speed of 25 km/h, the towing of (child) trailers is permitted (with a weight of 40 kg without overrun brake; with a weight of 80 kg with overrun brake).

STEVENS Vertriebs GmbH recommends the use of (children's) trailers with overrun brakes, especially for E-bikes. The installation and use of a child seat is also permitted on E-bikes.

Please note that the trailer and child seat or the children/the payload must be counted towards the permissible total weight (140 kg for STEVENS E-bikes/180 kg for "Plus" models).

On STEVENS carbon E-Fullys, however, the towing of (child) trailers or the installation of a child seat is not permitted. STEVENS E-Fullys with aluminium frames are an exception. These are authorised for towing (child) trailers. However, the installation of a child seat is also not permitted on STEVENS E-Fullys with an aluminium frame.

When purchasing a child seat or (child) bike trailer, take your STEVENS E-bike to a specialist dealer. They will be able to clarify which seat fits and how exactly it is adjusted, or which coupling is the right one for the trailer.

On fast e-bikes (S-pedelecs), which provide pedalling assistance up to a speed of 45 km/h, the towing of (child) trailers is not permitted. However, the installation and use of child seats is permitted on fast e-bikes.

Please note that the child and child seat must be added to the permissible total weight (140 or 180 kilograms for STEVENS S-Pedelecs | Fast E-Bikes). When buying a child seat, take your fast e-bike to a specialist dealer. They will be able to check whether the seat fits.

Where Can I Find My STEVENS Bike‘s Frame Serial Number?

The frame serial number on many older bikes can be found under the bottom bracket, on current bike designs it is printed on a sticker on the down tube. Since model year 2008 the frame number has a very simple pattern. The first digit is an “S” followed by a sequence of numerals and if applicable by capital letters. Altogether the sequence is 10 to 12 characters long.

On My STEVENS Bike There Is a Sticker with a Picture/Icon and a Code Starting with “ISO” – What Exactly Does This Indicate?

This icon indicates for which kind of intended use the particular bike has been designed for. An exact definition of all individual icons/intended uses can be found in the manual in chapter “intended use”.

What Is The Correct Torque That I May Use To Tighten the Bolts On My STEVENS Bike?

To ensure the operational safety of your STEVENS bike all screw joints need to be securely fastened and checked on a regular basis. This is preferably done with a torque wrench that makes a clicking noise and disengages when it reaches the torque it’s been adjusted to. Approach by starting at a low torque and increasing it in small steps (0.5Nm at a time) in between consistently checking how tightly the components fit before applying the required maximum torque. Do not exceed the maximum torque given by the manufacturer! On parts for which no exact number is stated, start at 2Nm. Always adhere to the numbers stated on the components themselves and/or in the respective manufacturers’ manuals.

If you are not absolutely sure, please ask your STEVENS dealer. Please note the numbers given in the chapter “recommended torque” in your STEVENS quick user guide.

I lost my STEVENS manual – how do I get a new one?

All current STEVENS manuals are available for PDF download on this site's download area.

I would like to Change the Tires on My STEVENS Bike. What Width Must They Not Exceed?

Please contact your STEVENS dealer with this question. In the vast majority of cases, tyres with the maximum permissible width are fitted ex works. Your specialist dealer will be able to advise you on which tyres are best suited to your riding purposes.

Can I Retrofit My STEVENS Bike’s Pannier Rack with a Spring Clamp?

For most of our city bikes, trekking bikes and E-Bikes we selected pannier racks from Racktime because of our positive experience with them in terms of quality and handling. These racks can be retrofitted with an optional “Clamp it” spring clamp. Please contact your dealer for information about which “Clamp It” version best fits your bike’s pannier rack. Spring clamps are only one part in Racktime’s pannier rack system that also includes baskets, bags and much more.

What is the maximum permissible Weight of a STEVENS bike?

There is indeed a maximum permissible overall weight for all our bikes. It consists of the bike's weight, the rider's weight and the luggage carried.

The following maximum permissible overall weight of STEVENS bikes is as follows:

  • Allround: 130 kg
  • E-Bikes: 140 kg
  • Plus: 180 kg
  • Mountain bikes: 115 kg
  • Kid's-MTBs und Kid's bikes: 65 kg
  • Road bikes: 115 kg

If different, the indication “maximum weight” on the respective model's page (Equipment/Data) applies.

How Frequently Does My Bike Have To Be Maintained?

The degree of wear on your bike mostly depends on the kind and duration of use. The following data are based on an average distance of 1,000 to 2,000km ridded per year. When a bike is frequently ridden on bad roads and/or over longer distances per year service intervals will be shorter accordingly. If you are not absolutely sure or have any questions, contact your STEVENS dealer.
Please also note the chapter “Service and Maintenance Plan” in your STEVENS quick user guide.

Component Activity   Before every ride  Monthly Annual Miscellanious
Battery (z.B. Di2) Check and charge, if applicable x      
Light check x      
Tires  check pressure x      
Check profile and sidewalls   x    
Brakes (rim type) Check lever stroke, brake pad thickness and position to rim; stationary brake check x      
Brakes (drum/roller type) lever stroke, stationary brake check x      
Brakes, pads (rim type) Clean    x    
Brake cables/pads/hose Visual inspection   x    
Brakes (disc type) Check lever stroke, leak tightness; stationary brake check x      
Change brake fluid     o  
Suspension fork / cartridge Check bolts, tighten if applicable     o  
Extensive service (oil change)     o  
Rims (with rim brakes) Check wall thickness, replace if applicable       No later than after the second set of brake pads
Fork (rigid) Check, replace if applicable       At least every 2 years
Bottom bracket Check bearing play   x    
Remove and grease (bearing cups)     o  
Chain Check and/or grease x      
Check wear, and if applicable replace (derailleur gears)       after 1,000km or 50 hours of operation
Dropper post Maintenance     x  
Cranks Check, if applicable tighten   x    
Paint/anodisation/carbon Apply protective coating       At least twice a year
Wheels/spokes Check trueness and tension   x    
True and/or tighten       if applicable
Handlebar and stem (Aluminium and/or Carbon) Check or replace       At least every 2 years
Steering bearings Check bearing play   x    
Re-grease     o  
Metallic surfaces Apply protective coating (Exceptions: rim sidewalls of bikes with rim brakes, brake discs)       At least twice a year
Hubs Check bearing play   x    
Re-grease     o  
Pedals (all types) Check bearing play   x    
Pedale (clipless) Clean mechanism, grease   x    
Seat post/stem Schrauben überprüfen    x    
Check bolts nbsp]                       Remove and grease
Carbon: apply carbon paste (no grease!)                                
    o  
front/rear derailleur clean, grease   x    
Quick release/thru axle Check tightness x      
Nuts and bolts (gear hubs, mud guards etc.) Check and, if applicable tighten   x    
Software (Di2, Nuvinci Harmony etc.)  Update       When provided by the manufacturer
Valves Check tightness x      
Cables (Shifting/brakes) Remove, grease, if applicable replace     o  

 

 

I Would Like To Apply An Anti-Theft Code to My STEVENS Bike - What Do I Need Take Care Of?

In addition to properly locking your bike with a high-quality lock (or even better two locks) in public places, a safety code can help your bike not getting stolen. We recommend applying the anti-theft code by sticker. Etching the code number into your frame can damage your frame beyond repair which will also diminish your bike’s operational safety.

STEVENS Vertriebs GmbH would like to point out that any etching or engraving of the frame – just like any other permanent alteration of the frame – will void warranty!

My bike is damaged. What am I supposed to do?

For technical questions about your bike, please contact your STEVENS dealer. He as your contractual partner is responsible for handling guarantee and warranty issues with STEVENS Vertriebs GmbH and other suppliers/manufacturers.

For comprehensive and rapid processing we recommend taking your proof of purchase (receipt) to the dealer.

I crashed with my STEVENS Road Bike or Mountain Bike and the carbon frame is damaged. What am I supposed to do?

Starting with production year 2010 we grant a special reduction of 50 percent on all purchases of replacements for STEVENS carbon road and mountainbike frames in case of a crash.

The conditions of the STEVENS Crash Replacement program:

  • The offer is only valid for original owners and frames starting with model year 2010.
  • Complete bike or frameset have to be purchased at an authorized STEVENS dealer.
  • The offer is only valid within two years from date of purchase. The damaged frame has to be sent in by a STEVENS dealer, receipt and damage report included.
  • In consultation with the dealer, STEVENS will make a proposal/offer for a replacement frame (due to model changes the same color/version may sometimes no longer be available).
  • Road bike framesets are delivered fork included, full suspension frames without suspension. Frames replaced under warranty/guarantee or frames already replaced within our replacement program are excluded from the program.
  • The offer does not apply in case of negligent or willful damage. STEVENS will not bear the cost of assembly and delivery.

I Would Like To Lease a STEVENS Bike – How Does This Work?

Since 2012 the legal principles for company cars also apply to bicycles and pedelecs. According to lease companies can provide a bike or E-Bike to its employees instead of a car with similar conditions – like certain types of financing and a lower purchasing price.


There are many leasing service providers collaborating with our STEVENS dealers. On this info page you can find all there is to know about leasing a company bike and all STEVENS dealers offering this kind of service.

How Many Years Warranty Do I Get on My STEVENS Bike?

As the original purchaser you have a six-year warranty on STEVENS frames and forks.
(Model years 2020 and prior: 5 years)

In case of a warranty claim please see your STEVENS dealer who is your contract partner. The dealer is the one to handle your complaint also when it concerns components from any supplier. Please bring your sales receipt, the bike passport you received with the purchase of your bike and the handover certificate for a speedy and easy processing of your request.

Excluded from the warranty are normal wear and tear and damages to the warranted components caused by any other than the normal intended use. The warranty specifically does not cover any damages caused by neglect, lack of care or maintenance, crashes, overload, excessive stress, exceeded weight limits, incorrect assembly, and by attachment of or alterations on components on the bike that have not been approved by the manufacturer and/or due to jumps performed with the bicycle.

Coatings and/or paint jobs of the warranted components are subject to normal wear and tear during the time of use and can deteriorate or slightly be damaged; this kind of wear or damage due to normal mechanical strain is excluded from the warranty. Please note the chapter “Warranty conditions of STEVENS Vertriebs GmbH“ in the current STEVENS short instructions.