It’s the bike ridden by Pro Continental-Team Verandas Willems-Crelan but also available for mere mortal cyclists ”in a slightly different build for a quite reasonable price”, Dutch Bicycling.NL is happy to say.
The editors immediately went on to test the STEVENS Xenon and ordered the customizable road racer with Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, Ritchey WCS seatpost, DT-Swiss aluminium wheels and redesigned carbon frame: ”The bike features typical race geometry – the rider is positioned low, stretched-out and aggressive. Steering is direct and the bike accelerates fast,” according to the testers, who also pointed out the frameset’s low weight of 925 grams.

It might take quite a while to compile a bike in the STEVENS Online Configurator completely on your own, but then it was ”an oh-so wonderful feeling to finally get that perfect bike”, the authors said.

You can indeed chose (almost) every part on the Xenon yourself: Drivetrain group, crank length, gears, wheels, handlebar, bar tape, seat post and saddle – in the end a road bike is a tool that needs to fit the rider perfectly. In its eventual set-up one thing became obvious on the road: ”This bike really leaps forward. Its direct steering combined with good stiffness and low weight makes it accelerate like a race horse.

Steering can feel a little nervous at times, yet offers precise control in fast-ridden corners.” The new frame design made the rear triangle more compliant, which according to the testers made it suitable for cobble stones.

Conclusion: "This bike offers all kinds of possibilities to tailor it to one’s needs, fantastic – and for a very competitive price. Ideal for criterium and road races, competitive riders cannot ignore the Xenon when looking for a fast, direct and stiff bike.”

BTW: Those who don’t like to put together their own bike can opt for the STEVENS Xenon Di2 in Carbon Neon Yellow with electronic Ultegra Di2 shifting. The Xenon Di2 and the custom version in Carbon Neon Yellow or Foggy Grey are available in sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60cm. In the Custom Configurator you can have the Xenon custom built with one of eight drive train groups, eight wheelsets and many other personalized details.