The Xenith, the follow-up model to the successful Ventoux, was designed by STEVENS engineers with a deliberately balanced endurance, in order to achieve the balancing act between a classic aero and a comfort-oriented marathon bike. This is achieved using a longer head tube and a shorter top tube, which allows for a more moderate riding position compared to a pure aero bike and thus less fatigue even on long distances. "The perfect bike for all those who are looking for an endurance racer with plenty of comfort, but don't want to tie it down to a relaxed riding position," is the conclusion of the ROADBIKE test editors. "I like the […] riding position on the Xenith. The bike simply feels faster", ROADBIKE test rider Stephan Bareiß is quoted.

In addition to the comfortably designed frame, the tyres also have a major influence on long-distance suitability. Wider tyres are known to absorb road bumps better, which is why the test bike, equipped with 32 mm wide tyres, convinced the ROADBIKE editors. "Despite 32 mm tyres, the Xenith accelerates well and rides pleasantly agile [and] impresses [...] the testers with very good forward momentum".

For all its agility, the bike also comes up trumps with a high level of riding comfort. "The round diameter carbon seatpost at the rear provides the necessary comfort on long tours. These do not always have to be on smooth asphalt typical of road bikes, because the bike is not too shy for uneven terrain. The test editors therefore noted positively: "The Xenith also never takes it amiss if one or the other unpaved path is included in the tour - a clear plus in terms of versatility".

Thanks to its sophisticated geometry, the Xenith's smoothness and agility are not mutually exclusive: "The Xenith scores a lot of plus points with its balanced handling, which provides the necessary smoothness for long tours, but is still agile enough to give the bike a pleasantly lively character," concludes the ROADBIKE magazine.