Test: Stella delivers its e-bikes directly - currently only to NRW. The Stella Vicenza Superior Nero Steps draws attention to itself with the innovative Shimano system; If you live away from the specialist trade, you can definitely risk having a bike delivered to you.
The Dutch e-bike specialist is entering the market with an innovative sales concept. Instead of building up a dealer network and competing with other brands in the bike shops, Stella prefers to send its salespeople directly to the customer in the van. They can book a non-binding test drive, then do a few laps on their home terrain with the electric bike and be comprehensively instructed. However, this service is currently limited to North Rhine-Westphalia, as is the still relatively small network of Stella test centers. In the long term, the brand wants to be present throughout Germany.
Stella Vicenza Superior Nero Steps: Di2 Harmony
Stella brings up models like the Stella Vicenza Superior Nero Steps against the long-established brands - one of the most expensive bikes in the range, equipped with Shimano's innovative Steps Di2 drive. The abbreviation stands for an electronic gearshift control and, if desired, a fully automatic gearshift that selects the optimal gear with the help of parameters such as pedal pressure, cadence and speed. The system is self-learning, evaluates the user's shifting behavior in manual mode and adjusts the automatic shifting accordingly.
Another feature of Di2 is the delay in gear changes when the pedal pressure is too high. In such situations, the transmission only shifts when the power is reduced - in practice with vertical pedal cranks, which minimizes friction and wear in the shift hub.
The Shimano mid-engine fits unobtrusively into the matt black women's frame, especially as it is covered by a large full chain protection on the drive side. This is a typical Dutch bike feature, just as the Vicenza is similar to the classic Dutch touring bike in terms of seating position. You roll upright, with a suspension fork and a sprung seat post providing a certain degree of comfort. The handlebars, which can be adjusted without tools, are practical with a pleasant bend back and well-formed ergo grips. Also on board are transparent coat protection at the rear and a frame lock, the key of which can only be removed when the bike is locked. But what may have proven itself on simple Dutch city bikes is no longer up-to-date on a bike in this price range.
Stella Vicenza Superior Nero Steps: range suitable for everyday use despite the small battery
With 418 watt hours in the luggage rack battery, the Estella's "tank" isn't exactly overly large, but in the laboratory test it's enough for 74 km on the flat and 18 km on the mountain. This is perfectly acceptable for an everyday bike; Even the not too high torque of the drive, which is particularly noticeable when starting off, can be gotten over when driving in the city. Unfortunately, the drive is relatively noisy, which is particularly noticeable when driving at a leisurely pace.
The pleasant, almost imperceptible electronic shifting system is joined by strong Shimano disc brakes, good Schwalbe tires and solid equipment overall. All of this has its weight, namely exactly 27 kilos - significantly less than the 22,7 kilos promised by the manufacturer. The comfortable bike cannot simply be carried down into the basement. Incidentally, at just under 3.200 euros, the Stella bike is no cheaper than Steps models from specialist retailers – but you can try it out without obligation.
