Test: The Hamburg-based company's first real gravel bike cannot yet separate itself from the crosser in name, but it is a completely new construction that is primarily aimed at touring riders. But the Prestige is not averse to a sporty pace either.
In 2020, the Hamburg company sent another crosser to the Velomotion gravel test, but this year the first real gravel bike from the cross-country specialists is coming. “Prestige” has always stood for cyclocrossers in the Stevens model range; Now the name has been transferred to the brand's top gravel bike - you could have said "Grestige". The old name hides a completely newly designed frame, the geometry of which differs significantly from that of the off-road racer: based on frame size 56, the top tube has become a whopping 35 mm longer; the reach has grown to the same extent. On the other hand, the Graveller has 15 mm more stack (height), which is made up of a higher fork and a 10 mm longer head tube. Stevens also mounts an 56 mm stem on the 80 gravel bike - it's 2 cm longer on the Crosser.
Adjusted Geometry
On a gravel bike, you sit a little longer and a little more upright than on a crosser, and you enjoy manageable, agile handling. Thanks to the short stem, the Prestige 2021 is very manoeuvrable, while still running smoothly enough at high speeds - this is where the long wheelbase comes into play, which primarily affects the front end. "Toe overlap" is definitely not a problem, even if you mount significantly wider tires than the 40 Schwalbe. Stevens approves 45s, but 50 mm wide tires should also fit easily through the frame and fork.
New frame with many extras
That puts Stevens in a good mood right away, and the new frame is also appealing in other respects. For example, thanks to completely smooth welded joints on the head tube and seat tube node and square-round tube cross-sections, not to mention the elegant direct-mount dropout. You can also attach all sorts of things: various bottle holders, a top tube bag and luggage holders on the fork, not to mention mudguards and a rear carrier. If you are looking for a gravel bike for tours with luggage, you should find the bike interesting, especially since it does not appear particularly sensitive with the massive aluminum fork.
Good GRX blend
Stevens installs a Shimano GRX and mixes the slightly cheaper 600 parts (STIs and crankset) with the top shifting components of the GRX 810, plus BR-RX400 brake calipers. With 46/30 teeth at the front and an 11-34 cassette, the range of gear ratios is huge. In addition, there is a fairly simple Fulcrum wheel set with a soft, whirring freewheel and standard spokes, which can at least be ridden tubeless; Tubeless tires are already mounted (but with a tube). The handlebars, which are slightly angled towards the rider and slightly flared, are striking, as is the clever clamping of the seat post with an easily accessible screw.
| frame | Aluminum 6061TB |
| suspension fork | S Lite Aluminum |
| Wheels | Fulcrum Rapid Red 900DB |
| Tubes | Schwalbe G-One Bite TLE |
| derailleur | Shimano GRX810 |
| Gear levers | Shimano GRX600 |
| Crank | Shimano GRX600 |
| Front derailleur | |
| Brake | Shimano GRX400 |
| Seat post | Oxygen Triton |
| Saddle | Oxygen Triton |
| Stem | Oxygen Scorpo Road |
| Links | Oxygen Scorpo Aero Gravel |
Of course, such an aluminum Graveller is not light - with the pedals, the Stevens weighs a good eleven kilos, but that doesn't detract from the fun of riding. The stiff frame allows snappy acceleration, and if you reduce the tire pressure, you're also quite comfortable on the road. Stevens doesn't have exaggerated price expectations either: the Gres, which is available in six frame sizes, is said to cost 1.799 euros..., uh, Prestige.
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