Stevens Camino in the test: The carbon gravel bike from Stevens appeals with its successful frame and really good features, the highlights of which include the Shimano GRX 2×12. The tire clearance is exemplary and the price is surprisingly low. And the Hamburgers can also score points when it comes to weight.
At Stevens in Hamburg, gravel and cyclocross are clearly separate areas. With multiple German champion and Masters world champion Jens Schwedler, the brand has had a likeable, exemplary athlete on board for decades, perfectly embodying the sport of cyclocross and the brand's bikes. As a result, Stevens cyclocross bikes are a common sight in racing, while a well-known competitor from Lower Saxony has since thrown in the towel, leaving the niche between road bike and gravel bike empty.
Stevens Camino: Good amenities and attractive price
Stevens currently offers the Camino in three versions. There are now seven aluminum gravel bikes, two of which are equipped with lights and mudguards. New to the carbon bikes is the racing Camino AXS with SRAM Force and Zipp carbon wheels, but something has also changed in the cheapest model, the Stevens Camino. The aggressively priced carbon bike in the range, which leaves nothing to be desired in terms of features and details, is now available with Shimano GRX 2×12 - and all without the usual price increases.
“Squoval” tubes and integrated clamping
The black-aubergine frame (called “Cold Magma Red”) features square tubes with rounded edges and the organic-looking seat tube node with integrated clamp. Three bottle holders, carrier systems and mudguards can be attached, as well as a small top tube bag.
The frame geometry differs significantly from that of the Stevens Crosser with a significantly longer head tube and top tube. Despite the short stem, you sit slightly stretched on the bike, but not very low. The Stevens is pleasantly handy, even if the wheelbase and chainstays are rather long. That's a good thing, because the manufacturer specifies a maximum tire width of 45 mm, but even fat 2.1-inch tires (53 mm) fit through the fork and rear triangle without it becoming excessively narrow. At least on dry days where no mud sticks to the bike, the Camino can also be ridden on demanding trails.
Large range of gear ratios with Shimano GRX 2×12
However, its creators had something else in mind. With Shimano's new 2×12 gears (46/30 teeth at the front, 11-34 at the rear), the Stevens seems ideal for long tours on varying terrain where you want a wide range of gear ratios on the one hand, but narrow gear jumps on the other. Such a gearbox is ideal for switching between off-road sections and asphalt sections, and this appeals, for example, to cyclists who go on long tours with luggage. The tires – Conti Terra Speed with a reduced profile – are also a good compromise between on- and off-road. Experience has shown that tires such as the Fulcrum wheelset can be easily converted to tubeless.
Stevens Camino: Internal cable routing and narrow handlebars
Powerful, handy and with 42 cm wide, slightly flared handlebars, the Camino certainly has racing bike airs. The top link is wrapped in thick tape and is slightly curved towards the rider, both of which are very comfortable; Despite the aluminum seat post, the bike is not too hard at the rear. What we like about the cockpit is the internal cable routing, which in turn is also a functional plus when transporting luggage - keyword handlebar bag.
The Shimano GRX mix - 610 lever and crankset, 400 brakes and 820 rear derailleur and front derailleur - works perfectly as usual; Even those who invest significantly more brake and shift gears hardly any better. At 9,56 kilos (plus pedals), the bike is also relatively light, especially for the low price. The fact that the Camino now has a twelve-speed gearbox makes things even more interesting. Many competitors still use Shimano's 2×11 systems - and of course they are no longer completely up to date.
