Stevens Haze SX Hardtail

Peter_K
Peter_K Posts: 193
edited June 2013 in MTB buying advice
I'm on the lookout for a hardtail around the £1000 mark at the moment. Called into the LBS and they have an ex-demo one of these for £900, marked down from £1700 apparently.

http://www.stevensbikes.de/2011/index.p ... lang=en_US

I've been unable to find much information about Stevens bikes online - I understand they are a German make but that's about it. Does anyone have any experience of their quality?

I'm trying my best not to spend £1000 on a 2013 model of something along the lines of the following, only for it to drop in value by £300 the minute it leaves the shop:
Specialised Rockhopper Pro
Cube Ltd Race 29

Any other recommendations would be much appreciated. Not really fussed about 29/26, just looking for a good quality bike that will last and keep its resale value. Happy to buy 2nd hand.

Thanks!

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Never heard of them but the kit is well worth the money.
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  • mcnultycop
    mcnultycop Posts: 2,143
    That looks decent value.
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  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    Stevens are good bikes, only imported into the UK by Hargroves but a decent sized manufacturer in Germany. Their stuff seems well made, some of the guys in my office have them. Quite XC orientated as a rule, not bad value full price, even better 40% off. Ive always been impressed enough to recommend them to people I work with....
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  • bartimaeus
    bartimaeus Posts: 1,812
    I tried the Haze ES in 2011 - at the Hargroves Cyclefest in QECP. It was a fantastic bike, really sharp and with a great fork that made descending really fun... the only negative for me is that Stevens spec them with long-ish stems and flat narrow bars, but that's an easy fix and not too expensive. I was completely knackered after riding the Haze as it encourages you to get out of the saddle and sprint up every incline. I've ridden other Stevens bikes at the Hargroves Cyclefests - last year I had a go on a 'Ridge Max' and this year I had great fun on a 'Sledge'. So three Stevens bikes - all well worth riding.
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  • paul.skibum
    paul.skibum Posts: 4,068
    Well specced, light weight, looks like a xc race oriented machine but no bad thing - as mentioned above a few minor equipment tweeks would see you right. 900 notes cant be bad either.
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  • Peter_K
    Peter_K Posts: 193
    Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

    Took a quick test run on it today, felt very aggressive compared to my current setup which is a lot more relaxed (DH front forks which lifts the front up a lot).

    Hoping to try out some of the others on offer for a comparison then make the decision!

    Cheers all.

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