Stevens Klunker

[St-Pedali]

Found this piece on a fleamarked. Looks like a Klunker, but seems from the early 90s. I like the retro design and would be happy about mor information and pictures. Anyone?
Here are a few details:
Dia Compe Power Control 7 levers
-Shimano STX RC brakes
-Hubs Shimano STX RC
-Derailleur Deore LX
-Crank Alivio 3x
-Gripshift shifter
-Sun Rims CRE 16 rot anodized
-Seat post Ritchey

 

[d8mok]

Steven likely wanted a Newsboy

 

[Caj Remtiw]

Stevens was the brand name for the bikes produced/ sold by my German distributor (out of Hamburg) back in the early/ mid 90's. I distinctly remember that bike at the EuroBike trade show +/- 1994. Yes it has some Newsboy "influence as well as CBR 3-bar and So. Cal. "strand" riding because I let their main designer (that is seriously a push) hang with me in Laguna and the OC coast for about a week back in '92.

My bet is that the geometry is a little "goofy" because they were still going after the eastcoast US and euro MTB markets with too steep of a headangle and a cramped front end.

I'd bet you could make a KILLER Klunker, Strand cruiser, Pub Krawler by adding Proflex forks and a mild rise set of BMX bars. Myself personally, I'd build a rear wheel with an internal geared hub (Shimano Alfine) and Conti CrossKing tires.

Oh , and don't forget to remove the Stevens decals! The company was TOTAL A-holes to deal with!

 

[jimo746]

Beach Cruiser vibes

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Stevens was the brand name for the bikes produced/ sold by my German distributor (out of Hamburg) back in the early/ mid 90's. I distinctly remember that bike at the EuroBike trade show +/- 1994. Yes it has some Newsboy "influence as well as CBR 3-bar and So. Cal. "strand" riding because I let their main designer (that is seriously a push) hang with me in Laguna and the OC coast for about a week back in '92.

Thanks Jack that's some seriously excellent info.
Some more history on the cantilever frame style, was developed by Schwinn in 1938, one of the most copied bicycle designs of the 20th century.
Plenty of pics and reference here:
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/1938-schwinn-cantilever-b607.224821/


Hey, how did pictures of Ingola's 50s Typhoon, and (a much younger) Duck Norris get in here?

 

[grantoury]

Stevens are still around with a typical German range of bikes; road, mtb, trekking, hybrid, e-bikes, I never saw a model like this.

 

[Caj Remtiw]

I bag'd this picture from CABE because it shows how your "funk-a-idilic" Stevens could be turned into a really fun ride. Definitely a conversation starter when used for pub crawls!

 

[St-Pedali]

Hi everyone, hello Jack (Caj Remtiw), well thanks for that rememberance concerning that Stevens designer guy visiting you and the west coast. I'm curious: Do you have his name? What was your occupation back in the days? Oh man, please specify on those 1992 vibes.

Also: What was the difference between the east coast/european approach to the west coast design principles? I agree: The front end looks a bit cramped. But the ride is fast and fine, the bike feels light and agile.

My interest in Stevens is somewhat natural, scince I live in Hamburg and their headquarter is not very far from my house. To my understanding the founders are from the von Hacht family, who have a history in road racing in cyclocross. If you want to specify on that "total A-hole matter" feel free and go ahead. I'm not related to them in any form and only own this "newsboy-klunker-wannabe".

Stevens reputation here in Germany is quite good and they claim to be an innovator in the bike industry. True or not, I thank you for Proflex-Alfine-upgrade-suggestion. Looked up proflex forks on ebay already, but couldn't find any so far. I guess fork tube has to be 1 1/8 inch, right? And should I go for elastomere or steel spring?

Many question, but sorry, you got me hooked on these oldschool MTB matters and the personalities involved. Would be too nice to see a picture oft the bike at the 1994 some 31 years ago at Eurobike in Friedrichshafen.

 

[Caj Remtiw]

Odd as it may sound... You might want to also put a Suntour suspension seatpost on the bike as well. One can not know until they tried, but I'd bet that might take care of several of the frames "problems" in one shot.

I just mentioned a proflex fork because I thought it would look cool. Otherwise, I know nothing about them.