For 2016, all Stevens full suspension bikes get a Boost 148 rear, and 29ers get boost forks (27.5 get standard forks for now due to availability issues). All of them have lighter forged parts, cutting 120g from the Jura, and 180g to 200g from the Whaka and Sledge models depending on frame and wheel size. For the Whaka, a smaller forged piece for the non-drive chainstay yoke saves about 70g over the longer yoke leading to the lower pivot on the regular model. It’s also stronger, improving frame durability in testing. This change will eventually be adapted to the other bikes.
Building on that is the Whaka+, their new 27.5+ bike with Boost spacing and the new Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5×3.0 tires.
New cable routing inserts that allow for multiple hoses and housings to run thru a single port are borrowed from road bikes, but with a silicone tube inside the frame to guide it along and keep it from rattling.
Ample tire clearance front and rear, and with Boost spacing and a frame design built around 3.0 tires, there’s no reason this bike can’t also run 29×2.2 wheels/tires when desired.
The Whaka+ gets 140mm travel, and the standard Whaka 29er has 140mm, too. On the non-Plus models, both the small and medium bikes will both have 27.5″ wheel options with a 150mm fork (prior model was only offered in Small with 27.5″), and 29er will continue being offered in M, L and XL and 140mm fork. Carbon fiber Whaka models are in the works, too.
Other updates to all full suspension mountain bikes for 2016 include Sideswing front derailleur compatibility, and a new bolt on chain slap protection for chainstay with grooves to allow a chain guide to strap on underneath. They’re running direct mount rear derailleurs, too.
The Sledge Max is a new 170/160 enduro bike with 1×11 group. Standard Sledge models will carry forward with the usual 160mm forks and 2×11 groups.
