Stevens 2026 AVIOLO 9.1 LT / Black Mercury XS / Black Mercury

Stevens Aviolo 9.1 LT – a 15.8 kg touring bike with air suspension, 22 gears and top-spec technology

The 6061 aluminium frame is built in the LT shape: the top tube runs considerably lower than on a classic diamond frame, which lets you mount and dismount without any slipping. The 142 mm O.L.D. creates space for wide tyres and provides the stability of a genuine long-distance bike, while BSA bottom bracket, postmount mounts and internal cable routing keep the construction tidy and low-maintenance. At 15.8 kg this is the lightest bike in the Aviolo range, yet the total weight limit of 140 kg still leaves plenty of room for luggage. The colour Black Mercury with a fine metallic effect underlines the reduced, high-quality appearance.

The drivetrain sits at the highest level of the range: The Shimano CUES U8000 combines the 46 and 32 tooth chainrings of the Hollowtech II crankset with the 11-speed CS-LG700-11 cassette from 11 to 45 teeth. This adds up to 22 gears which, with 48 teeth of total capacity, cope with every climb and gravel section even under a full load. Front derailleur FD-U8010-LL3 and Shadow+ rear derailleur RD-U8020-SGS shift precisely and quietly, so gear changes succeed cleanly even on steep passages under load. The CN-LG500 LINKGLIDE chain and the I-Spec II shifters underline the consistent overall design.

Suspension and braking on this top model are perfectly matched: The SR Suntour NRX32IL-E air suspension fork with 60 mm of travel is adjusted via air pressure exactly to body weight and terrain, absorbing cobblestones as confidently as potholes and uneven edges at the roadside. The Shimano CUES U8000 hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm Shimano SM-RT54 rotors and centre lock deliver strong, even braking power via three-finger levers, even when things get slippery. The wheels combine Strummer RTP-1 hubs with Oxygen Edge T26 rims in 26x622 ETRTO, and the 45-622 Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency Evolution tyres bring a decisive advantage for travel alongside V-Guard puncture protection, ADDIX Race compound and reflective strips: they are foldable and easy to stow compactly on the move.

The lighting equipment also goes one step further: The Shutter Precision PL-6 hub dynamo supplies the Supernova E3 Pure 3 front light with 205 lumens and daytime running light, while the Supernova TL 3 Mini stand rear light keeps the area behind visible. The Racktime STV RC 04 luggage rack with SNAP IT 2.0 and QL3.1 system accepts pannier bags, side panniers and large travel bags, so multi-day tours and bikepacking gear alike find their place. Curana Apollo 60 mudguards, the STEVENS Edge kickstand with KSA 40 mount, the D85 bell, the Scorpo Rise handlebar with 680 mm width and 25 mm rise as well as the Selle Royal Vivo Ergo Royal saddle complete the bike. Taken together, this creates a setup in which low weight and load capacity are no contradiction: 15.8 kg, ATB Alu Pro Reflex pedals and geometry that stays relaxed even when fully loaded. Child seats as well as trailers up to 40 kg or 80 kg with a trailer brake are approved.

The naming logic behind Aviolo 9.1 LT – four elements, one concept

“Aviolo" names the STEVENS series of travel and touring bikes, whose concept is based on a lightweight aluminium frame, a suspension fork, hub dynamo lighting, a luggage rack and mudguards. The first digit stands for the equipment level and is positioned at the very top of the range with the 9: the 5.2 forms the base, the 6 to 8 models rise further, and the 9.1 sits at the summit. The 1 after the point identifies the type of drive – the Aviolo 1 models all use a chain drivetrain, while the 5.2 relies on a hub gear and belt drive. “LT" stands for Low Tube and describes the frame shape with a low top tube, which exists alongside the HT diamond frame and the Forma wave frame and is offered in XS, S and M. Black Mercury is the colour designation, a deep black with a fine metallic effect.

Top position in the range: what the 9.1 LT delivers compared with the 8.1 and 7.1

Within the Aviolo range, the 9.1 is the most comprehensively equipped model, and the LT version brings this technology into the low frame shape. In contrast to the 8.1 at 16.4 kg with Shimano CUES U6000 2x11 and also 48 teeth of capacity, it uses a higher gear class: CUES U8000 with 22 gears, a 46-32 crankset and 48 teeth of total capacity. The brakes also come from Shimano's own CUES family – the hydraulic BR-U8000 with 180 mm rotors – whereas the 8.1 brakes with Tektro HD-T280 and the 7.1 at 16.8 kg with CUES U6000 2x10 and 20 gears drive one level lower. All three share the 45 mm Schwalbe tyres and the air suspension fork with 60 mm of travel. The 9.1 additionally brings the lowest weight in the range at 15.8 kg and a front light with 205 lumens including daytime running light. At the other end sit the 6.1 at 17.5 kg with CUES U4000 2x9 and 18 gears and the 5.2 at 17.9 kg with Gates belt drive and Shimano Nexus 8. The frame shape can be chosen freely, as HT, LT and Forma are available as three frame shapes.

Purpose: the choice for long tours, luggage and changing routes

The 9.1 LT is aimed at everyone looking for a single bike for many kilometres and many different routes. In town, the low frame shape allows relaxed starting and dismounting, the air suspension and the 180 mm disc brakes provide confidence on cobblestones and in wet conditions, and the daytime running light makes the bike visible early even in bright weather. On longer stages, the 22 gears with 48 teeth of capacity impress because they cover long climbs just as well as fast passes, and the luggage rack takes the equipment for multi-day journeys. The 140 kg total weight limit and the approval for child seats and trailers up to 40 kg or 80 kg with a trailer brake also make it a versatile companion for family outings. Compared with the models featuring a steel suspension fork, such as the 6.1 and the 5.2, it is the bike that delivers comfort and speed in equal measure.