Sacha Steiner

Portrait Sacha Steiner

Function

Ad sales & test editor

Sacha Steiner and his company Stone Media are responsible for marketing Ride's advertising space. He also carries out bike and product tests for the magazine and the website. He draws on his experience from over 30 years in the bike saddle.

Contact

anzeigen@ride-mtb.com

stonemedia.biz

Facebook

Content created by Sacha Steiner

Content elements found: 241

Test: Haibike Allmtn CF 11 TRN/IQ - a trail tank for fast descents

Haibike is considered the mother of e-mountainbikes and for the first time, a bike from this brand has made it into a test at Ride. The name Allmountain says it all, even if the suspension travel screams Enduro. The carbon frame manufactured in Portugal is equipped with the MGU motor-gearbox unit from Pinion. The E-MTB is not as nimble as "pink", but is a blast downhill.

Test: The last five "friends"

After eight years, the "Five Friends" test format is now retiring. There is a new, exciting concept for 2026. For once, the five products tested have no common denominator. Or perhaps five "friends" that don't fit in anywhere? But that would be misleading, because they are all exciting products that have proven themselves.

Der Look der neuen Kurbel ist sehr auffällig.

Test: Shimano XTR Di2 groupset - the Japanese can now also wireless

For years, Sram has dominated the market for wireless drivetrains, but now Shimano has followed suit and laid the foundations for a new era with the XTR groupset. But can the Japanese keep up with the Americans, who have had their second generation of the AXS groupset in circulation for around two years?

Wo radial drauf steht, ist radial drin, doch nur der Schriftzug lässt das erkennen.

Schwalbe Albert Trail: Radial is radically good and almost a revolution

Schwalbe's new radial tire technology is not recognizable from the outside. Except for the lettering. The "secret" is under the sidewalls. A completely rethought carcass construction, says Schwalbe. Insiders believe that "only" the threads now run at a more obtuse angle than 45 degrees, but less than 90 degrees. Either way, the result is groundbreaking.

Test: Sram Eagle 90 Transmission - carefree handling with a robust rear derailleur

This is what many have been waiting for: Sram's transmission technology without a wireless connection and without a battery, the all-round carefree package with cable pull. No empty rechargeable batteries or batteries, just tried and tested analog shifting. Sram can still do this, as the six-month test has shown. And much cheaper than their wireless shifting system.

Test 5 Freunde für den Allmountain-Einsatz

Test: Five "friends" for all-mountain use

The all-mountain segment includes bikes with a suspension travel of 140 to 160 millimetres. A class with a very wide range of uses, created for long days in the saddle. There are a few products for man and machine that are ideally suited to this segment.

Das SCV-Ventil hat kein Gewinde mehr für das Deckelchen …

Test: Schwalbe Clik Valve - pumping made easy

Broken valve heads, tubeless sealant that clogs up the valve core, pump heads that don't fit and all the air is blown out the side as a result - that's annoying. And that with one of the cheapest components on a mountain bike: the tire valve. That doesn't have to be the case, thought John Quintana and invented the "Clik Valve", which was recently launched on the market in collaboration with Schwalbe.

Test: Five "friends" for small car owners

Campervans and pickups are very popular with bikers. But many don't want or can't afford such a large vehicle. A small car will have to do. If you're going on a biking vacation and don't have a rear bike rack, you need the most compact equipment possible. Space is in short supply.

Test: Industry Nine Hydra 2 - for the those who love the hard way

The Industry Nine wheels differ in many ways from the products of other manufacturers. Their spokes are made of aluminum and, as with their hubs, there are twelve different colors to choose from. The Industry Nine freehub set the benchmark in terms of gearing a few years ago. Now the Americans have reissued their customer, the Hydra wheelset.

Test: Five "friends" for the head

Some bikers are headless on the road. For everyone else, there are a few good products that protect, entertain or relax. So that the clever heads don't cause trouble for other road users like the former.

Die Arcon-LT-Knieprotektoren tragen nicht stark auf.

Test: ION Arcon LT unisex knee protectors - the organic protectors

According to ION, the core of the knee pad is a completely biodegradable protective pad. In other words, a protector that finds its way into the organic waste garbage can at the end of its life. But the Arcon can do even more than that, as it has an above-average protective surface area.

Unspektakulär, aber gut designt: das neue «Bixs Sign-EX Carbon».

Test: Bixs Sign-EX Carbon - full power ahead with a small tank

The new e-trail bike from Bixs is made in Switzerland: from the development to the solid, conservative equipment and parts from Swiss manufacturers. It combines a large motor with a small battery and otherwise relies on tried and tested components.

Test: Sqlab clip-on saddle shell with 611 cover - one saddle for all

With the clip-on system, the German ergonomics specialist combines sustainability and versatility. The saddle cover can be replaced or changed in just over a minute. This means that defective seat surfaces or broken frames can be replaced separately. The quick change of covers is particularly exciting for dealers and rental stations.

Das «S-Works Turbo Levo» von Specialized ist der Rolls-Royce der Modellpalette.

First Ride: Specialized S-Work Turbo Levo 4 - The new edition for the 10th anniversary

In 2015, Specialized set a benchmark in E-MTBs with the Turbo Levo. This year, this model is ten years old and the fourth generation is being launched on the market. It no longer causes the same sensation as it did back then, but still sets the bar high for the competition.

Die schwarze Box ist das Herz des ABS-Systems, …

Test: Bosch E-Bike ABS Pro - put to the test in the Alps

Ride was able to ride Bosch's ABS Pro for the first time in fall 2024 on the occasion of the product launch. As the test ride had taken place in the Stuttgart region, the first impression was not relevant for use in the Alps. Shortly before winter arrived, the braking system had to prove itself in the Grisons mountains.

120 Millimeter Federweg hinten und vorne und eine Trailbike-Geometrie, das nennt sich Down Country.

Test: Cube Stereo One22 C:62 SLT 29 - Cube can also do Down Country

There are bikes that are difficult to assign to one segment. They move in two worlds. One such bike is the new Cube Stereo One22. It has 120 millimeters like a trail bike, but rides almost as sporty as a cross-country bike. Neither-nor is called down country these days.

Die LEV Circuit ist die erste Funkstütze von Kindshock.

Test: Kindshock LEV Circuit 2024 - the wireless support of the classic

The Kindshock company is considered the mother of the telescopic seatpost. They dominated the market for years, but then the brand went a little quiet. In 2013, the first radio-controlled seatpost from Tranz-X came onto the market, which unfortunately failed to catch on. Kindshock took its time here and only recently launched the LEV Circuit, its first e-post.

Genauso cool wie das Ripmo selbst, ist die Farbbezeichnung «Olive Swamp Monster».

Test: Ibis Ripmo - the king of curves

Ibis has given the Ripmo a makeover, no easy task for a bike that has won many test victories. The bar is set high. The new all-mountain bike is already inspiring after the first few turns and might just win another medal or two.

Test: Rock Shox Pike Ultimate - a fork that covers all preferences

Rock Shox has revised all its suspension forks in 2024 and equipped them with the new Charger 3.1 damping. The Pike is the only model to have been given a new air suspension. This gives it a completely new riding character and an even wider range of applications, it rides like never before.

Das Scott Voltage hat ein wuchtiges Rahmendesign.

Test: Scott Voltage eRide 900 Tuned - a bike with double climbing aid

The Voltage is a motorized all-mountain bike and weighs less than 20 kilograms thanks to the TQ drive system. The carbon bike relies on system integration and is packed with many details. One of these is Trac-Loc: the suspension travel at the rear can be reduced to 100 millimetres using the remote control.

Leicht und schön: die «Crankbrothers Highline 11».

Test: Crankbrothers Highline 11 - the carbon lift

Telescopic supports usually have an aluminum support tube. This is provided with a high-quality coating to minimize friction. Crankbrothers has put its tried-and-tested Highline post on a diet, using a carbon tube instead, installing a carbon saddle mount and combining this with titanium bolts. How well the carbon "dives" has been tested over the last twelve months.

Test: Five "friends" for the feet

We often forget how important our feet are when biking. Alongside the hands, they are the central connection to the bike. They allow us to feel the ground, the force with which we pedal, and with them we "push" the bike into corners. It is therefore important to take care of our feet and provide them with the best equipment.

Leider wurde die rote «Maven Ultimate» nur als limitierte Sonderserie produziert.

Test: Sram Maven Ultimate - top or flop?

Sram brakes polarize more than almost any other bike product. Some love them, others avoid them. While some struggle with problems, others ride them for years without incident. Now the Americans are opening the door to a new era with the Maven model.

Das Sresh ist ein astreines E-Allmountain.

Test: Propain Sresh CF - an E-Shredder

Power galore, playful geometry and a lightweight carbon frame. According to Propain, these are the right ingredients for an e-bike that feels at home on home trails as well as in the bike park. A test with the Sresh model showed whether the recipe works.

Test: Five very average "friends

There are things that fulfill their purpose without being particularly good at anything, but they don't reveal any weaknesses either. Products that don't differ much from others often don't get any attention. Wrongly so, as they fulfill their function and do a good "job". Here are five such candidates from the Ride test material pool.

Der Peyote ist nur in der Dimension 29 x 2.4 Zoll erhältlich.

Test: Vittoria Peyote XC Race - a pinch of World Cup for everyone

Cross-country racing is a big deal for Vittoria. The Italians are an official partner of the UCI World Cup and sponsor numerous teams. It is therefore not surprising that they also focus on products in this segment. The Peyote model is designed for racing, but is also ideal for recreational athletes.

Das ABS greift nur an der Vorderradbremse ein.

First Ride: Bosch E-Bike ABS Pro

The ABS system for e-bikes introduced two years ago has now been further developed for sporty use and launched on the market as "ABS Pro". Bosch has designed it in collaboration with its enduro racers to offer maximum performance.

First Ride: Bosch Performance Line CX 2025 - the fifth generation

The further development of the popular CX motor includes a few new features that are specially designed for riding in alpine terrain. The test ride on the Lenzerheide and the official launch event in Reutlingen provided the first impressions.

Das neue Stumpjumper ist ein Allmountain-Bike im wahrsten Sinn des Wortes.

Test: Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Expert 2025 - a bike with a "genius" on board

In the media release and the accompanying measures for the launch of the 15th generation of the Stumpjumper, Specialized's marketing team is literally throwing around figures, statistics and superlatives. As if they had to desperately sell the bike. But that wouldn't even be necessary, because the new "Stumpi" rides so well that it probably sells itself.

Wegen der engen Platzverhältnisse kommen hier nur sechs statt acht Haken zum Einsatz.

Test: Stashed Products Space Rail Bike Storage Systems - lots of space in the smallest of spaces

There is one rule for the "perfect" number of bikes that should be in the cellar: n+1. In other words, one more bike than you already own. But the biggest problem in the life of a biker is space. The fleet has to go somewhere. Stashed Products has a solution. A hanging system that allows you to push the bikes close together so that there is room for another bike in the basement.

Test: Five "friends" for hot days

When temperatures rise above 25 degrees Celsius, the right choice of equipment makes the difference between riding fun and heat build-up. With the right equipment, even the hottest day can be mastered in reasonable comfort. Because if you keep a cool head, you'll be more focused and safer on the descent.

Test: Simplon Rapcon Pmax Pinion - the future of e-mountainbikes?

Simplon is one of the first manufacturers to install the "Motor Gearbox Unit", or MGU for short, from Pinion in a mountain bike. The MGU is a mid-engine with an electronic gearbox and a V-belt drive. Ciao rear derailleur. Ciao chain. Ciao maintenance. Hello future.

Fünf «Freundinnen» für zarte Frauenkörper

Test: Five "girlfriends" for delicate female bodies

If you have a very slim and slender body, it is rare to find bike clothing that fits in terms of length but is not cut too loose. Not an easy task for women who want to look impeccable in the saddle without having to reach for tight lycra.

Das neue Norco Optic ist ein Trailbike mit High-Pivot-Konstruktion.

Test: Norco Optic C2 - a very special trail bike

High-pivot bikes are currently very popular. This design is mostly used on enduro and downhill bikes. Norco "dares" to equip a trail bike with it. They have created a bike for demanding riders. It is definitely a very special mountain bike.

Der XMC 1200 ist für den Einsatz an Allmountain-Bikes konzipiert.

First Ride: DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline - new carbon wheelset from Biel

DT Swiss hasn't reinvented the wheel, but it has given it a major overhaul: They have developed a new manufacturing process for carbon rims. The 1200 series was recently presented with four new wheelsets. The all-mountain version XMC 1200 has proven itself on the first rides.

Test: Fidlock Hip Belt Double - a hip bag rethought

Hip bags have become an indispensable alternative to bike backpacks. The range on offer is large and not very differentiated. Until now, because Fidlock has literally reinvented the hip bag and packed it with lots of practical features.

Test Fünf «Freunde» für den dezenten Auftritt

Test: Five "friends" for a discreet appearance

Bike outfits vary from "screaming" - with wild patterns and neon colors - to "yawning" with old-fashioned cuts and bland color accents. If you don't want to get into trouble with the style police, dress discreetly and with style on the trail. Here are a few products that not only look chic, but also have the best features and that certain something.

Test: Five "friends" for après-biking

A really good bike day ends with an après-bike and a shared beer or refreshing drink. To ensure that the end is not more strenuous than the tour, you need the right "equipment" here too.

Test: Stevens E-Maverick AM 9.4.3 - light, fast and suitable for the Alps

The E-Maverick from Stevens is the kind of e-bike that you can use to cross hikers without being made fun of. Neither the TQ motor nor the battery in the down tube is visually recognizable. The motor hardly makes any noise either. Just say hello nicely and there's no stress on the mountain. The test showed what else the bike is capable of.

Test: Julbo Frequency - a flyweight with the best protective properties

The current trend in bike goggles is towards ever larger lenses that have the look of aquariums. The wearers look correspondingly strange, especially when the glasses are worn without a helmet. With the Frequency, Julbo presents a model that is discreet and also looks good off-bike.

Das Bergstrom Flow ist als Light-Assist-Trailbike positioniert.

Test: Bergstrom Flow 1 - a lot of bike for "little" money

The top model of the new Bergstrom Flow costs just 7,000 francs, which is not even enough for the cheapest model from other manufacturers. Let no one say that Swiss manufacturers are expensive. But what can you expect from such an inexpensive e-bike?

Der Bosch Performance Line SX ist kompakter konstruiert als der grosse Bruder CX und wiegt rund 900 Gramm weniger.

First Ride: Bosch Performance Line SX

A little one really big. This is how the description of the new Bosch "Performance Line SX" motor reads between the lines. Positioned as Light Assist, but with plenty of power under the hood. We recently had the opportunity to take the new drive on its first ride.

Im Ducati TK-01RR steckt eine gewaltige Portion Motorrad-Knowhow.

Test: Ducati TK-01RR - a pinch of motocross under your butt

There's no denying that Ducati can build high-quality motorcycles. But can the Italians also transfer their knowledge to an e-mountainbike? With the TK-01RR, they present an E-Enduro in a mullet design with a clearly focused area of use: downhill riding.

Das ASR ist Yetis neues Cross-Country-Geschoss.

First Ride: Yeti ASR - Lycra sends its regards

The Yeti ASR was launched in 2000, was last relaunched in 2015 and replaced three years later by the SB100. After that, it was quiet in the cross-country segment. Now it's time to get back on a Yeti with Lycra, the new ASR is here, faster and lighter than ever.

Rund war gestern, Sqlabs Griffenden zeigen nach oben, für mehr Kontrolle und optimierte Dämpfung.

Test: Sqlab 711 Tech & Trail 2.0 - the carver grip

The German ergonomics specialist presents a handle with a very unconventional shape. It is pulled strongly upwards towards the outside and is therefore intended to provide more cushioning. The handle, which is packed with details, feels very unusual to ride at first. After a few rides, you won't want to be without it.

Die neue SID Ultimate 3P von Rock Shox kommt in edlem Metallicblau daher.

Test: Rock Shox SID Ultimate 2024 - the suspension of champions

Not so long ago, 100 millimetres of suspension travel was the standard in cross-country racing. Today, however, many athletes are riding bikes with 120 millimeters, because the race tracks are becoming more and more demanding. Rock Shox has recognized this and revised its XC forks and shocks accordingly.

Das SB140 wird von Yeti als das Mountainbike angepriesen.

Test: Yeti SB140 - a season with "The" Mountain Bike

Yeti is not exactly modest and describes the SB140 as "the" mountain bike. With a claim like that, everything cries out for a long-term test. The SB140 was in continuous use for numerous product tests from April to the end of October 2023.

Test: Pi Rope Light Bike Ahead Two Six 29 - the wheelset for the rocket launch

Pi Rope is regarded as the inventor of the textile spoke and has made a name for itself among lightweight fanatics and racers in particular. With the "Light Bike Ahead Two Six 29" wheelset, the German manufacturer presents a marathon version that weighs just 936 grams with Shimano's Microspline body!

Test: Sram GX Eagle AXS Transmission - Hype or revolution for fair money?

Rarely has there been so much fuss about a new shifting technology as with Srams Transmission. First, three expensive top-of-the-range groupsets were launched, but only a short time later the more affordable GX version followed. Transmission technology was thus made accessible to a wider audience. Are we now entering a new era for bicycle gears?

Die Powershift-Nabe von Classified bringt den 2-fach-Antrieb wieder ins Gespräch.

Test: Classified Powershift hub - the revival of the double drivetrain

Single drivetrains have dominated the market for several years now. The front derailleur is on the verge of death, especially in the MTB segment, and can only be found on cheap bikes at best. Shifting with a single chainring has many advantages and one major disadvantage: the large jumps between the individual sprockets of the cassette. For this reason, Classified is reviving the double drivetrain.

Test: Five "girlfriends" for more curves

For women with larger proportions, the selection of suitable bike clothing is rather modest. The majority of sportswear is designed for narrow bodies. It takes a lot of time and patience to find textiles that don't constrict a large bust or wide pelvis and firm bottom. We have found and tested a few.

Der Uvex Revolt lässt sich vom Fullface- zum …

Test: Uvex Revolt Mips - from full-face to jet helmet in a second

Helmets with removable chin straps are still popular. Why buy two different ones when there is a two-in-one option? With the Revolt, Uvex presents a version that can be transformed into a jet helmet that covers the ears. And with an almost revolutionary system.

Test: Five "friends" against the wind

It's that time of year again: the fall wind is literally blowing around our ears. So it's time to pack everything up again and hit the trails. Because well protected biking is fun even in fall and winter. Here are a few products that stand up to the wind

Test: Alpina Rocket Youth Q-Lite - the bike goggles for fast kids

Alpina presents the Rocket Youth, the counterpart to its adult goggles of the same name for youngsters. Visually, they are almost identical and the youngsters benefit from the same lens technology as the adults. The children's glasses are in no way inferior to those for adults. The 12-year-old twins Mia and Tim tested the glasses for Ride.

Test: Pirelli Scorpion Enduro S and Race EN M - the new Enduro tires from Italy

Pirelli has completely revised its range of enduro tires for 2023. Three models have been given a new rubber compound and three completely new tires have been launched for racing use. The lightest and heaviest of the new collection had to prove themselves in the Alps.

So schlank es aussieht, so schnell fährt es sich: das AMS Zer099 C:68X SLT 29 von Cube.

Test: Cube AMS Zer099 C:68X SLT 29 - slim and fast

E-bike sales are currently booming, everyone wants to get up the mountain "easier". But a motor isn't even necessary, because there is a great type of mountain bike that does just that: cross-country bikes. The Cube AMS Zero99 is just as suitable for alpine tours as it is for the race track.

Test: Five "friends" from Motorex

The Swiss lubricant manufacturer expanded its range of bike care products some time ago. The Motorex "Bike Line" is advertised with the slogan "bike's best buddies". Five "friends" from the comprehensive range have proven themselves in tests.

Test: Vittoria Air-Liner Light - finally a solution for opponents of tire inserts

With its new tire insert, Vittoria presents a solution for cross-country and trail use that weighs just 50 grams. After several months of testing, it has become clear that the Air-Liner Light can do more than it promises.

Test: Ibis Oso - a "bird" with character

Nowadays, one e-bike is like another. Not so the Oso, the first e-MTB from Ibis Cycles. It comes in a very unique design and its riding characteristics are anything but ordinary. Finally, another bike that stands out from the crowd.

Test: Poc W's Pure ¾ Jersey 2023 - lightweight sun protection for women

When the sun really blazes down from the sky in summer, the risk of sunburn is high and the body loses a lot of energy to cool down. This is where the "Pure" jersey from Poc comes to the rescue. A breath of fresh air with a wide range of uses.

Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.

Sacha Steiner | Ride MTB