Endurance test performance: 3,500 km | 55,000 altitude metres
In my job as a VW workshop manager, I am meticulous and precise. I'm the same with my bikes - they always have to be perfect. In this respect, the Simplon Kibo has had a good time with a lot of care. I washed and cared for it after every mud fight, which is why the bike still looks like new after 14 months.
But the Kibo also gave me a great time: I remember a 102-kilometre tour around the Wetterstein in fantastic weather with a swim in the Eibsee. A great experience, during which the bike rolled perfectly. It never let me down and never broke down due to a defect. I also took the Kibo with me to the 24-hour race in Munich, but soon realised that it wasn't suitable for my riding style. With its very comfortable suspension, it is clearly aimed at touring use, and in this respect it has clearly replaced my stiff race fully. In principle, the Kibo was the first step towards more suspension travel and riding fun for me after years of minimal suspension.
I chose DT Swiss X1600 wheels from the extra charge list in the configurator, which caused no problems. However, the Magura MT6 rear brakes were annoying from the first few kilometres with ringing noises and grinding. Nothing helped: neither replacing the pads, nor bleeding or adjusting the brake calliper several times. However, because it was the only problem with the bike, the Kibo gets five and six points. With a Shimano XT groupset and a price tag of over 3800 euros, it's no bargain.
ConclusionThe 3500 kilometres with the Kibo remain an absolutely positive memory for me. It's perfect for sporty tours and, given the high quality of workmanship, is also worth its comparatively high price.
Functionality *****
Shelf life ******
(max. 6 stars)
Tuning
- 10 km - Ergon grips fitted: The contact points with the bike have to fit.
Defects
- 100 km - Brake grinds: Brake adjusted and pads cleaned
- 500 km - Bottom bracket squeaks: Bearing cleaned, problem solved
- 1250 km - Brake pads: replaced due to noise
- 1500 km - Tyre change: rear tyre and inner tube replaced
- 1700 km - Brake grinds: re-adjust: 2500 km Brake pads worn and replaced
