Return of the dual battery: Simplon presents the new Rapcon :e with Bosch CX5 motor!
Adrian Kaether
· 06.02.2026
After insolvency, Simplon is back at the start with a new investor (BIKE reported). Now the carbon forge from Vorarlberg is sending out a clear sign of life and presenting a brand new e-mountainbike with a carbon frame. The Simplon Rapcon :e with a new Bosch motor and 160 millimetres of suspension travel replaces the previous Rapcon (test here) from. A somewhat more moderate e-trail bike and an e-SUV with a carbon frame are also new additions to the programme.
Simplon Rapcon :e Facts & Price
- Field of application: All Mountain/Enduro (ASTM 4 approval)
Material: Carbon
Spring travel: 160 mm front and rear
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 (100 Nm, 750 W)
Battery: 800 Wh or 600 Wh, range extender 250 Wh optional
Impellers: 29 inch (mullet option available)
Customisable: via configurator
Weight: from 22.8 kg (manufacturer's specification); test bike Ultimate+: 24 kg (BIKE measurement)
Price: from 6999 Euro
Availability: from February 2026
Bosch CX Gen5 with 750 watts
The fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivers 750 W at 100 Nm torque and supports up to 400 per cent of pedalling power. The Kiox 400C display integrated into the top tube shows riding data during the ride. The eMTB+ mode adapts the motor support to the terrain and is designed to improve traction and riding feel.
Unlike before, the battery can now be removed from the down tube in the traditional way using a key. This is more practical than the downward removal from the closed frame of the predecessor, However, this should make the frame a little heavier. Simplon offers the Rapcon :e with a 600 Wh battery for a lower weight and an 800 Wh battery for a longer range. The 250 Wh range extender is compatible with all four frame sizes and extends the capacity up to 1050 Wh.
Shimano XT Di2 with Autoshift
The Rapcon :e is available with mechanical and electronic circuits. The electronic versions draw power directly from the main battery and do not require a separate cable. The Ultimate version comes with the new Shimano XT Di2 for use. The gears offer a Freeshift function for shifting in neutral and can also be switched to fully automatic mode. The XT then changes gears completely automatically based on the cadence. However, with the sporty Hyperglide cassette on the Rapcon, there's a lot of banging under load.
Size-specific chain stays
Compared to its sporty predecessor, the geometry has been toned down a little. The Rapcon :e comes with a 64-degree steering angle and an effective seat angle of 77.5 degrees (previously over 79 degrees) across all frame sizes. This should give the bike a smooth ride and a riding position that is not too extreme. The reach is 480 millimetres in size L, while the stack increases slightly to 646 millimetres in size L for more downhill stability. The chainstays measure 445 mm in S and M, 450 mm in L and 455 mm in XL. This size-dependent design should ensure consistent riding characteristics across the frame sizes.
Mullet option with flip chip
The Rapcon :e can be built as a mullet setup with a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel. Using the in-house configurator, you can choose between the wheel sizes or customise the equipment according to your own wishes. A flip chip in the rocker also adapts the geometry to the different wheel sizes afterwards and is intended to maintain the balance of the bike. The standard configuration uses 29-inch wheels with 2.4-inch tyres at the front and rear, while the mullet version uses a 2.6-inch tyre at the rear.
Rear suspension kinematics according to rider size
Simplon adapts the rear suspension kinematics to the rider's size and weight. This size-dependent design is intended to ensure a comparable riding experience across all frame sizes. The rear suspension offers 160 mm of travel, the suspension fork also 160 mm. The fork length is 576 mm with an offset of 44 mm.
Ciao integrated cable routing
Double main bearing points and standardised bearing sizes are intended to increase durability and rigidity. According to the manufacturer, a 36-tooth chainring reduces chain wear, but also ensures slightly heavier mountain gears. The easily removable battery, clamped cables and external cable routing enable quick maintenance work. Simplon has deliberately dispensed with the cable routing through the headset of the predecessor. Marked torques on the screws make assembly easier.
Extensive frame protection solutions protect the carbon frame from damage. Mounting points for mudguards, side stand, lighting system and trailer operation extend the range of applications. The Rapcon :e is available in three basic equipment variants, which can be further customised in the configurator. The Rapcon :e Core with Zeb Base and Eagle 70 for 6999 euros, the Expert with Zeb Select+ and Eagle 90 for 7999 euros and the Ultimate with Fox Factory and XT Di2 from 9499 euros. The 800 battery costs 280 euros extra in each case.
Rift :e & Stomp :e: For touring and everyday use
In addition to the sporty top model Rapcon, Simplon is also launching two other models based on the same frame for less rugged terrain. The Rift :e is designed as a trail bike with 140 millimetres of front and rear suspension travel. The advantage: The Rift is said to be over 1 kilo lighter than the Rapcon and is also 500 euros cheaper, with comparable equipment. Simplon achieves this primarily through lighter tyres and suspension elements. In combination with the slightly more moderate geometry with a 65° head angle and shorter wheelbase, the Rift :e should also be a little more neutral and agile to ride than the Rapcon. Prices start at 6499 euros.
The Simplon Stomp :e comes with a luggage rack, side stand, mudguards and lighting system, making full use of the frame's bolt-on points right from the factory. Here, too, you get 140/140 millimetres and the more neutral geometry of the Rift.
The equipment is exciting: instead of the integrated Kiox 400 C, the Stomp comes with the large 500 Kiox and even with Rohloff e14 hub gears on request. However, the price is then an impressive 10,079 euros.
BIKE assessment of the new Rapcon
With the Rapcon, Simplon is integrating the new Bosch motor into a wide range of models. This was long overdue. While the predecessor was still designed to be extremely sporty, the new model is now much more of a balancing act between trail touring and everyday use. This is supported by the easier-to-remove battery, the slightly more streamlined geometry and the numerous mounting points on the bike.
The right way? Trail fans might mourn the blatant predecessor a little, but the versatility of the new bike also has something in its favour. A clear plus: after just one generation, Simplon has abandoned the integrated cable routing through the headset in favour of classic routing. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
