Simplon Rapcon EPinion Expert on test: What can the full suspension bike with Pinion MGU do on the trail?
Jan Timmermann
· 12.02.2025
Simplon sends the Rapcon EPinion Expert into the BIKE comparison test of eight all-mountain bikes up to 10,000 euros with an absolutely unique selling point. The Pinion MGU is the motor and gearbox in one system.
Protected from environmental influences by a magnesium housing, the spur-toothed gearbox realises a twelve-speed drive with a transmission ratio range of 600 percent. The maintenance interval is up to 10,000 kilometres. To emphasise the carefree claim, the Rapcon comes with a Gates toothed belt instead of a chain.
By removing the drivetrain from the rear triangle, the Simplon Rapcon EPinion promises better suspension performance by reducing the unsprung mass. However, it would be wrong to reduce the Rapcon to its drive unit. At the rear, it delivers the longest travel in the test.
Double bearings in the main pivot point increase stiffness. The bike rolls into the test with a 720 watt-hour battery. There is also the option of 820 or even 1100 watt hours in the configurator. With the range extender, up to 1495 watt hours of energy reserve are possible. So is this a superior system overall?
Details about the Simplon Rapcon EPinion Expert
- Application: All Mountain
- Suspension travel: 160 / 160 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: 24.2 kg (BIKE measured value without pedals)
- Maximum system weight: 140 kg
- Price: 9829 Euro
- Warranty: 6 years
- Special features: Motor-gearbox unit, belt drive, steering stop limiter
Equipment of the Simplon e-bike
- Motor: Pinion MGU E1.12
- Battery: Pinion 720 Wh, removable
- Fork: Rockshox ZEB Select+
- Shock absorber: Superdeluxe Select +
- Gear system: Pinion MGU E1.12
- Brakes: Magura MT7 / 220/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1501
- Tyres: Schwalbe Eddy Current Evo TL SuperTrail Addix Soft, 29 x 2.40 / SuperGravity Addix Soft, 27.5 x 2.60
- Seatpost / Stroke: Bike Yoke Divine / 180 mm
Practical test of the Simplon Rapcon EPinion Expert
One thing is certain about the Simplon Rapcon EPinion: thanks to the Pinion MGU weighing over four kilos, the bike's centre of gravity is as close to the trail as possible. As a result, the Rapcon feels extremely stable on the trail. On no other test bike do you feel so connected to the ground.
This is also due to the thoroughly superior suspension of the Austrian. The long suspension elements absorb small and large bumps willingly and ensure that the Simplon glides downhill calmly and with plenty of reserves.
However, it lacks agility in berms, being more swallowing than supportive. The E-Fully, which weighs over 24.5 kilos with pedals, is reluctant to be asked to play anyway. On flat trails and when changing direction quickly, it is the most sluggish bike in the comparison group.
If you try to actively push the Simplon through the terrain, you will be penalised with exhaustion early on. Radical downhill riders will want to order a handlebar with more rise to replace the flat carbon bar. Great feature: Simplon allows you to customise the equipment of the Rapcon to your own preferences in the configurator. If there was a handlebar with more rise to choose from, the problem would be solved immediately.
Powerful: The Simplon Rapcon EPinion on the climbs
The Pinion motor pushes the Simplon Rapcon up every mountain with a vengeance. No other motor in this test is more powerful. But not louder either. On technical climbs and at the highest support level, the power is released with too much vigour.
Then the bike pulls away from the rider and it's difficult to get the power onto the trail. The Simplon is the furthest thing from classic cycling. It would rather blast up steep ramps in monster truck style than scurry through tight switchbacks. However, the tour should not be too long. In combination with the Fit battery with 720 watt hours, the bike only delivers a moderate range in our standardised test rides despite the high battery weight.
The motor behaviour of the Pinion MGU also matches the high-traction chassis and the noticeably front-heavy riding position on the Simplon Rapcon EPinion Expert. With a steep seat angle and low front, the front wheel always stays on the ground. Steep is cool, the bike screams. On the flat, however, there is too much pressure on the hands.
The BIKE spider diagram shows the strengths and weaknesses of the Simplon Rapcon EPinion Expert in the E-All-Mountain category. Uphill, playfulness and downhill refer to the riding behaviour. The greater the deflection, the better the suitability. Equipment: is made up of various points such as quality/workmanship, usability, bottle cage volume, saddle retractability. Range: measured in a standardised field test.
Data from the BIKE test lab
- Total weight: 24.20 kg without pedals
- Battery weight: 3634 g (incl. cover)
- Weight of wheels: 5150 g (per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs)
Conclusion from BIKE editor Florentin Vesenbeckh
With the Pinion MGU, the Simplon is a very special all-mountain bike. The integration is fascinating and well realised. In terms of motor power, the Rapcon literally sets the tone on the climbs. However, there are compromises to be made in terms of control and natural riding feel. The excellent trail position and the plush suspension are worthy of praise. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE editor
Pro
- Plenty of motor power and carefree drive
- High chassis reserves
- Full trail position
Contra
- Little control over motor thrust
- Loud engine noise
- cumbersome handling
BIKE grade: 2.1*
- Driving behaviour: 1.9
- Engine: 2.0
- Laboratory: 3.4
- Equipment: 2.2
*The BIKE grade is made up of practical impressions from test riders and laboratory measurements. The grade is independent of price. Grading range: 0.5-5.5, analogue to the school grading system.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
