The geometry of the new Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ is super modern and downhill-orientated, the suspension delivers a full 170/165 mm of travel. On top of this comes uncompromising enduro equipment. The Simplon E-Enduro with the TQ HPR 50 motor wants to score points in tough terrain. And it even has what it takes to do more: after all, non-motorised enduro bikes today tend to weigh around 16 kilos. With fat tyres, long rides become tough. If you don't have the legs of a well-trained enduro racer, you might be eagerly eyeing a light e-MTB.
And the Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ is perfect for this clientele. Visually, it is almost indistinguishable from its non-motorised brother, and the background noise is just as unobtrusive. The TQ drive is much more discreet than a classic Bosch or Shimano electric motor. Lazily pushing up the steepest hills in shuttle mode? No way. But thanks to its discreet nature, it allows both rides with colleagues without a motor, as well as short trail laps in sprint mode, which would be impossible without an extra boost. Is this type of e-mountainbike the killer for enduro bikes without a motor?
The facts about the Simplon Rapcon PMax TQ EN
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, 50 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 360 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170 / 165 mm
- Wheel size: 29 (optionally available as a mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 10,007 euros
- Weight: 19.9 kg (test bike in size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement)
- max. permissible total weight: 140 kg
Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ: Tender qualities before record weight
The minimalist approach of the Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ is also reflected in the battery integration. The Battery with 360 watt hours is permanently installed in the down tube and cannot be removed for charging or changing on the move. The reason: Simplon wants to save weight. With just under 20 kilos Without pedals, our test bike is not exactly record-breaking for a light eMTB with a TQ drive and this concept. However, this is not due to the design, but primarily to the very robust equipment. Thick suspension elements with a 38 mm fork, thick brake discs and, above all, super robust Schwalbe tyres with a supergravity casing. They really weigh you down. A luxury that hardly any other light e-MTB can afford. Simplon proves that it can also be significantly lighter with the weight-optimised AM version of the Rapcon TQ. With exactly 18 kilos was the Simplon Beginning of the year the lightest bike in our comparison test of high-quality light eMTBs.
The e-bike drive
The HPR 50 from TQ is a consistent light motor. Its clear focus on minimalism makes it a controversial product. Some will love it, others will demonise it! What does that mean? No other E-MTB motor is more compact and can be integrated more discreetly into a bike. The background noise is also quieter than any other drive - and that applies both uphill and downhill. So much for the outstanding positive features. On the other hand, there is a comparatively moderate maximum output, Stability and limited range. A real minimalist. Simplon also installs the 360 battery firmly in the down tube. Installing a second battery after wasting power? Not an option. For extra laps, the rider only has the optional range extender with 160 watt hours, which can be clicked onto the down tube in water bottle format.
The geometry
The geometry of the Simplon Rapcon E-Enduro delivers everything that is considered modern in enduro circles: a slack head angle, very steep seat angle and a short seat tube. The latter gives the buyer a lot of freedom when choosing the frame size and the length of the dropper post. The chainstays are medium-length compared to modern enduro bikes, but rather short for an e-MTB. The reach of 464 mm in size L is moderate.
The wheelbase is long overall, but not extremely so. Incidentally, the chassis of the Rapcon also has an integrated flip chip that can be used to adjust the geometry. The purpose of this adjustment is to convert to a small 27.5 mm rear wheel and not to adjust the geometry. This means that the bike can also be ridden in a mullet set-up. Our test bike rolls on 29er tyres and in the intended low/flat flip-chip position. We also measured the bike on our in-house geometry test benches.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 418 mm
- Wheelbase: 1270 mm
- Reach: 464 mm
- Stack: 649 mm
- Steering angle: 63.5°
- Seat angle: 78°
- Chainstay length: 443 mm
The equipment of the Simplon Rapcon PMax TQ EN
As is usual with Simplon, the equipment of the Rapcon PMax TQ can also be customised to personal preferences in the Vorarlberg company's online configurator. We tested a version with Rockshox suspension from the Select+ range and uncompromising, very robust equipment.
10,007 euros are due for this package, there is still plenty of room for improvement in the Simplon selection. Simplon goes all out with the tyres. Both front and rear are fitted with Schwalbe's Magic Mary tyres with the puncture-proof, but also heavy Supergravity casing. This is rarely found as standard on E-MTBs. In terms of weight, much more can be achieved with thinner tyres, but the thick tyres are ideal for use in extreme terrain. By the way: On request, the e-bike is also available with a small rear wheel, i.e. in a mullet set-up, in the online configurator.
Practical test: How the Simplon Rapcon PMax TQ EN
Uphill
When you get on the Simplon Rapcon, you get a very modern enduro feeling. The riding position is super compact due to the very steep seat angle - not for long tours on flat terrain, as this puts a lot of pressure on the hands. However, this position is ideal on steep climbs. With the tame TQ motor, these are rather leisurely by e-bike standards, but the extra thrust and excellent traction allow fit bikers to tackle really demanding climbs. The geometry is perfect for this, as control of the bike is excellent.
Downhill
But now to the Simplon Rapcon PMax TQ's main discipline: demanding descents. The geometry with an extremely low centre of gravity (the EMTB lab spits out a record value here! High level of safety and smooth running. However, the position on the bike is rather compact; if in doubt, we would rather go for the larger size. The suspension is very plush and smoothes out even rough rock and root passages. However, we were surprised by the odd bump and would have liked more support from the rear suspension in fast sections.
Even with a firmer setup of 25 per cent SAG, the rear remains on the soft side. This has a positive effect in a enormously forgiving ride feel noticeable. You glide over rough stone fields as if on a flying carpet. This works particularly well on long, demanding enduro descents that are not ridden at high speed and saves a lot of energy. The handling of the bike is very precise and is much more reminiscent of non-motorised enduro bikes than classic E-MTBs. The Rapcon PMax TQ strikes the perfect balance between safety and downhill fun! It doesn't stoically level out big obstacles, but invites the rider to play around with the terrain and is easy to get onto the rear wheel or into the air. Another strong point: the bike is virtually silent even in wild rumbling terrain.
The EMTB conclusion
If you are looking for a racy enduro bike with a whisper-quiet and rather tame engine boost, the Rapcon PMax TQ is the perfect choice. Strong geometry, forgiving suspension and solid equipment. But beware: no removable battery! The bike is not exactly light - but it only has really robust parts on board. Ready to rumble! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine
Pro
- Top handling
- Safe and fun at the same time
- Super robust enduro equipment
- Quiet, uphill and downhill
- Very easy to swallow and comfortable
Contra
- Rear suspension offers little support
- No exchangeable battery
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
