Simplon Grid gravel bike: High-end gravel bike with glove compartment from Vorarlberg
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 13.02.2025
The Austrian bicycle manufacturer Simplon is expanding its portfolio with the new gravel bike Grid. The bike is based on a carbon frame and, according to the manufacturer, should be at home on tarmac, gravel tracks, forest paths and trails. The frame is approved for tyres up to 45 millimetres wide; 40 millimetre wide gravel tyres are fitted as standard.
The Grid has numerous attachment points for accessories: eight on the frame and six on the fork. This allows additional bottle cages, panniers or other equipment to be mounted. One feature is the integrated storage compartment in the down tube. Tools, spare inner tubes or snacks can be stowed here. A multi-tool and a bag for a spare inner tube are already fitted there ex works. The cover also offers attachment options for a CO2 cartridge and an Apple AirTag as anti-theft protection.
The facts about the Simplon Grid gravel bike
- Frame material: Carbon (frame and fork)
- Sizes: XS (45), S (49), M (53), L (57), XL (62)
- Wheel size: 28 inch (40-622 millimetres)
- Tyre width: 40 millimetres (standard), up to 45 millimetres possible
- Frame weight: 1150 grams (size M)
- Total weight: from 8.2 kilogrammes
- Maximum system weight: 130 kilogrammes
- Availability: from March 2025
Simplon uses its own Smart Headset System for cable routing. Protectors on the chainstay and a protective film on the down tube protect against stone chips and chain impacts. The Grid is available in five frame sizes from XS to XL. Simplon specifies the total weight from 8.2 kilograms. The maximum system weight is 130 kilograms.
Frame and geometry
The carbon frame of the Grid should weigh 1150 grams in size M. Simplon has developed a special gravel geometry for the bike. This is based on the "longer and flatter trend" from the mountain bike sector. A longer wheelbase is intended to ensure a smoother ride, a lower bottom bracket lowers the centre of gravity and a slacker steering angle improves control at high speeds. The chainstays grow with the frame size.
Simplon has developed the "Gravel Comfort Concept" to improve riding comfort. The bike is viewed as a complete system in which the fork, seat post and tyre volume play an important role alongside the frame. The carbon fork has a special "Raptour Dropout" with dropouts offset to the rear. This is intended to increase vertical flex and absorb vibrations better.
Equipment variants and configuration options
Simplon offers the Grid in four equipment variants: Core 1by, Core 2by, Expert and Ultimate. Prices start at 3699 euros. All variants are equipped with the carbon frame and a carbon rigid fork. Depending on the model, Shimano GRX or SRAM Rival eTap components are used for the drivetrains. The wheels are all from DT Swiss (model G 1800), the tyres from Schwalbe (G-One Overland, 40 millimetre width).
The Grid can be customised using the Simplon configurator. A lighting system with hub dynamo, a pannier rack and mudguards are available as options. A RockShox suspension fork with 40 millimetres of travel can be ordered for more comfort off-road.
Simplon Grid Core 1by - 3699 Euro
- Shifting: Shimano GRX 610 1x12
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 610
- Wheelset: DT Swiss G 1800
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland 40 millimetres
- Saddle: Sella Italia X3 Boost
- Seatpost: Simplon Lite Rod
- Handlebars: SIMPLON Gravel Bar 420 millimetres
Simplon Grid Core 2by - 3699 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano GRX 610 2x12
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 610
- Wheelset: DT Swiss G 1800
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland 40 millimetres
- Saddle: Sella Italia X3 Boost
- Seatpost: Simplon Lite Rod
- Handlebars: SIMPLON Gravel Bar 420 millimetres
Simplon Grid Expert - 4399 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano GRX 820 2x12
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 820
- Wheelset: DT Swiss G 1800
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland 40 millimetres
- Saddle: Sella Italia X3 Boost
- Seatpost: Simplon Carbon Rod SL
- Handlebars: SIMPLON Gravel Bar Carbon 420 millimetres
Simplon Grid Ultimate - 4699 Euro
- Gear system: SRAM RIVAL eTap/GX Transmission 1x12 gear system
- Brakes: SRAM RIVAL eTap brakes
- Wheelset: DT Swiss G 1800
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland 40 millimetres
- Saddle: Sella Italia X3 Boost
- Seatpost: Simplon Carbon Rod SL
- Handlebars: SIMPLON Gravel Bar Carbon 420 millimetres
Everyday version with full equipment
In addition to the sporty Grid, Simplon also offers the Grid 365, a version specially designed for everyday use. This comes fully equipped with lights, mudguards, pannier rack and kickstand as well as flatbar handlebars as standard.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
