Razor blades in the 4th generation: Simplon Razorblade IV SL on test
They proudly bear it in their names and thus refer to a long line of ancestors: Razorblade 29 IV and Razorblade 29 IV SL - IV stands for the fourth generation of the race hardtail from Hard on the Austrian side of Lake Constance. SL, on the other hand, stands for "super light" because, according to the manufacturer, this Razorblade version should weigh even less than its twin: 800 grams (manufacturer's specification, in size M) - making it one of the lightest carbon series frames and 50 grams lighter than the third-generation SL model.
In 2019, we were already able to present the predecessor, test the Razorblade 29 III and against its arch-rival, the Centurion Backfire - also a race hardtail that can look back on a long genesis, and some bikers rapturously whisper to their grandchildren: "I rode that when you were still sooooo big!"
Simplon Razorblade 29 - lightweight construction for cross-country use
First of all: Simplon isn't letting us know too much about the technical features of the two models. However, we have already had the opportunity to test the race hardtail. More on this in the article below. However, due to the still prevailing situation in the bike industry, we can only speculate as to whether or not we have been allowed to see the final set-up. The facts: The Simplon Razorblade 29 should be fast, agile, but also smooth - the flexing seatpost should give it a touch of comfort for those epic long marathon races.
The frame of the carbon hardtail also has space for two bottle cages and should be able to accommodate a 38 mm chainring. A double-sealed headset bearing with stop protection, stainless steel protectors inside and outside the frame as well as chainstay and down tube protectors round off the package.
While the Simplon Razorblade 29 will be available in the cheaper version from 4099 euros from XS to XL, the 800 gram Razorblade SL starts at 4799 euros. According to Simplon, the permissible system weight is reduced to 110 kilograms instead of 125 kilograms and the XL frame size is no longer available. The SL version will also only be available in the colour black-glossy/silver-glossy - reduce to the max!
Unfortunately, it is not yet official when the new Simplon Razorblade 29 will go on sale. The Austrians are making it exciting - until then, a little flashback to the grey prehistory of 26-inch bikes:
Test Simplon Razorblade IV SL
For an engineer, the words "free hand in design" and "you can build really light" must sound like music to the ears. Simplon developer Andi Heckmeier set to work with these words to literally give the Razorblade SL wings. At 870 grams for the size L frame (including thru-axle, derailleur hanger and seat clamp), the new edition is a real sensation: The Razorblade SL is the lightest 29er frame in size L that we have ever put through the BIKE test lab. Thanks to the use of even stiffer Toray carbon fibres, Simplon also achieves a very good stiffness value of 50 N/mm. In terms of geometry, the new Razorblade hardtail also relies on classic values.
A steering angle of 68.5 degrees ensures a good compromise between composure and agility, while the reach of 451 millimetres is also well within the average range. In combination with the heavily offset handlebars, we would even have liked a longer stem. However, the configurator on the Simplon website makes it easy to make changes to the equipment. To make ambitious racers happy, the Austrians even offer the option of fitting chainrings with up to 38 teeth. However, this reduces tyre clearance. A voluminous 2.25 mm tyre is the limit.
To protect the frame in muddy conditions, small metal plates are incorporated on the inside of the chainstays. Weighing just 8.45 kilos without pedals, the Simplon Razorblade SL puts most gravel bikes in the shade and can be accelerated to top speed with ease. The new 27.2 mm carbon seatpost ensures sufficient comfort.
Test summary by Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:
Mission accomplished. The new Simplon Razorblade SL sets the record for frame weight and offers everything that makes racers happy. Only the somewhat limited tyre clearance could be better.
Technical data and grades of the Simplon Razorblade IV SL
Manufacturer information
- Price: 8599 Euro
- available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: XS / S / M / L (46.5 cm, tested size)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 8.45 kg
- Frame weight: 870 g
- Weight of wheels:: 3694 g
- Acceleration wheels: 2829 kg x cm²
- Suspension travel: 103 mm
- Handlebar width: 760 mm
- Seat comfort: 7.05 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 50 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1200 Spline
- Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph 29 x 2.25
- Fork:: Rockshox SID Ultimate
- Brakes: Shimano XTR 180 mm / 160 mm
- Gear system: Shimano XTR 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth:: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Post: Simplon Carbon 27.2 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 31.5 from 35
- Front suspension: 13.5 out of 15
- Rolling resistance: 12.75 out of 15
- Weight: 25 from 25
- Inertia impellers: 10.5 out of 15
- Bottle cage: 10 out of 10
- Seating comfort: 6 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 25.5 from 30
- Front suspension: 18 out of 20
- Retractability: Saddle 7 out of 10
- Brakes: 9 out of 10
- Tyre grip: 12 out of 15
- Driving stability: 8 out of 10
- Total uphill 109.25 out of 125
- Total downhill 79.5 out of 95
- Other: 25.75 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test rating*: super (214.5 out of 250 points)
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. ²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and coordination.
Marc Strucken
Editor
