Although the Razorblade will also be available in 27.5 inches for 2014, the Vorarlberg-based company sent two 29er models of its proven carbon fibre racer to the race track. With the 27.5-inch wheel size, which only covers frame sizes XS to M, Simplon only caters for women and small racers up to 1.75 metres - which makes sense. The riders from the Texpa-Simplon factory racing team also remain loyal to the "big razor blade". The 1332 gram frame is a good 200 grams lighter than the lightest carbon constructions. However, the stiffness and comfort values remain well within the green zone, even for heavy riders. The geometry places the rider with a very low centre of gravity (low bottom bracket) sportily in the middle of the large wheels. The flex on the saddle is a blessing for your bum and back during long marathon distances and stage races. Thanks to the stem with a negative tilt, the pressure on the front wheel is just right, allowing it to be steered precisely through technical terrain, even on steep sections. Not enough? The Simplon configurator takes care of fine-tuning the geometry anyway. Up to this point, both Razorblade models roll on par. XTR gearing and tubeless wheels from Mavic give the MRS version a whopping 1.2 kilos advantage, but this doesn't have an excessive effect off-road. Although the Fox Factory fork responds better, the Reba fork has the better lock-out lever. The flawless XT groupset has no weaknesses, only the two triple cranks are too much of a good thing for tight racer calves. Especially as 42 teeth on the 29er are not even pedalled by World Cup pros.
Conclusion Blink-of-an-eye finale: the top version of the superior carbon racer is only slightly ahead of the entry-level model in the sprint to the finish. Winding CC World Cups are not the Razorblade's métier, instead the smooth-running comfort 29er feels right at home on never-ending marathons and stage races.
Simplon Razorblade 29 MRS
PLUS Sitting position low on the bike, lightweight wheels with latex milk, balanced handling, very comfortable
MINUS Only three frame sizes, low bottom bracket
Simplon Razorblade 29 XTE
PLUS Same frame as the top model, headset with stop, wide tyres, balanced handling
MINUS Only three frame sizes, low bottom bracket
