Low weight despite high comfort? Our only test bike with a classic suspension fork weighs just 20 kilograms. Simplon reduces the weight primarily with the help of an elaborately developed carbon frame with ergonomically well-balanced touring geometry. Special seat stays at the rear are designed to ensure a high level of comfort, while the front wheel is cushioned by a Rockshox Recon. Together with an ergonomic touring seat geometry - the right mix of active sitting and relaxed pedalling - the e-bike is the top performer in the test field in terms of "feeling comfortable and safe on tours".
A discovery on the Simplon Silkcarbon TQ is the small, lightweight TQ motor: powerful despite a manageable 50 Newton metres, yet smooth in acceleration and dynamic. It fits perfectly with the travelling character of the Silkcarbon. A small display on the top tube shows the most important information, including the power of the motor and your own pedalling performance.
The Simplon Silkcarbon TQ with integrated battery
The battery, which is not huge at 360 watt hours, is located in the down tube. Unfortunately, it cannot be removed from the finely crafted carbon frame - so the bike has to be charged in the storage area. You can extend the range with a range extender for the bottle cage with 160 watt hours. Even if exact measurements are not available: even the TQ HPR50 motor characteristics designed for flow and efficiency indicates that the TQ will take us significantly further than expected based on these figures.
65 mixed kilometres are definitely possible. On the e-bike, we particularly liked the internal steering stop in the head tube. It protects the top tube from colliding with the handlebars, and the cables and hoses are also concealed at the rear. As the bike has a system weight of 125 kilos, luggage is limited for riders weighing over 80 kilos. Simplon also offers its bikes in a broad modular system; the Simplon Silkcarbon TQ can be configured in many ways.
Quality is also in the detail
Even with relatively simple 10-speed Shimano Deore gears, our equipment variant clearly exceeds the six-thousand-pound sound barrier. However, many high-quality details explain the price. The TQ motor is one of the best, smallest and lightest in the test in terms of ride feel and harmony. Details such as the Q-factor of 135 millimetres - the distance between the cranks - show that this is a very carefully developed product. This factor is significantly larger on many mid-drives, which has a negative effect on the natural feel when pedalling. The elaborate and lightweight carbon frame of the Simplon Silkcarbon TQ has already been mentioned. One detail here: The cover of the charging socket is not just a rubber cover: it opens via its own small hinge. The rubber does not run the risk of wearing out after a while and no longer fulfilling its function, as often happens with other bikes.
Conclusion on the e-bike
The Silkcarbon TQ is a lightweight tourer - limited by the system weight! - with lots of comfort and very safe, composed handling. Its harmonious TQ motor is a real discovery. A bike for people who value a natural riding experience and have their own ideas about touring equipment.
Details about the Simplon Silkcarbon TQ
- Price: 6229 Euro
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XLs
- Test bike weight: 20 kg
- Permissible total weight: 125 kg
- Frame: Carbon
- Fork: Rockshox Recon Gold RL 65mml
- Circuit: derailleur gears, Shimano Deore 10-speed, 11-43
- Motor/battery: TQ HPR50 / TQ 360 WH, non-removable
- Brakes/ø: Disc, Shimano T6000, 180/180 mm
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency Evo, 50-622
- Lighting system: Lupine SL Nano Classic
MYBIKE tip: Test winner 5/2023
