With the Rapcon, Simplon is bringing a breath of fresh air to its Fully range, as the bike will be available as an All Mountain with 140 millimetres of travel and as an Enduro version with 160 mm travel. The Rapcon bikes will therefore replace the Kibo Carbon models and the Carbon Enduro Kuro.
Rapcon 140: the new All Mountain from Simplon
The Rapcon rolls on 27.5-inch wheels and provides the rider with 140 mm of suspension travel. It is designed to appeal to classic touring riders who are looking for a lightweight touring fully for after-work laps to MTB alpine crossings. The lightweight carbon frame (2200 grams without shock) and the optimised kinematics ensure efficient propulsion when climbing. The chainstay length can be adjusted using a chip on the rear dropout in the frame. This allows both standard tyres (up to 2.35 inches) and voluminous B+ tyres up to 2.8 inches wide to be fitted to the Rapcon - without negatively affecting the bike's handling. This means that the geometry can be quickly and easily adapted to the preferred tyre type. With Plus tyres, the chainstays are extended to 440 mm, with standard tyres they shrink to 430 mm.
As with the new Simplon Cirex 29 he Rapcon also uses the pivoting cable routing on the main bearing, which elegantly guides the brake line and rear derailleur cable into the rear triangle. The derailleur mount can be unscrewed, giving you the choice between a double and single drivetrain in the Simpon configurator. When it comes to the rear shock, Simplon relies on the new Metric shocks from Rock Shox. Thanks to more overlap, the shocks should be stiffer, respond more sensitively and work more consistently on rough terrain as they don't get as warm. The bottle cage mount has been positioned on the down tube so that the Rapcon 160 can also be used with shocks with reservoirs. The Rapcon 140 will be available from Simplon from 10.8 kilos and 3999 euros.
Rapcon 160: The successor to the Kuro Carbon
The geometry has been slightly modernised compared to the Kuro. Nevertheless, Simplon does not see the Rapcon 160 as an aggressive race enduro bike, but rather as a potent touring bike for demanding Alpine tours. The climbing capabilities and efficiency of the rear triangle when pedalling were the top priorities for the Simplon developers. The top tube is a little longer than on the Kuro, the head angle is 66 degrees and the seat angle is 74.5 degrees. The carbon fibre frame of the Rapcon 160 should only weigh 20 grams more than the 140 mm Rapcon. The two bikes differ in terms of pivot points, and the rocker is also different.
The Kuro only came in three frame sizes, but the Rapcon 160 will again be available in four sizes from S to XL. Conical bearings in the rear triangle should guarantee that there is no play. According to Simplon, they are also very low-maintenance and not susceptible to cracking and creaking noises. Complete Rapcon 160 bikes are available from 4099 euros and 11.7 kilos.
First ride test of the Simplon Rapcon 160
The shop talk about the Simplon Rapcon 160 begins even before the first pedal stroke. Is the 2.6-inch wide Nobby Nic tyre from Schwalbe a plus-size tyre or a wide 27.5-inch tyre? We say: a matter of opinion. The tyre looks voluminous on the 35 millimetre wide rims. However, the width - measured from outer lug to outer lug - is only slightly wider than a 2.35-inch wide Magic Marry tyre from Schwalbe, for example. Anyway, the first ride will show what the new tyres can do.
The 2x11 drivetrain on the Simplon keeps a gear at the ready even on steep ramps, while the low front end ensures that the front wheel stays on the ground. The platform lever on the shock stabilises the suspension, even if this is not absolutely necessary. Downhill, the Rock Shox suspension is very comfortable and absorbs all bumps. For downhill-orientated enduro riders, there is a lack of subtle feedback from the ground, but touring riders will find the increased comfort rather pleasant. The tyres do not give the typical Plus feeling. The often negatively perceived spongy handling does not occur, but the traction advantages of the wide tyres are also less noticeable than with typical 2.8 or 3.0 inch wide tyres. The 2.6-inch tyres still ride well, but are more comparable to normal tyres than plus wheels. The size M model we tested was a little nervous, especially when travelling downhill at higher speeds, but performed well on winding trail sections.
Test summary of the Simplon Rapcon 160
With the Rapcon 160, Simplon has created a successful new platform, the Rapcon manages the balancing act between uphill and downhill very well. Riders with a pure preference for downhill and enduro racers will be happier elsewhere. Instead, touring bikers who do without gondola support.
