Variety from Vorarlberg! Simplon is adding a third motor supplier to its portfolio with the revolutionary Pinion MGU E1.12, a unit consisting of a 12-speed gearbox and motor. The popular Rapcon models are therefore available in addition to the variants with Bosch Performance CX and TQ HPR 50 also with the low-maintenance Pinion drive. The familiar Rapcon logic can also be found in the new model, with the frame platforms being closely aligned. The Pinion bike is also available as an Enduro (170/165 mm) or All Mountain (150 mm). Each comes with a high-quality carbon frame, belt drive and 29er wheels.
The facts about the Simplon Rapcon Pmax Pinion
- Motor and gears: Pinion MGU E1.12
- Battery: Choice of 960 (size L and XL only) or 720 watt hours
- Optional range extender with 470 Wh (only fits without reservoir on the damper)
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: EN version with 170/165 mm or AM version with 150 mm
- Full carbon frame
- Belt drive
- Weight: from approx. 23 kilos
- Price: from 8999 euros
- Four frame sizes S to XL
- max. permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Equipment can be customised in the online configurator
Among the bikes with Pinion MGU presented so far, the Simplon is the variant that is most radically designed for tough off-road use. The Enduro version stands out in particular. With 170/165 millimetres of travel, rough descents are right at the top of the list. What is particularly exciting is that, in addition to the advantages in terms of wear, maintenance and susceptibility to defects, the Pinion MGU has further advantages. The centre of gravity is central and low on the bike. This is also confirmed by our measurement in the EMTB laboratory. At 515 millimetres, the centre of gravity is particularly low for a bike in this suspension travel category.
The MGU should also improve the function of the rear suspension. This is because the unsprung mass on the rear wheel shrinks due to the elimination of the cassette and rear derailleur. Just as pleasant in bumpy enduro use: the low noise level. This is because there is no chain slap, just like the motor rattling of the Bosch model. The weight is less record-breaking. Our test bike, an enduro model, weighed exactly 25 kilos in size M with a 720 battery. At least the super robust equipment with thick fork and massive supergravity tyres still leaves room for improvement. According to Simplon, the bike is available from around 23 kilos.
The geometry
The geometry of the Rapcon is decidedly modern, which is nothing new. Steep seat angle, long reach and flat steering angle. However, the values have been slightly adjusted for the Pinion model.
The battery of the Simplon Rapcon Pmax Pinion
Simplon gives the buyer the choice of battery. 720 or 960 watt hours are available in the configurator. Both variants are classically secured with a lock and can be folded forwards out of the down tube. This is where the Pinion bikes differ from their Rapcon brothers with Bosch or TQ drive, where the batteries are pulled out of the closed down tube in a somewhat more complicated way. The more convenient removal is reflected in a higher weight. However, the Supercore 720 battery itself is quite light at 3670 grams. Especially as the semi-integrated design eliminates the need for a separate cover.
For the FIT system there is also a Range extenderwhich, with 470 watt-hours, provides plenty of extra range - but is also significantly larger than classic bottle cage solutions. Contrary to the picture, the additional battery does not fit into the Rapcon with a piggyback damper.
Already ridden: How the bike performs on the trail
Simplon provided us with an enduro model for our first test. As we know from other Rapcon models, the riding position is in the modern enduro style. This means that the steep seat angle places the rider far forward and in the centre of the bike. More compact than stretched. As a result, the bike climbs excellently and in a controlled manner. Even nasty uphills couldn't rattle the bike. The high-traction rear triangle and the equally grippy tyres do the rest. The Pinion MGU motor was not yet in final production status when we tested it. Read on to find out how we experienced the unit HERE in Link.
The bike also impressed us on the downhill with a really secure ride and outstanding rear suspension function. The bike is plush and smooth without being too sluggish or sluggish. This is remarkable for a bike weighing around 25 kilograms with heavy tyres. All testers felt comfortable on the Simplon straight away. Particularly pleasant among the clattering Bosch and Shimano bikes: the Simplon with Pinion drive and belt is pleasantly quiet. Even when roots and stone fields shake the bike, nothing rattles. On moderate and flat trails, however, the heavy and powerful bike can be a little boring. This is because the Simplon Enduro is not as lively in the tested configuration.
Equipment and prices
As usual with Simplon, the equipment of the Rapcon can be customised to personal requirements in the Vorarlberger online configurator. There are various basic configurations to choose from, which can then be customised according to individual preferences. The Rapcon Pmax Pinion starts at 8999 Euro. This is slightly more than the TQ model (8599 euros), the Rapcon with Bosch also starts at 8999 euros.
Conclusion from Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB
Simplon brings the revolutionary MGU technology to the gravity sector. The robust design without a sensitive rear derailleur, the low centre of gravity and the rattle-free background noise are great for tough enduro use, and the riding characteristics of the Rapcon are strong as usual. The slightly higher weight and the high entry-level price dampen the euphoria somewhat.
The advantages and disadvantages at a glance
Pro
- Strong rear suspension
- Balanced driving characteristics
- Quiet on the downhill
Contra
- Quite heavy
- Engine loud under full load
- Expensive
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
