Simplon News 2024

Text Erwin HaidenErwin Haiden All articles by Erwin HaidenAI translation·Photos Erwin HaidenSimplon·02.08.23 · 07:09GAs a sourceLink

Two highlights for our sporty target group were presented for the first time to the public by Simplon at this year's Eurobike. Foremost is the new Pavo IV, whose frame production is taking place in Europe again for the first time. In my opinion, an excellent response to the Corona-related and Suez bottleneck supply chain disruptions of the last few years.

In addition to the racing bike focus of the manufacturer from Vorarlberg, a good portion of the innovation is directed towards e-bikes, without losing sight of the light, sporty genes of the Simplon brand... but let's take it one step at a time.

 Born and raised in Austria 

Hard / Vorarlberg

Simplon Rapcon PMax Pinion Review

Despite lacking a cassette, the Rapcon PMAX Pinion is not a single-speed MTB with an electric motor. MGU E1.12 is the cumbersome magic word.

The Motor-Gear-Unit by Pinion (here are the details) offers a gear range of 600% with its twelve speeds. The magnesium housing is not much larger than that of comparable, fully capable mid-drive motors. The total weight, at around 4,000 grams, is quite close to the dimensions of ordinary e-bike mid-drive motors with separate gearboxes. The Rapcon PMAX Pinion also features a low-maintenance, rattle-free, and derailleur-less belt drive, which, according to the manufacturer, should have no problems with wild mud and slime.

One advantage of the combination is the even more central center of gravity of the entire load. The platform is also available with a mullet option and offers either 170/165 or 150/150 mm of travel.

Thanks to the range extender, the battery can be expanded to up to 1,430 Wh, thus offering one of the most generous ranges in the entire e-MTB sector.

Simplon Pavo IV

A new, state-of-the-art autoclave manufacturing facility in Europe (Portugal) is one of the key technologies used in the new Pavo IV. This is joined by 3D-printed parts such as the front derailleur mount and stem spacers.

Lightweight construction and aerodynamics are often two quite opposing poles in bicycle frame building, with the optimal middle being a tightrope walk. The basis for the new frame design are elaborate flow simulations that must be run through for each individual tube and connection to achieve the best balance between low air resistance and low weight. The result is impressive. Top equipped, the Pavo IV is supposed to tip the scales at under 7 kg and, like its predecessors, offer a superb mix of performance and everyday usability.

Facts about the Pavo IV

Colors	metallic white glossy / carbon glossy carbon glossy / silver glossy
Equipment	Shimano 105 Shimano 105 DI2 Shimano Ultegra DI2 Shimano Dura Ace DI2 Sram Rival Etap AXS Sram Force Etap AXS Sram Red Etap AXS
Frame	available in XXS (46 cm), XS (49 cm), S (52 cm), M (55 cm), L (58 cm), XL (61 cm), also available as a frame set Use: Road Bike Endurance
Weights	assembled bike: from 7.0 kg System weight: 125 kg
Price	from € 7,500,-
Delivery	from the end of 2023

 Made in Portugal 

Pavo IV Frame

Simplon Rapcon PMax TQ

Finally, here are a few photos of the Rapcon PMAX TQ with the finest components from Sram and DT-Swiss for good measure.

The TQ motor has already enchanted us several times at various manufacturers as an MTB or Gravel/RR motor, with its inconspicuous appearance, its quiet operation, and above all the excellent torque control providing a superb riding experience. With the Rapcon PMAX TQ in the shown configuration, Simplon offers a potent yet relatively lightweight eMTB (from 17.9 kg) in the high-end segment.

Links

• Simplon Homepage