Simplon Inissio Gravel 2020

There is hardly any renowned manufacturer who has not entered the gravel bike segment at some point in recent years. This year, the traditional Vorarlberg-based company Simplon and their Inissio Gravel have also joined the ranks.
When the gravel trend started, it was purebred cyclocross bikes or Gran Fondo road bikes that were used as gravel bikes. But meanwhile evolution has progressed so far that such compromises are no longer a competitive option in this sector. There was a need for more specific bikes. The term "gravel" is misleading though, because riders have come to expect much more versatility in terms of terrain from these bikes than just to move smoothly on gravel.

How bike manufacturers try to answer these expectations varies greatly. Some opt for 28" tyres, others for 27.5" or 29" tyres or for both. Tyre widths range from 30 mm to 50 mm, but at the moment a large tyre clearance seems to be the order of the day to make even more difficult terrains accessible for gravel bikes.
There are also different approaches to geometry. Some allow for a comfortable upright position, some call for a long, stretched position – and then there is anything in between. Apparently, there is no consensus at all on what a gravel bike should be, or in other words: gravel is just another term for all-road bike, and all-road bikes are at best an all-in-one solution. The worst thing that could happen is that you get a bike which is capable of coping with any terrain a little but does not really stand out in any riding situation. That is, why sensitivity is needed in the development process and clear statements in marketing.

One important reason for switching to such a bike certainly is the traffic situation on our roads. With traffic becoming increasingly heavy, road cycling becomes more dangerous. At the same time, some landowners, lobbyists and politicians are quite restrictive when it comes to opening our country’s forests and mountains for the joy of (legal) mountain biking. It is hardly surprising that many a cyclist wants to retreat to the agricultural roads and field paths of our rural regions, as they allow for escapes from traffic stress as well as from arguments with angry foresters and anxious hikers. Many even discover completely new facets of their immediate vicinity as they ride off their beaten cycling tracks, the end of the tarmac road is no longer the end of the ride, on the contrary.

What is needed for this new freedom are thought-out bikes such as the Simplon Inissio Gravel.

One thing upfront: Simplon keeps the golden mean when it comes to the seating position. The top tube is rather long, but obviously sloped, stack is quite high – a combination that provides a very comfortable seating position when riding with hands on the upper bar.
The raised GRX grips with non-slip texture keep the hands positioned safely also when riding off-road, the dual-control levers are very easy to reach. When riding with hands on the hoods, the seating position remains quite comfortable, but becomes considerably sportier.
While I start adjusting the Inissio Gravel to my individual seating position, I am suddenly very much reminded of the Kiaro test I did. Maybe there is even some Inissio Gravel DNA to be found in the Kiaro frame, as both bikes look quite similar.
No matter where you touch the Inissio Gravel, the excellent quality with regard to workmanship, looks and feel can be felt (and seen) everywhere. The carbon handlebars are considerably flattened, which further improves the comfort off-road. The drop allows for an aerodynamic position without straining the back too much.

Geometry

The frame is available in sizes 45, 49, 53, 57 and 62 cm. If you need a frame size in between these sizes, like I do, it makes sense to take a look at the geometry table. As the dimensions of the 53-cm frame are closer to the non-existent 55-cm frame than the 57-cm frame is, I’d recommend choosing the smaller model if in doubt.

In our field test, the Inissio Gravel proved to be an extremely reliable partner in all situations. Despite its flat steering angle and 40 mm tires (Schwalbe G One TL), the bike is a very nippy ride, the stiff frame remains unimpressed even by quick accelerations, but above all the comfort at rear and front is outstanding and perfectly balanced. Even on rough gravel roads the ride remains very smooth, without sacrificing the bike's responsiveness and ability to rapidly change direction. Due to its comfortable design and the wide tyres, the frame reliably absorbs even heavy impacts. Overall handling is pleasantly neutral and balanced.

Shimano’s GRX 815 Di2 groupset works meticulously. The hoods are non-slip, the dual-control levers are very easy to reach. Even though the bike was ridden in harshest weather conditions, there was not a single chaindrop or chainsuck. The GRX groupset worked accurately and reliably, even when things got muddy.

The GRX brakes work exceptionally well, they grip almost aggressively on gravel and, due to the higher brake lever axle, are easy to reach and can be perfectly operated with a few fingers only. The only downer are once again Shimano’s brake discs, as they are quite noisy when braking sharply (and in the wet). Even though this is just for a short moment, this noise is sometimes quite annoying.

Due to the gear reduction in the lowest gear, even long and steep climbs can be ridden at high cadence, and downhill the Inissio shows no weaknesses at all. The GRX Di2 groupset can be adjusted via Bluetooth and app (was retrofitted on the test bike), as well as via cable and PC.
Retrofitting the bike with a Stages power metre turned out to be a matter of millimetres, as there is very little space for a sensor between crank and chain stay so that a 0.5-mm spacer had to be used for acceptable installation.

DT Swiss’ GRC 1400 Spline wheels are a very good choice, even if the 1,220 euros extra charge place a heavy strain on the total budget. The wheels are light, stiff, have an excellent freewheel system and are all in all a great combination of propulsion and comfort, without the slightest tendency to be susceptible to wind.
With narrower tyres mounted, the DT Swiss Spline wheels turn the Inisso Gravel into a very relaxed (endurance) road bike, with wide tyres a lot of luggage may be loaded, this off-road bike even remains unimpressed by easy single trails. If mudguard, pannier rack and lighting system are mounted, too, this gravel bike turns into a perfect and very reliable adventure and touring bike.