Test: With the Simplon Pride, we tested the Austrians' newest aerobike in the past few weeks and were able to use the beautiful autumn days for extensive rides. The racer gets its very own style thanks to the aerodynamic optimization and a specially developed cockpit. How it is otherwise so you drive here with us.
Simplon Pride – The Advanced Cockpit
The biggest special feature of the Simplon Pride is probably the unique advanced cockpit concept, which not only catches the eye visually, but is also convincing in terms of functionality and aerodynamics. The Advanced Cockpit integrates all trains and, according to the manufacturer, should also offer the lowest possible air resistance. Even if the Advanced Cockpit is one of the heart of the Simplon Pride, you can still use conventional stems and handlebars. If you opt for the Simplon cockpit, you can choose between different handlebar widths and stem lengths. A marathon version with a 2 cm rise in the handlebars and additional spacers is also available, which should make the sporty seating position much easier.
Simplon Pride – The framework
After we have inspected the cockpit in detail, we turn our attention directly to the high-quality carbon frame of the Simplon Pride. Here it is immediately noticeable that great importance was also attached to the aerodynamic shape of the frame. What is particularly nice here is that the frame and cockpit complement each other perfectly and appear to be made of one piece. This is certainly also due to the fact that no train can be seen. From a technical point of view, the frame and fork on the Simplon Pride combine lightweight construction with aerodynamics. Because with a frame weight of just 920 grams, the Pride is at the forefront for an aero disc racer. A nice detail: The chainstays are designed in a high-profile form and a pronounced fin on the left bottom bracket side is intended to provide a significant increase in torsional rigidity and thus maximum propulsion.
Simplon Pride – The facilities
Our Simplon Pride test bike was the version with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut wheels with 62mm rim height. Not only optically but also technically nothing is left to be desired. The Shimano discs come in 160mm and 140mm and offer the best braking performance, which gives the driver security even in adverse conditions. By default, the Simplon Pide comes with a compact crank, which offers 50/34 teeth on the two chainrings. Here you can consider whether you don't want to chain something bigger, because after all, the Pride is a bike that you can really use want to step on the gas. The crank can be selected in the configurator at no extra charge. Both the translation and the length and also the cassette! With 25mm Schwalbe One Evo tires you have a fast all-rounder that offers good grip even in wet conditions. The in-house aero seat post convinced us and here, too, the same approach is followed as with the Advanced Cockpit and allows round posts to be installed by exchanging the seat clamp.
Simplon Pride – speed junkie on two wheels
But enough with the theory, let's get down to practice: We were very excited about the first trip with our new Simplon Pride, because this floor just makes you want to drive. Right from the start we could tell that the Pride just fits. Because the speed junkie has a lot to offer, especially for sporty drivers. In addition to the best aerodynamics and a clean look, the handlebar-stem combo also provides first-class rigidity, which can only be achieved with cockpit units. Nevertheless, the handlebar also offers good ergonomics, especially in the lower link, which ensures a lot of comfort even on rougher roads. The 62mm high DT Swiss wheels are susceptible to crosswinds, but in our opinion they still fit perfectly on such a bike. The steering behavior is certainly not for everyone.
The excellent rigidity, which is further reinforced thanks to the special chainstays, gives you great power transmission, which ensures optimal propulsion. You not only notice this when accelerating, but also when you really step on the gas on faster passages and can really pick up the pace with every step. Despite all the rigidity, the Pride doesn't feel too direct or uncomfortable. On the contrary, we have never been on the road as comfortable as with this aerobike on a few comparable bikes. The Simplon Pride also knows how to play to its strengths on the mountain, because with a total weight of just 7,24 kilos, you can definitely ride uphill here. Another feature that really caught our eye was a flat front wheel, because the axle is held in the fork with an end stop, which is worth its weight in gold in a situation like this when you have your hands full anyway.
We have one more tip for you: In general, like all other Simplon models, the bike can also be individually configured and the position of your previous bike can be transferred to the new Simplon using the geometry converter.
