Test / E-Performance: With the Rapcon PMAX, Simplon is presenting a completely new E-Enduro with the new 4th generation Bosch Performance CX drive for the coming season. As with the well-known Steamer, the Austrians also rely on a light carbon frame and an integrated battery. We tested the Simplon Rapcon PMAX as part of the Eurobike Media Days.
The presentation of the new Bosch Performance CX motor and its effects can also be felt and seen everywhere at the Eurobike Media Days. Almost every manufacturer has one or more bikes with the new drive unit in their range - including Simplon. That was the case with the Austrians to date Steamer the only E-Fully representative and was propelled by the Shimano E8000 motor.
Simplon Rapcon PMAX: Different wheel sizes and suspension travel
For the coming season, the portfolio of full-suspension E-MTBs is growing with the brand new Simplon Rapcon PMAX; Among other things, it is equipped with the new Bosch motor mentioned and otherwise relies on maximum variability. This not only applies to the equipment, as is also known from other Simplon bikes – thanks to the configurator – but also to the wheel size and spring travel. With the former, almost every imaginable combination is possible: from 2,6″ wide 29″ tires or wheels to B+ or even semi-fat shells, the rear triangle takes almost everything. A flip chip ensures that the geometry does not change with different wheel sizes. Our test bike had a more traditional configuration with 2,4″ wide 29″ tires at the front and rear. When it comes to spring travel, there's either a 160mm fork with 150mm at the rear or – if that's not enough – a 170mm fork and 165mm at the rear.
The frame is (initially) only available as a carbon version and has some really cool features. But before we get to the technical finesse, let's first look at the design. Honestly: For us, the Simplon Rapcon PMAX is one of the most beautiful e-fullies out there at the moment. The down tube is pleasantly slim, shapes and angles harmonize and the bike immediately makes you want to get on it. The air inlets at the transition from the head tube to the frame are not only a visual highlight, they also fulfill two functions at the same time: they supply the battery with cooling fresh air and at the same time serve as a cable inlet.
Simplon Rapcon PMAX: Prepared for double battery
The new 625Wh battery from Bosch is inserted into the down tube from below; Our test bike still had a plastic cover that didn't fit perfectly - a rubberized solution is used here in the series production, which should not rattle even in the toughest off-road use and at the same time should protect the battery. Speaking of the battery, Simplon's designers have come up with some ideas here too. The Rapcon PMAX is prepared for the use of an additional, external 500Wh battery. This is - as before - attached to the down tube. If you don't need the additional battery, you can switch to a bottle cage in no time at all using the quick-change system.
Simplon Rapcon PMAX: First impressions of the trail
For our first driving impressions we grabbed the new Simplon E-Fully and made the trails around the Kronplatz in South Tyrol unsafe. We don't have exact geometry data yet, but our test bike in size L seemed extremely balanced. The main frame is neither too short nor too long, the chainstays are rather short for an E-MTB, but still long enough to keep the front wheel firmly on the ground even on ramps.
Climbing is the new Rapcon's specialty anyway: The Bosch motor pushes with unbridled, but well-dosed power, and the bike always generates a lot of pressure on the front wheel without the rider having to do too much and thus masters blocked, steep climbs without any problems to grumble. If you want to look for the hair in the soup with this almost perfect performance: In a direct comparison, the Bosch motor in the Simplon seemed to be a good bit louder than in other frames.
But just because the Simplon excelled on the uphill doesn't mean that you have to cut back on the descents - quite the opposite. Here, too, you can really let it rip. Our test bike was equipped with a high-quality Rock Shox chassis that harmonized very well with the progressive kinematics of the rear end. Here's a small point of criticism: Due to the special design of the frame, the shock and its air valve as well as the lockout lever are quite difficult to reach. In the case of the lockout lever, however, this fact was tolerable in practice, since we could hardly hear any rocking even with the shock absorber open.
In terms of other equipment, the Sram XX1 Eagle AXS in particular stood out. Once you get used to the slightly different ergonomics of the controller, you're reluctant to go back to the conventional trigger. However, we don't want to say too much about the equipment, since the buyer of the Simplon can put the bike together any way they want anyway.
