Test / E-MTB: The Simplon Rapcon pmax TQ is not only visually very close to the unmotorized enduro. Even though the Light E-MTB is only partially “light” at around 20 kg, it can be moved easily even on difficult terrain.
Rapcon Pmax – the model in Simplon’s portfolio now has numerous different versions. The full-suspension E-MTB is available with three drive systems, each with two spring travels and, thanks to the configurator, in countless equipment variants. The Rapcon Pmax TQ is the light e-MTB, powered by the TQ HPR50 and so close to the unmotorized Rapcon that it's almost scary.
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“E” has rarely been so well hidden
At first glance, you can hardly tell from the silhouette of the bike that we are dealing with an e-MTB. This is of course due to the very compact TQ motor, but also to the firm integration of the 360 Wh battery in the down tube of the carbon frame. The battery capacity can be expanded using a range extender in the bottle holder. In the test we had Simplon's Light E-MTB in the enduro version with 170 mm of travel at the front and 165 mm at the rear. Plus 29-inch wheels and a very modern, sporty geometry: sounds like a lot of off-road fun!
The Austrians give their customers a lot of freedom when choosing components, so you can put together your dream bike using a configurator to suit your area of use. For our test bike, Simplon almost always reached for the highest shelf and gave the car a Fox Factory chassis, carbon wheels from DT Swiss and XT gears. It is hardly surprising that the scales still weigh around 20 kg despite the light base and elegant components. Schwalbe tires with Super Gravity carcass, BikeYoke dropper post with 200 mm stroke and a Fox 38 are appropriate for the application, but at the same time they are not flyweights. In terms of price, our configuration would cost over 11.000 euros. Of course, you could save money with other components, although the Rapcon Pmax TQ is more at home in the high-price segment either way.
| frame | Simplon Rapcon pmax TQ |
| suspension fork | Fox 38 Factory Grip2 |
| Drive | TQ HPR50 |
| Rechargeable battery | 360 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | Fox Float X2 Factory |
| Wheels | DT Swiss HXC 1501 |
| Tire VR | Schwalbe Magic Mary Ultra Soft Super Gravity |
| Tire HR | Schwalbe Hans Dampf Soft Super Gravity |
| derailleur | Shimano XT 12-speed |
| Gear levers | Shimano XT |
| Crank | FSA CK-745 |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Ram Code RSC |
| Brake discs | Sram Centerline 220 / 220mm |
| Seat post | Bikeyoke Revive 200mm |
| Saddle | Selle Italia X-Bow |
| Stem | Zero III 35mm |
| Links | Simplon CARBON RISER 800 |
The Simplon Rapcon pmax TQ on the trail
Despite its extra weight compared to non-motorized enduro MTBs, we would find it difficult to identify the Rapcon Pmax TQ as an e-MTB in a blind test. The bike runs extremely smoothly even on demanding terrain, but still shows a certain light-footedness that makes it fun to ride even on flatter trails. The absence of any rattling also contributes to the very pleasant driving experience. The bike also shows these characteristics when climbing. The TQ HPR50 provides very natural, harmonious and extremely quiet support - but when it comes to performance, it can't hold a candle to its competitors.
