With its sleek frame, understated branding and countless configuration options, the SIMPLON Rapcon is the undisputed winner in group testing. Best enduro mountain bike of 2022. But how compAre they in the big gauges of the most established bike brands?
Austrian bike manufacturer SIMPLON has been designing bikes since 1961. Although the brand is still relatively unknown in the mountain bike scene, the ultra-sleek look and understated brand of their bike stand for simplicity and understatement. However, in this test, the Rapcon should really put the Austrian brand on the map. Rapcon specifications can be customized in the SIMPLON online configurator and the frame has a compstorage unit integrated into the downtube. The matching tool pouch is included with the bike. If that's not enough already, there's also a tool strap holder on the top tube of the carbon frame, making the SIMPLON the bike with the most storage solutions in the segment - awesome! All cables are bundled and routed into the frame through the special Acros hanger, allowing SIMPLON to remove all cable ports. Needless to say, it gives a super neat look and underlines the Rapcon's svelte appearance. Large seat and chainstay protectors prevent chain strikes and paint chips, while a large TPU plate shields the frame from stray rocks and impacts. SRAM's universal derailleur hanger is easy to find in stores around the world and quick to replace.
The SIMPLON online configurator allows you to customize the specifications of your future mountain bike down to the smallest detail. Although the configurator might not be the most intuitive on the market with a little patience we managed to put together the near perfect specs for the test bike. This €7 Rapcon Has FOX Factory Suspension compdaring with a 38 GRIP2 fork and a FLOAT X2 shock. All controlling a travel of 170/165 mm, respectively at the front and at the rear. The fork and shock offer plenty of adjustment options and deliver top-tier performance on the trails. SRAM RSC four-piston brakes with 220/200mm rotors rank among the most powerful brakes in the entire enduro segment.
A Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain provides smooth shifting. The Kind Shock dropper post offers a whopping 200mm of travel and can also be inserted compslightly in frame. SIMPLON is one of the only manufacturers to combine 2,4 inch Schwalbe tires with a robust DT Swiss EX1700 alloy wheelset. Both the Magic Mary in the front and the Big Betty in the back come in a sturdy Super Gravity case. For extra grip, SIMPLON relies on the compdaring Schwalbe Ultra Soft rubber on the front. The Rapcon tips the scales at 15,6 kg. For the cockpit, the Austrian brand relies on its own 800mm carbon handlebar. The configurator's only flaw: there isn't a single chain guide or bashguard option to choose from. That being said, the frame has ISCG mounts that allow you to use any chain guide compable with a bash guard.
The SIMPLON Rapcon is available in four sizes, from S to XL, and its geometry allows you to choose the size according to your desired reach. 420mm seat tube combined with a 475mm reach in size L. On top of that the bottom bracket is quite low, integrating the rider deep into the frame and therefore inspiring huge feelings of confidence, especially in the steep descents. The chainstays are 443mm L and grow with the frame, providing consistent handling in all sizes. In addition, SIMPLON adapts the kinematics and progression of the rear suspension to the respective frame size to ensure an even more consistent character at all levels.
Select | S | M | L | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|
seat tube | 370 mm | 395 mm | 420 mm | 445 mm |
Top tubes | 569 mm | 590 mm | 607 mm | 634 mm |
head tube | 91 mm | 104 mm | 115 mm | 125 mm |
head angle | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.0° |
Corner seat | 78.0° | 78.0° | 78.0° | 78.0° |
Base | 432 mm | 438 mm | 443 mm | 447 mm |
BB drop | 32 mm | 32 mm | 32 mm | 32 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,205 mm | 1,234 mm | 1,264 mm | 1,290 mm |
reach | 435 mm | 455 mm | 475 mm | 495 mm |
Stack | 627 mm | 633 mm | 643 mm | 650 mm |
When climbing, the Rapcon impresses with a very comfortable pedaling position. The suspension is very effective and at the same time generates excellent traction. As a result, the SIMPLON follows the Santa Cruz Bronson on its way to the trailhead, provided you time your pedal strokes carefully to avoid hitting obstacles. If you don't, the low bottom bracket and long 175mm crank arm result in frequent pedal strikes.
Downhill, the SIMPLON Rapcon is docile and supremely nimble, striking the right balance of aggressiveness and liveliness that no other bike can match. As the Rapcon follows theOrbea Rallón and Cannondale Jekyll on fast trails, it propels them out of the race on tight, technical trails. Thanks to its lively character, it keeps up with even the most agile bikes in the enduro segment. Unlike the Orbea, the Rapcon has extremely intuitive handling, which allows even inexperienced riders to negotiate the most difficult riding situations. On steep trails, the excellent freedom of movement inspires plenty of confidence, while the superb suspension offers enough reserves, traction and support to pump through rollers and berms or jump ledges. Therefore, the Rapcon compperforms extremely well in all driving situations and unites supposed opposites, proving to be the perfect all-rounder despite rattling cables in the cockpit area. Even if only by a small margin, the SIMPLON secures a well-deserved victory in the big "Best Enduro Bike of 2022" test!
SIMPLON's online configurator allows you to specify your Rapcon almost to perfection. The short seat tube ensures great freedom of movement and inspires a lot of confidence. On the trail, the SIMPLON is both extremely smooth and nimble while offering super intuitive handling. With its discreet look and excellent storage solutions, this makes the Rapcon the perfect all-rounder and the undisputed winner of our "Best Enduro Mountain Bike of 2022" group test!
Source: Enduro MTB
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