The Review | The SIMPLON E-KIBO 275 2015: A Summiteer?
At 5,895 metres above sea level, Mount Kibo, the summit of Kilimanjaro, is Africa’s highest mountain, and incidentally, the namesake of SIMPLON’s newest addition to their e-mountain bike collection – the full suspension E-Kibo 275. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to explore whether this really could mark this year’s pinnacle.
The downtube has been optimized to increase rigidity and create space for the battery. The own-brand cover for the motor is made from shock-resistant ABS plastic and gives off an impression of stability.
While its colourways and graphics are relatively refrained, the SIMPLON E-KIBO 275 features the same stylish frame and designer-esque carbon rocker like the unmotorised KIBO. The downtube is the sole feature to have been adapted to increase rigidity and create space for the battery – a feat that’s been successfully pulled off by the SIMPLON team in our eyes. The brand’s own motor cover has been made from robust ABS plastic, appears stable and lends the bike a fresher look. Fundamentally a solid spec, the E-KIBO’s components can be fine-tuned with the help of their configurator. Starting at a base price of 4,399 € and depending on the spec, the SIMPLON’s value for money doesn’t stray far from average.
With a well-chosen width of 740mm, we were particularly taken by the bars, the brand’s own grips, the faultless XT shifting system as well as the cassette and levers, which also hail from Shimano. The remote lever for the RockShox Revelation forks was an unnecessary addition, and we’d have preferred a tidier and less cluttered cockpit. The linkage of the brakes and shifters with the iSpec clamp would resolve this. Naturally, a dropper post on a full suspension bike with 140mm travel is a necessity and the KindShock LEV Integra post (which unfortunately comes at an additional cost) works well – despite lacking internal cable routing. We had to channel them along the outside as the cable got stuck or twisted somewhere within the frame and the post wasn’t able to perform. We were unable to determine whether it was a teething problem with the way we mounted it, or a general problem with the routing. Despite its minimal cushioning, the Selle Italia SLR Flow saddle, which also doesn’t come as stock, is really comfortable for long rides on the KIBO thanks to its cut-out form.
Worth every penny extra, the Shimano XT brakes made a brilliant replacement for the Shimano M615 stoppers (Deore) with 180mm discs that came on our test bike. While delivering a decent performance, they quickly reach their limits if you’re riding aggressively or taking a super long descent. The dosability is significantly worse than we’re used to from the XT. The DT Swiss M1900 wheelset might not feature particularly wide rims, but they perform efficiently and, together with the fitted Schwalbe Hans Dampf tyres, we were never short of grip whatever the conditions. Unfortunately these tyres don’t appear as an upgrade option on the configurator. However, in our experience the stock Nobby Nic tyres should give you no rise for complaint.
On the medium-sized frame the 90mm stem matches the short 415mm reach, creating a decent riding position for a rider of 178cm in height. A large frame combined with a shorter stem (unfortunately not an option in the configurator) would perhaps be better for someone of that height as the long stem has a tendency to render the handling less direct and more twitchy. With a 67.5° head angle and 75° seat angle, its geometry is nigh on perfect and the SIMPLON is suitably agile thanks to its long 1,194mm wheelbase. It’s smoother to ride and climbs well thanks to its irrefutably long chainstay (490mm). No complaints here, the E-KIBO traverses any landscape like hardy explorers do on its namesake.
At the other end of the spectrum, the suspension set-up is quite distinctive as the rear is remarkably linear, which brings with it buckets of pros and cons. With the RockShox Monarch RT shock in the open setting, the E-KIBO is super low in its travel, incredibly sensitive to small bumps and very comfortable – but it uses such a quantity of travel that the risk of bottoming out is high once speeds are up. Moreover, the bike lacks a touch of ‘pop’ that riders appreciate so much – at least in the mid-stroke. Attempting to sprint from stationary – with or without the motor and trying to get above 25km/h – is pretty ineffectual as most of the power is simply soaked up by suspension. However, switch the lever and strengthen the compression damping, and the SIMPLON is instantly transformed into a playful and more effective whippet, which more than matches the nature of the stock RockShox Revelation forks. We rarely used the open setting, but imagine that it would be useful for more comfort-orientated cycle tourists as there’s a ton of added comfort when you’re on bumpy descents and a ton of leg-power saved on unforgiving climbs.
Our E-KIBO makes quite a racket as it rolls and the motor is louder than those from other manufacturers – this is presumably caused by SIMPLON’s own, less effective sound-isolating motor cover. The chain kept banging on the derailleur despite protection and the internally routed cables can even be heard as you ride over uneven ground.
Conclusion
In short, the SIMPLON E-KIBO 275 is a decent bike, featuring great, versatile all-round geometry. With its linear rear suspension, it’s best suited for easy-going riders who are looking for a comfort-orientated ride. Definitely able to cover some distances, the E-KIBO rides really well across diverse terrains. However, on the question of value for money, the bike can’t quite compete with its competitors, as when it comes to the brakes and seat post, there is a definite need to invest a few more pennies.
Fork: RockShox Revelation RL, 140 mm
Drivetrain: Shimano XT
Brakes: Shimano M615 (Deore)
Wheelset: DT Swiss M1900 Spline
Motor: Bosch Performance Line, 250 W
Weight: 21,75 kg (Test bike with dropper post, SLR saddle and Hans Dampf tyres)
Price: from 4.399 € (Test bike: 4.629 €)
Our spec recommendations (Shimano XT-Brakes, dropper-post): 4.749 €
More information: simplon.com/e-kibo-275/
Words: Andreas Maschke Photos: Ross Bell / Christoph Bayer
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