First Ride Test: SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026 – A Fresh Start!

With the Rapcon :eCX 2026, SIMPLON are poised for a fresh start. The third generation of their eMTB has to prove that the underlying concept can still deliver under intense pressure. This latest iteration aims to strike the perfect balance between no-holds-barred enduro riding and everyday usability: highly configurable, versatile and incredibly ambitious.

From restructuring to a real-world proving ground: with the Rapcon :eCX 2026, SIMPLON are facing a defining moment. It’s the first new eMTB to hit the market after completing the restructuring process, making it far more than just another addition to the range. For the Austrian manufacturer, this bike has to reconnect with past successes and show that SIMPLON still belongs at the very top, both technically and conceptually.

To pass this test, SIMPLON have dipped deep into their bag of tricks without trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead of diving into radical experiments, SIMPLON’s engineers focused on delivering a carefully-judged evolution of the proven concept. Feedback from previous generations is said to have flowed directly into the third generation, with a clear emphasis on simplicity, reliability and real-world usability.

For context’s sake: with the 2025 model year, SIMPLON renamed the former Rapcon Pmax CX to Rapcon :eCX. While the character of the bike remains familiar, its focus is now sharper. The new SIMPLON Rapcon steps into the spotlight not only with a new motor, but also with revised suspension travel and geometry to match its character.
Where the second generation combined 170/165 mm of travel, the Rapcon :eCX 2026 now generates 160 mm front and rear. According to SIMPLON, this change better reflects the intended use of the bike, covering everything from all-mountain riding through to demanding enduro terrain, without pinning it down to a single niche.

Also new is the option to convert the former full 29-inch setup into a mullet configuration via an integrated flip chip. What remains unchanged is the full-carbon frame, which is finished to SIMPLON’s usual high standard. The online configurator on the SIMPLON website is still there too, letting you build your bike with your choice of favourite components. But how does this 24.44 kg eMTB with a price tag of €9,799 actually perform on the trail?

Evolution Over Revolution: A Closer Look At The New SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026

With the new Rapcon :eCX, SIMPLON stay true to their philosophy. Rather than going for a radical redesign, the focus is on refining proven details. You can see this straight away in the cable routing. The cables disappear into the sides of the headset and are neatly clamped inside the frame. The result is a functional, service-friendly solution that requires far less maintenance than fully integrated routing through the head tube.

Visually, the SIMPLON Rapcon 2026 remains firmly rooted in the manufacturer’s signature design language. The overall look is clean and understated, even if there’s a slight paunch around the motor area. Nothing dramatic, but in an otherwise very tidy silhouette, it is a visible blemish. Much better executed is the motor guard, which visually extends the battery cover and effectively shields the downtube.

SIMPLON stick with a classic Horst Link rear suspension layout, which is designed with ease of maintenance and long-term durability in mind. All bolts are marked with the correct torque settings, and the main pivot points are all provided with double bearings. On top of that, SIMPLON use standardised bearing sizes throughout, making it easy to source spares and service the bike.

The mounting points underline just how versatile the Rapcon :eCX is meant to be. There’s a tool mount on the bottom side of the top tube, along with mounts for a kickstand and a trailer. On top of that, the frame even features dedicated mounting points for mudguards and a luggage rack. It’s a consistent approach when you consider the broad range of use the Austrians have in mind for their eMTB.

Powering the SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026 is Bosch’s fifth-generation Performance Line CX motor, which is still widely regarded as a benchmark when it comes to durability, ease of servicing and spare parts availability. We took a detailed look at how it stacks up against the competition in our biggest motor group test to date.

The motor draws its power from either a 600 Wh or an 800 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery housed in the downtube. Regardless of capacity, both variants can be removed from the underside of the downtube and are secured with a key lock. On top of that, all frame sizes are compatible with a 250 Wh range extender to boost range even further.

The new Kiox 400C display is neatly integrated into the top tube and paired with Bosch’s compact Mini Remote.

The Spec Of Our New SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026 Test Bike

Before we dive into our specific test bike, it’s worth mentioning that SIMPLON offer an extensive online configurator, which allows you to customise the spec of the Rapcon :eCX down to the smallest detail to match your personal preferences and requirements.

On the spec variant we tested, shifting is taken care of by an electronic Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain, which draws its power directly from the bike’s main battery. Features such as Auto Shift and Free Shift, along with shift speed, can be configured via the Shimano E-TUBE Project app. Out on the trail, the verdict is clear: on moderate settings, XT Di2 shifts precisely and unobtrusively, while the fastest shift modes can slightly compromise shift quality. Overall, though, XT Di2 remains a solid and proven solution.

Stopping duties are handled by Shimano’s four-piston XT brakes, which have long established themselves as a reliable benchmark in the all-mountain and enduro segments. The latest XT brakes deliver good modulation and plenty of power, even on long descents. The four-pot callipers are paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear.

When it comes to the suspension, SIMPLON rely on top-tier components, combining a FOX 38 Factory fork with the latest GRIP X2 damper, and a FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock. This combination promises top-level performance and an enormous range of adjustment. At the same time, it does demand a certain level of setup know-how from you.

Our test bike rolls on DT Swiss HX 1501 aluminium wheels, which are built to withstand hard eMTB abuse. They are a familiar sight in our test fleet and have consistently proven to be tough and reliable.

The wheels are paired with Schwalbe tires, with a Magic Mary in Trail casing and the Ultra Soft compound at the front, and a Schwalbe Albert with Trail casing and Soft compound at the rear. This combination suits the bike’s ambitions well. Rounding off the spec is a BikeYoke Divine dropper post with a generous 213 mm of travel.

Spec Options Of The New SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026

Configuration is the key word here. Before overwhelming you with countless spec options, it’s worth taking a look at the underlying principle. SIMPLON don’t see the Rapcon :eCX as a fixed, off-the-shelf bike, but as a platform. Using the brand’s online configurator, you can tailor the spec down to the smallest detail to suit your preferences, intended use and priorities.

As a starting point, SIMPLON offer pre-configured builds grouped into Core, Expert and Ultimate variants. These spec levels serve as the basis for further customisation, with prices starting at €6,999.

The Geometry Of The New SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026

In size L, our test bike combines 480 mm reach and a 440 mm seat tube. The proportions are designed to scale sensibly across all frame sizes and reflect modern rider expectations.

One clear highlight is the comparatively short seat tube. According to SIMPLON, even the smallest frame size can accommodate a 200 mm dropper post. Nice.

The chainstays are on the longer side and grow with the frame size, which is meant to ensure consistent handling across all sizes. Only S and M share the same chainstay length.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	400 mm	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm
Top tube	573 mm	597 mm	618 mm	640 mm
Head tube	116 mm	129 mm	136 mm	146 mm
Head tube angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°
Chainstay	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1231 mm	1253 mm	1281 mm	1311 mm
Reach	438 mm	460 mm	480 mm	500 mm
Stack	627 mm	638 mm	646 mm	655 mm

The New SIMPLON Rapcon 2026 On The Trail

The riding position on the SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX feels slightly more stretched due to the long reach. This ensures better efficiency on longer climbs, even if you’re sitting in a slightly less compact position on the bike. The SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026 really comes into its own when the going gets rough. Even on technical uphills with loose gravel, wet roots and rock steps, it generates impressive levels of traction. The rear suspension focuses uncompromisingly on grip and responds sensitively, filtering out small bumps effectively and keeps the rear wheel firmly planted, even if you briefly lose pressure while pedalling out of the saddle or deliberately crawl up climbs at low speed. The rather plush, sensitive suspension reinforces this character. Combined with the punchy Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the result is strong climbing performance, especially on technical ascents.

The long chainstays and generous wheelbase help keep the front wheel firmly planted, even when negotiating steeper ramps with high levels of motor support. As a result, technical climbs can be pedalled through cleanly, rather than being attacked with momentum and muscled up at the last moment.

Point it downhill and the Rapcon :eCX conveys one thing above all else: composure. The tall front end delivers a reassuring sense of security in steep sections, whether you are charging through rough trails with plenty of brake-bumps and nasty rock gardens. The bike feels planted on the trail and remains easy to control, even as speeds pick up.

On fast, open descents with constantly changing surfaces such as gravel sections, blown-out corners or undulating trails, the Rapcon benefits from its long wheelbase.

Overall, the bike remains pleasantly quiet out on the trail. On the descents, however, the Shimano XTR rear derailleur stands out in a negative way. When hitting steps, hard compressions and fast successive impacts, it produces a clearly audible metallic clatter. This comes from the derailleur rotating back during rebound, with the B-screw striking the mech hanger.

In corners, one of the Rapcon :eCX’s defining traits becomes apparent. The rear end exhibits noticeable lateral flex, which you mainly feel when pushing the bike hard into compressions or aggressive berms at speed. This effect is neither excessive nor unusual, but a result of the design, with long chainstays and seatstays that aren’t additionally braced. Riders looking for a very defined ride feel, lots of direct feedback from the suspension and a ruthlessly precise rear end are unlikely to fully warm to the Rapcon :eCX. SIMPLON are deliberately trying to bridge the gap between all-mountain and enduro, and they do so convincingly, just not for riders who want to charge through every compression at maximum speed with absolute directness.

On very tight, twisty trails, it becomes clear that the Rapcon is not designed with maximum agility in mind. Rapid changes of direction demand more body input, and the bike feels more composed than playful in these situations.

In return, the Rapcon impresses with a high level of control on jumps and in the air. The suspension offers plenty of support and reserves, even when landings are less than perfect.

Tuning-tip: If you prefer a more playful feel, it is well worth trying a 27.5-inch rear wheel and adjusting the flip chip accordingly.

Who Should Take a Closer Look at The SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026?

The SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX is aimed at riders looking for one bike to cover as many scenarios as possible. It stands out with safe, forgiving handling, high levels of traction and easy control. These qualities inspire confidence on long rides as well as in demanding terrain. Thanks to the mounts for mudguards and a luggage rack, the Rapcon can also be converted into an everyday or commuter bike without fuss, giving it a genuinely broad range of use.

The Rapcon :eCX is less ideal for riders chasing a maximally playful, ultra-agile bike. If your riding style is all about rapid direction changes, constant body input and snapping off natural kickers at full speed, the bike can feel a little too calm and, at times, a bit sluggish. While opting for the 600 Wh battery saves around a kilo and switching to a 27.5” rear wheel via the flip chip adds a touch of agility, it still does not turn the Rapcon into a truly playful machine.

Riders seeking uncompromising, no-holds-barred performance will inevitably have to accept some trade-offs due to the Rapcon :eCX’s all-round approach. At the same time, this is exactly what allows SIMPLON to appeal to a very broad range of riders. It’s an eMTB for riders who want a bike that is easy to ride, safe and genuinely capable, one that builds confidence rather than overwhelming you and delivers long-term riding enjoyment.

Conclusions About The SIMPLON Rapcon 2026

Proven. That’s our verdict on the SIMPLON Rapcon :eCX 2026 in one word. Rather than opting for a radical revolution, SIMPLON have consistently evolved the existing concept. The revised geometry and slightly more conservative suspension travel suit the bike’s character perfectly, delivering high levels of confidence, plenty of traction and outstanding composure. Everyday-friendly features, the flip chip and the extensive configurator meaningfully broaden its range of use. The Rapcon consciously accepts some compromises in agility, but these can largely be offset through setup and configuration. Visually, it remains a classic Bosch-powered eMTB. Functionally, however, SIMPLON score with well thought-out, refreshingly simple solutions.

Find out more at simplon.com

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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Kevin Homeister