The SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

The Rapcon Pmax TQ 2023 is SIMPLON’s first Light-eMTB, and was the second bike on the market with a TQ HPR 50 drive system, which is discreetly integrated into the frame. It’s based on the proven Rapcon frame platform, which combines 170/ 165 mm of travel, at the front and rear. How does the € 12,999 Rapcon Pmax TQ 2023 compare to the competition?

**SIMPLON** Rapcon Pmax TQ | TQ HPR 50/360 Wh | 170/165 mm (f/r)
19.4 kg in size XL | € 12,999 | Manufacturer’s website

Now that the exclusivity agreement between Trek and TQ has expired, other manufacturers get the chance to spec their bikes with the drive system. Austrian brand SIMPLON seized the opportunity to design their first ever Light-eMTB around the compact motor, which they called the Rapcon Pmax TQ 2023. This shares the same frame platform as the analogue Rapcon and has already taken on an analogue test field in our sister magazine ENDURO’s latest group test. Alongside the 170/165 mm travel (f/r) version we tested, there will soon be a 150/150 mm travel variant available for purchase. The Rapcon platform is a central pillar in SIMPLON’s portfolio and comes in many different flavours, from analogue enduro bruisers to Light-eMTBs and even full-fat eMTB all rounders. The Austrian manufacturer’s extensive online configurator allows you to spec your bike with the components of your dreams. We trimmed our Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ test bike uncompromisingly for trail performance.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

As happy as Larry – What sets the SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ apart from the competition?

Don’t mix them up! The SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ is hard to tell apart from its analogue counterpart, so be careful not to ride off with the wrong bike. That’s mainly due to the 50 Nm TQ HPR 50 motor and 360 Wh battery, which are seamlessly and discreetly integrated into the full carbon frame. The battery can be expanded with an optional 160 Wh range extender for an additional € 600, but can’t be removed from the frame for charging, meaning that you’ll have to schlepp the 19.4 kg SIMPLON upstairs if you live in a flat without a garage or basement. Using SIMPLON’s comprehensive configurator, you can choose between several pre-configured models and customise the spec of your bike to suit your needs and preference. In our test configuration, the Rapcon Pmax TQ sets you back € 12,999. In return for your money you’ll get top-tier FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 170 mm 38 Factory GRIP2 fork and matching FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock, which controls 165 mm travel at the rear. Both offer countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail.

**Motor? Which motor?**
Like with the Trek Fuel EXe, the small, 50 Nm TQ HPR 50 motor is integrated almost invisibly into the frame.

**Almost perfect**
The wireless SRAM XX1 AXS shifting group not only ensures precise shifting, but also minimises cables at the front. Unfortunately, the brake and the shift lever do not share the same clamp.

**A clean thing**
The brake lines and dropper cable disappear into the frame through the headset and reappear shortly before their destination.

The wireless SRAM XX1 AXS drivetrain ensures smooth and precise shifting, and at the same time ensures a clean cockpit. The dropper cable and rear brake line are routed into the frame through the headset, adding to the clean overall look. Fine-eyed minimalists might point out the two separate clamps for the brake lever and dropper remote, which spoil the otherwise clean cockpit. SRAM CODE brakes with a 220 mm rotor at the front and 200 mm disc at the rear ensure powerful and reliable deceleration. The DT Swiss HXC 1501-Carbon wheels can only be selected with the mounted Schwalbe tires in the configurator. Good job that the Magic Mary front and Big Betty rear tires come standard in the robust Super Gravity casing – although we’d prefer the softer Ultra Soft rubber compound at the front for more grip.

**Only the best ingredients**
The FOX Factory suspension with fancy Kashima coating offers countless adjustment options and delivers a tremendous performance on the trail.

**Strings attached**
If you select the DT Swiss HXC 1501 carbon wheelset in the configurator, you’re forced to get the Schwalbe Magic Mary and Big Betty tires in the robust Super Gravity casing.

SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ

€ 12,999

Specifications

Motor TQ HPR 50 50 Nm
Battery TQ HPR Battery V01 360 Wh
Display TQ 0-LED
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 Kashima 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 165 mm
Seatpost Kind Shock LEV INTEGRA 200 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 220/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX1 AXS 1x12
Stem SIMPLON ZERO3 35 mm
Handlebar SIMPLON Carbon Riser 800 mm
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Gravity ADDIX Soft/ Schwalbe Big Betty Super Gravity Soft 2.5/2.4

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 19.4 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 120 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

Range-Extender
Flip-Chip
Toolmount

Tuning tip: If you want to save money, pick the DT Swiss HX1700 alloy wheelset (€ 790 less) and SRAM GX AXS drivetrain from the configurator (€ 700 less)

Unleashed – What’s the Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ capable of on the trail?

The SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ is a potent enduro bike disguised as a Light-eMTB. It integrates you nicely between its wheels and makes you feel at ease from the get-go, putting a massive grin on your face in the process. The firm suspension provides tons of support and pop, making it easy to pelt down flowing trails at Mach 10 while at the same time allowing active riders to generate plenty of speed by pumping through rollers and berms. Only the Pivot Shuttle SL is a smidge nimbler on flow trails with tight turns. In open, loose corners, the suspension generates tons of traction without forcing you to shift your weight around the bike. Especially for beginners, the intuitive handling makes it easy to negotiate technical trail sections, allowing you to make your way back down into the valley safely even after a long, exhausting day in the saddle. At the same time, the SIMPLON sticks to bold highlines with clinical precision and lets you spontaneously change lines without too much physical effort. Moreover, the dropper post can be inserted all the way into the frame, ensuring plenty of freedom of movement on steep trail sections.

**Propulsion**
The sensitive rear suspension generates tons of traction even on loose terrain.

**Precision work**
The precise handling encourages you to commit to bold lines and allows for spontaneous line changes without requiring great physical effort.

On your way to the next trailhead, hardly anyone will notice you’re riding an eMTB. Neither the frame silhouette nor the quiet motor gives away the eclectic nature of the SIMPLON. The relaxed pedalling is suitable for long rides, allowing you to spend long days in the saddle without having to call your chiropractor the following day. Going uphill, the SIMPLON requires more physical effort, with the TQ motor providing a smidge less assistance than the Orbea Rise’s Shimano EP801 RS or the BAFANG of the Forestal Siryon. Moreover, the TQ motor provides more support at high pedalling cadences, with the sensitive rear suspension transferring the power efficiently onto the trail and generating excellent traction. Even on steep climbing sections, the long front end remains planted on the ground, which also makes it harder to thread your way through narrow trail sections – something the Orbea Rise is incredibly good at.

Neither the discreet frame silhouette nor the quiet motor give away the electric nature of the SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	568 mm	589 mm	606 mm	633 mm
Seat tube	370 mm	395 mm	420 mm	445 mm
Head tube	97 mm	104 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Head angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	78.0°	78.0°	78.0°	78.0°
Chainstays	436 mm	438 mm	443 mm	447 mm
BB Drop	32 mm	32 mm	32 mm	32 mm
Wheelbase	1,209 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

**Helmet** SMITH Forefront | **Glasses** SCOTT Sportshield | **Backpack** FOX Utility Hydration Pack
**Jersey** Fox Calibrated Long Sleeve | **Pants** Fox Flexair | **Shoes** Unparallel Up Link

Who should take a closer look at the SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ and who should look elsewhere?

The SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ isn’t a shuttle assistant for riders who want to cruise their way to the trailhead while sipping Martini. Instead, it’s a potent, loyal companion for rowdy shredders who are relatively fit and care a lot about downhill performance and capable suspension. The intuitive handling makes it a good choice for both beginners and experienced riders, regardless of whether you like hanging out on flow trails or technical singletracks. SIMPLON’s online configurator allows for countless customisation options, provided you have the know-how. The slim frame silhouette and discreet integration also make it a great option for those riders who are still afraid of come out of the e-closet.

Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned trail rat, the Rapcon Pmax TQ gets you safely to the car park even after along, exhausting day in the saddle.

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ

The Rapcon Pmax TQ stands out above all for its downhill performance, leaving many of its opponents behind in a cloud of dust. On the trail, the SIMPLON convinces with intuitive handling and a next-level fun factor, whether you’re a newbie or seasoned trail bum. SIMPLON’s comprehensive yet unintuitive configurator allows you to customise the spec, provided you know what you’re doing. In a nutshell, the Rapcon Pmax TQ delivers a coherent overall package, thus securing a well-deserved victory in the Light-eMTB segment!

Tops

First class motor integration
Intuitive handling
Comprehensive configurator allows you to customise the spec

Flops

Battery is integrated permanently into the frame

You can find out more about at simplon.com

The test field