Testreport

A "quiet hunter" put to the test: FREERIDE magazine tested our RAPCON :eTQ

|Bikes & Tests

"Quiet, yes, so quiet!" raved the testers of FREERIDE magazine in issue 4A/2023. But it wasn't only the low noise level of our SIMPLON RAPCON :eTQ that impressed the testers.

Please note

Mit Modelljahr 2025 haben wir unser RAPCON PMAX TQ umbenannt zu RAPCON :eTQ. Dieser Testbericht wurde vor der Umbenennung des Modellnamens verasst.

On the hunt

"Is there really an e-drive inside?" wondered the astonished testers from FREERIDE magazine when they saw the extremely slim silhouette of our RAPCON PMAX TQ. Then they discovered it - small and light: the TQ HPR50 motor. In addition to the high-quality carbon frame, the RAPCON PMAX TQ owes its low overall weight to this particularly light e-drive system.

The testers were also impressed by the barely perceptible noise development of our RAPCON PMAX TQ: while only the "slight ringing of the brake pads" could be heard on downhill sections, the TQ motor was "unrivaled quiet" on uphill sections according to FREERIDE.

The territory

The testers were unanimous: leisurely rides around the lake are not the right habitat for our light e-mountainbike. This bike loves varied terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections. The progressive riding position puts a lot of pressure on the front wheel on the climbs, while maintaining good traction on the rear wheel. On downhill sections, the RAPCON PMAX TQ also scores points for its agile handling: "The suspension has good traction and is highly shock absorbent."

The specifications of the tested SIMPLON RAPCON PMAX TQ:

  • Size: L
  • Weight: 18 kg (without pedals)
  • Motor / Battery: TQ HPR 50 / TQ, 360 Wh, permanently integrated
  • Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip2 / Fox DPS Factory
  • Tele-post: Bikeyoke Revice 185
  • Gears: Shimano XT
  • Brake system: Shimano XT
  • Wheels: DT Swiss HXC 1501 Hybrid LS CF
  • Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Big Betty Supertrail Soft 2.4

The result

The TQ HPR 50 drive unit "sets standards in terms of drive noise, natural handling and weight" enthuses test rider Dimitri Lehner. The modern geometry with the slim silhouette, which does not look like an e-bike, and the natural riding characteristics particularly impressed the testers. Their conclusion: the RAPCON PMAX TQ is an "excellent trail bike" - 11 out of a possible 12 stars!

To the detailed test report from FREERIDE

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© Chris Gollhofer

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