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Predicate “mountain hunter”: the RAPCON :eCX in the BORN magazine test

The testers rave in the 08/2023 issue about “its versatility for tough mountain tours” - both uphill and downhill.

Please note

We have renamed our RAPCON PMAX CX to RAPCON :eCX as of model year 2025. This test report had been published before the name change.

Uphill: a “rocket”

Thanks to the Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor (selectable in our configurator), the SIMPLON RAPCON PMAX CX climbs the steepest ascents with ease. The power has it all: according to the testers, the maximum support (400% of the rider's power) “noticeably pushes the limits on uphill climbs”. The E-MTB has everything that makes a bike fast, powerful and enduring. “Faster, higher, further” rave the testers. The RAPCON PMAX CX has the 750 Wh battery with an optional range extender of a further 250 Wh to ensure that you don't run out of power.

Racing up mountains fast and racing down them even faster - it's hard to imagine a better E-MTB than the SIMPLON RAPCON PMAX.
-Born Magazin, 08/2023-

Downhill: Made for racing

When going downhill, it “glides unimpressed over the roughest trails” and remains agile even at high speeds. Even large rock steps and rough sections can be negotiated at high speed without compromising the smooth ride. The sometimes slippery trails were no problem for the testers and the SIMPLON RAPCON PMAX CX. They highlight the Schwalbe Magic Mary tires, which are perfectly suited to this, and emphasize: “The braking system with Sram Code brakes and 220-millimetre disc on the front wheel is also designed for high speed”.

The tested SIMPLON RAPCON PMAX CX

  • Material: Carbon
  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition
  • Battery: Bosch Powertube 750 vertical
  • Fork: Fox 38 Float Factory, 29", 170 mm
  • Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory 170 mm, 2-Position, 400lb/in
  • Gears: Shimano XT
  • Brake System: Sram Code RSC, 4-Kolben
  • Wheels: DT Swiss HXC1501
  • Tires: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Super Gravity, 29 x 2.6"
  • Handlebar: Simplon Carbon Riser 800
  • Stem: Zero III, 35 mm x 0°
  • Seat Post: Kindshock Rage-I 31.6, 150 mm hub
  • Saddle: Selle Italia X-Land E-Bike Flow MGN

So which is it: uphill or downhill?

Although the RAPCON PMAX CX is considered a powerful enduro bike, the testers were particularly impressed by its versatility on demanding mountain tours. The battery also makes long distances possible. Thanks to the outstanding performance in race mode, tour planning can be completely redesigned. In addition, “the extremely forgiving suspension offers enormous safety reserves”.

Click here for the detailed test report.

Svenja B.
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