Testreport

SILK 365 :eLight: test winner by MyBike

|Bikes & Tests

In the category ‘E-bikes up to 20 kilos’, our SILK 365 :eLight came out on top against 8 competitors in a comparison test conducted by the trade magazine MyBike. The result: test winner and the MyBike Tipp award.

Please note

We have renamed our SILKCARBON TQ to SILK 365 :eLight as of model year 2025. This test report had been published before the name change.

The frame: low in weight and with an ergonomically balanced touring geometry

‘The perfect mix of active sitting and relaxed pedalling’ is a hit with the editors at MyBike. Thanks to the high-quality carbon frame, the SILKCARBON TQ remains within the weight limit of 20 kg set for the comparison test, even with the optional (significantly heavier) suspension fork. Combined with the ‘ergonomically well-balanced touring geometry’ and the vibration-damping VIBREX® technology, the SILKCARBON TQ immediately became the favourite among the testers in terms of comfort.

The TQ motor: ‘one of the best’ in the test

‘A real discovery’ for the testers was the small, high-torque HPR50 motor from German manufacturer TQ: ’one of the best, smallest and lightest in the test in terms of riding feel and harmony.’ The testers were also pleasantly surprised by the long range from the comparatively light 360 Wh battery, which is the result of the ‘motor characteristics designed for flow and efficiency’. The sophisticated display neatly integrated into the top tube shows the most important information from the e-bike system, such as your own pedalling performance or the motor power - so there is no need for an on-board computer on the handlebars.

Light Assist par Excellence
-MyBike 5/2023-

The details also impressed

‘The quality is in the details as well’, commented the testers with regard to the many well thought-out features of the SILKCARBON TQ - such as the hinge-opening charging socket cover (instead of the often used simple rubber cover). Also impressive: the internal steering stop, which prevents a collision between the handlebars and top tube, as well as the cables running into the headset for a tidy look.

Data of the tested SILKCARBON TQ

  • Price: 6,229 euros
  • Frame size: L
  • Weight: 20 kg
  • Permitted system weight: 140 kg
  • Frame material: carbon
  • Fork: Rockshox Recon Gold RL 65 mm
  • Gearing: derailleur gears, Shimano Deore 10-speed, 11-43
  • Motor: TQ HPR50
  • Battery: TQ 360 WH
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore T6000, disc diameter 180/180 mm
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Efficiency Evo, 50-622
  • Lighting system: Lupine SL Nano Classic

The testers' verdict

‘The SILKCARBON TQ is a lightweight tourer [...] with a lot of comfort and very safe, relaxed handling,’ the testers concluded. The light TQ motor with its natural riding feel, the low weight despite the comfortable equipment and the many well thought-out details particularly impressed the editorial team.

The full test report with all the details and photos of the SIMPLON SILKCARBON TQ can be read online here (in German only).

Recommendations

Rapcon: best enduro bike for 2022

A perfect all-rounder with a clean look and smart storage solutions: The Rapcon won the race in the ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine test. Read the report now!

A bike check by ROADBIKE | The Simplon Pride road bike

Unusual details, remarkable aerodynamics, sporty design – the ROADBIKE testers’ verdict of the Simplon Pride is positive across the board. Read more! 

Rapcon Pmax wins the Design & Innovation Award | Simplon E-MTB

Simplon scoops up the Design & Innovation Award (DI.A) 2020 for its e-mountain bike Rapcon Pmax. Find out more about the award and the winning E-MTB! 

The Simplon Inissio Gravel put to the test | Bikeboard review

Bikeboard tested the Inissio Gravel by Simplon. Conclusion: The gravel bike "can do anything it wants to do – and it does so exceptionally well".