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Winner in the lightweight e-enduro battle: SIMPLON RAPCON :eTQ

25.10.2023 |Bikes & Tests

The RAPCON :eTQ wins in EMTB Magazine’s lightweight e-enduro showdown (issue 05/2023): "When you are looking for a racy enduro bike with a whisper-quiet and rather tame engine, the Rapcon :eTQ is the perfect choice."

Please note

We have renamed our RAPCON PMAX TQ to RAPCON :eTQ as of model year 2025. The present test report had been published before the name change.

SIMPLON RAPCON PMAX TQ vs. M1 EN.400.SX

The lightweight e-enduro’s preferred terrain is a mix of challenging climbs and thrilling descents. That’s why striking the right balance is crucial: The electric drive unit needs to make riding uphill easier without compromising downhill performance. EMTB Magazine pitted two contenders against each other.

Both the RAPCON PMAX TQ and the M1 Sporttechnik EN.400.SX share traits like being lightweight, featuring mullet wheels, and boasting ample suspension travel. However, their differences quickly became apparent on the test track: M1 prioritised a powerful drive, while the designers at SIMPLON Bike-Manufaktur in Hard at Lake Constance focused on a low overall weight. The RAPCON PMAX TQ features TQ’s compact drive unit – discreetly integrated and easily overlooked.

The result: In the world of enduro riding, the RAPCON PMAX TQ emerged as the clear winner. Despite both models targeting challenging terrain, the SIMPLON bike clinched the victory, thanks to its feather-light design which contributes to better downhill handling.

When you are looking for a racy enduro bike with a whisper-quiet and rather tame engine, the RAPCON PMAX TQ is the perfect choice.
-EMTB-Magazin 05/2023-

Features & equipment of the tested bike

EMTB magazine tested the RAPCON PMAX TQ in the following configuration:

  • Drive unit: TQ HPR 50
  • Battery: TQ, 360 Wh, permanently installed
  • Tyres (front/rear): Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Gravity Ultra Soft / Super Gravity Soft, each 29" x 2.4"
  • Fork/shocks: Rock Shox ZEB Select+ / Rock Shox Superdeluxe Select+
  • Brakes: Sram Code RSC (220 mm front disc / 200 mm rear disc)
  • Derailleur: Sram GX Eagle AXS (12-speed)
  • Telescopic seat post: Bike Yoke Revive, 213 mm
  • Permissible total weight: 140 kg
Perfect blend of safety and downhill fun!
-EMTB-Magazin 05/2023-

EMTB’s verdict on the RAPCON PMAX TQ

“Perfect blend of safety and downhill fun!” – that’s how test rider Florentin describes our motorised enduro bike. With its dynamic, whisper-quiet performance, robust geometry, and top-notch equipment, the RAPCON PMAX TQ is the go-to choice if you want to excel in the e-enduro category. Using SIMPLON’s convenient bike configurator, you can tailor the bike to your individual preferences.

To read the full test report, take a look at EMTB Magazine’s 05/2023 issue (Oct./Nov.2023). Online, you can find the direct comparison results, and an extensive test report exclusively on the RAPCON PMAX TQ (both available in German only). (For whatever reason, the “battle winner” distinction is only shown in the printed magazine though.) Find more test reports on the RAPCON family and other SIMPLON bikes on our test report overview page.

 

Christin H.
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