In September 2024, the Vorarlberg-based bicycle manufacturer Simplon filed for insolvency. In December, a new investor was presented and a new start at the Austrian site was announced. Now part of the production is moving to Romania and further redundancies are imminent.

The Rapcon :eTQ light e-mountainbike from Simplon has been given a comprehensive update. At its heart is the new TQ-HPR60 motor, which delivers more torque and power compared to the previous version. At the same time, efficiency has been improved, noise levels further reduced and the cooling system revised. The motor is produced in Germany and is designed for continuous load.

Simplon Fahrrad GmbH has successfully completed the restructuring process under debtor-in-possession management and is looking ahead to the upcoming cycling season with renewed strength. With a clear strategic direction, new innovative products and a commitment to the production site in Vorarlberg/Austria, the traditional company wants to send a strong signal for the future.

In September, Simplon's insolvency - currently almost the normal state of affairs for many companies in the bike industry - made the rounds. The bike manufacturer from Lake Constance can now report positive news: A monetary restart has been successful, with an Austrian financial investor taking over Simplon.

Simplon has caused quite a stir with the e-mountain bike with Pinion motor. The Austrian manufacturer is also at the start of the Bosch news: the Chenoa line is riding with the brand new Performance CX motor. The aim of these bikes is to achieve the perfect symbiosis of powerful e-drive and light weight.

The bicycle manufacturer from Lake Constance is feeling the full brunt of the current market hardship: Simplon is rolling into insolvency and restructuring proceedings under self-administration. There is talk of debts of around 45 million euros.

Simplon is one of the first manufacturers to install the "Motor Gearbox Unit", or MGU for short, from Pinion in a mountain bike. The MGU is a mid-engine with an electronic gearbox and a V-belt drive. Ciao rear derailleur. Ciao chain. Ciao maintenance. Hello future.

The Simplon Rapcon is now available as a Trailblazers team model: the design is skillfully inspired by the style of the 90s. In consultation with the riders, Simplon deliberately opted for trendy 90s-style lettering and modern retro colors. This combination is also a tribute to Simplon's company history and racing heritage.

The brand new gravity racing team "Simplon Trailblazers" wants to cause a sensation with an exciting line-up of riders in collaboration with the Austrian bike brand Simplon. The privately run team wants to establish itself as quickly as possible in the UCI Mountain Bike World Series with a carefully organized racing program and also make a name for itself off the race tracks with innovative ideas and approaches.

The Vorarlberg-based bike manufacturer Simplon is launching a new cooperation: Sideshore AG - already known in the Swiss bike industry as a provider of brands such as Ion and SQLab - is now acting as a sales and marketing partner.

Until recently, e-MTBs were always given more power and longer suspension travel. However, the industry is now turning around and is increasingly bringing light and mid-assist bikes onto the market. These are models with smaller motors and less wattage. Simplon has recognized the potential of this segment and presents a successful bike with the "small" Rapcon.

When you look at the Rapcon, it gives the impression of a normal enduro bike. Discreet and inconspicuous. If you take a closer look at the bike, it becomes clear that there is more to it and your curiosity is aroused. When you take the Simplon out on the trails, you quickly realize that a tougher pace is required.

The new edition of the popular race fully is available as a variant of the classic 100 millimeter version in a downcountry version with "extended" suspension travel. Simplon equips this model with 116 millimeters at the rear and 120 at the front. We recently tested how it rides.

"Born and Raised in Austria" is Simplon's claim. What at first sounds like a classic marketing slogan is actually quite true. From the very first ride on the Rapcon, it becomes clear that whoever had a hand in this is often out and about in alpine terrain.

Race hardtails have gone somewhat out of fashion outside of the racing scene. A shame really, as they are a good alternative to e-bikes. Thanks to their low weight, they accelerate almost as well as motorized bikes. The Simplon Razorblade we tested is definitely more fun than some e-bikes.