This is not to be achieved through unit sales, but through an even higher average sales price. In 2003, "Simplon" already managed to achieve an average sales price in every bicycle category that was twice the price of the entry-level model. Some of the new additions to the range for 2005 have what it takes to win in the upper price segment, such as the new four-bar "Lexx", which will also be available as a "Stomp" with a carbon main frame from December. Or the lightweight and beautiful carbon hardtail "Gravity".

I. Bike innovations for 2005
In the Austrian bike racing scene, "Simplon" is a firm favorite, and the latest models will further underpin this position. This is ensured by independent solutions such as the striking transversely ovalized top tube with side ribs, which merges seamlessly into a massive monostay and is penetrated by the seat tube. Simplon has christened this design, originally developed for the "Pride" road bike frame, "SCS", which stands for "Simplon = Comfort + Stiffness". The aim is to combine maximum torsional stiffness with a certain degree of flexibility in the vertical direction. This SCS technology is used in both the carbon models "Gravity" and "Stomp" as well as the aluminum hardtail "Mythos".

In general, generously sized tires (Schwalbe's "Racing Ralph" in 2.25 inches) will be used on the marathon and cross-country bikes in the coming season, and the rear derailleur cable runs from the lever to the rear derailleur in a continuous outer sleeve to increase shifting precision even in nasty conditions.

"Lexx" ? Simplon's bliggfang for marathon fans
In the "Lexx" and "Stomp" models, the Vorarlberg-based company is installing a rear triangle for the first time that works according to the four-link principle and offers up to 115 millimetres of suspension travel. With its monocoque main frame made of high-modulus carbon fibers, the "Stomp", which will be available from December, even plays in the league of the lightest full-suspension bikes: Without the rear shock, the frame weighs just 1880 grams ? even though the rear triangle runs on high-quality ball bearings throughout. The more affordable "Lexx" is also a lightweight, with a frame that weighs just 300 grams more than its carbon fiber cousin thanks to its high-quality zirconium aluminum alloy ? but will be available from October.

On the trail, the "Lexx" proves to be a sporty, but not Spartan companion: the riding position is a successful compromise, thanks to which there are no rollover feelings on the descent and you still get enough pressure on the front wheel. The well-designed rear suspension can also be ridden with relatively low pressure in the SPV chamber of the Manitou shock, which benefits riding comfort.

"Gravity" - elegant lightweight with all-round characteristics
The real highlight in the eyes of racers in 2005 is the "Gravity": For this completely newly developed frame, Simplon has reached deep into its bag of tricks ? and benefited from the knowledge gained during the development of the "Pride" racing bike frame. The result is an incredibly torsion-resistant, yet comfortable to ride carbon fiber frame, which is also very light at 1200 grams - especially when you consider that the frame offers cantilever sockets on the rear triangle in addition to a disc mount.

Uphill and during sprints, the bike impresses with enormous propulsion and always invites you to sprint, which is certainly also due to the weight of well under ten kilograms. Nevertheless, you can leave it standing almost indecently downhill without ever getting the feeling of being on a fragile super-light bike: This is where the fact that the bike is so light thanks to the frame pays off ? and not because of add-on parts that spoil the fun of the descent with a lack of stiffness and/or off-road capability. What's more, the carbon fiber sled from Vorarlberg gives you a sporty, but not race-stretched position. I have never had so much fun descending on a super-light hardtail as with the "Gravity" - nomen est omen. This legal doping in carbon fiber form will be available from the end of October ? in bike stores, not pharmacies.

"Gizzmo" - lightweight freerider or hardcore enduro bike?
In times when some magazines create a new bike category for every inch of additional suspension travel, it seems difficult to classify the "Gizzmo": This single-arm bike offers 135 or 150 millimetres of rear suspension travel and enough space for thick 2.5-inch tires, which, along with attachments such as the "Louise FR" from Magura, refers to the "freeride" category. With a weight of just under 13 kilograms, a moderate riding position and a full range of gears, the "Gizzmo" is also well suited to long, tough day trips. In short: For anyone who associates bike rides with adventure and enjoyment rather than racing success and competition, the "Gizzmo" is a companion with an incredibly wide range of uses - something like the Swiss army knife of Simplon bikes.

II The 2005 racing bike vintage
One year after the "Pride" carbon frame, Simplon presents the matching fork ? and thus a real world premiere. Because the entire "S8" fork is made of monocoque carbon fiber from the steerer tube to the dropouts ? You will look in vain for metal inlays on the dropouts. The result should weigh just 320 grams with a steerer length of 300 millimeters and combine improved stiffness with a high level of comfort. Simplon is also launching the "Lumen", a completely new road bike frame that combines an aluminum frame using SCS technology with a full carbon rear triangle - including "Notoflex" chainstays. The complete frame weighs only 300 grams more than the "Pride", but is likely to be considerably more affordable.

III. News for the trekking market
Because the innovation spurts of recent years have also left their mark on trekking bikes, Simplon has put its own thoughts into the matter. The result: cold-forged multifunction dropouts. These lattice-like recessed parts provide secure mounting points for pannier racks, mudguards, Hebie kickstands and disc brakes, with the brake calliper mounted nicely protected between the seat and chain stays. The days of adapter and DIY solutions with tube clamps are now a thing of the past.