Rapcon Pmax 2024

The Simplon Rapcon Pmax 2024 is the Austrian brand's all-mountain eMTB platform, available in two trims — the base (Pinion MGU E1.12 gearbox-motor at €9,999) and the :eCX variant (Bosch CX at €9,779). The Pinion build runs an 85 Nm torque / 600 W manufacturer-claimed peak motor (4.1 kg motor weight) with a 720 Wh FIT Ultracore battery. Travel is 170 mm front and 165 mm rear on a carbon FSP 4-Link (four-bar) chassis. Four sizes from S to XL, reach 424-495 mm, head angle 64.2 degrees flat, chainstays 447 mm flat, claimed weight 24.72 kg. The community read in one line: a thoughtful Austrian carbon all-mountain platform offered with the choice of Pinion MGU gearbox or conventional Bosch CX, with documented MGU teething issues and some historical frame quality concerns.

Drive system and range. The Pinion MGU E1.12 trim is the headline: an integrated motor-and-12-speed-gearbox in a single 4.1 kg unit, eliminating the rear derailleur and cassette in favour of belt drive. 85 Nm of torque. The :eCX trim runs the conventional Bosch CX motor for buyers who want the proven mainstream ecosystem. The 720 Wh FIT Ultracore battery is removable. Real-world range on either trim will sit in the 50 to 75 km territory on Trail/Boost mode. The Pinion MGU offers shifting under load and shifting while stationary — properly different from a conventional drivetrain — but with reliability caveats.

Geometry and handling. Modern, sensible. 64.2 degree head angle is bang on the all-mountain norm. Reach progresses 424 mm (S), 455 mm (M), 475 mm (L), and 495 mm (XL). Chainstays held at 447 mm flat across all four sizes. Wheelbase 1210 to 1302 mm. The FSP 4-Link suspension is a Horst-style four-bar that delivers consistent small-bump compliance and progressive bottom-out. Simplon's geometry is designed for daily-and-trail versatility with trailer approval — properly Austrian utility ethos in an all-mountain package.

Build and value. Two trims well-spaced. The (base) Pinion MGU at €9,999 (24.72 kg) is the headline build with gearbox-motor and 720 Wh battery. The :eCX at €9,779 (24.4 kg) is the conventional Bosch CX alternative. At these prices expect RockShox Zeb Ultimate or Fox 38 Factory at 170 mm front, Super Deluxe or Float X2 shock, SRAM Code RSC or Magura MT7 brakes, and DT Swiss H-class wheels. Premium European pricing for premium European specs.

Community-verified strengths.

• @Craig_85 documented his 2022 Rapcon Pmax GXI ZEB carbon spec — RockShox ZEB Ultimate 170 mm, SRAM GX Eagle, Code RSC brakes with HS2 220/200 mm rotors, DT Swiss H2900 wheels — properly considered all-mountain build quality.
• The choice between Pinion MGU and Bosch CX trims on the same chassis is unusual and valuable — buyers can pick their motor philosophy without changing brand.
• FSP 4-Link suspension geometry is well-developed and the platform pedals efficiently while delivering big-hit progressivity.

Caveats and known gripes.

• @goroncy documented severe frame quality issues: "Simplon Rapcon Pmax frame was replaced 2 times due to defects and 1 time due to a crack that appeared without reason, stating the carbon was thin like paper." This is a historical issue from 2020-era frames but worth investigating with current production.
• @monkeynuts documented Pinion MGU belt failures: "belt snapped twice due to worn rear snubber below rear sprocket. Fix: replaced snubber with stainless steel bearings — no belt issues since." Buyers should plan for snubber inspection.
• @Ou812 bluntly: "Rapcon with Pinion MGU is loud with hideous screen interface." MGU motor noise is the recurring complaint across the entire Pinion ecosystem.
• Pinion MGU is V1.0 technology. @BikeBert raises broader MGU reliability concerns: "early failures, loud drivetrains, sealed systems." Long-term reliability story is still being written.
• Premium €9,999 pricing with concerns about historical frame quality is a meaningful risk-vs-reward tradeoff.

Verdict. The Simplon Rapcon Pmax 2024 is a thoughtful Austrian carbon all-mountain eMTB for buyers who want the choice between Pinion MGU innovation and Bosch CX reliability on the same well-designed chassis. It suits early-adopter riders in central Europe with strong local Simplon dealer support, who appreciate the gearbox-motor concept (or who pick the eCX trim to avoid those concerns), and who do their homework on current frame quality. Look elsewhere if you want a proven mainstream drivetrain only, the quietest motor available, or unambiguously sorted long-term reliability. Production status: current, two trims, four sizes.