The "Pride" plays a key role in the programme of the Austrian company Simplon. Almost out of nowhere, the Vorarlberg-based company rose to become a leading carbon frame supplier in 2004 with the then new model. The new "Pride" is intended to continue this success story, for which the frame was redesigned from scratch. Externally, this is particularly recognisable in the round seat tube, which was previously aerofoil-shaped in the upper section. The previously conical head tube was given the shape of an implied ellipse, while the transverse oval down tube increased in circumference. Simplon also gave the "Pride" the laterally stiff "S6" fork, familiar from the 950 gram "Pavo" frame presented in 2006.
To recognise the most important difference between the new and old "Pride", you would have to saw open the frame and fork to see the "Double Chamber System" already used on the "Pavo". Here, several tubes - the down tube and the fork blades on the "Pride" - are reinforced by crosspieces on the inside, which are intended to increase the fatigue strength of the construction.
Despite the additional material used, the frameset of the new "Pride" is very light at 1,586 grams including the headset in frame height 57. In combination with a top groupset, it would be a great basis for a racer under seven kilos. But even with the Ultegra SL groupset from Shimano and Mavic's Ksyrium Elite wheels, there's nothing to complain about - the scales show a respectable 7.4 kilos. Simplon is so convinced of the qualities of the new "Pride" that the frame and fork have been approved for the unusually high total weight of 125 kilos. The extraordinary stiffness values of the frame prove that this does not appear to be an exaggeration. This means that even 100-kilo riders can plunge into fast-paced rides with a clear conscience. But even light riders will feel right at home on the bike; it steers and rides smoothly and is easy to control in any riding situation. The riding position is relaxed because the head tube is quite long in relation to the frame height - so the handlebars are slightly higher. The good riding impression is underlined by the excellent function of the Shimano components and the reassuring grip of the Ultremo tyres from Schwalbe.
The "Pride" is available in 16 different basic configurations, six frame heights and two colour variants as part of Simplon's modular programme, and there are also numerous wheel, handlebar and saddle options. The Austrians promise to deliver customised bikes within a few days as a rule. If this is true, Simplon can be proud of the new "Pride": top technology, great riding characteristics, good service - and all at a fair price.
PLUS: Stable ride; lightweight; many equipment options; durable paintwork
TECHNICAL DATA:
Price: 2,929 Euro
Reference/Info: Simplon Fahrrad GmbH, telephone 0043/5574/72564-0; www.simplon.com
Frame sizes*: 50, 53, 56, 59, 62, 65 cm
Seat/steering angle: 74°/73°
Wheelbase/caster: 996/56 mm
Frame height/camber**: 590/154 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Simplon S6
Steering bearing: FSA
Brakes/gears: Shimano Ultegra SL
Bottom bracket: Ultegra SL Compact
Wheels/tyres: Mavic Ksyrium Elite/Schwalbe Ultremo
Handlebar/stem: Simplon/ITM
Saddle/post: S. Italia SLK/Carbon Road V2
MEASURED VALUES and INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Weight of complete wheel: 7.4 kilos (without pedals)
Frame/fork/steering bearing weight: 1.087/423/77 g
Standard. Weight frame set***: 1.586 g - 2,3
Steering head stiffness: 101 Nm/° - 1.0
Lateral stiffness fork: 45 N/mm - 2.3
Bottom bracket stiffness: 69 N/mm - 1.3
Comfort frame: 335 N/mm - 3.0
Comfort fork: 79 N/mm - 3.0
*The tested frame size is printed in bold.
**Projected dimension from centre of bottom bracket to upper edge of head tube/saddle/head tube rise at 75 cm seat height (centre of saddle frame-upper edge of head tube).
***Adjusted weight for frame size 57 and fork steerer length 225 mm.
**** Total and partial grades are rounded to one decimal place. However, two decimal places are decisive for their calculation. Individual grades are included in the overall grades with different weightings, only some of which are given for reasons of space.
(Photos: Daniel Simon, Jörg Wenzel)
