With a set weight of 1,412 grams (adjusted), the Pavo "Force" is the lightest in the test; as it also collects points diligently in the other categories, it is one of the best in class in the final tally. In the saddle, the Simplon impresses with absolute directional stability in every riding situation, the steering characteristics are neutral and the riding position is sporty. You can choose from eight equipment packages, with Campa, Shimano or SRAM drivetrains to suit your taste. The "Force" groupset from SRAM fitted to the test "Pavo" with mountain-ready gearing worked perfectly, the brakes decelerated without squeaking. With white handlebar tape and saddle, the Vorarlberg-based company set the right colour accents, while the other components round off the racer to create a high-quality and very harmonious overall package.
Purchase/Info: Simplon Fahrrad GmbH, phone 0043/5574/ 72564-0, www.simplon.com
Weight frame/fork/ headset bearing*: 941/350/93 g
Frame sizes**: 50, 53, 56, 59, 62, 65 cm
Seat/steering angle: 74°/72.5°
Seat/top/head tube: 525/555/172 mm
Wheelbase/caster: 1,000/60 mm
Stack/reach***: 582/389 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Simplon S9
Steering bearing: Acros Ai03, 1-1/8 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: SRAM Force (50/34 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Mavic Ksyrium SL/Schwalbe Ultremo R.1 tyres
handlebar/stem: Syntace Racelite 2 Carbon/-F128
Saddle/post: Selle Italia SLR/Simplon Carbon ROD (31.6 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
