The "Pride" carbon frame, introduced in 2004 and last modelled in 2008, is now only in third place in the Austrian company's model hierarchy, but with its balanced performance it still outshines many of its competitors. Simplon offers a wide range of optional equipment. The six-year warranty and accident replacement scheme are also arguments in its favour. Some intermediate sizes would be desirable: With jumps of three centimetres, some riders fall through the cracks. The frame is available in sizes up to 65 and is equipped with an Ultegra groupset and Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels in line with the price range. The fact that the test bike rolled on different tyres is probably due to an oversight during assembly.
Purchase/Info: Simplon Fahrrad GmbH, phone 0043/5574/ 725640, www.simplon.com
Weight frame/fork/ headset bearing*: 1,102/411/93 g
Frame sizes**: 50, 53, 56, 59, 62, 65 cm
Seat/steering angle: 73°/73°
Seat/top/head tube: 555/575/200 mm
Wheelbase/ caster: 1,003/54 mm
Stack/reach***: 613/390 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Simplon
Steering bearing: Acros, 11/ 8 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: Shimano Ultegra (50/34 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Fulcrum Racing 5/Schwalbe Ultremo R1, Stelvio Rear
Handlebar/stem: FSA Energy/Simplon
Saddle/post: Selle Italia SL/Simplon (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
