Simplon has starved the frame of the Pavo 3 Ultra down to a whopping 770 grams in size 55. This makes the latest creation from the Vorarlberg custom-made specialist one of the lightest framesets currently available - alongside Cannondale's Super Six Evo Nano and the R5Ca from Cervélo, whose recently presented second generation we are testing for one of the upcoming TOUR issues. The number "3" stands for the third generation of the Pavo, which has always been the lightest model in the Simplon range. The suffix "Ultra" denotes a weight-optimised version of the frame, which is said to be around 100 grams lighter than the Pavo 3 thanks to a particularly complex manufacturing process and the use of high-strength carbon fibres. Another difference: the Ultra is only available in three sizes instead of five. Together with the 320 gram fork and a lightweight headset from Acros, the frame set weighs just 1,195 grams when adjusted for size.
Explosive kicks
The impressively low weight is also immediately noticeable when you sit in the saddle. Especially
especially when the road climbs, the 5.6-kilo racer is in its element. The most lasting impression is the explosive response behaviour. This is where the full carbon wheels from Mavic, which roll on tubular tyres, really come into their own: Thanks to their low mass, acceleration is fabulous. For most other riding situations, however, a wheelset designed more for all-round use is probably the better choice. While the wheels braked reasonably well in dry conditions, they showed miserable braking characteristics in a heavy thunderstorm during one of the test laps. In addition, due to the narrow 22 millimetre tubular tyres, which we rode at seven bars, the bike feels harder at the rear than the good measurement at the seat post would suggest. However, swapping the wheels is no problem with Simplon's modular system, and as we said, if you like to let off steam on climbs, you'll have fun with the Mavic wheels.
The riding position on the Pavo 3 Ultra is stretched out for racing, which suits the character of this road bike; the head tube stiffness is easily sufficient for riders of normal weight. The "normal" Pavo 3 is probably the better choice for heavier and/or athletic riders, whose additional weight should be reflected in higher stiffness values.
Price complete wheel 8,449 Euro
Weight 5.6 kilos
Reference/Info www.simplon.com
Frame sizes** 52, 55, 58 cm
Seat/steering angle 74°/73°
Seat/top tube/head tube 550/560/153 mm plus 19 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 995/54 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 556/400 mm/1.39
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing Acros AIX 300, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/4 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket SRAM Red 10-speed (50/34 t., press-fit)
Wheels/tyres Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate/Mavic Yksion Power Link (tubular tyre)
Handlebar/stem Simplon ERG/Simplon Zero
Saddle/post Selle Italia SLR Monolink/Simplon Mono Rod SL (27.2 mm)
MEASURED VALUES & INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Weight of complete wheel 5.6 kilos
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing**** 770/320/72 g
Standardised weight frame set***** 1.195 g: 1 , 0
Steering head stiffness 85 Nm/°: 1 , 7
Lateral stiffness fork 44 N/mm: 2 , 3
Bottom bracket stiffness 61 N/mm: 1 , 3
Comfort frame 125 N/mm: 1 , 7
Comfort fork 73 N/mm: 3 , 7
* The frame set accounts for 40 per cent of the overall score and the equipment for 60 per cent. These ratings include individual scores, only some of which are printed for reasons of space. The grades are
up to the final grade with all decimal places; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
** Manufacturer's specifications; test size bold.
*** Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top edge of the headset; STR (stack to reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright sitting position.
**** Weighed weights.
***** Adjusted weight for frame size 57 cm and fork steerer length 225 mm.
