New start with two innovations: Simplon presents marathon bike and gravel bike

The takeover by an Austrian investor means that the wheel continues to turn at Simplon. And how: Within just a few weeks, the Vorarlberg-based company presented two new models for road and off-road use. The third generation of the Kiaro takes its place as a comfortable marathon bike, while the Grid replaces the Inissio and, according to the manufacturer, sees itself as an "all-round talent" with a wide range of uses away from tarmac roads.

Simplon Kiaro: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: from 7.5 kilogrammes
• Frame weight: 1100 grams (size 55)
• Stack/Reach/STR: 599/380 millimetres/1.58
• Max. tyre clearance: 38 millimetres
• Frame sizes: 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61
• Prices: 3499 to 5699 Euro

The Kiaro rounds off the two race platforms Pride II and Pavo IV rounds off the Simplon portfolio. A central element of the revised concept is the new carbon fork with the so-called Raptor Dropout. By moving the dropouts to the rear, the fork should react more smoothly to bumps. The greater tyre clearance should have a greater impact on comfort compared to its predecessor. The fork and frame now allow a maximum of 38 millimetre tyres. This means that the new model can be converted for use on light terrain in the style of an all-road bike. The Kiaro rolls on 32mm tyres as standard.

The comfort character of the carbon racer is rounded off by a geometry suitable for long distances. For a medium frame size, the Austrians specify an STR value of 1.58, which means that the third generation puts the rider in an emphatically upright sitting position. A longer wheelbase and slacker steering angle are intended to improve directional stability.

Another new feature is an integrated storage compartment in the down tube. A mini-tool and a small storage bag are included in the scope of delivery. A CO₂ cartridge or a GPS tracker from Apple can be attached to the cover of the "boot". There are also mounting points for a bag on the top tube, while the option for fixed mudguards equips the Kiaro for riding in the rain.

Simplon Kiaro: Equipment and prices

The new Kiaro is available in five equipment variants. The models can be customised using the configurator. Among other things, the wheels, handlebars and saddle can be selected. High-quality carbon wheels are not available. The basic model called Core is the only version with mechanical gears (Shimano 105), all other bikes change gears at the touch of a button (Shimano 105 Di2 or Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS/Force AXS). The prices range from 3499 to 5699 euros. The two most expensive models are equipped with a carbon handlebar/stem unit and seat post.

Core

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105
• Brakes: Shimano 105
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One (32 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss E 1800 23 (aluminium)
• Price: 3499 Euro

Expert AXS

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS
• Brakes: SRAM Rival
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One (32 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss E 1800 23 (aluminium)
• Price: 4499 Euro

Expert Di2

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2
• Brakes: Shimano 105
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One (32 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss E 1800 23 (aluminium)
• Price: 4499 Euro

Ultimate AXS

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS
• Brakes: SRAM Force
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One (32 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss ER 1600 30 (aluminium)
• Price: 5699 Euro

Ultimate Di2

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
• Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One (32 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss ER 1600 30 (aluminium)
• Price: 5699 Euro

The Grid takes up the new fork design with offset dropouts and the "boot" of the Kiaro. The frame geometry, on the other hand, is designed to be sportier with an STR of 1.51 for a medium frame size. For off-road use, 40 millimetre wide tyres are fitted ex works, with a maximum of 45 millimetre tyres possible. Mounting points for luggage and mudguards as well as the option of retrofitting a hub dynamo round off the bike's character as an all-rounder.

Simplon Grid: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: from 8.2 kilogrammes
• Frame weight: 1150 grams (size 53)
• Stack/Reach/STR: 599/398 millimetres/1.51
• Max. tyre clearance: 45 millimetres
• Frame sizes: 45, 49, 53, 57 62
• Prices: from 3699 Eurom

For adventurers, Simplon also offers the option of customising the gravel bike with a suspension fork from Rockshox (€360) or a telescopic seatpost from Kindshock (€270). Compared to the Kiaro, more customisation options are available for the Grid in the in-house configurator.

Simplon Grid: Equipment and prices

Simplon offers the Grid in four equipment variants. With the exception of the top model with a SRAM mullet build (Rival/GX Transmission AXS), the other versions come with mechanical GRX groupsets from Shimano, with a choice of single or double drivetrains. The prices of the pre-configured bikes are between 3699 and 4699 euros. A variant suitable for everyday use is also planned: the Grid 365 with flat instead of curved handlebars is equipped with lights, mudguards, pannier rack and kickstand as standard. The Austrians have not announced a price for the commuter bike.

Core 1by

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 610 1x12
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 610
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland (40 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G 1800 (aluminium)
• Price: 3699 Euro

Core 2by

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 610 2x12
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 610
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland (40 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G 1800 (aluminium)
• Price: 3699 Euro

Expert

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 820 2x12
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 820
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland (40 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G 1800 (aluminium)
• Price: 4399 Euro

Ultimate

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival/GX Transmission AXS 1x12
• Brakes: SRAM Rival
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland (40 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G 1800 (aluminium)
• Price: 4699 Euro