Josef Hämmerle opens a store for cameras, gramophones, and accessories in Lustenau, Vorarlberg. In 1932, he adds bicycles – a product that would stand the test of time – and relocates the business to Hard. 

By 1952, the bicycle trade becomes a full-fledged manufacturing business. Under the name "Falke", Josef and his son Kurt Hämmerle begin building the first custom bikes. 

In Vorarlberg, Swiss-made bikes are seen as the gold standard. To compete with Swiss brands, Josef and Kurt Hämmerle begin developing their own high-quality bikes with premium components. 

SIMPLON emphasizes individuality from the very beginning: customers can configure their dream bike using top-tier components. In 1961, the brand name “SIMPLON” is officially established, inspired by the Simplon mountain pass in the Swiss canton of Valais. 

Josef Hämmerle’s younger son, Heinz, joins the company and handles all commercial matters. He designs the first SIMPLON logo for “bikes of the highest class.” A few years later, the Hämmerle family hires their first assembly worker. 

Kurt and Heinz Hämmerle take over the business from their father and sell both bicycles and boats, including motors and accessories. For several years, both segments coexist—until the family decides to fully commit to their true passion: building bicycles. 

Due to increasing demand from local bike dealers, the factory in Kohlplatzstraße expands with a new building to increase production space. 

Road bikes experience a revival in the 1970s. SIMPLON begins building its own racing bikes, which Heinz Hämmerle personally tests. His experiences directly inform the development of SIMPLON bikes. The mission: “We will build the best road bike.” 

Gerhard Zadrobilek wins the Tour of Austria on a SIMPLON bike, bringing the brand national recognition. 

The original factory reaches its limits. By now, nine employees work at the site. In 1983, the Hämmerle family builds a new facility with warehouse and assembly halls in the industrial area of Hard, at Oberer Achdamm. 

SIMPLON adds its first mountain bikes to the portfolio. Kurt’s son Andreas, a former cyclist, brings new concepts and ideas from the U.S. to Hard. With a pioneering spirit, he drives the development of SIMPLON’s first mountain bikes.

SIMPLON exhibits at the newly established bike trade fair in Friedrichshafen for the first time. In the years that follow, the brand enters the German market, with Swiss demand also growing shortly thereafter. 

Kurt Hämmerle retires and passes the company leadership to Heinz and Andreas Hämmerle. Hämmerle OHG becomes SIMPLON Fahrrad GmbH. 

SIMPLON uses full carbon frames for the first time, significantly reducing the weight of its bikes. The first full-carbon series is launched under the name "Vision". 

Between 2000 and 2004, SIMPLON continues to focus on premium quality from Vorarlberg. Frame development and the assembly of around 7,000 bikes annually remain handcrafted in Hard. To meet rising demand, the company expands its facility at Oberer Achdamm.

Heinz Hämmerle hands over leadership to Andreas and Christian – with the company in excellent shape: around 50 employees produce approximately 12,500 bikes per year. 

The growing interest in e-bikes adds a new dimension to SIMPLON’s offering. Over the following years, the e-bike category becomes a key area of business.

With the Chenoa Uni, SIMPLON launches one of the lightest e-trekking bikes with a carbon frame and removable battery. It sets new standards in lightweight design and integration. 

The Pride 1 marks SIMPLON’s entry into the world of aero road bikes with disc brakes and an integrated cockpit – a milestone. The Kiaro Disc adds a comfort-oriented endurance model to the lineup. 

With the Inissio, SIMPLON embraces the gravel trend early, blending sporty versatility with electric support. The innovative Rapcon Pmax revolutionizes lightweight E-MTBs. 

The Cirex, a fully suspended race bike with balanced geometry and low weight, excels on demanding cross-country and down-country trails. 

The Pride II is optimized using extensive airflow simulations and wind tunnel testing, making it the fastest UCI-compliant road bike in the world. The Rapcon stands out as a versatile enduro bike with outstanding agility and ride performance. 

See the current Pride

See the current Rapcon

The Hard site at Lake Constance is expanded. Acquiring a second facility just 90 meters away increases production and storage capacity, adds office space, and creates a brand-new showroom. 

With the Silkcarbon TQ and Rapcon Pmax TQ, SIMPLON launches two new light e-bikes. Their low weight and nearly silent TQ motor deliver a natural riding experience. 

See the current Silk 365 :eLight 

See the current Rapcon :eTQ 

SIMPLON integrates the innovative Pinion MGU E1.12 drive system, which combines motor and gearbox in a single unit. The Kagu Pinion offers versatility for urban use, while the Rapcon Pmax Pinion sets new standards in the E-MTB segment. 

Learn more about the innovative Pinion motor

See the current Rapcon :ePinion 

The acquisition by Austrian investment firm SOL Capital Management in December 2024 marks a major step toward securing the company’s future. With Christoph Mannel as the new CEO, SIMPLON gains an experienced leader. Together, they focus on sustainable growth, brand development, and reinforcing the production site in Vorarlberg.