Testreport

“A real feast for the eyes” under test: the KAGU PINION

ElektroRad tested our KAGU :ePinion and gave it the top rating of “very good”. The stylish design immediately caught the eye of the testers - but the SIMPLON KAGU :ePinion achieved the highest score in almost all evaluation criteria.

Please note

We have renamed our KAGU PINION to KAGU :ePinion as of model year 2025. The present test report had been published before the name change.

The frame

It wasn't just the frame quality and finish of our KAGU PINION that impressed the testers, but also the low weight thanks to the high-quality carbon frame. There are several eyelets on the frame - even on the carbon rigid fork - to which additional extras can be flexibly attached. The removable 720 Wh battery is “elegantly integrated into the lines of the down tube”.

The testers also highlighted the “clean cockpit” in the ElektroRad issue 2/2024: All cables are routed through a special headset into the inside of the frame.

The motor

The carbon frame of our KAGU PINION incorporates the latest drive technology: Pinion's motor-gear unit (MGU E1.12). With 4 support levels and a gear ratio of 600 percent, the Kagu “craves for many meters of altitude”. With its “grippy tire tread”, it also masters challenging routes. The icing on the cake: the low maintenance of the innovative drive system.

“Pinion MGU in a carbon frame: With state-of-the-art drive technology, the SIMPLON KAGU PINION offers tourers and commuters alike top-class riding pleasure.”
-ElektroRad Magazin 2/2024-

The handlebar

Pinion's MGU E1.12 impressed the testers right down to the handlebars, where the electric gearshift control and the “intuitive” control for the on-board computer are located. The Ergon grips fit “perfectly in the hand”. Even fully loaded (the KAGU PINION has a system weight of 160 kg), the trekking bike remains agile and steering maneuvers are very precise.

The specification of the tested bike

  • Size: 56 (L)
  • Weight: 23.9 kg
  • Fork: rigid, carbon
  • Brakes: hydraulic disc brake, Magura CT, 180/180 mm
  • Mudguards: aluminum
  • Seatpost: lowerable, Bikeyoke, 125 mm
  • Saddle: Selle Italia Garda GEL Man
  • Gears: Pinion MGU E1.12 gearbox, 12 gears
  • Lighting system: Lupine SL-X, 320 lux (front) / Racktime GLEAMIT, integrated in pannier rack (rear)
  • Tires: Schwalbe Johnny Watts 365, 27.5", 60 mm
  • Other: Gates belt drive; pannier rack with 25 kg load capacity

The conclusion

The testers at ElektroRad recommend our KAGU PINION for both tourers and commuters: Tourers particularly benefit from the permissible total weight of a whopping 160 kg (with a bike weight of just 23.9 kg) and the high level of riding comfort. According to the testers, commuters also enjoy the seat post that can be lowered by lever (depending on the equipment) and “a very well-lit road”.

Read the ElektroRad test report (in German)

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