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Tested by BIKE: the Razorblade 29 IV SL | SIMPLON

31.01.2023 |Bikes & Tests

The Razorblade 29 IV SL achieved great results in a test by BIKE magazine: The low frame weight was particularly impressive. Read the report now!

Razorblade 29 IV SL – a lightweight rocket

Product test by BIKE magazine

What happens when you give a SIMPLON developer free rein in the design and the go-ahead for a maximally lightweight build? The Razorblade 29 IV SL is born! With the aforementioned freedom, Andi Heckmeier immediately went to work and delivered a result that BIKE magazine had probably never seen before.

Unsurpassed in terms of weight: the SIMPLON Razorblade 29 IV SL


With the Superlight version of the Razorblade 29 IV, the name lives up to its promise. At only 870 grams in frame size L, this frame is the lightest ever scrutinised in the test lab. This weight is particularly impressive because it includes the weight of the thru axle, the derailleur hanger and the seat clamp.


Anyone who thinks that the lightweight bike lacks stiffness is very much mistaken: SIMPLON uses Toray carbon fibres, which achieve top-level stiffness with 50 Newton millimetres.
 

Equipment details


BIKE test lead Peter Nilges chose the Razorblade IV SL with the following equipment:


•    Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1200 Spline
•    Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray / Ralph 29 x 2.25
•    Fork: Rockshox SID Ultimate
•    Brakes: Shimano XTR 180 mm / 160 mm
•    Gear system: Shimano XTR 1 x 12
•    Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10–51 / 510 %
•    Support: SIMPLON Carbon 27.2 mm


The experienced tester was not only impressed by the selected equipment but also by the configurator on the SIMPLON website. Bikes like the Razorblade 29 IV SL can be easily configured according to the rider’s individual preferences.

Lightness meets a balanced geometry


A closer look at the geometry of the fourth-generation Razorblade 29 SL quickly reveals that SIMPLON is going for the classic values here. The steering angle of 68.5 degrees and the reach of 451 millimetres result in a good compromise between rolling smoothness and agility. After effortlessly conquering the summit, the saddle of the MTB also ensures a safe descent. SIMPLON additionally offers ambitious racers the option of equipping the hardtail with large chainrings with up to 38 teeth.


Protection and comfort features include the practical adapter for covering the top tube and the carbon seatpost for more sitting comfort.
 

BIKE magazine’s verdict for the Razorblade 29 IV SL: Great!


For BIKE test lead Peter Nilges, one thing’s clear: With the Razorblade 29 IV SL, SIMPLON developer Andi Heckmeier has literally given an MTB wings. The flyweight with a superlight frame has everything it takes for adventurous XC tours.


You can read the detailed results for the Razorblade 29 IV SL in the test report by BIKE magazine.
 

Emanuel K.
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