Will it hold up? Even at the presentation of the Slide Carbon, we were unanimous: the diet all-mountain must be put to the endurance test. The frame is made entirely of carbon and weighs just 2.5 kilos, including the shock. Naturally, we were sceptical. But the lab gave the all-clear early on. Stiffness values: okay. The equipment was impressive right from the start anyway. A complete XT drivetrain, including brakes, and a 2x11 version to boot. All garnished with sensitive Fox Factory suspension and DT Swiss wheels, frame protectors and chain-suck plates - Radon really seems to have thought of everything here. The perfect all-mountain menu seemed to have been prepared. And so it was that the bike not only whetted my appetite. Two other testers wanted to take the Slide out for a ride across the Alps and rack up the kilometres. I, on the other hand, limited myself to my home circuit on the Isar trails and day tours in the Alps.
Weighing just 12.6 kilos, the Slide is easy to accelerate and moves forward quickly, especially with the lightweight standard tyres. If you want to step on the gas, this is the bike for you. The double gearing takes the fear out of even steep Alpine climbs. Positioned in the centre of the bike, you can climb long climbs in a relaxed manner. However, the lightweight Nobbies quickly reach their limits in tough Alpine terrain. With robust tyres, however, the Slide is fun even on technical terrain. The lightweight bike is agile through corners and is plush without offering excessive reserves. Only the rear end felt a little lifeless in places. A slightly slacker head angle would do the Slide good and would be the icing on the all-mountain menu, so to speak. Little was changed on the test bike - apart from the rider - the equipment is almost perfect. Unfortunately, the press-fit bearing got on our nerves early on, and an improperly pressed bearing in the rear triangle caused creaking noises. The lightweight frame, on the other hand, has held up bravely to this day.
CONCLUSIONA lively touring bike with classic all-mountain geometry. There is absolutely nothing to criticise about the equipment and the durability is also impressive.
DEFECTS / MAINTENANCE
- 600 km - pads replaced: The Shimano pads went down like scratch cards. The sintered pads had to be replaced three times.
- 850 km - rear wheel bearing: After the bottom bracket, the rear triangle also creaked. The fault was an incorrectly pressed bearing. A service provided a remedy.
TUNING
- 50 km - tyres replaced: The Slide 140 can do more than the narrow 2.25 nobby nics allow. The 2.35 Hans vapour weighs more, but also offers more reserves.
WHAT THE READERS SAY
"Very nice bike, but currently has a crack in the frame in the bottom bracket area after eight months. Let's see how the repair process goes." Axel Pfeiffer, Facebook
"I am very happy with my Slide 140. So far I haven't had any breakdowns or other defects. I can only recommend it to others." Florian Minnameyer, Facebook
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Val Gardena
South Tyrol at last. After a few years of abstinence, I've finally made it back to my favourite area. The tour around the Langkofel and Plattkofel mountains is always a highlight for me. Up to the Seiser Alm and around the South Tyrolean landmark. First the Schlern appears in the field of vision, then the Marmolada and the massive Sella massif. The panorama is almost endless. Steep climbs, narrow trails and tricky carrying passages - it's all here.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
THE TESTER
Stefan FreyBIKE editor, 34 years old
Size / Weight 1.88 m / 82 kg
Driver profile Lots of Isar trails, but also technical, unspoilt Alpine trails
Favourite areas Bavarian Prealps, Val Gardena (South Tyrol)
THE BIKE: Radon Slide 140 Carbon 9.0
Material Carbon
Price / weight 3599 Euro / 12.6 kg without ped.
Suspension travel (front / rear) 140 mm / 140 mm
Wheel size 27.5 inch
Fork Fox 34 Factory Fit 4
Damper Fox Float DPS Factory
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Stefan Frey
Editor
