E-MTB novelty 2023: Radon Render AL - e-bike with Bosch smart system under 4000 euros
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 31.03.2023
What happens when you downsize a carbon bike with an outstanding price-performance ratio to an aluminium frame? In the case of the new Render AL from Radon, the result is an almost outrageously affordable E-Fully package. Even the carbon models, such as the Render 10.0 750, scored highly in our EMTB tests with strong features at a fair price. With the aluminium models, Radon has once again significantly reduced the cost. The entry-level model Render AL 7.0 costs 3999 euros with Bosch Smartsystem and 750 battery. A look at the market shows how unique this combination is. The geometry and character of the Render AL remain comparable to the carbon model. The aluminium bike also inherits details such as battery integration and cable routing from its carbon fibre relatives.
The facts about the Radon Render AL
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Smartsystem
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750
- Aluminium frame with 140 mm travel, fork 150 or 160 mm
- Wheel size 29 inch
- Weight: from 25.5 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Two equipment variants for 3999 and 4399 euros
- Permissible system weight: 135 kg
The geometry of the Radon Render AL
Radon has changed the geometry and suspension kinematics on the aluminium model from the well-known carbon models adopted. The chainstays of the 29er bike are quite long at 459 mm, while the reach in size L is a moderate 465 mm. With a rather flat front, the bike has a sporty character. The head angle is 65.1 degrees, the seat angle 75.1 degrees. At 1254 mm in size L, the wheelbase also avoids extreme dimensions. The 150 mm fork in the Render AL 8.0 model provides a slightly steeper steering and seat angle. This helps when climbing and makes the bike a little more manoeuvrable downhill, which in our experience suits the Render well.
Equipment and prices
There are two variants of the new aluminium render. The Radon Render AL 7.0 costs 3999 euros and is already going all out with the drive. Bosch Smartsystem with 750 PowerTube and Kiox300 display. The suspension comes from Rockshox: 35 Silver R fork (160 mm travel) and Deluxe Select shock. Gears are shifted with Srams SX Eagle, brakes with Magura MT5 Thirty with four-piston callipers at the front and two pistons at the rear. Both equipment variants roll on the Maxxis tyre combination of DHR II and DHF with EXO casing.
For 4399 euros, the Radon Render AL 8.0 over the virtual shop counter of the Bonn-based direct mail order company. A Marzocchi Bomber Z2 with 150 millimetres of suspension at the front and a Fox Float Performance shock at the rear. The gearing is of a higher quality with Sram's NX Eagle. The Sunringle Düroc 37 system wheels are also an update to the entry-level model.
Conclusion: EMTB editor Florentin Vesenbeckh on the Radon Render AL
Radon delivers neither technical innovations nor design highlights with the Render AL. The Bonn-based company relies on tried and tested technology. Nevertheless, the bike stands out positively. Because the equipment that Radon offers for this price is outstanding. As test manager for EMTB magazine, I browse through virtual catalogues and rummage through price and equipment lists every day. Comparable packages are sometimes well over 1000 euros more expensive. Even though 4000 euros is a lot of money - this offer is really top!
The Radon Render AL 8.0 in the lab and practical test
Bosch Performance CX with Smart System and a big 750cc Powertube - that's as good as it gets. In this respect, the Render AL is on a par with the high-end bikes that cost twice as much, which we tested in our EMTB 4/2023 issue. That's hard to find anywhere else in this price range. This means that buyers have the super lively power delivery, good modulation and very strong range of the Bosch Performance CX on board. The Bosch system sets the benchmark, especially on technical climbs, and the maximum power output is also absolutely top-notch. The Bosch electronics are also considered to be particularly reliable.
The equipment is also amazingly high quality. Decent tyres, good brakes, and even the chassis is of high quality. The most obvious shortcoming of the affordable Render is its weight. The aluminium frame, the thick battery and the components add up to 26 kilos total weight. This is well above the average for current power eMTBs with a comparable battery and suspension travel. The wheel weight is also high. If you have the highest demands in terms of riding dynamics, you will have to make compromises here. This is because the high weight is noticeable in the handling.
Another striking feature: the Bonn-based mail order company has copied the geometry one-to-one from the carbon model - which is already a few years old. The aluminium speedster can no longer really keep up with modern high-end bikes. The sporty riding position is comfortable on moderate tours. But on steep climbs, you sit far back on the bike and have to be active to control the front. Nevertheless, the bike climbs well overall - not least thanks to the powerful Bosch motor.
Going downhill, the Render AL is determined and can handle a lot. However, the bike's ability to take on rough descents and its agility on flat trails are limited. Good: The fluffy Marzocchi fork levels out roots and obstacles comfortably. This inspires confidence. However, the rather firm rear suspension cannot match the comfort of the front. This makes the suspension somewhat unharmonious. Nevertheless: You don't have to shy away from detours to serious trails. The long geometry provides sufficient safety, and the equipment also offers reserves.
EMTB test summary of the Render AL 8.0
In terms of drive system and equipment, the Render AL 8.0 is virtually unrivalled in its price class. The bike only just missed out on the test rating of Very Good, which is absolutely remarkable for this price. The bike also performs very well off-road. However, if you have the highest demands in terms of trail handling and off-road capability, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets. This is because the Render AL cannot quite keep up with current high-end eMTBs. However, the bike remains a price tip for bikers with trail preferences.
Technical data and notes on the Radon Render AL 8.0
Manufacturer information
- Price: 4399 Euro
- Sizes / seat tube / frame material M, L (tested size 45 cm), XL / aluminium
Measured values²
- Weight²: 26 kilos
- Reach altitude¹: 1991 (+7)hm
- Average speed: 13.9 km/h
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Centre of gravity height: 527 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 194 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 472 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX Smart
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: Powertube 750 / 4250 g / 999 Euro
- Gear system: Sram NX Eagle (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-50
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300
- Permissible total weight³: 135 kg
- Fork / Shock: Marzocchi Bomber Z2 / Fox Float DPS Performance
- Telescopic post: Radon Comp, 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Magura MT5 / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Sun Ringlé Düroc SD 37 Comp
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR II EXO MaxxTerra, 29 x 2.5/2.4
EMTB test rating⁵: 7.9 points - good
¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
Manufacturer information
⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
