However, this does not change the fact that the Slide 130 has also become a heavy bike. Of course, this is also due to the model, as the addition HD stands for Hard Drive, i.e. hard use. A 34 mm Fox fork with 140 mm suspension travel, 770 mm handlebars with a 60 mm stem, single drivetrain, telescopic seatpost - a specification that almost looks like an enduro bike. The Radon tolerates the climb as a compulsory programme, the sluggish acceleration of the wheels and the high overall weight slow down the uphill ambitions. As expected, the highlight of the performance comes on the downhill, the 140 mm fork confidently carves its way through the rough scree of the 601 trail, the rear suspension starts to sweat a little here. The rear shock lacks progression and we bumped the shock several times on the test lap. Our impression: The geometry no longer looks quite modern, but on the other hand the extremely long wheelbase makes for an extremely smooth ride.
ConclusionThe HD specification of the Slide is particularly impressive downhill. You will hardly find more bike for the money. A high-performance all-mountain bike.
The alternative: The Slide 130 9.0 model costs just 2499 euros and offers everything you need for riding fun. Rock Shox suspension, Reverb seatpost and XT shifting group. It is even said to be 200 grams lighter than the 10.0 HD.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 2/2016 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
