"Super control, nice, wide cockpit, playful, light-footed handling." The notes in the test sheets read like the profile of a true trail raider. Thanks to its short top tube and rather high front, you are always in control on the Slide 9.0 and sit quite compactly (the 18-inch frame is small). Nevertheless, the mail order company's 12.55-kilo bike climbs quite well due to the steep seat angle. High-quality equipment with a SRAM X0/X9 mix, complete Fox suspension, lightweight wheels and 2.35-inch compromise tyres also ensure that the Slide is the lightest all-mountain in the test. Thanks to the large damping volume of the Fox Float shock, the rear suspension feels very lively, pumps slightly when pedalling, but swallows even the smallest bumps with ease and sticks firmly to the ground. The flat characteristic curve with little end progression makes good use of the suspension travel, but also causes the rear end to bottom out easily on hard landings. Open shift cables with wild cable routing, a rudimentary chainstay protector and a small 32 mm cassette can still be optimised.
ConclusionVictory on points: The Slide is a true trail predator with a playful character and a wide range of use. Equipment and weight are top.
+ Equipment
+ Low weight
+ Playful handling
- Rear suspension lacks progression
Info: www.radon-bikes.com
