Time leap 2005 to 2024: What has changed on full suspension MTBs in almost 20 years - Radon as an example

2005 - Radon QLT Pro Walter Röhrl Edition

2005: "Price breaker!" - was the headline

Prominent namesake: Rally legend Walter Röhrl was the inspiration for the hard-calculated fully from Radon. We wrote about it in our test back then:

XTR groupset, Manitou "Black Super Air SPV" fork, a high-quality DT rear shock, brakes and hubs: Shimano XTR. The equipment of the Radon is something to savour! - BIKE 10/2005

The suspension elements work sensitively and react to even the smallest pebble. The BIKE testers praised the Radon for its uphill performance.

"Price breaker!" was the headline of this hard-calculated 26-inch full-suspension bike from 2005. The bike discounter H&S duped the competition with a "dumping price", as we put it in our test. No wonder, the bike experts from the Rhineland installed high-end components and bolted the top Shimano XTR groupset to the aluminium bike. The suspension consisted of a mix of Manitou Black Super Air SPV in the head tube (100 mm) and a DT Swiss shock that squeezed 105 millimetres out of the rear. BIKE summarised:

"On the test trail, the Radon shows an extremely manoeuvrable side. You almost only have to look at the handlebars for the bike to turn." - BIKE 10/2005

From today's point of view, the geo-data seem weird: 70 steering angle, 72 seat angle and a mini wheelbase - that would be unthinkable today. Weight: 11.9 kg. Price: 1599 euros!

2024 - Radon Jab MX 10.0 HD

Full throttle downhill: 170 millimetres at the front, 160 at the rear, equipped with Fox Factory suspension and a vario steering angle of up to 63.8 degrees. The 10.0 HD features the Fox X2 Factory super shock with practical 2-stage compression damping. Full carbon frame with modern enduro geometry and 29er front wheel for better rollover behaviour. Shifting is electric (Sram X0 Eagle AXS). Total weight: from 14.1 kilos. Maximum grip: The tyres are a classic in a soft compound for full traction. Manual maniac: The short chainstays (432 mm) make the Jab lively and agile.

The first fist bump ("Jab") was landed by direct mail order company Radon in 2018. The full carbon enduro bike was a hit, as it was agile and playful like a trail bike, but developed sufficient riding comfort in rough terrain - and all this at a record weight of less than 13 kilos (!), albeit with 27.5-inch wheels at the time. Radon has given the new Jab 2024 a more modern geo (longer, flatter, lower) and MX tyres. The Jab wants to remain true to its all-round character, but at the same time be faster, more potent and safer on the downhills.

Radon has equipped the top model of its 170 mm enduro bike with premium features such as Fox Factory suspension, Sram e-shifting, Magura's MT7 brake anchor, lightweight and robust Newmen wheels and Schwalbe tyres. Weight: from 14.1 kg. Price: 5499 euros.

There are three models to choose from, starting at 4399 euros. More at radon-bikes.com