Titanium gravel bike from the mail order company: The Radon Tigard GRX Di2 on test
Jan Timmermann
· 30.08.2025
When we pull the Radon Tigard out of the box, we are amazed. The gravel bike that the parcel deliverer had pushed in front of our feet looked incredibly high-quality. Radon bikes are regular guests in various BIKE test fields, but rarely has a model from Bocholt made such a good first impression, even on our critical editorial colleagues. The titanium frame of the Radon Tigard shimmers matt and stands out visually from the carbon monotony of the test competition. Despite the noblesse, some hardliners may turn up their noses: they would probably rather have "Moots" or "Van Nicholas" written on the down tube. After all, Radon has primarily made a name for itself with attractively priced bikes for everyone. How does the Radon Tigard with its titanium frame fit into this concept? We were particularly excited to test Radon's most expensive bike without a motor at € 5999.
The Radon Tigard in detail
- Price: 5999 Euro
- Application: Gravel bike
- Wheel size: 700C/28"
- Frame material: Titanium
- Tyre width (installed / maximum): 45 / 50 mm
- Weight of complete bike: 9.9 kg (size XL)
- Maximum permissible system weight: 130 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Number of bottle cage holders: 3
- Compatible with dropper post: no
- Compatible with front derailleur: yes
- Special features: Mounts for mudguards and pannier rack
Premium bike at a discounter price
Okay, admittedly: Just under 6000 euros is by no means cheap and you can now find complete bikes with titanium frames for half the price. But if you compare the radon with other Titan gravel bikes it quickly becomes clear that the ratio of equipment quality, weight and purchase price is quite attractive. Especially when you consider that Radon offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame. For customers who are interested in a chassis made from this timeless material, this should be a strong selling point. Aesthetically, the direct mail order company from Bocholt leaves nothing to chance and opts for fully integrated cable routing through a carbon cockpit divider.
Our test bike already comes with the standard equipment for the 2026 model year. This includes not only a wired, electric Shimano GRX Di2 drivetrain with a double chainring, but also an aerodynamic all-road carbon wheelset from Mavic. The latter has a distinctive freewheel sound that goes well with the titanium eye-catcher. Although the frame is based on a wide seat tube with an internal diameter of 31.6 millimetres, it is not prepared for the use of a dropper post. A suspension fork is also not allowed in the head tube. However, both the frame and fork are compatible with pannier racks and mudguards. Even an internal routing for the cable of a hub dynamo has been considered.
Equipment
Radon only offers the Tigard in two equipment variants and in four different frame sizes (S / M / L / XL). You have to invest 4999 or 5999 euros for a complete off-the-peg bike. Individualists can build their own personalised dream bike thanks to the frame set also available for 2499 euros. Our test bike bears the model name Radon Tigard GRX Di2 825 and is characterised by the following features:
- Gear system: Shimano GRX 825, 2 x 12
- Cassette / gear range: Shimano GRX 11-36T / 507 %
- Crank / chainring size: Shimano GRX / 48/31T
- Brakes / disc size: Shimano GRX 820 / 180/160 mm
- Wheels: Mavic Allroad S Carbon
- Tyres: Continental Terra Speed 700C x 45
- Seatpost / Diameter: Moqai Carbon / 31.6 mm
- Cockpit / length / width (upper/lower link): Moquai Carbon / 100 mm / 460/530 mm
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight: 9.89 kg (size XL, without pedals)
- Wheel weight: 3857 g (incl. tyres, tubes, cassette, brake discs, thru axles)
- Impeller acceleration: 2542 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
Geometry
- Seat tube length real: 565 mm
- Steering angle: 72.5°
- Seat angle: 72.5°
- Top tube length: 585 mm
- Head tube length: 201 mm
- Chainstay length: 435 mm
- Wheelbase: 1055 mm
- BB drop: -65 mm
- Caster: 52 mm
- Reach: 385 mm
- Reach+: 555 mm
- Stack: 634 mm
- Stack+: 704 mm
- STR: 1.65
- STR+: 1,268
How the Radon Tigard rides in practice
The rider sits on the Radon Tigard as stylishly as it looks. Even the 100 millimetre stem only slightly compensates for the shortest reach value in the test field. As the massive head tube suggests, the stack value is the highest (together with the Salsa Cutthroat). This results in the most upright riding position of the ten gravel bikes tested. This position on the bike suits the dignified personality of the Tigard. The comfortable Ergon saddle compensates for the thick and therefore stiff carbon seatpost. Overall, the Radon is more suited to relaxed tours than full-throttle rides under time pressure.
Although the tame Conti tyres roll smoothly on the all-road wheels, the more relaxed than aerodynamic riding position does not necessarily encourage maximum pressure on the pedals. Using a cassette, which would also look good on a racing bike, the Radon realises finely graduated gear steps. This also fits in perfectly with the civilised character of the titanium gravel bike. However, despite the double chainring, the transmission does not manage to realise quite the same gear range as the single drivetrains with a large cassette of the test competition. While the gear ratio fits well in 95 per cent of cases, we wished for an additional uphill gear on alpine climbs.
Also interesting: Radon installs the Shimano GRX Di2 with cable and a battery inserted into the seatpost. With the latest GRX Di2, there is also an alternative with wireless transmission and removable batterywhich, in our opinion, would be better suited to the carefree claim of a titanium gravel bike. The full integration of the electronics is nicely realised, but a small part in the carbon handlebar rattles quietly and disturbs the overall aesthetics.
On the other hand, the hydraulic Shimano disc brakes with a large 180 mm disc on the front wheel are the most powerful stoppers in the test. This also helps with control off the beaten track. In general, however, the Radon with its conservative geometry lags somewhat behind many current gravel bikes. The one-piece cockpit and high-profile wheels are very stiff. As a result, the ride becomes strenuous in the root staccato and the bike tends to bounce. The very steep steering angle of 72.5 degrees doesn't help with smoothness either. On the other hand, the Tigard scurries nimbly around tight corners and (unlike the Alutech Punk, for example) offers a good overview of challenging sections of trail thanks to its higher front end. Caution is required when turning sharply. This is because the short and steep geometry puts the front foot on a collision course with the front wheel.
Conclusion
The Radon Tigard is a very nice bike with very nice equipment, which also rides very nicely. This combination is only available from other brands from 1000 euros more. With its comfortable riding position and pleasantly smooth ride, it is a stylish companion for leisure tours. In terms of competition ambitions and off-road capability, it lags behind many other gravel bikes. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Workmanship, finish and lifetime guarantee
- comfortable, upright riding position is well suited for casual tours in moderate terrain
- Price-performance ratio
Contra
- only four frame sizes
- Not an optimal geometry for chasing seconds
- Off-road reserves fall short compared to other modern gravel bikes
>> The aluminium gravel bike from Radon also won a test with us. Here we report on the Radon Regard.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
