This category of bike used to be known simply as ‘touring full-suspension’. A name about as exciting as functional underwear. Later, it became ‘All Mountain’ – a far sexier term. Back then, these all-rounders often weighed barely more than twelve kilos. Today, they’ve clearly spent some time in the gym: 29-inch wheels, wide handlebars, chunky tyres. This makes them more confident on descents than ever before – but it does add to the weight. The YT Jeffsy weighs just under 16 kilograms ready to ride, whilst the Canyon and Radon are in a similar weight bracket.
That said, the modern suspension systems are so efficient that all three bikes climb with astonishing ease. The extra weight remains, however. So anyone planning long Alpine tours will still need strong legs. That’s why we actually think the term ‘trailduro’ would be more apt, as these bikes are neither classic touring bikes nor uncompromising enduros. They bridge the gap between the two – with a surprising amount of downhill potential, as long as the trail doesn’t get completely out of hand.
Stowaway: the Enduro Jab
Strictly speaking, the Radon Jab doesn’t really belong in this test line-up. Officially, it’s an enduro bike. However, as the Slide trail bike was no longer available, Radon sent the carbon enduro Jab into the fray instead – and it turned out to be a surprisingly good choice. Given its heritage, it fits more comfortably into the all-mountain segment than one might expect. Only the frame size threw a spanner in the works: Medium was a little too small, Large a little too big. As a result, the Jab really showed its strengths in smooth handling and at high speed, whilst the Canyon and YT scored points for greater agility and fun on the trail. From previous tests, however, we know that with the right size, the Jab rides much more lively too. Our tip: try the Medium – or go straight for the MX version.
Let’s hit the fall line!
The testing took place where all-rounders really have to prove their worth: at the Zugspitze Bike Park and on the Geißkopf. Ehrwald demanded quick changes of direction and clean jumps, whilst at the Geißkopf, the Mallet and Transformer trails presented the riders with rocky sections, terrain edges and tight combinations of bends.
It was striking that the recommended air pressures for the suspension forks were too high on all three bikes. With up to ten PSI less, the suspension systems felt much more responsive and offered noticeably more grip.
All the test bikes are fitted with 29-inch wheels and feature Fox suspension. Canyon and YT are even similar in terms of their geometry – and their riding characteristics are correspondingly similar. Both ride wonderfully playful, responsive and nimble – true playmates!
However, as soon as the trail got steeper, faster and rougher, the Radon Jab really came into its own. Its Kashima-gold Fox Factory suspension and increased travel absorb even the harshest impacts with ease. On really tough terrain, the Jab pulls away and deservedly wins the downhill classification. With it, you can even turn onto a downhill track on the spur of the moment – without that queasy feeling in your stomach. We’ve even chosen the Jab for enduro races – that really says it all.
Price war: can it get any cheaper?
Almost even more impressive than the ride quality at the moment is the trend in prices. Manufacturers are locked in a veritable discount battle. Radon has slashed the price of the Jab MX 10.0 by a whopping 2,100 euros – from 4,799 to 2,699 euros. The Jab 10.0 we tested has also become significantly cheaper. Canyon and YT are following suit with substantial price cuts. All we can really say is: Let’s go! The price-to-fun ratio is spot on – you can’t go wrong with these bikes!
Impeller inertia
The DT Swiss EX 1700 wheels on the Radon are of a higher quality but more robustly built than those of the competition. Together with the Continental Kryptotal tyres featuring an Enduro casing, the Radon has the heaviest wheel-tyre combination in the test. This is also noticeable when accelerating: the cheaper M-1900 wheelsets with lighter tyres on the YT and Canyon pick up speed more easily. However, the fact that Canyon has fitted the Spectral with just a Maxxis tyre featuring a lightweight EXO casing on the front wheel seems somewhat inconsistent for all-mountain use – weight savings aside.
Frame stiffness
Are carbon frames always stiffer? Not at all! Our measurements paint a different picture. According to the test data, the Radon’s main frame actually shows the greatest amount of flex on the test bench. At the rear, however, the YT achieves the highest stiffness rating. In practice, though, these differences hardly matter. All three bikes offer a balanced amount of flex and felt neither stiff nor unnecessarily harsh to our test riders, who weigh around 75 kilograms. However, riders who weigh significantly more and like to push hard through banked corners might benefit from the YT’s stiffer rear end.
Test results in points
Not only are the three bikes in the test on a par in terms of price – the test results also show only slight differences between them. A narrow lead in the downhill category ultimately secures the test victory for the Radon.
Conclusion by Dimitri Lehner, BIKE test editor
- You don’t need to spend any more money on a bike to have proper fun. The Radon in particular is absolutely brilliant, with its top-of-the-range spec and stylish carbon frame. You can do just about anything with this lightweight enduro bike. If you’re after something a bit livelier and more playful, go for a Canyon or a YT. The two are pretty much neck and neck. My tip: go for the bike whose colour you like best, or whose image appeals to you more.
Canyon Spectral 6
Facilities
Front fork / Shock absorber: Fox 36 Float Performance Elite / Fox Float X Performance
Circuit / Bandwidth: Shimano SLX / 510 %
Brakes: Shimano SLX /203/203 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss M1900
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.4
Seatpost / Travel: Canyon SP0081 / 200 mm
Max. system weight: 120 kg
Warranty: 6 years
From the test laboratory
Total weight: 15.37 kg without pedals
Weight of wheels: 5,492 g
Impeller inertia: 4,414 kg x cm²
Until recently, Canyon’s ‘Bio-Bikes’ were marching in close formation – Trail, All Mountain and Enduro side by side. It was not uncommon for the intended uses of the Neuron, Spectral, Strive and Torque to overlap. The former Enduro flagship, the Strive, has since been phased out, meaning the remaining models now have to fill the gap. The Spectral does this exceptionally well. The Koblenz-based company offers a total of six models: three with carbon frames (from €3,499), three with aluminium frames (from €2,299), including the signature model from YouTube star Fabio Wibmer.
Canyon Spectral: Plug & Play
‘Hop on and ride’ is the motto with the Spectral 6 AL. No frills, no endless fiddling with settings. The aluminium frame is robust, the components are solid – everything works. Those who’ve been cycling for a while might be surprised by the weight: 15.3 kilos for an all-mountain bike? That’s a lot! Nevertheless, the Canyon is actually the lightest bike in the test line-up. When you think of earlier Spectral generations weighing well under 13 kilos, it seems almost surreal. On the other hand, today’s all-mountain bikes are fitted with 29-inch wheels and roll on chunky 2.4-inch tyres. This improves off-road capability and even makes them suitable for bike parks.
Canyon and YT aren’t making it easy for the test riders, as they’re both wearing the same ‘uniform’: the same groupset, the same wheels, the same suspension and even the same rear suspension linkage. On top of that, the geometry is virtually identical. What else could you possibly expect but a similar riding experience? And it’s a winner! “In the end, you might as well choose based on colour and brand image,” quipped one tester. In Canyon’s case, that’s olive green or lilac – the Koblenz-based brand calls the shade ‘Haze’. The Spectral is comparatively long, with its low-slung top tube and generous range of motion. That’s why we opted for size Medium, which, despite almost identical measurements, corresponds to a Large on the YT. It’s important to know this, otherwise you’ll quickly find yourself stretched out like a corpse on a rack – the Large has a reach of a whopping 500 millimetres!
Downhill: Fun guaranteed
Like the YT, the Canyon boasts plenty of riding fun. The short rear end makes the bike agile, playful and manoeuvrable. You can weave through tight turns, push it into banked corners, or let the rear end break out for a Scandi flick. The Spectral is made for fun and instantly infects the rider with its trail-friendly spirit. If you push it too hard whilst shredding the trails, you’ll feel the harder front tyre – the MaxxTerra compound loses grip sooner. A minor misstep in the spec with a major impact. Otherwise, for an all-mountain bike, the Spectral sits comfortably and firmly on the trail and demonstrates astonishing downhill qualities for a bike with such limited travel. Described in two words: confident and fun. The Spectral climbs willingly and barely bobs – even with the shock fully open. It thus lives up to its reputation as an all-rounder.
What went well, and what didn’t?
+ lively handling
+ good all-round performance
+ value for money
- Front tyre with poor grip
Conclusion by Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor
Great suspension, comfortable geometry, well-balanced spec, a killer price – the Spectral is a very capable all-mountain bike. With this bike, you can definitely head down the downhill track at the bike park too. However, I found the bike most enjoyable on technical natural trails, where the Spectral can really let its playful side run wild.
Radon Jab 10.0
Facilities
Front fork / Shock absorber: Fox 38 Float Factory / Fox Float X2 Factory
Circuit / Bandwidth: Shimano XT / 510 %
Brakes: Shimano XT /203/203 mm
Wheels: DT-Swiss EX 1700
Tyres: Continental Kryptotal Front Enduro Soft 29 x 2.4 / Rear Enduro Soft 29 x 2.4
Seat post / travel: SDG / 170 mm
Max. system weight: 115 kg
Warranty: 5 years
From the test laboratory
Total weight: 15.41 kg without pedals
Weight of wheels: 5569 g
Impeller inertia: 4,597 kg x cm²
15.4 kg1 /160/150 mm / 29" / 2,999 euros / carbon
The Faustschlag (Jab) has been a top seller and evergreen at Radon for years. To be precise: since 2018. Back then, the direct-to-consumer retailer from the Rhine unveiled its carbon all-rounder for the first time – designed and ‘kinematised’ by suspension mastermind Bodo Probst. The carbon enduro bike was an instant hit, as it was super-light (under 13 kilos, in the 27.5-inch version at the time), playful and yet powerful enough to tackle tough terrain. Over the years, the geometry has been updated and, in line with the trend, upgraded to 29-inch wheels. The Jab’s strength lies in its wide range of use. This lightweight enduro bike even makes inroads into the trail and all-mountain segments. Radon used to offer a full range of bikes, but the lack of demand for non-electric bikes has slimmed down the range to such an extent that the Jab is now the only full-suspension bike left.
Carbon all the way
Radon offers five models from its Jab platform – all with carbon frames. Three variants are available as MX versions with a small rear wheel and 160 millimetres of rear suspension travel. On the two pure 29ers, the travel is reduced to 150 millimetres. All five bikes are, as is typical of Radon, outrageously well-equipped, meticulously priced and currently available at a massive discount – up to 2,100 euros! How is that possible? We’ve no idea. Our test bike normally costs 4,199 euros, but is currently on offer for just 2,999 euros – and that’s despite top-of-the-range spec including Fox Factory suspension with Kashima coating. Or as we recently heard someone say: “Kashmir”. Because it’s so cuddly in its response. The rest of the Jab’s spec is flawless too.
The motocross bike in the test line-up
As soon as you hop on the Jab, you’ll want to go full throttle downhill straight away. Compared to YT and Canyon, the bike feels like it’s in a class of its own – which, strictly speaking, it is: an enduro. On top of that, the Jab runs large in size. In size M, with a reach of 455 millimetres, it would have been a tad too small. Wider handlebars, more reach, longer wheelbase, more suspension travel – and the head tube also houses the massive Fox 38. That instils confidence when battling gravity. We’ve ridden the All-29 Jab in every conceivable scenario, from epic alpine rides to enduro races. The bike inspires a great deal of confidence on the descents and, as expected, outperforms the competition when the terrain becomes particularly unpredictable and rough. In moderate cornering and on the trail, however, the tables turn: here, in a direct comparison with the competition, the Jab feels overpowered. In rapid changes of direction, it requires more effort than the Canyon and YT, which frolic through the trail like playful young puppies. However, you can’t really hold that against the Jab. In our view, it’s more a matter of character than a lack of performance. We almost forgot: uphill, the Jab barely bounces, climbs eagerly and is up to almost any adventure. Very good!
What went well, and what didn’t?
+ top-class suspension
+ downhill performance
+ wide range of uses
+ value for money
- less playful in the Large size
Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
The Radon Slide would have been a more suitable choice for this test. Unfortunately, however, it’s sold out. So the supplier sent us their all-rounder, the Jab – a lightweight enduro bike. It’s no surprise that the Jab leaves the competition trailing in the areas of smoothness and downhill performance. But the Jab also performs well in classic trail and all-mountain riding. The price is sensational for a carbon bike with this spec! .
YT Jeffsy Core 2
Facilities
Front fork / Shock absorber: Fox 36 Float Performance / Fox Float X Performance
Circuit / Bandwidth: Shimano SLX / 510 %
Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4 /203/203 mm
Wheels: DT-Swiss M 1900
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C Maxx-Grip Exo+ Protection TR 29 x 2.50 WT /
Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ Protection TR 29 x 2.40 WT
Seat post / travel: YT Postman V2 / 170 mm
Max. system weight: 120 kg
Warranty: 5 years
From the test laboratory
Total weight: 15.58 kg without pedals
Weight of wheels: 5269 g
Impeller inertia: 4,143 kg x cm²
The storm of bankruptcy has passed, and the Gravity label from Forchheim in Franconia has weathered the storm – YT founder Markus Flossmann is back at the helm. That’s great news! Because ever since YT started shaking up the scene with its unconventional approaches back in 2008, we’ve always had a lot of fun with their bikes – across the board. The range of non-motorised models stretches from the Izzo trail bike right through to the victory-laden World Cup downhill bike, the Tues.
The joker: Jeffsy
The All Mountain Jeffsy is the joker in the YT range. A true fun bike, which, thanks to its much-praised comfortable geometry and intuitive handling, is a joy to ride almost anywhere and offers a remarkably wide range of uses – from trail rides on flat terrain to bike park adventures. YT offers the Jeffsy with a choice of carbon or aluminium frames, with five models in total. The entry-level Core 1 model, priced at €2,499, is available exclusively in aluminium, whilst the Core 2 is available in both materials. We opted for the robust aluminium Jeffsy; it was delivered to us in the trendy colour Frost Blue – very stylish!
Amazing: the geometries of the Canyon Spectral and the YT Jeffsy are virtually identical. Who copied whom here? Coincidence? Deliberate? Regardless, the geometry is ‘spot on’, as they say these days, and delivers a cracking sense of playfulness and agile handling – qualities that are particularly desirable in this category of bike. We’ve got no complaints about the Jeffsy’s spec either. The Hayes Dominion brake levers feel very comfortable in your fingers. They impress with their good modulation. You’ll need that, because the Jeffsy practically begs to be pulled up onto its rear wheel for a wheelie at every opportunity. This happens even with the slightest twitch of the wrists – thanks to the short rear end.
Match Race: YT vs. Canyon
The Jeffsy positions the rider right in the centre of the bike – which is an advantage when it comes to jumping. The bike feels particularly at home in the air and has everything it takes to take off. The suspension provides plenty of rebound. And pop. This makes it easy for the Jeffsy’s rider to launch over kickers and ledges. The bike feels lighter than its stated weight – especially in rapid corner-to-corner transitions, it darts nimbly from turn to turn. For all-mountain riding, both the YT and the Canyon really let rip on the descents. Although the Spectral is fitted with a slightly higher-spec suspension fork, we didn’t notice any advantage from it. What we did notice, however, was the better front tyre on the Jeffsy – with its soft MaxxGrip compound. It provides significantly more traction. Whilst the Jeffsy may not be quite at the top of the overall rankings, when it comes to riding enjoyment, it sets the benchmark for us.
What went well, and what didn’t?
+ Comfortable ride
+ Handling and fun to ride
+ Wide range of uses
+ Solid build quality
- not exactly easy
Conclusion by Dimitri Lehner, BIKE test editor
The Jeffsy is exactly the sort of fun bike you’d want: comfortable geometry, a playful character and agile handling. Just hop on and off you go! The same goes for the affordable aluminium Core 2. Neither its hefty weight nor its carefully calculated spec can change that. Purely in terms of the fun factor, the Jeffsy was my favourite in the test.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor