You may not be a professional downhiller these days. The tracks that are put in front of the boys are already scary on the screen: everything is super steep, it's always raining and when it does go straight, it's just a run-up track for 15 metre jumps with sniper landings. A safe bike becomes life insurance. Seriously! And as a result, modern downhill bikes are getting longer and smoother. The Radon Swoop 200 is no exception. With a wheelbase of 1248 millimetres, it no longer fits on a normal roof rack. It also has a 62.5 steering angle and 650B wheels. So you can at least try tracks like the monster from the World Championships in Vallnord. As a professional. As underpaid FREERIDE testers, we preferred to take the thing with us to Bischofsmais and Spicak.
Transport was easy because the Radon is light: 15.6 kilos is a top figure for a bike with an aluminium frame! You will look in vain for cheat parts. Only the super-fat carbon crank stands out, otherwise high-quality but normal parts are fitted. For just under 4500 euros, the suspension is also top quality: Fox DH-X2 shock and Float Factory fork. We tried out the settings bit by bit. After five runs, we found the right set-up and were able to step on the gas. And we were happy to do so, because the Radon is totally balanced and tracks extremely well off-road. For the more angled corners in Spicak, it was even a bit too track-following. It took a lot of physical effort to get round the corners quickly. The days when good downhill bikes were also handy freeriders are over, at least with the Swoop. But as soon as speed is required, the Swoop delivers! Get on it and head for the finish line in the straightest possible line. That's the job and the Radon does it very well. The kinematics in combination with 650B respond well to large obstacles, don't get hung up and keep up the pace. We found the rear end to be a perfect blend of plush and progressive at the same time. We rode the fork a little firmer than the rear (20 per cent sag). This kept the front end high and the riding position very relaxed even on steeper sections. The excellent Magura brakes contribute to the safe riding experience: Perfectly controllable and with extreme power, you only need minimal manual force. The wide, uncranked carbon crank is a little annoying - the front foot has virtually no room to move inwards. But that was the only point of criticism at the highest level.
ConclusionThe Swoop 200 Team is light, smooth-running and perfectly equipped for the price. A force at high speed with very good suspension. The wrong bike for playing around in the park, but perfect for chasing the podium.
PLUS Smooth running, equipment, chassis
MINUS Wide carbon crank
Manufacturer information
Distribution H&S Bikediscount GmbH, www.radon-bikes.com
Material/sizes Aluminium/16,18,20,
Price/weight without pedals 4 499 Euro/15.62 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 203 mm/200 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Equipment
Fork/damper Fox 40 Float Factory/DH X2 Factory
Cranks/gears E13 LG 1R Carbon/SRAM X01 DH
Brake system Magura MT7
Impellers DT-Swiss FR1950 system wheelset, Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo DH 2.35 Vertstar tyres
