A year ago, we penalised the Radon Swoop for its stubborn rear end. We criticised the fact that the seatpost could not be lowered low enough, which resulted in a loss of handling, and that the bike was reluctant to be pulled onto the rear wheel. The Radon Swoop 9.0 (2022) This time we tested the heavy-duty version of the Swoop - in medium.
Wow - the Radon Swoop 10.0 HD came roaring in like an avenging angel and wiped away all old reservations. Despite the short reach (449 mm), even our tallest tester felt comfortable and we were all impressed by the ease with which the 170 mm bike could be manoeuvred through the trail. And the speed. This is due to the weight, the geo, the cockpit and ... here it comes: the awesome suspension. Surprise! The X2 shock seems to work wonders. Nothing stubborn, nothing stiff, no, comfortable without "buzzing".
The fork and shock harmonised, with enough counter-pressure to fire out on jumps. With the Swoop, we flew the highest and furthest. The Radon was the most agile of all the bikes in the comparison when the trail swayed back and forth, even better than the manoeuvrable Swoop. Santa Cruz Nomad. Even on the downhill track, the bike didn't lose its composure and could handle a lot of speed. Super: the powerful Hayes brakes.
Conclusion on the Radon Swoop 10.0 HD from Team FREERIDE:
The Radon Swoop 10.0 HD was our favourite in the test field. Super chassis, lively handling, top equipment. Great: the wide range of use - from easy trail riding to heavy park shredding.
Comment from Julian Mothes, tester:
The Radon Swoop 10.0 HD has the best suspension in the test field and can be ridden really aggressively. Even on the downhill course, I didn't feel underpowered. Such a top bike at this price - unbelievable!
Technical data and grades Radon Swoop 10.0 HD (2022)
Manufacturer information
- Material / Sizes: Carbon, aluminium rear / S, M (tested size), L, XL
- Price / weight without pedals: 3599 euros / 15.3 kg
Measurement data
- Front / rear suspension travel: 170 mm / 170 mm
- Rear suspension system: four-link
- Reach: 449 mm
- Stack: 623 mm
- BB drop: -22 mm
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Float Factory Kashima / Fox Float X2 Factory Kashima
- Cranks / gears: Sram X01 Eagle / Sram X01 Eagle
- Brake system: Hayes Dominion A4
- Wheels: Newmen Evolution SL A.30 system wheelset
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo+ 3C MaxxTerra TR 2.5; Maxxis Minion DHR II Exo+ 3C MaxxTerra TR 2.4
Park ranking
- Radon
- Santa Cruz
- Norco
DH ranking
- Norco
- Pole
- Giant
FREERIDE ranking
The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of the performance points.
- 10 - Test winner, it couldn't be better
- 9 - Very good. Buy recommendation
- 8 - Good. Solid performance
- 7 - Below average. The product has weaknesses.
- 6 - and less: We can only warn against this!
