Bicycle mail order companies are masters at analysing their customer data. They know exactly what the end consumer expects from a bike and what features are important to them. With the Radon Jealous Hybrid 9.0 750, the Bonn-based mail-order company is sure to hit many of its customers' trigger points: Bosch Performance Line CX drive, 750 watt-hour battery, modern geometry with organic shapes, plus equipment that offers quality where it is particularly needed: 12-speed drivetrain, decent Rockshox fork, dropper post, good tyres - that's half the battle. Radon has also reduced the retail price from 3599 to 3199 euros.
The facts about the Radon Jealous Hybrid 9.0
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: 16, 18, 20, 22 inches
- Price according to website: 3199 Euro (RRP 3599 Euro)
- Weight: 24.52 kg (test bike in size L/20 inch, EMTB measurement)
The e-bike drive of the Radon Jealous Hybrid
With its all-round capabilities, the Bosch Performance Line CX is currently the benchmark in the e-drive market. And is by no means a matter of course in this price range. Together with the 750 watt-hour Powertube battery from Bosch, this is an extremely long range and versatile combination. 2000 metres in altitude are possible. Thanks to the CX power and the 12-speed gear ratio, the Radon can also tackle tough climbs. If you do want to turn off onto a bumpy uphill trail with a few technical sections, you'll be delighted with the sensitive response, the dynamic power delivery and, in E-MTB mode, the long overtravel - even if you stop pedalling on steps, the Bosch will push you over the hurdle with ease.
A little luxury: Radon includes a stylish Kiox 300 display in the Bosch package alongside the LED remote. The robust colour display is easy to read, can be operated intuitively via the LED remote and, together with the eBike Flow app, is the interface to the features of the Bosch Smart System - for example the navigation function or the eBike Lock anti-theft device.
The geometry of the Radon E-MTB
The geometry of the Radon is moderately long. You sit on the bike in a correspondingly neutral position. Nevertheless, the Radon has a sporty touch: there is enough pressure on the front to steer precisely through bends.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 456 mm
- Wheelbase: 1228 mm
- Reach: 454 mm
- Stack: 657 mm
- Steering angle: 67.5°
- Seat angle: 73.6°
- Chainstay length: 468 mm
The equipment of the Radon Jealous Hybrid 9.0 750
In addition to the Canyon Grand Canyon:On 8, which is significantly more expensive at € 3799, the Radon Jealous Hybrid offers the best equipment in the field of 9 e-hardtails that we tested for the 5/2023 issue of EMTB magazine. The Bosch motor with 750 watt-hour battery and the Kiox 300 display are not necessarily to be expected in this price range. Radon also makes it clear with the drive components that the Jealous Hybrid can definitely be taken off-road: the 12-speed Sram NX Eagle with a large 51 sprocket eliminates all worries on steep uphill trails. The Rockshox air suspension fork is also of high quality: with stiff 35-millimetre stanchions, the Silver TK Air is specially designed for use in e-mountainbikes, offers mounting options for short and long mudguards and can be adjusted to the rider's weight.
The brake mix from Magura, with four pistons at the front and two pistons at the rear, is of high quality for a hardtail in this price range. The short levers are ergonomically good, but the combination of four-piston brakes at the front and two-piston brakes at the rear initially lacked the final bite in our tests, as the brakes took quite a long time to reach the final position. Braking needed. Good news: Radon offers customers of the Jealous e-bike a telescopic seatpost. Although this only has a 130 millimetre stroke, it still significantly increases the off-road capability compared to a rigid seat post. A good choice has also been made for the tyres: Schwalbe's 2.6 inch wide Nobby Nic tyres are fully trail-compatible in the Performance version.
Practical test: How the Radon Jealous Hybrid rides
The Radon Jealous Hybrid is a modern bike. You sit neutrally, and thanks to the low bottom bracket and moderately long reach, you feel well integrated into the bike - which conveys confidence on the descents. The rear passes on impacts from the ground to the rider somewhat harshly - the frame of the Radon E-MTB seems very stiff. On the trail, there's enough pressure on the front, while the fork and tyres provide plenty of traction, allowing you to steer the Radon sportily and precisely through corners. However, these should not be too tight, as the Jealous Hybrid is not particularly manoeuvrable due to its long chainstays and long wheelbase. Uphill, the bike doesn't cause much trouble: the Bosch pushes powerfully and thanks to the long chainstays, the front only rears up late. On steps, however, you have to lift the front wheel with a lot of physical effort.
Conclusion Josh Welz, EMTB editor-in-chief
With the Jealous Hybrid 9.0 750, Radon provides its customers with a well-equipped, high-range entry-level e-hardtail. The geometry is modern, but the stiff frame lacks comfort and the rather heavy bike is not particularly manoeuvrable on trails. When it comes to the equipment, the Bonn-based mail-order company sets the tone sensibly: top Bosch combo, decent fork and tyres, plus a telescopic seat post - the Radon is therefore better equipped for sporty off-road use than most of its competitors in this price range. - Josh Welz, EMTB Editor-in-Chief
Pro
- top drive
- Wide-ranging
- sensibly equipped
- Neutral in handling
- good climber
- Good price-performance ratio
Contra
- somewhat uncomfortable
- not very playful
- moderate braking performance
- Relatively heavy
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
