Entry-level hardtail: Radon Jealous AL 8.0 HD endurance test - 1720-km summary

When looking for an affordable mountain bike, beginners usually end up with a hardtail. Our entry-level hardtail test in BIKE 4/2022 revealed the Radon Jealous AL 8.0 HD emerged as the winner. Our endurance test shows whether touring and trail suitability are confirmed in the long term.

Touring bike with a playful character

Radon's product managers know that young bikers in particular also want to ride trails and have equipped the special edition of the Jealous, the AL 8.0 HD, accordingly: a 760 millimetre wide handlebar, a telescopic seat post with 130 millimetres of travel and chunky Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres are designed to increase riding fun off the beaten track. The stiff 35 millimetre stanchions of the Rockshox 35 Gold RL, which also provides 103 millimetres of suspension travel, promise more precision on trail descents. This mix does not change the compact cross-country geometry, and so the reach of 417 millimetres and the steering angle of 68.9 degrees are steep at frame size 18 inches.

BIKE long-term tester Moritz developed an intensive relationship with the Radon hardtail. After the 15-year-old was in a coma for a short time last year following an infection and also broke his leg in spring 2022, he found the perfect bike for his return to MTB sport in the Jealous. Having previously ridden exclusively on freeride trails, Moritz first tried his hand at short tours through the hilly deciduous forests near Schweinfurt after his injury. Over time, he increased to two 70-kilometre laps per week. As a training partner, the Radon helped him to increase his fitness and make great progress with his leg strength.

Thanks to the 70-millimetre stem and the short frame, the riding position is more upright than on most race hardtails. The bike pedals in a relaxed manner, and thanks to the large cassette with a maximum of 52 teeth, you can also take on steep climbs. During a fun race with his mates, however, Moritz missed a faster gear than the 32-tooth chainring provides. The fork, which bobs when pedalling without lockout, was also not fully convincing. The Sram GX Eagle drivetrain, on the other hand, shifts the twelve gears quickly and precisely - not a matter of course in this price range. The newcomer to touring could not make friends with the SDG radar. The saddle left pressure marks after a short time.

Companion in everyday life, on home trails & the pump track

Radon only approves the Jealous AL for category three and therefore for technical trails with small drops, but not for jumps. In everyday use, the bike was not only a companion on the way to school and to the shops, but also had to prove on developed home trails, the local pump track and in the Winterberg bike park that it is more than just a pure CC hardtail. While the bike's short wheelbase makes it unstable at high speeds and in root fields, the steep, compact geometry plays into its hands in tight corners and slow, technical sections. With the saddle lowered, the freedom of movement is high and a good basis for learning technical riding tricks. The finely adjustable and powerful Magura brakes also help here.

Unfortunately, the seatpost was already causing problems from the factory, leaking oil and having lateral play. Removal and cleaning brought short-term improvement, but the rough tread is irreparable and the seatpost is defective. Schwalbe's high-quality Nobby Nic tyres shone with grip and puncture resistance, but not with durability: they were worn out after 1700 kilometres. The rear brake pads and the chain are also worn. The rear hub bearing and the bottom bracket are running rough, but still have no play. The good condition of the suspension fork is pleasing.

Conclusion: Endurance test Radon Jealous AL 8.0 HD

"The Jealous AL 8.0 HD is a very good bike for (re)beginners. Important parts such as the fork, cockpit, tyres and brakes are absolutely perfect for the trail. The manoeuvrable geometry is a lot of fun to ride and helps you learn tricks. Although the purchase price is attractive, many worn parts and the broken dropper post cost their money later in the everyday test." Moritz Böhlmann, BIKE long-term tester

Technical data and rating Radon Jealous AL 8.0 HD

• Frame material: Aluminium, size 18 inch
• Price / weight: 1499 Euro / 12.7 kg without pedals
• Spring travel: 103 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Fork: Rockshox 35 Gold RL

Mileage: 1720 km | 17375 hm

Costs in continuous operation

In relation to the mileage and purchase price, both wear and tear costs and depreciation are high. The good but expensive Schwalbe tyres and the defective seat post in particular are real price drivers.