Faster than a gravel bike on rough terrain and lighter than a fully at the same time: these are the words with which the Bonn-based direct mail order company Radon presents the brand new Radon Jealous. The carbon hardtail is supposed to be a real "one bike for all terrains" and also compete with the popular gravel bikes. A strange comparison? Not at all. The question of whether classic hardtails wouldn't actually be the better choice for many gravel bikers is also hotly debated in our test centre. After all, they are light, roll fast and still offer good reserves for excursions on unpaved paths.
The completely newly developed carbon frame of the Radon Jealous is intended to set standards in terms of weight and stiffness. The integrated one-piece carbon cockpit with internal cable routing not only ensures a clean look, but also maximum control when racing. Another new feature is the optimised carbon seatpost, which is designed to offer noticeable flex and comfort thanks to special cross-sections. Radon promises a decisive advantage on long and tough stages. A telescopic seatpost has been dispensed with. The seatpost on the new model is held in place by an integrated clamp.
In terms of weight, the new Jealous doesn't quite reach the top values of the lightest race hardtails. However, this is less due to the frame than to the more favourable price. The top model, the Jealous 9.0, costs 3799 euros and is therefore a far cry from other high-end race bikes. Accordingly, the equipment is not quite as high-end, which leaves the scales at 9.5 kilos. On the equipment side, there is still tuning potential for weight enthusiasts. For comparison: The Predecessor top model Jealous 10.0 EA (here in the test!) weighed 8.9 kilos, but also cost considerably more at 6499 euros.
The facts about the new Radon Jealous
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 100 mm fork
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: from 9.5 kilos
- Price: 2999 or 3799 euros
- One-piece carbon cockpit with integrated cable routing
- Comfort-optimised seat post
- Integrated support clamping
- Zull total weight: 115 kg
Prices and equipment
The Jealous is available in two versions, both with an attractive price-performance ratio and a clear race orientation.
Radon Jealous 8.0 - Race setup for € 2,999
With a weight of 10.1 kg, the 8.0 already brings a lot of propulsion to the track. Equipped with a RockShox SID Ultimate suspension fork with Charger Race Day damping cartridge and OneLock remote, it offers the finest racing performance. Shimano's mechaanical XT rear derailleur (12-speed) in combination with a Deore cassette (10-51 teeth) ensures reliable shifting. The Shimano XT brakes with 180/160 mm discs also guarantee deceleration at the highest level. The package is rounded off by an affordable DT Swiss X1900 Spline wheelset, Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph tyres in 29 x 2.35 inches and a cockpit from Newmen.
Equipment details Jealous 8.0
- Frame: Jealous Carbon Superlite
- Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate, Charger Race Day, OneLock Remote, Boost
- Wheelset: DT Swiss X1900 Spline 29", Boost (110/148 mm)
- Circuit: Shimano XT RD-M8100-SGS, 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano XT BR-M8100, 180/160 mm
- Cockpit: Handlebar Newmen Advanced, 740 mm, stem: Newmen Evolution SL, grips: Radon Racing Grips
- Seat post: Newmen Advanced Carbon, 27.2 x 400 mm
- Saddle: Natural Fit Nuance Pro
- Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray, Addix-Speed, 29 x 2.35 (front) / Schwalbe Racing Ralph, Addix-Speed, 29 x 2.35 (rear)
- Colour: Bluecrush / Deepblack
Radon Jealous 9.0 - top model for € 3,799
Even lighter, even more exclusive: the 9.0 weighs just 9.5 kg. It features a Fox 32 Float Factory Step-Cast with GRIP-SL damping and remote lockout - one of the lightest race forks on the market. Shifting is fully electronic with the new SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission including AXS pod controller, while a Newmen Beskar 30 Light wheelset ensures uncompromising stiffness. Braking is provided by Magura MT8 Pro brakes. Another highlight is the integrated carbon cockpit, which saves weight and ensures an uncompromisingly clean look. However, the one-piece design makes customisation more difficult.
Equipment details Jealous 9.0
- Frame: Jealous Carbon Superlite
- Fork: Fox 32 Float Factory, Step-Cast, GRIP SL, Push-to-Lock Remote, Boost
- Wheelset: Newmen Beskar 30 Light, Boost (110/148 mm)
- Circuit: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission, 12-speed (electronic)
- Brakes: Magura MT8 Pro, 180/160 mm
- Cockpit: Integrated carbon cockpit (stem-handlebar unit, 80 mm / 740 mm)
- Handles: Radon Racing Grips
- Seat post: Newmen Advanced Carbon, 27.2 x 400 mm
- Saddle: Natural Fit Nuance SLT X
- Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ray, Addix-Speed, 29 x 2.35 (front) / Schwalbe Racing Ralph, Addix-Speed, 29 x 2.35 (rear)
- Colour: UD-Carbon / Deepblack
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
