As already mentioned in BIKE 4/2018, the Jealous AL from Radon is unbeatable in this price range. The spec of the 2019 model is consistently high quality and even slightly better than its predecessor. The double drivetrain is perfectly geared and the visually appealing hydroformed frame is equipped with all the latest standards. With lightweight wheels and Schwalbe's top tyres, the Radon accelerates quickly and pulls away from the competition on the climbs. The pleasantly sporty riding position also contributes to the strong uphill performance. The low bottom bracket positions the rider nicely on the bike. This means that the Jealous hardtail also rides downhill with playfulness and directional stability. The Rock Shox Judy suspension fork responds well off-road and can be locked out from the handlebars for pedalling. The stiff frame transmits impacts to the rider fairly unfiltered. The affordable Magura MT2 brakes have sufficient braking power and are easy to modulate.
Test summary of the Radon Jealous AL 8.0:
The Radon Jealous AL 8.0 is an all-round successful, sporty hardtail with a wide range of uses and absolutely high-quality equipment. The riding characteristics are impressive both uphill and downhill.
RADON Jealous AL 8.0 29" - model year 2019
Price²
1,299 Euro
Material / Sizes Aluminium/ 16 / 18 / 20 / 22'' (48 cm)
Weight without pedals 11.96 kg (1899 gram frame)
Frame rigidity (absol. / STW) 62 N/mm / 32.65 N/mm/kg
Front suspension travel 101 mm
Fork Rockshox Judy RL Gold Solo Air Lockout
Cranks / gears Shimano XT / Shimano XT/SLX / 2x11 gears
Gear ratio / handlebar width 36/26; 11-42/ 740 mm
Brake system / Disc front / rear Magura MT2 / 180 mm / 160 mm
Seat post / seat comfort / diameter Level Nine Race 400 / 5.71 mm / 30.9 mm
Impellers Mavic Crossmax system wheels; Schwalbe Racing Ray / Ralph Evo Addix Snakeskin TLE 29 x 2.25 tyres
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 438 / 635 mm / -65 mm
BIKE judgement GOOD (177.25 points)¹
You can download the complete comparison test of ten MTB hardtails from € 1299 from BIKE 4/19 as a PDF below the article. The test costs 2.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because
Quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them - hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
You can find these 2019 MTB hardtails in the test:
- Bulls Copperhead 3 S
- Felt Dispatch 9/30
- Fuji Tahoe 29 1.5
- KTM Ultra Ride 29.12
- Mondraker Chrono R
- Radon Jealous AL 8.0
- Silverback Sola 1
- Specialised Chisel Comp
- Stevens Sentiero
- Canyon Grand Canyon AL 9.0 SLX SL
The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. ²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and coordination.
