It is clear that Radon, as a mail-order brand, can offer bikes more cheaply due to this fact alone. Nevertheless, the price for this bike sounds astronomically low. It took several emails and phone calls to Radon before we could believe the price. The "QLT Pro Walter Röhrl Edition" costs just 1599 euros. The equipment and components that you get for this price are a sight to behold. The gearing is a mixture of Shimano's "XT" and "XTR" groupsets. A Manitou "Black Super Air SPV" works at the front and a high-quality DT shock at the rear. Brakes and hubs: Shimano "XTR". Attachments such as the stem and seatpost come from the American high-end forge FSA. The bike's namesake, rally legend Walter Röhrl, is known to be a keen biker. However, it is rather implausible that Röhrl actually chose the parts himself. After all, the specification of a bike in this price range is all about cent amounts. That calls for a smart product manager.
On the test trail, the Radon shows its extremely manoeuvrable side. You almost only need to look at the handlebars for the bike to turn. The reason for this almost nervous steering behaviour is the relatively steep steering angle and the short wheelbase. Due to the long stem, you also sit somewhat front-heavy on the bike - which in turn leads to very good climbing behaviour. The suspension elements work very sensitively and react to even the smallest pebble. Uphill on gravel, the Radon is no match for anything else. Downhill, the nervous steering comes into play again. If you really want to let it rip, you need a lot of concentration and a steady hand, otherwise the Radon will run off track. What's more, the fork dives a lot, which makes the steering angle even steeper.
CONCLUSIONS:
With its premium components, the Radon comes onto the market as a price hammer. H&S Bike Discount has done a great job with the calculation. However, the almost nervous steering behaviour takes some getting used to and requires a high level of riding skill. A good cross-country race bike at a dumping price.
