Click, click, click - just a few mouse clicks and your new favourite bike is in your virtual shopping basket. The sometimes opulent equipment packages in particular attract many bikers to the vastness of the internet. According to a recent BIKE reader survey, 32 per cent would buy their new bike online. With the hardtails
- Radon ZR Race 29 8.0
- Transalp Ambition Team X12 4.0
- Votec VC Comp
we test three 29er hardtails between 1300 and 1400 euros. On the Radon in particular, the 1399 euro price tag is a real bargain, where even the mail-order competition is running out of steam. The test bike rolls out of the box with complete Shimano XT equipment, Rock Shox Sid and Mavic system wheelset. To be fair, it has to be said that the Radon is a reduced 2016 model and only therefore slips into the price range up to € 1400. However, even the original price of 1599 euros would be worthy of honour with these key data. The differences between the candidates are even greater when it comes to the area of use: while the Votec stands out from the test field with its downhill-orientated spec, the Transalp attracts the attention of racers due to its aggressive geometry. The Radon tries to appeal to as broad a target group as possible with its all-round character.
Hardtails in this price range are also increasingly being used as a second or winter bike. For many bikers, their expensive high-end carbon bikes are too expensive to be ridden on the trails in dirty winter weather. To extend the half-life of your luxury bike, it makes sense to invest in a bike with sensible equipment and a solid aluminium frame. For example, double cranks are standard on all three candidates. The gearing ranges from Shimano Deore (10-speed) to XT (11-speed). Pleasingly, all bikes come with thru-axles on the front and rear wheels. There is no question that function takes precedence over weight for bikes in this price range. Nevertheless: Well under 11.5 kilos is acceptable and promises enough riding fun. Only the Votec is noticeably heavier at 12.5 kilos. At least the weight has been sensibly invested in wide tyres and rims, more suspension travel and a telescopic seat post. On demanding trails, it shows the rear wheel to the competition - a real source of fun.
The topic of maintenance and servicing has always been a point of discussion when it comes to mail order companies. For experienced bikers and self-tinkerers, buying online is no problem, as they know what they want and can carry out repairs on the bike themselves. But even beginners no longer have to do without service: With Radon, you can have your bike sent to one of over 180 service partners and pick it up ready to ride. If there is an emergency, they are available for maintenance work. Transalp also offers various service packages, but these require the bike to be sent in. Only Votec limits itself to selling the bikes - the search for a suitable workshop is left to the customer. For those who have no problem with these service restrictions, the new bike is just a few clicks away.
