The Slide Hybrid is - as the name suggests - based on Radon's well-known Fully platform. The E version comes in all-mountain guise: with 140 mm suspension and wide plus tyres, it should also be able to cope with rougher trails.
As is typical for mail-order bikes, Radon doesn't skimp on the equipment: the tested model has the powerful Bosch Performance CX motor with a semi-integrated 500 Wh battery. The Rock Shox Yari fork damps at the front and the Deluxe shock at the rear. Also not a matter of course for 3500 euros: The in-house Vario seatpost. Magura MT4/MT5 brakes and Shimano SLX gears round off the package.
The very short reach makes you frown when you look at the data sheet: a reach of less than 400 millimetres in size M is no longer in keeping with the times. Radon has bought a balanced riding position with the slack 72 mm seat angle. In combination with the slightly high front end, this puts little weight on the front wheel. To minimise this effect, we rotated the stem.
The short reach is the trump card in tight bends: the bike can be manoeuvred swiftly through hairpin bends and the front wheel sticks to the ground even on steep climbs thanks to the long chainstays. Downhill, the slack steering angle (65.5 degrees) ensures a smooth ride. Only at high speeds do you wish for a longer reach. The suspension is solid, but can't always maintain traction on rougher sections.
Test summary of the Radon Slide Hybrid
With the Slide Hybrid 7.0, Radon has a capable all-rounder on offer. If you don't want to dig too deep into your pockets, you will find a solid e-MTB with above-average equipment from the Bonn-based mail-order company.
DRIVE
Motor / Position Bosch Performance CX 250 W / mid-engine
Max. Torque 75 Nm
Battery Lithium-ion, 500 Wh
Gearstick / transmission Front 1x14 / rear 10-speed Shimano SLX 11-42
Display / Size Bosch Purion / 1.6 inch
Software / status Bosch / 1.6.0.0
EQUIPMENT
Sizes / frame material 16 / 18 / 20 / 22 inch / aluminium
Fork / damper Rockshox Yari RC / Rockshox Delux R
Telescopic support JD Vario, 120 mm
Brake / Disc (front / rear) Magura MT4, MT5 / 180 / 180 mm
Wheels / wheel size Sun Ringlé Duroc 35 / 27.5 inch Plus
Tyres Schwalbe Nobby Nic Pacestar Apex, 27.5x2.6 inch
MEASURED VALUES
Suspension travel¹ (front / rear) 140 mm / 140 mm
Weight / Distribution 21.7 kg / 47:53 % (v:h)
Centre of gravity height 498 mm
Handlebar width 720 mm
Reach / Stack 393 / 636 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 175 mm / 187 mm
EMTB judgement VERY GOOD² 334 points
¹ Manufacturer's specification
² EMTB judgement: super (from 350 points), very good (from 315 points), good (from 280 points), satisfactory (from 245 points), with weaknesses (from 210 points), below insufficient.
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. It is independent of price.
