The 1000 euro class in the trekking segment is dead. Almost. A small Bonn-based mail order company is holding its own with its best-selling model against rising material and logistics costs, currency fluctuations and an endless period of bad weather like this spring, which has put the entire bike industry under enormous pressure. 999 euros is an announcement in a market that is striving for ever higher values. But even for this meagre price, Radon is rolling out an attractively tuned all-rounder bike.
The Radon TCS 9.0 offers a well-rounded package with XT drivetrain throughout except for the shifters and, a real treat, XT brakes, a heavy but solid mid-range suspension fork, the same lighting system and all-round comfortable ergonomics. A clear majority of all cyclists should be perfectly served by this. Where compromises have to be made, the main ones are the pannier rack and tyres: The no-name carrier made of aluminium tubes has a bolted base and clearly lacks lateral stiffness. It can still carry 10 to 12 kilos, but we can't call it suitable for travelling.
The tyres and wheels are relatively heavy, which results in a lack of liveliness but a smooth and safe ride. This makes the TCS a good companion for daily commutes; it also looks good on a weekend tour. It is not ideal for cycle touring and winning the next traffic light sprint. That's quite a lot. Because without the Radon TCS, the 1000-euro class would be as good as dead.
Plus:
- Price-performance winner with minor compromises
Minus:
- Heavy fork, tyres;
- Carrier not suitable for travelling
The history of the model:
At 8 years old, the TCS is the junior in the classic test field. But the bestseller in Radon's trekking segment. Suitable for travelling, fully equipped and above all light - that was the profile according to which the Bonn-based mail order company designed the TCS. From the Alpha and Beta cross models, the TCS frame has clearly developed in the direction of "lighter and stiffer", the extensive XT equipment, Suntour suspension fork and solid add-on parts make the bike a bargain year after year for 1000 euros.
