Due to the abundance of new standards such as Boost, single drivetrains and electronic shifting, Radon decided to design a completely new hardtail. Since, according to Radon, a hardtail offers the most advantages in cross country, the geometry of the Jealous was adapted to the very demanding World Cup courses.
Compared to the Black Sin is the new frame of the Jealous with 890 grammes (frame height 16 inches) is 130 grams lighter. Neither safety nor durability should suffer as a result. At the same time, the developers reinforced both the head tube area and the bottom bracket. In addition, the rear triangle has been widened to make room for the Boost hub. As a result, the STW value (stiffness-to-weight) is said to have increased by 34 per cent. Radon also placed the brake calliper on the chain stay, which is significantly more stable than the seat stay. These measures enabled a thinner top tube and more filigree seat stays, which should generate more comfort.
As described, Radon adapted the geometry to the requirements of the World Cup. The developers lowered the steering angle to 69.6 degrees for more safety and at the same time shortened the chainstays to 432.5 millimetres so that the Jealous can be precisely manoeuvred through rock gardens and around tight bends. The Jealous also comes with a shorter head tube so that the front end doesn't get too high despite the 100 millimetre suspension fork.
In order to find a compromise between appearance and usability, the shift cable for the rear derailleur is routed completely inside the frame, with the brake hose nestling against the outside of the top tube and the chainstay. There is also space for an optional electronic gear shift in the frame. The cable for a dropper post can also be routed through a hole in the seat tube, which is located above the bottom bracket.
Models & availability
From December 2016, Radon will be offering the Jealous in seven different versions from €1999 to €4999. The two top models - the 9.0 SL and the 10.0 SL - are aimed at thoroughbred racers with their single drivetrains. The 6.0 to 9.0 models have a slightly more favourable carbon layup, which increases the weight but also reduces the price. The cheaper frame is also compatible with front derailleurs. The equipment on all models is likely to be of the typical high quality. All models are available in four sizes.
