The marathon scene is switching gears. Racers have either replaced their super-light, nimble 26-inch fullys with 29er hardtails or are riding 29er fullys. If you believe the manufacturers, the market for 100-millimetre fullys in 26 inches has collapsed. Now Radon is also upgrading its Skeen race bike to large wheels. After all, 29-inch wheels and race suspension merge into the perfect marathon/touring bike. One of the first sample bikes rolled straight from the catalogue shoot into our test lab - the top version 10.0. As usual, Radon doesn't skimp on the equipment. The new Mavic Crossmax SL wheels (100 grams lighter) with carbon coated front hub. The wheels alone cost a fortune in the shop. The gold-coloured Kashima coating shines on the fork and shock absorber. Sram X0 gears and Guide brakes as well as the wide Race Face cockpit complete the specification. The saddle is also wide enough and comfortable. Shipper Radon charges 2999 euros for this package. You can't complain about that. The 2.8 kilo aluminium frame reveals itself on the scales: There is still room for a lighter carbon model. For the time being, only the shock absorber rocker is made of carbon fibre. The frame has all the technical achievements. However, with a stiffness of only 67 Nm/degree, it is more suitable for a body mass index of around 20.
A look at the geometry with a short wheelbase, steep head angle and low bottom bracket promises sporty, agile handling. Because the top tube is long, you adopt the ambitious riding position that you would expect on a bike like this. Sit on it, feel good, step on the gas. On the rooty, unrhythmic test lap, it becomes clear once again how big the advantages of the 29er are when rolling over obstacles. A bike like the Radon makes difficult terrain easier and covers almost the entire topography of Germany with its riding characteristics. The Skeen 100 29 will be available from the end of September. The 26-inch Skeen is available at a special price of 2599 euros.
Conclusion The price is a bang, the equipment is exquisite. The Skeen 100 29 cuts a very fine figure off-road. A marathon bike with touring potential.
PLUS Equipment level, favourable (frame) price, sporty riding characteristics
MINUS Heavy frame
