If there's one thing that's lacking in inexpensive hardtails, it's usually the equipment. No wonder, because manufacturers can't do much wrong when it comes to frames: If the geometry is right, choosing good equipment is child's play - or so you'd think. But in our mega test in BIKE 5/06, only five out of 17 models really succeeded. The five bikes received a "very good" rating from the test jury for their equipment.
Radon's "ZR Litening T.Stax Edition", which is limited to 200 units, has even more to offer. The sensitive upper-class Fox "F80RL" fork, for example, or the powerful Hayes "HFX 9" brakes with 180 millimetre discs at the front and a complete "XT/LX" specification. A better score for that. However, the equipment of the Radon is a little too heavy for an overall rating of "super". A few more grams could be saved on the wheels by using lighter tyres and rims. This would also improve the acceleration behaviour. At 11.9 kilos, the "Litening" climbs quite well, but in the marathon starting block it loses out to the more expensive and lighter competition.
On the other hand, the manoeuvrable bike is a lot of fun on single trails. It is easy to manoeuvre around tight bends. The riding position is balanced, not too stretched and also pleases marathon riders who spend a few hours longer in the saddle. Downhill, only the short-stroke fork and the hard rear limit the speed. The thick 2.25 inch wide "Nobby Nic" tyres from Schwalbe and the large brake disc at the front, on the other hand, make even the roughest rides no problem. The Radon "Litening" is therefore not a pure racing machine, but has a bit of everything. It is ideal for marathons, but it also likes cross-country excursions or the odd tour. The equipment is also well thought out.
PLUS:
- Climbs well
- Comfortable riding position
- sensible combination of components
MINUS:
- Wheels and brakes too heavy for racing use
