Radon is known for its strong price-performance ratio. The Deft 8.0 with 750 battery is currently reduced by 400 euros at the direct mail order company - to 4799 euros, an unbeatable offer! With the Deft, however, the brand also wants to set its own standards beyond price-performance ratio.
In keeping with the name - Deft means "nimble" or "handy" - the mail-order company does not put a maximally smooth-running bike on the tyres, but instead focuses on agility with moderate geometry. The equipment is good. With Bosch's Smart System, carbon main frame and Fox suspension, there is hardly anything left to be desired.
Up- & downhill: The Radon Deft on the trail
The Bosch motor makes its mark on the Radon Deft on the climbs. Unfortunately, the Radon Enduro cannot fully utilise the potential of the great drive on the climbs. The reason for this is the geometry of the chassis: even on flat terrain you sit quite stretched out on the bike, and on steep terrain the riding position is too rear-heavy. This makes the Radon harder to control on climbs and causes the front end to rise despite the long chainstays. Too bad, because the motor and suspension could do more.
Downhill, however, the Deft deserves praise. On twisty trails, the Radon is purposeful and lively, even if tight hooks or bunny hops require a lot of effort due to the long chainstays. On the other hand, the good suspension absorbs big hits confidently even at high speeds and encourages you to aim for a direct line in rock gardens. In addition to the tyres, which are clearly too puncture-prone, the otherwise proven Fox 36 fork sets limits here and doesn't feel as confident as its counterparts with stiffer 38 mm stanchions.
Minor points of criticism: The cable and motor rattle downhill, the bottom bracket could be a little lower for a better stand on the bike and the stroke on the dropper post could be a little more generous. Especially since Radon also uses the 150-millimetre dropper in the XL model.
The motor in the Radon Deft: Bosch Performance Line CX Smart
Bosch's Performance CX offers a great balance between high performance and reasonable motor weight. Response behaviour and special off-road features such as the extended overrun in Emtb mode make it the benchmark on the market. Meanwhile, all U-steps can be fine-tuned via app. The main disadvantage: The Bosch drive is not entirely quiet and the batteries are quite heavy, but they also offer a particularly long range.
Conclusion on the Radon Deft in the test:
The Radon Deft is a sporty and lively carbon E-Enduro at a fair price. Unfortunately, there are weaknesses on the climbs, but the Radon scores particularly well on the descents. - Adrian Kaether, EMTB tester
Technical data and notes Radon Deft 8.0
Manufacturer information
- Price: 5199 Euro (RRP)
- Sizes / frame material: M, L (tested size, 45.5 cm), XL /carbon, aluminium
Measured values²
- Weight²: 24.88 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 2024 (+9)hm
- Average speed: 14 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 533 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 178 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 476 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³/ -weight²/ price replacement battery:: Powertube 750 / 4362 g / 999 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano Deore / XT (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
- Display: LED remote
- Permissible total weight³: 135 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float X Performance
- Front/rear suspension travel: 170/170 mm
- Telescopic post: Radon, 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear):: Magura MT5 / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Sun Ringlé Düroc SD37
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo Dual, 29x2.5 / Minion DHR Exo Dual, 29 x 2.4
EMTB test rating⁵: 8.1 points - very good
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Further articles:
Adrian Kaether
Editor
