The Radon Jab already has a few years under its belt and is an old acquaintance in the Bonn-based mail order company's model range. With its 27.5-inch wheels and a rather conservative geometry in comparison, it looks a little outdated. Only the suspension travel meets the key data of a current enduro bike. On our test descent in the Geißkopf bike park, the testers were already reaching for the brakes earlier than on the downhill-hungry competition. The front end is too low, the small wheels rumble too nervously through the rock gardens, and the compact wheelbase makes the ride feel too unsettled. In short: In direct comparison, the Radon Jab doesn't feel very confident on demanding downhill trails and rides more like an all-mountain bike.
In uphill mode and on extended tours, however, the tide turns. While all other enduro bikes are reluctant to be moved with muscle power, the Jab - with a whopping two kilos less on the scales - hangs confidently on the throttle. At just 2565 grams, the full carbon frame alone clearly stands out from the competition. Thanks to the small wheels and fast-rolling tyres, the Jab accelerates excellently. Even though the reach is short, the riding position is on the slightly sporty side due to the slack seat angle. However, this puts a lot of weight on the rear wheel when climbing and it's easy to pedal from behind. Despite the carbon frame, Radon makes no compromises when it comes to the componentry and specifies high-quality components. Shimano SLX/XT from the drivetrain to the braking system and Fox Performance Elite suspension are impressive. Due to the kink in the seat tube, the saddle drop is limited.
Conclusion on the Radon Jab 10.0 by Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager:
The Radon Jab shines with its low weight, good touring capabilities and high-quality equipment. Downhill, however, it has missed the connection to the enduro camp. The Swoop is the better choice here.
Technical data and notes on the Radon Jab 10.0:
Manufacturer information
- Price¹: 3199 Euro
- Available by mail order
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: 16, 18, 20, 22" (tested size 20/45.5 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 14.55 kg
- Frame weight without shock absorber: 2565 g
- Weight of wheels: 5527 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 36 Float Performance Elite, Grip 2
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Front / rear suspension travel: 170 / 164 mm
- Cranks: Shimano XT
- Gear system: Shimano SLX, XT
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / disc (front / rear): Shimano XT / 203 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / diameter: Radon Dropper Post / 150 mm / 31.6 mm
- Wheels: Sun Ringlé SD37
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary/Big Betty soft 27.5x2.4
Valuation
- Total uphill: 51 out of 80 points
- Total downhill: 97 out of 140 points
- Practical rating: 148 out of 220 points
- Other: 19.75 out of 30 points
BIKE TEST RATING²: Good - 167.8 out of 250 points
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
