29er bikes with plenty of travel are also coming into fashion for e-MTBs in 2019. In the enduro segment with 160 millimetres or more of suspension travel, the search for a 29-inch e-mountainbike has long been in vain - in stark contrast to non-motorised enduro MTBs. Recently Mondraker presented the levela full-throttle e-bike with large wheels and 170 millimetres of suspension travel. At the same time, Radon developed the Swoop Hybrid, which rolls onto the trails with the same values.
The facts about the Radon Swoop Hybrid
- 29er wheels, 2.35 tyre width
- 170 millimetres suspension travel (front and rear)
- Schwalbe tyres with stable Super Gravity carcass
- Bosch Performance CX motor
- External Bosch Powerpack battery with 500 watt hours
- Fox shock with reservoir
- Four-piston brakes with large 200 mm brake discs
- from 3499 Euro
The outstanding feature of the new E-Swoop is the price. Starting at 3500 euros, the top model is available for a slim 3999 euros. In a price range in which most other manufacturers offer their entry-level models, the new E-Swoop is available from Shipper Radon now a very solidly equipped and fully trail-ready E-Enduro. How does that work? Radon deliberately dispenses with complex battery or motor integration and focuses entirely on price-performance.
The Swoop Hybrid is powered by a Performance CX motor from Bosch and an external 500 Wh battery. The lack of battery integration is intended to keep the weight within tolerable limits and make handling simple. The tried-and-tested Purion display sits on the handlebars. In contrast to the current trend, Radon does not use plus-size tyres; even a width of 2.6 is still too much for the Bonn-based mail-order company. The Swoops roll on 2.35 tyres. This should provide a direct ride behaviour and save sporty riders from spongy handling.
Already driven: The test impression of the Swoop Hybrid
We have already been able to test the Radon Swoop Hybrid on its first laps. Comfort and smoothness are the outstanding features of the E-Enduro from Radon. The suspension is sensitive and comfortable, while the large wheels provide additional riding stability. If you are looking for a playful trail bike for flowing trails, you will find more suitable companions. The very long chainstays alone put the bike on the smooth side. As a result, the bike climbs very confidently. Rising front wheel: no sign of it. We never missed the additional comfort of wide tyres, as the suspension provides plenty of them. We are curious to see how the Swoop Hybrid performs on demanding terrain, as we were unable to push the Radon newcomer anywhere near its limits on the rather shallow trails in the Palatinate Forest.
The equipment variants of the Radon Swoop Hybrid
Swoop Hybrid 8.0
- Fork: Fox 36 Rhythm, E-Bike Optimised, 170mm
- Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance
- Brakes: Magura MT Trail Custom (200/200mm)
- Rear derailleur: Shimano XT
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch Powerpack 500Wh
- Price: 3499 Euro
Swoop Hybrid 9.0
- Fork: Fox 36 Performance, E-Bike Optimised, FIT GRIP, 170mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 Spline, 30mm
- Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance
- Brakes: Shimano XT four-piston (200/200 mm)
- Rear derailleur: Shimano XT
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
- Battery: Bosch Powerpack 500Wh
- Price: 3999 Euro
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
