Radon Deft 9.0 800 e-bike test: Powerful and durable - but also an enduro bike?
With the Deft, Radon has been providing the original top-seller Render with a big brother for several years now. The bike has just been given a major makeover. The down tube now houses the new Bosch CX 5 with a power update and a large 800 battery. What has remained is the typical Radon price-performance ratio. No other bike in our comparison test is as well equipped as the Bonn E-Enduro. And that's not all: the bike is currently even significantly reduced. The current Deft 9.0 costs 5669 instead of 6299 in the direct mail order company's online shop.
This test was carried out as part of a large comparison of five e-enduro bikes under 6500 euros.
In the video: Preview of the top model of the Radon Deft
The facts about the Radon Deft 9.0 800
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 800 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: carbon main frame / aluminium rear triangle
- Suspension travel: 170/170 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 6299 Euro
- Weight: 24.6 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. System weight: 150 kg
- Warranty: 3 years
Bosch Performance Line CX - the drive
Traditionally, the e-mountainbikes from Radon come with the Bosch Performance Line CX (here in the test!). The classic delivers after the latest software update to 100 Nm and 750 W even more confidence and power. It is an ideal tool for difficult climbs, especially thanks to the new E-MTB+ mode - which is also part of the update.
For the controls, Radon relies on the wireless mini-remote on the handlebars. In addition to the LED display on the top tube, the bike manufacturer has provided a Purion 400 display. This sits well protected behind the handlebars and provides a good overview of various riding data. The frame is already prepared for the brand new Kiox 400C. This screen fits into the larger cut-out in the top tube and then provides even more information, including a navigation view. The Kiox 400C can be retrofitted.
On the battery side, Radon has made provisions for extra-long tours. The Powertube 800 is located in the down tube, the large battery is easy to remove and guarantees a long range. This combination regularly sets the best mark in our tests.
The features of the Radon Deft 9.0 800
Typical Radon! The Bonn-based company is the only bike in the test group to offer the Sram GX Transmission electronic drivetrain. The Radon Deft also gets a high-quality cockpit from Raceface, high-quality wheels from DT Swiss, a Magura MT7 and the Performance Elite suspension from Fox. In short: Radon reaches for the top of the shelf almost everywhere. Or as Radon itself says: Do you need more? Currently, the mail-order company has even reduced the price of the Deft 9.0 by over 600 euros. This makes the price/features ratio almost unbeatable.
- Fork / shock: Fox 38 Performance Elite GripX / Float X Performance Elite
- Gear system: Sram GX Transmission (12-speed)
- Brakes: Magura MT7 / 203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1700
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip / DHR II DD, 29 x 2.5/2.4
- Telescopic post: SDG Tellis / 150 - 170 mm
Radon Deft 9.0 800: The geometry
As part of the frame customisation, the geometry of the Radon Deft has been noticeably revised. The reach and stack in particular have increased compared to its predecessor. It's a shame that the seat tube angle has remained at a conservative 76 degrees. In combination with the noticeable kink in the seat tube, the rider's position on the bike is rather stretched and a little too rear-heavy when the saddle is extended.
Practical test: The Radon Deft 9.0 on the trail
The already mentioned, rather long riding position is striking. When the going gets steep, you sit somewhat rear-heavy on the bike. However, long chainstays keep the front wheel in check on steep terrain. For an active riding position uphill, however, you have to slide far forwards. Pushing the saddle further forwards can help here. However, with the support of the great Bosch motor and the good suspension, even difficult key sections of the climb can be mastered.
Successful chassis
Downhill, the Radon benefits from the geometry updates. Basically, the Deft is safe and uncomplicated to ride. Even fast straights with rough surfaces don't throw the bike off course. However, the rider is not always optimally integrated. The dropper post is relatively short and the seat tube rather long. This means that the saddle gets in the way more quickly on descents than on other candidates. Riding safety and playfulness suffer.
The highlight for enduro fans is the high-quality 38 mm Grip X from Fox. The fork is not quite as high in its travel as a Grip X2, but provides a successful mix of sporty support and high riding comfort. The rear also works well. Only at very high speeds and hard hits can the rear end no longer keep up with the powerful fork - but that's complaining on a high level.
The grippy tyres impress with plenty of traction and good puncture protection at the rear, while Magura's MT7 brakes are reliable and have an easily modulated, deliberately soft pressure point. The weight of the Deft is reasonable, but the bike tends to feel a little bulky on narrow and winding roads. As a result, the Deft is more likely to impress Alpine bikers looking for an enduring partner for demanding tours than ambitious bike park fans.
BIKE review of the Radon Deft 9.0 800
Strengths
- Top equipment at a great price
- Good chassis
- uncomplicated downhill
Weaknesses
- Stretched seating position
- neither really playful nor a real downhill ace
The BIKE conclusion
Thanks to the current discount, the Radon Deft is both the cheapest bike in our comparison test and the one with the best equipment. Others can only dream of wireless shifting and a Grip-X fork. The riding characteristics are rock solid. However, Radon should tweak details such as the seat angle and the riding position, which is not optimally integrated. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE Editor
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
