The predecessor already shone with top marks and managed the balancing act between smoothness and playfulness. It is precisely this magical mix that makes an enduro bike a fun all-rounder. An interesting feature of the new Swoop: the flip chip. It flattens the steering angle and pushes the pedal bearing downwards. Three positions are possible. We liked the middle setting (trail). Striking: Probst has given the bike a racy race geometry. The aluminium bike has the longest wheelbase and the largest reach in the test field. Therefore, the Radon doesn't let anything burn on the downhill - length runs! The plush 170 mm Fox suspension takes care of the rest, allowing the Swoop to plough through the rubble with Buddhist composure, literally begging you to release the brakes. It could hardly be safer, faster or more controlled. Comment from the testers: "Sovereign!" Matching: 800 mm handlebars, the snappy MT-7 brake system, chain guide, stiff Boost hub at the rear. The other side of the coin: The long bike feels a little bulky in tight corners and is less playful. Despite the short chainstay, the Radon only tilts with a lot of arm pull on the rear wheel and requires a lot of pressure for off-road jumps. On tours it develops a lot of propulsion without annoying bobbing and can be accelerated well despite the downhill-orientated shock, but on twisty trail rides the more playful competition (e.g. Ibis, Norco, Alutech) is more fun.
ConclusionThe Radon is the mini downhiller in the test field. Apart from the Alutech, no other bike seemed as confident and secure as the new Radon design. Point of criticism: It should be more playful.
STRENGTHS Chassis, tyres, safe & confident, braking system
WEAKNESSES not very playful
Manufacturer information
Distribution Radon Bikes, www.radon-bikes.com
Material/sizes Aluminium/S, M, L, XL
Price/weight without pedals 3799 Euro/14 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 170 mm/170 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Equipment
Fork/damper Fox 36 Float RC2/Fox Float X2
Cranks/gears SRAM X01/ SRAM XO1
Brake system Magura MT-7
Impellers Ethirteen TRS+ system wheelset,
Tyres Schwalbe Magic Mary Supergravity Trailstar2.35
Performance
Uphill 4 out of 6 points
Downhill 6 out of 6 points
FREERIDE judgement 9 out of 10 points
FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of downhill and uphill points. 10 = Test winner, it couldn't be better. 9 = Very good. Recommended purchase. 8 = Solid performance. 7 = Below average. The product has weaknesses. 1 to 6 = We can only warn against this!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
