DISTANCE 5,039 km | 60,290 m elevation gain
After a year and a half on the Radon Jab 9.0, why do you need all-mountain bikes at all? Because even after two hours of feedback with the editor, I can't think of any shortcomings on the mail-order bike. And for good reason: with a total weight of 13.37 kilograms, the Jab beats most 29-inch all-mountain bikes in this price range on the climbs. Nevertheless, with the potent Lyrik fork, the bike takes the sting out of even the roughest descents. For me as an all-rounder, an enduro bike has to be able to do even more: rough Lake Garda tours, adventure rides in Sardinia, bike park rides and, of course, my home circuit on the Isar. At first, however, I doubted the all-round qualities of the Jab and also whether the lightweight would be able to withstand the continuous load of more than 90 kilograms of body weight.
My temporary partnership started with a bike and surfboard in Sardinia. In good wind conditions, the jab often stood on the bike rack of my camper for several days. And without a cover, right on the coast. But the six weeks of sandblasting and salt water therapy did nothing to the bearings or the suspension elements.
The rear Magura MT5 brake only started leaking in the middle of the test. After the brake disc got some of the brake fluid on it, the braking effect went to zero. For the remaining months, I fitted a Hayes Dominion for testing purposes. After 2136 kilometres, the SDG Vario support only required a new cable. This was a first for me: the SDG is the first dropper post in my many years of testing that has survived a long-term test with the exception of slight play. The defective Sram GX shifter is due to normal wear and tear after almost 4000 kilometres. The biggest surprise, however, was the chain and sprocket: no replacement was necessary after a good 5000 kilometres. The fork and shock also performed flawlessly without a service. The final check only revealed the rough running bearings in the wheels and on the Horst Link rear triangle. But apart from that, the Radon was absolutely unimpressed by the endurance test and was able to eliminate my last doubts.
TUNING
DEFECTS / MAINTENANCE
- 989 km: rear brake pads worn out
After just under 1000 kilometres, the many metres of downhill riding showed their effect: the rear brake pads were worn and had to be replaced with new ones.
- 1340 km: Rear brake leaks oil
The otherwise robust Magura MT5 started to weaken. The cause: A leak in the rear line caused the disc to leak some oil. A Hayes Dominion brake system was then installed.
- 2136 km: Vario support defective
The cable of the SDG stabiliser showed occasional chafe marks and was replaced as a precaution.
- End of test: Bearings run rough
At the end of the test, the bike was scrutinised once again. Apart from the bearings on the Horst-Link rear triangle and in the wheels, there were no defects.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
Test summary of the Radon Jab 9.0
The Radon Jab is a real all-rounder and an all-round carefree package to boot. Whether in the bike park or on the home circuit, the Jab doesn't have to hide even from the expensive competition. After a year and a half of continuous use, the enduro bike impressed me in every respect.
Relationship highlight
The bike: Radon Jab 9.0
Material Carbon, frame size L
Price / weight 3599 Euro / 13,37 kg
Suspension travel (front / rear) 160 mm / 160 mm
Wheel size 27.5 inch
Fork Rockshox Lyrik R RCT3 160
Damper Rockshox Super Deluxe RCT
The tester: Hans Voglsamer
Age / height / weight: 60 years / 1.89 m / 90 kg
Driver profile Enduro / demanding tours with a focus on downhill
Favourite areas Finale Ligure / Sardinia / Lake Garda / Isar-Trails
You can find this article in BIKE 4/2020. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
