Radon Cragger 8.0 in review: All-round concept at a great price

Test: Behind the inconspicuous facade of the Radon Cragger 8.0 hides a classy, ​​versatile and excellently equipped trail hardtail. You can read in the test how the bike from the Bonn-based mail-order company fares on the trail.

Radon Cragger 8.0: The Facts

Frame material: Aluminium
Suspension travel: 130 mm
wheel size: 29 inch

Weight 13,22 kg

Price: € 1.699

Two years ago, Radon entered the trail hardtail stage with the Cragger and further expanded the already extensive portfolio. In this short time, however, the versatile bike has firmly established itself in the program of the mail order company from Bonn and is a huge success. No surprise, because the key data show that a lot of thought was put into the conception and the right conclusions were drawn. The Cragger, which was consistently developed for 29-inch wheels, has enough trail potential to not just be a "jacked-up XC bike", but it doesn't become so extreme that it loses the typical hardtail characteristics such as liveliness. Also: The 2020 model we tested is now available for less than 1.700 euros and is a real bargain. But even at the regular price of just under 2.000 euros, the Radon Cragger 8.0 offers an excellent overall package.

Successful overall concept

The aluminum frame is visually understated, but does a lot of things right with its equipment: The frame triangle offers space for two bottle holders, even a front derailleur could be attached. Cables and lines run completely on the outside of the frame. They are barely noticeable under the down tube and are very easy to access in the event of a defect or for maintenance. An exception is of course the seat post, which is routed inside the frame to the head tube. Features such as the ISCG 05 mount, on which a small chain guide is already fitted as standard, show that you can really let it rip with the Cragger. There is also plenty of tire clearance: the standard 2,4-inch tires have plenty of space in the rear.

The balanced overall concept of the Cragger is also evident when you take a look at the geometry data: the steering angle is modern and slack at 65°, but is not as extreme as on many other bikes in our test field. This lowers the entry hurdle for those who have not yet had much experience with progressive MTB geometries. The same applies to the length of the frame; At 464 mm, the reach in size L is long enough to offer active riders enough freedom of movement. On the other hand, the bike can still be moved easily while seated and loses its liveliness. The short seat tube is a positive feature. In this way, dropper posts with sufficient travel can be easily installed in all sizes.

Sophisticated features with no real weaknesses

Our test bike, the Cragger 8.0 in the 2020 version, brought along perhaps the best spec in our test field in terms of price/performance. It starts with the fork, where Radon uses the DVO Sapphire D1, a model that is very rarely found on complete bikes. Visually, it draws attention to itself with its bright green and with 130 mm spring travel, 34 mm stanchions and a wide range of adjustment options, it also knows how to convince technically. In addition to air pressure and rebound, there are even separate adjusters for high-speed and low-speed compression and even the spring preload of the negative chamber can be adjusted - great!

The drive is just as convincing: Here they consistently rely on GX Eagle components from Sram. Large range, strong performance, decent weight - everything done right! The same can be said of the Magura MT Trail brakes, which with a combination of 4-piston calipers at the front and 2 pistons at the rear are very well dimensioned for a bike like the Cragger. Heavier riders might want to consider a 203 disc up front instead of the stock 180mm.

The equipment highlights don't stop when it comes to the wheels and tyres: the DT Swiss M1700 Spline 30 is a high-quality, light and durable wheelset that is otherwise only found on much more expensive bikes. Mounted on it is the EWS-proven Maxxis tire combination of DHF at the front and DHR II at the rear - both with a stable Exo+ carcass and versatile MaxxTerra rubber compound. Even in the B rating, there are no deductions from the Radon: The SDG Tellis post is pleasing with a sufficiently large stroke and low finger forces, the RaceFace cockpit is modern and has proven itself a thousand times over.

Radon Cragger 8.0: On the trail

To this day, we still can't explain why the Radon Cragger 8.0 initially seemed so inconspicuous to our test riders, despite the conspicuous green DVO fork. But one thing is clear: in the course of the test, the Radon has blossomed into the secret favorite of the test crew. Furnishing? Impeccable! Price-performance? Excellent! driving behavior?

To anticipate it, the driving behavior also convinced us! With its 130 mm spring travel and modern geometry, the Cragger creates a familiar feel-good atmosphere right from the start. Angles and values ​​are correct and the setup is also found quickly. A small downside: the tuning of the fork turned out to be quite fiddling. The dials aren't very ergonomic, and over the course of the test they became increasingly imprecise and stiff.

The 800mm wide handlebars might be a bit too wide for most; no problem: shortened it is fast. However, our taller testers found the width to be comfortable. Otherwise, the equipment of the Cragger shows no weaknesses. The climbs are comfortable and efficient enough. The fact that the fork always wobbled slightly and couldn't be "locked up" like so many others was tolerable. And the high-traction and nicely cushioning EXO+ tires were also convincing on the climbs. They performed well even on steep and wet conditions. The translation of the crisply shifting Sram GX Eagle circuit is very well chosen with the 32T chainring on the crank.

Why the Radon Cragger 8.0 made such a positive impression became clear on the downhill. The DVO Sapphire fork, which is fiddly to adjust, looked extremely good on the trail. Even at high speeds, the damping never seemed overwhelmed and swallowed up bumps confidently but with sufficient feedback. The fork was supported by the great Maxxis tires. The EXO+ carcass is probably the best compromise between weight, rolling resistance, puncture protection and self-damping. However, super-fast pilots could consider an even more stable tire at the rear. As expected, the Magura MT Trail Custom brake system was convincing. Beautifully modulated and with great braking power, she knew how to please. Heavy riders should though...you know. brake disc size etc.

Last but not least, the geometry: Spot on! The ratio of reach, steering angle and chainstay length is very balanced, but with enough reserves for technical trails and high speeds. A well-rounded package, the Radon Cragger 8.0! Top equipped, top driving characteristics and with its price/performance right at the top. Class!