Radon innovations 2024: From the Alpine pass to the downhill track, the Bonn-based company offers exciting models. The road aero racer Vaillant is available in three new versions and the enduro fully Jab is also getting an upgrade as the Jab MX. All information about the 2024 bikes can be found here.
Radon Vaillant 2024: New “Road Aero” model with carbon cockpit
With the new Vaillant, Radon is introducing a carbon racer that makes the established specialist retail brands cringe. Typically for the Bonners, the three models are extremely attractively priced - although low prices are by no means everything that sets the new Vaillant apart.
What has changed compared to the previous model? The most striking feature of the new racer is the completely integrated cable routing. Cable bends leading to the down tube are a thing of the past; Instead of this, there is now a one-piece carbon cockpit with a completely integrated guide, which ensures a clean look. And the handlebar-stem combination doesn't just benefit the more expensive models: that's it Vaillant 8.0 with Shimano 105 Di2 for 2.999 Euro is equipped with it.
At first glance, the frame appears to have remained the same, but differs from its predecessor in many details. The fork fits better into the frame; the seat stays meet the seat tube further down and the top tube slopes back significantly less. The head and top tube have shrunk slightly, so that the sitting position is a little more compact; The steering and seat angles are unchanged and indicate balanced driving characteristics. With a less flat head tube area and slightly different tube shapes, the new Vaillant looks more modern overall. As standard, Radon now equips all models with 28 mm tires instead of just 25 mm wide like the old Vaillant.
The brand name has largely disappeared from the frame; With metallic paint in green and red, the bike looks significantly more valuable than its predecessor. The aforementioned Shimano 105 model comes with DT Swiss 1600, a fairly light aluminum wheelset; the Vaillant 9.0 costs 500 euros more and offers the current Ultegra Di2, combined with an aluminum wheelset from Fulcrum.
The top model, called Vaillant 10.0, is already equipped with a carbon wheelset - Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Disc - and also with the current SRAM Force AXS. At 4.499 euros, this model costs significantly more than the Shimano variants, but this is extremely attractive given the technology it offers.
Radon Jab MX: Enduro with lots of suspension travel
A new chassis with a lot of suspension travel, little weight and interesting details: The new Radon Jab is aimed at all those who want to be able to ride on demanding trails or in the bike park without a motor in 2024. The full carbon enduro with up to 170 mm of suspension travel is tailored to different areas of application with a steep seat angle and a steering angle (63,85 / 63,75°) that can be varied using an angle control set; the reach is long, the stem is super short. The new frame has cables routed inside the head tube and storage space in the down tube. A feature of all three model variants is the “Mullet” set-up with 27,5-inch rear wheel and 29er front wheel; In addition, the new Jab has four frame sizes instead of just three.
The range is from Jab MX 9.0 opened, which already delivers very high-quality equipment for 4.399 euros: The chassis with 160 mm of suspension travel at the front and rear is based on the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, combined with the Fox X2 Performance 2-Pos damper. EVOL LV. Shifting is done with the solid SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed, although you have to do without the carbon crankset in this price range. The groupset is flanked by Magura's MT5 four-piston brake; DT Swiss supplies the solid E1900 Spline, soled with Maxxis Assegai at the front and Minion at the back.
That's with a weight of 14,15 kilos (size S, manufacturer's information). Jab MX 10.0 the lightest version for 4.799 euros. With 36 Performance Elite and Float The Newman wheelset with a whopping 2 mm internal width, which carries the combination of Schwalbe Magic Mary at the front and Big Betty at the rear, both in the “Super Trail” version, also contributes to the low overall weight. MX 160 and 160 come with “SDG Tellis V12” vario post, which has a stroke of 30 to 9.0 mm depending on the frame size.
The top model is the Radon Jab MX 10.0 HD with Fox Factory chassis – Fox 38 Factory FIT GRIP2 fork and Fox X2 Factory 2-Pos shock. EVOL LV, with the fork offering even more travel at 170 mm. Fox also contributes the Transfer Factory, a dropper post with Kashima coating like the fork and shock. Depending on the frame size, the support can be lowered by 125 to 150 mm.
In addition to the suspension components, the highlight of the 10.0 HD is the shifting group, an electronic SRAM XO Eagle transmission with a 10-52 twelve-speed ring. The large rear derailleur is mounted directly on the frame using the UDH standard and is therefore as insensitive as it is precise; The lightweight aluminum crank is equipped with bashguards made of composite material. In terms of wheelset and tires, the 10.0 HD corresponds to the normal 10.0 Newmen Evolution SL A.30 as well as Schwalbe Magic Mary at the front and Big Betty at the back.
Whether racing bike or enduro: all new Radon models can be ordered now. In addition, some of the previous models are also available, which Radon sells at extremely attractive prices.