The Radon Regard 10.0 in review: Affordable gravel racer with many mounting options

Radon Regard 10.0 Review: The recently introduced carbon gravel bike from the Bonn-based manufacturer attracts attention with its typically affordable price. But that's not all – its sporty character, coupled with a wealth of mounting options, makes the new model even more appealing.

Radon's gravel bike range consists of three model platforms: Since 2022, there's the reliable Regard AL, now available in four versions starting at €1.199. Then came the exotic titanium bike "Tigard" with both mechanical and electronic Shimano GRX. And more recently, the Bonn-based company has added a carbon bike to its lineup, also called Regard, which is likewise offered in four versions: the 7.0 with Shimano GRX 1x12 (currently €2.199), the 8.0 with SRAM Rival XPLR (€2.799), the 9.0 with electronic GRX Di2 (€3.399), and the Radon Regard 10.0 with SRAM Force XPLR for €3.999 Euro.

Radon Regard 10.0: Top model at an attractive price

The aluminum models are a bit dated and not particularly attractively priced: The AL 10.0 with external cables and hoses costs only 200 euros less than the (reduced) Regard 7.0, which also comes with the 820 GRX groupset, but offers a carbon frame, a carbon cockpit, and a very lightweight wheelset. This already demonstrates how much you get for your money with the Radon Regard Carbon – and the top-of-the-line model offers even better value.

Radon Regard 10.0: the highlights

• Carbon frame with sporty seating geometry and numerous mounting options
• SRAM Force XPLR incl. power meter
• Newmen Advanced SL XR 36 Carbon wheelset, approx. 1.400 grams
• Carbon cockpit and seatpost
• Weight 8,22 kg (without padding, Rh 56)
• Price 3.999 Euro

The positioning of the Radon Regard 10.0 is particularly interesting. Clearly, a company offering only a single carbon model in its range should aim to appeal to a variety of tastes. However, for Radon, this doesn't mean offering a gravel bike with a boring, all-around geometry. Instead, the Regard presents itself as quite sporty, with a short head tube and correspondingly low stack height, while still maintaining a comfortable riding position. The relatively short 80 mm stem also contributes to this comfortable feel.

Radon doesn't bother much with the currently popular trend of aerodynamic frame optimization; instead, you see sleek, angular lines and a rather robust fork. This fork represents another feature of the Bonn-based bike that should appeal to touring gravel bikers: the Radon 10.0 boasts a wealth of mounting options, from dynamo cable routing to a rear rack. If desired, the bike can be transformed into a purebred randonneur, although this does clash somewhat with the top-of-the-line model's decidedly sporty components. The mounting points for a bash guard at the bottom bracket, which would protect the chainring from impacts, are unusual – something normally only seen on mountain bikes.

SRAM Force with power meter plus lightweight carbon wheelset

The SRAM Force XPLR can be considered the best gravel groupset currently on the market in terms of performance and value for money; finding it on a €4.000 bike is even more exciting. Especially since Radon has equipped the lightweight 13-speed groupset with a power meter, a standard feature on modern sporty bikes. It also features a fairly lightweight semi-aero wheelset with 37 mm deep, 30 mm wide rims, fitted with the fast Schwalbe G-One RX tires in 45 mm width (incidentally, the frame and fork can accommodate tires up to 50 mm wide).

The test bike also features a lightweight carbon saddle, which deviates from the official specification; it also has a round carbon seatpost and the aforementioned cockpit. The latter is notable for its flat handlebars, angled at a full 18° – this makes it easy to switch from the grips to the drops, although it does result in a rather wide-armed riding position. An interesting feature is the carbon stem cap, held in place by a magnet, which conceals the clamping screws and stem end cap. A long, bottom-mounted computer mount is also included.

Plenty of drive and a balanced character

The head angle of the 56 Regard Carbon isn't too steep, the chainstays are quite long at 435 mm, and the wheelbase isn't exactly short either. All of that is forgotten the first time you start pedaling and realize how quickly the 8,2 kg bike can be brought up to speed. The handling is neutral and balanced, without making this sporty gravel bike feel boring: On twisty trails, it's agile enough in every situation and allows for quick changes of direction. At high speeds, however, it also tracks straight and true, leaving no room for doubt.

The surprisingly grippy Schwalbe tires also contribute to this, generating plenty of traction on loose surfaces even at relatively low pressure, while still rolling easily enough on smooth pavement. They were already mounted tubeless on the test bike, which also uses Newmen internal valves, likely offering slightly better aerodynamics. However, those using these valves must always carry the included extension, without which they cannot be operated. In addition to the 45mm tires, the extended carbon seatpost also provides pleasant shock absorption; the minimalist saddle proves surprisingly comfortable.

What slightly detracts from the riding pleasure is the rather wide handlebar – two centimeters less per side would be ideal, but that's naturally a matter of personal preference. Aside from that, the Radon Regard 10.0 proves to be a perfectly balanced gravel racing machine, and one almost wishes for a version without all the add-on options, which would further emphasize the bike's sporty character. However, Radon probably has little interest in expanding its product range, which likely also applies to additional color options…

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