Feature

Pro Bike Check: Stuart Wilcox’s Radon Slide Carbon 160 9.0

04.06.2014
by

Standing at the bottom of stage 2 of the recent EWS, one of the steepest and most technical on the course, I was starting to pack up my gear and move on. The fastest men and women had already come through and things were starting to slow down a little. Just as I put my camera in its bag, a racer dressed all in red came charging through the turns, fully pinned and making it look effortless! I checked the sheets and number 133 was Stuart Wilcox, and he had just taken 9th place in the stage!

If you follow the EWS you may not have heard of Stuart Wilcox, the 19 year old rider has only recently switched to enduro, but he has been making a lot of waves in XC. Stuart already holds two British champion titles at U14 and U16 level and was 3rd last year as a junior! He was part of the British Cycling Olympic Development Programme and raced XC world cups, winning 3 Scottish XC championships on the way. Stuart is one of those riders who not only has XC fitness, but the technical skills to throw down with the best of them! Riding for Radon bikes/ i-Cycles Stuart was racing on the new 27.5″ Radon Slide Carbon 160, this bike is still quite rare on the circuit so we stopped by to take a look!

Stuart Wilcox was unknown on the world enduro circuit until now, but he has already proven himself a weapon in XC and with his 29th place at the EWS shows he has a very bright future!
Stuart Wilcox was unknown on the world enduro circuit until now, but he has already proven himself a weapon in XC and with his 29th place at the EWS shows he has a very bright future!
Suspension is provided by a Fox 34 Talas fork with fit-cartridge and Kashima-coating in combination with a Float X rear shock.
Suspension is provided by a Fox 34 Talas fork with fit-cartridge and Kashima-coating in combination with a Float X rear shock.
The standard XT drive-train has been replaced with a mixture of X01 and XX1.
The standard XT drive-train has been replaced with a mixture of X01 and XX1.
The Slide 160 Carbon is the only bike in this class equipped with a one part chainstay. Producing outstanding results in terms of rigidity, weight and drive efficiency.
The Slide 160 Carbon is the only bike in this class equipped with a one part chainstay. Producing outstanding results in terms of rigidity, weight and drive efficiency.
The X01 and XX1 mix provides effective gearing for the Scottish climbs!
The X01 and XX1 mix provides effective gearing for the Scottish climbs!
I expect to see a much lower number board next season.
I expect to see a much lower number board next season.
A Schwable Magic Mary provided secure footing up front in the steep stages. Stewart ran a Schwalbe Rock Razor in the back, compromising outright breaking grip for a faster rolling tyre.
A Schwable Magic Mary provided secure footing up front in the steep stages. Stuart ran a Schwalbe Rock Razor in the back, compromising outright breaking grip for a faster rolling tyre.
XTR Race Levers lose the power of servo wave, but gain more control and modulation. The rotors are KCNC 180mm front and back.
With 740mm bars and a 45mm stem, combined with a 66.8 degree headangle, the steering is direct and agile. XTR Race Levers lose the power of servo wave, but gain more control and modulation. The rotors are KCNC 180mm front and back.
Stuart chooses to Keep it simple and racing without a bag. Just carrying the essentials to get home should a mechanical happen.
Stuart chooses to Keep it simple and racing without a bag. Just carrying the essentials to get home should a mechanical happen.
The DT EX1501 enduro wheelset brings performance in a light weight package.
The DT EX1501 enduro wheelset brings performance in a light weight package.
Stewart ran a 34T chainring with an FRM Carbon top guide for security.
Stuart ran a 34T chainring with a FRM Carbon top guide for security.
The new Radon Slide 160 Carbon is an ultra lightweight and efficient All Mountain bike and a fully-fledged enduro racer. Stuarts size 18" weights in at only 12.55kg (27.6lbs)
The new Radon Slide 160 Carbon is an ultra lightweight and efficient All Mountain bike and a fully-fledged enduro racer. This 18″ weights in at only 12.55kg (27.6lbs)

Words and Photos: Trev Worsey

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