Light, capable, or fast – pick two? The Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0 aims to deliver all three. Looking like something that Batman would keep in his bike shed, the superlight frame showcases some of the most high tech components; a masterpiece in carbon and metal.
The 140 mm Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0 comes with a dream build kit, a real rider’s wish list, especially the superlight DT Swiss XMC-1200 carbon wheels. A full SRAM XX1 drivetrain continues the impressive build, along with our favourite SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes, crazy light Race Face NEXT crank and Race Face SixC carbon bar – no expense spared. This insanely good build results in a bike that weighs in at only 11.26 kg (in Large), a phenomenal weight for a trail bike.
From the first pedal stroke, the result of all the weight saving is realised. The Radon Slide 140 10.0 simply flexes its muscles and explodes forward. Easily the lightest bike in the test, it powers up the hills helped by the steep 74.2 degree seat angle for comfortable climbing. Its special skill lies in short sprints where the Radon feels almost weightless, punching up and down with ease and encouraging a ‘stand up and smash it’ approach. Acceleration out of turns is intense, and the wide position of the perfect 760 mm Race Face SixC bar feels instantly familiar and aggressive. For those looking for rapid progress over flowing trails then the Radon offers an intoxicating thrill ride. The suspension tune of the FOX Factory EVOL is firm and supportive, and well balanced with the FOX 34 Float Factory fork. The stiff DT Swiss XMC-1200 Spline 27.5 wheels give the bike lazer like accuracy and agility when changing lines. When pushing the Radon Slide 140 10.0 hard through rock gardens and rooty turns it gets a little skittish; the lightweight build, steeper 67.5 degree head angle and unforgivingly stiff wheels mean you need bigger muscles to keep it on line. However, we are talking EWS stages here – demanding terrain – where a better choice would undoubtedly be the Radon Slide Carbon 160. The SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes were a revelation, providing bags of smooth modulation and powerful deceleration.
Specifications of the Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0
Fork: FOX 34 Float Factory 140 mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float Factory DPS
Brakes: SRAM Guide Ultimate
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Race Face Turbine
Handlebar: Race Face SiXC
Wheelset: DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic LS
Weight: 11.26 kg
Price: € 5,199
The specification of the Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0 leaves nothing to be desired. It’s an astonishing bargain, and there is nothing that we dislike. Our test bike came fitted with a Schwalbe Nobby Nic Trail Star and Rock Razor 2.35 tire combo, which is far superior for aggressive riding than the 2.25 Nobby Nic Lite Skin tires which are fitted as standard. The 2.25 Lite Skin tires are not burly enough for tough riding, so factor in a tire change if you ride hard. Aside from that, it’s a dream build in every sense that has deservedly won the Design & Innovation Award 2016.
Conclusion
The Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0 is a revelation, bringing new levels of explosive acceleration and speed to the trail bike sector. Perfect for the rider who wants XC climbing speed combined with aggressive descending and playful handling that will make you grin like a madman every time you ride.
+ Astonishing dream build
+ Lively handling
– Less capable in super rough terrain
– Feeble standard tires
More information you can get at the Radon website.
[/emaillocker]For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Battle of the super powers: 9 of the best trail bikes in comparison
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX | Cube Stereo 140 C:62 SL | Giant Trance Advanced 1 | Specialized Stumpjumper 650B | Radon Slide 140 Carbon | Ibis Mojo 3 | SCOTT Genius 710 Plus | Whyte T130 C | Yeti SB 4.5c
The Radon Slide Carbon 140 10.0 is our long-term test fleet and will be ridden for the entire season. Check out our long-term test timeline for updates!
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