RADON is on fire right now, releasing one new bike after the other. One of them is the SLIDE TRAIL 8.0. For only € 2,499 you get a carbon fibre frame, good components and 29″ wheels. But is that all that matters?
For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE | Giant Trance 29 2 | MERIDA ONE FORTY 800 | Propain Tyee AM Performance | RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 | ROSE PIKES PEAK AM1 | SCOTT Genius 950 | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Remedy 8 | YT JEFFSY 27 AL Base
The SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 has caused quite a stir in the mountain bike world. The reason for this is its bow-shaped head tube. “Love it or hate it” seems to be the motto. There is little to discuss, however, in terms of the componentry, the majority of which has been very cleverly specced. The MAGURA MT5 brakes deliver enormous amounts of braking power. The Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain works reliably and the DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE wheels guarantee long-lasting fun on the trails. The SDG TELLIS dropper post also convinced our test crew with its super smooth performance. Our only criticism is the RockShox Revelation fork. As we found out on the trail, we would rather spend a few euros more and had a PIKE fitted instead. The € 2,499 price of the SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 is record-breakingly low – especially for a bike with a carbon frame. A flip-chip on the rear linkage lets you choose between two geometry settings for the bike. However, we only rode it in the slack position.
Fast and direct – the SLIDE TRAIL willingly marches forward.
The RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 in detail
Fork RockShox Revelation RC 150 mm
Shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 140 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT5 200/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SLX /XT
Seatpost SDG TELLIS 150 mm
Stem Race Face Affect R 55 mm
Handlebar Race Face Affect R 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss M1900 SPLINE 29″
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Hans Dampf 2.35/2.35″
The rear suspension of the RADON SLIDE TRAIL is firm and efficient. Great for climbing, but taxing on the descents, generating little traction.
The boxy carbon frame has a futuristic look. We like the cable routing.
The unique shape of the head tube isn’t for everyone – the look didn’t do anything for us.
Although you can adjust the geometry via a flip-chip, the slack setting isn’t particularly slack or aggressive, so we simply left it there.
The RockShox Revelation performs well enough on a lot of trails, but when things get really demanding, it can’t perform quite as well as the PIKE. We would upgrade here.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 392 mm | 425 mm | 455 mm | 490 mm |
| Top tube | 571 mm | 592 mm | 615 mm | 637 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm |
| Head angle | 65,6°/66,6° | 65,6°/66,6° | 65,6°/66,6° | 65,6°/66,6° |
| Seat angle | 75,5°/76,5° | 75,5°/76,5° | 75,5°/76,5° | 75,5°/76,5° |
| Chainstays | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 25/11 mm | 25/11 mm | 25/11 mm | 25/11 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,180 mm | 1,202 mm | 1,226 mm | 1,248 mm |
| Reach | 428 mm | 445 mm | 464 mm | 481 mm |
| Stack | 605 mm | 614 mm | 623 mm | 636 mm |
The RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 in test
As soon as you get on the bike you’ll notice that the rear suspension of the RADON SLIDE TRAIL is not the most comfortable. The firmly tuned rear end together with the slightly stretched riding position motivates you to get on the pedals. The seated pedalling position is nicely centred on the bike – even with the seat post extended all the way. We would have liked a little more traction from the rear in technical terrain, though the firm suspension also has the positive that there is almost no pedal bob with the climb switch open. Reaching for the climb switch on the shock is only worthwhile on long service road climbs.
Going downhill, the RADON is very direct. The steering is quick and precise. Even tight corners don’t pose a problem for the big wheels. Overall, the SLIDE TRAIL is very agile. The bike is very willing to catch air if you like popping off lips. You’ll have to brace yourself for the landing, however, seeing as the bike isn’t as willing to absorb the impact when you come back down. You’ll notice it on rough, rocky and rooted descents as well. Here, the firm suspension requires a strong riding style. Hard impacts in quick succession overwhelm both the fork and the rear suspension. This also leads to a loss of traction and control on wet trails. However, the SLIDE never feels unpredictable. Instead, it tells the rider when it’s time to get on the brakes. Thanks to the low standover height, you have plenty of room to move, which is particularly noticeable and helpful on steep terrain.
The firm suspension is taxing, but means the bike has a lot of pop!
Conclusion
The RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 is a very direct trail bike that scores with efficiency and agile handling. However, its firmly tuned rear suspension and the stock fork limit the potential of the bike. It performs well on flowing trails, but we would have liked more reserves for rougher tracks.
Tops
- efficient climber
- easy, intuitive handling
- excellent value for money
Flops
- not comfortable on the climbs
- harsh suspension
- fork overwhelmed by fast impacts
For more info head to: radon-bikes.de
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to The best budget trail bike of 2019 – 11 mountain bikes head to head
All bikes in test: Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE | Giant Trance 29 2 | MERIDA ONE FORTY 800 | Propain Tyee AM Performance | RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 | SCOTT Genius 950 | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Remedy 8 | YT JEFFSY 27 AL Base
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