The Radon road bike - a German quality product for over 25 years.
The Radon road bike is the perfect choice for everyone seeking quality in the lower to middle price segment. Established in 1989 by Ralf Heisig and Christopher Stahl in Bonn, the original company H&S Bike-Discount GmbH began as a small bike shop that offered renowned bicycle brands, components, accessories, clothing, and everything essential for cyclists. Initially focusing on road and mountain bikes, the company operated out of a modest 20 square meter store. In 1994, they launched the Radon brand and, by 1999, introduced internet sales, which increasingly became a major part of their business over time. From product development to logistics, most operations are based in Bonn. In 2007, a new logistics center was established in Grafschaft near Bonn, and in 2013, a 24,000 m² megastore was opened in Bonn-Hardtberg. Besides road bikes and mountain bikes (available as full suspension MTBs or hardtail MTBs), the company also offers trekking bikes, cross bikes, gravel bikes, and e-bikes, which come in both MTB and trekking styles.
The Radon road bike lineup includes options like the carbon road bike and the aluminum-framed Radon R1 Disc. The Radon Spire Disc and Radon Vaillant Disc feature carbon frames. While these bikes are not typically seen in professional cycling due to their price point, they provide an excellent overall package for beginners, with impressive aerodynamic properties for high speeds and disc brakes that enhance braking performance. They also maintain good stiffness and offer a sporty ride comfort. Among the Radon models, the Radon Spire stands out as a classic, now equipped with disc brakes alongside its carbon frame. Its streamlined design not only enhances aesthetics but also optimizes the riding experience on endurance tours. The Radon Vaillant Disc, characterized by its aerodynamic components, is the fastest in the lineup, featuring high-quality disc brakes for reliable stopping power. The Radon R1 Disc, known for being both affordable and powerful, serves as the ideal entry-level road bike, equipped with a lightweight aluminum frame and full carbon fork, providing the necessary stiffness and safety. This bike is well-suited for leisurely trips with friends or intense training while allowing riders to enjoy the beautiful landscapes around them.
Solid components for the Radon road bike
Even though Radon bikes are positioned in the more affordable segment, they don’t compromise on component quality. They are equipped with reputable brands like Shimano, Mavic, SRAM, Continental, Newmen, Schwalbe, and Fizik. Mavic, for instance, has been in the cycling arena since its founding in 1899 and has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality components. The tires come from respected manufacturers such as Continental and Schwalbe, ensuring top performance. Let’s take a closer look at the groupsets and brakes from Shimano and SRAM.
Gear groups
Radon road bikes utilize high-quality gear groups from Shimano and SRAM. Shimano offerings include the Shimano 105, Shimano Ultegra 2x11, and Shimano Ultegra Di2. In the SRAM lineup, you'll find the SRAM Rival eTap AXS and SRAM Force eTap AXS. The Shimano 105 and Ultegra groupsets are popular for their exceptional balance of quality and affordability, making them favorites among many riders. The Ultegra model is slightly lighter than the 105, with a weight advantage of around 200 grams and enhanced durability due to the tech advancements borrowed from Shimano’s premium Dura-Ace series. The distinction between SRAM Rival eTap AXS and SRAM Force eTap AXS lies primarily in materials and finishing; the Rival uses more economical materials, whereas the Force features lighter and more refined components. Despite having a shorter history in the component business compared to Shimano, SRAM has built an impressive reputation over the years.
Brakes
All Radon road bikes come equipped with disc brakes. Although rim brakes are less expensive and easier to replace, they significantly underperform in braking power, particularly under adverse weather conditions and on muddy terrain. Thus, more bike manufacturers are opting for disc brake technology, which, although it requires specialized tools for maintenance, provides superior braking performance. Older models may still feature rim brakes, but the current trend is shifting towards disc systems. The Radon lineup incorporates high-quality brakes from Shimano and SRAM, including SRAM Rival eTap AXS flat-mount, Shimano Ultegra BR-R8170 flat mount, SRAM Force eTap AXS flat-mount, and Shimano Ultegra BR-R8070 flat-mount.
Saddle / Seatpost & Handlebars & Wheels / Rims / Hubs
The seatpost is crucial for achieving the right frame height and optimal seating position, featuring models like the Fizik Antares R7, Natural Fit Nuance from Cube, and Selle Italia SL. Additionally, the VAILLANT Carbon Seatpost is a product of Radon's in-house development. The handlebars often include the LEVEL NINE Race and Newmen Advanced Carbon Wing Bar, while stems are also sourced from Level Nine and Newmen, including options like the LEVEL NINE Wing Race and Newmen Evolution. For wheels, configurations like DT Swiss P1800 Spline DB 32, Fulcrum Racing 900 Disc, Newmen Evolution SL R.32, and Mavic Ksyrium 30 Disc are commonly employed. Tires utilized are primarily from Continental, including the Grand Sport Race and Grand Prix 5000, as well as Schwalbe's Pro One.
How do I determine the optimal bike for me?
Are you unsure whether to choose a carbon road bike, an MTB, a gravel bike, etc., and what the right frame size is? Here’s a quick overview of Radon’s bike offerings. Mountain bikes are categorized into hardtail MTBs, like the Radon Swoop, and full suspension MTBs. Hardtail mountain bikes offer easier maintenance and superior pedaling efficiency, particularly on climbs. Full suspension MTBs provide enhanced versatility, excelling on rough terrains with increased stability on descents. For trekking enthusiasts, Radon offers two excellent choices, the Radon Solution Comfort and the Radon Sunset, both well-suited for everyday activities, commutes, shopping, and longer excursions. The Sunset stands out with its lightweight design and premium specifications, ensuring exceptional riding comfort. Gravel bike enthusiasts can explore the Radon Regard available in three variants, promising outstanding performance on various surfaces, from roads to gravel pathways and forest trails. The Radon Scart Light, a premium cross bike option, also comes in a female variant, featuring a lower top tube design for comfort. The hydroformed aluminum frame results in a light yet strong build. Additionally, Radon’s e-bike selection includes reliable trekking options, with models like the ZR Team Hybrid CX, ZR Lady Hybrid CX, Jealous Hybrid, and Render, as well as trekking bikes such as the Solution Hybrid CX, Solution Hybrid Performance, and Relate.
For assistance in selecting the right road bike, gravel bike, or MTB that fits your needs, feel free to reach out to the buycycle team, who will be delighted to guide you through your options.
