The new Vaillant was actually intended for our large Comparative test of aero road bikes around 5000 euros planned. Shortly before the appointment in the wind tunnel, however, Radon had to cancel as the test bike had not survived the journey from Tenerife back to its home country undamaged. The second attempt worked out and the Bonn-based mail order company provided us with the basic Radon Vaillant 8.0 model. Although the new model has not yet seen the inside of the wind tunnel, we have already been able to scrutinise it in the TOUR laboratory and practical test.
The bike, named after the French-Belgian comic hero Michel Vaillant, a car racing driver, is said to be the most aerodynamic bike that the direct seller has ever put on its tyres. Radon did not give any figures. In the TOUR test, the predecessor with flat wheels landed at 225 watts, with a fast wheelset it achieved 217 watts. The fastest aero experts need less than 210 watts to overcome their own air resistance at 45 km/h. To make the new generation faster, Radon optimised the frameset and opted for angular tube cross-sections on the down tube and seat tube. The seat post picks up on the unusual but striking design.
Radon Vaillant 8.0: The price justifies the disadvantages
Another new feature is a fully integrated cockpit, after the old model had a clamped handlebar with external cable routing. Overall, the Vaillant remains true to its design language and is based on aerodynamically optimised racing all-rounders. Compared to the competition, you sit a little more upright on the Vaillant, which means you don't have to worry so much about back pain on long rides.
There are no surprises when it comes to handling: The Radon Vaillant 8.0 tends towards a stable straight line and can be steered predictably around bends. Despite the 1:1 gear ratio in the lightest gear, the bike lacks light-footedness on long, steep climbs: 8.6 kilograms are relatively heavy for a race model. The weaknesses in terms of comfort, especially the carbon seatpost, can only be partially concealed by the inexpensive tyres. A look at the price tag puts the points of criticism into perspective: The € 2999 for the Vaillant 8.0, equipped with Shimano's electronic 105, is unrivalled value for money. The other equipment variants also remain under 5000 euros, an absolute rarity for competition bikes.
Even more new wheels
BMC Roadmachine
The "all-roadisation" of the marathon bike does not stop at the Roadmachine. Frame geometry suitable for long distances, huge 40-millimetre tyre clearance, storage compartment for a puncture kit and integrated rear light: the third generation picks up on typical features of all-road bikes and - contrary to the model name - can also take on gravel roads. BMC offers the new model as a road and gravel version, and motorised versions are also available. Almost all bikes shift electronically. The basic models (from 3299 euros) are fitted with robust aluminium wheels, while the top versions (from 7999 euros) come with carbon wheelsets.
Cervélo Áspero
Five years after its market launch, the Áspero is getting a moderate update. The most relevant changes: The carbon frame should offer more comfort thanks to deeper seat stays and a modified lay-up on the head tube. The greater tyre clearance (45 instead of 40 millimetres) extends the range of use. The shift cables and brake lines are also partially integrated under the stem inside the frame. The option to adjust the steering geometry via a flip-chip dropout on the fork remains unchanged. The "little brother" of the race-orientated Áspero 5 has been available since the end of April in six equipment variants at prices between 3599 and 5799 euros.
Factor Ostro Vam
The Ostro VAM celebrated its premiere at the Tour Down Under and has been on sale since February. The race all-rounder replaces the aero specialist One in the British-Taiwanese brand's portfolio and combines lightweight construction with speed. Depending on the set-up, complete wheel weights around the UCI limit are possible, while aerodynamically the Factor should benefit from filigree tube cross-sections. Factor did not provide absolute figures, a test bike was not yet available. Unfortunately, as with many professional bikes, the prices are quite high: only two of the five equipment variants are under 10,000 euros.
Julian Schultz
Editor
