Radon R1 Disc Ultegra - Stays on track
Radon promises "tough performance at a fair price" for the R1 Disc Ultegra. For 1799 euros, you get the top model from the Bonn-based mail order company's aluminium series, with above-average equipment and a decent finish. Comparable bikes in our test usually have heavier drivetrains or are more expensive. However, the relatively heavy frame cancels out the weight advantage of Shimano's Ultegra. If that doesn't bother you, you get a robust aluminium road bike that can best be described as "beginner-friendly" despite the comparatively stretched seating position.
Stoic straight ahead running
The Radon impresses above all with its extremely smooth ride. The R1 races down fast descents with lots of bends as if on rails. Only the simple brake discs are a reminder of the low price, as they are less powerful and the pressure point is less defined than on the original Ultegra discs. The 1:1 gear ratio offers sufficient reserves so that you don't have to exhaust yourself completely on the way to the summit.
Although the aluminium seat post offers relatively little suspension, the simple Conti tyres step into the breach and cushion better than expected on poor terrain. The maximum possible tyre width of 30 millimetres allows the Radon to get away from the tarmac, and the wide handlebar (44 centimetres) is even based on a gravel bike and underlines the safe riding experience. The "sticky" surface of the Selle Italia saddle, on the other hand, is a matter of taste.
Radon equips cheaper versions of the R1 with Shimano's Tiagra (1299 euros) or 105 (1499 euros). These prices are also fair, but the "tough performance" suffers a little from the even higher weight.
TOUR also tested these aluminium road bikes
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Cube Attain HPA SLX
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Fuji SL-A 1.3
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Canyon Endurace 7
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Rose Reveal AL Ultegra
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Specialized Allez Sport
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Stevens Aspin
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Trek Emonda ALR 5
Radon R1 Disc Ultegra - Details and rating
- Price: 1799 Euro
- Weight: 9,5 Kilo
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1702/443/63 grammes
- Frame sizes** 50, 53, 56, 58, 60, 63
- Seat/top tube/head tube 530/550/161 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 567/383 millimetres/1.48
- Wheelbase/caster 1000/61 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Ultegra (2x11; 52/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Ultegra (160/160 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Fulcrum Racing 900/Continental Grand Sport Race 28 millimetres (f./h.: 1584/2104 grams)
Strengths: Impressive straight-line stability, fairly priced
Weaknesses: Heavy frame
>> The Radon R1 gets an overall TOUR score of 2.4
* Weighed weights.
** Manufacturer's specification, Test size bold.
*** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
**** Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
