A few years ago, you wouldn't have thought Radon capable of this: the Bonn-based mail-order brand is the only test participant with a frame built in Germany. The elegant steel construction comes from the workshop of Stefano Agresti and is aimed at fans of classic craftsmanship with its slim tubes and retro paintwork. The frame is not particularly stable, but is perfectly acceptable for the material. The geometry is somewhat idiosyncratic with a very short top tube and flat steering angle. As a result, the rider's centre of gravity moves forwards and the bike tilts sideways earlier than others when pedalling. The equipment with Campagnolo's classy "Super Record" groupset, "R-Sys" wheels from Mavic and Chris King headset is beyond reproach.
Order/Info: Radon Bikes, phone 02225/888-222, www.radon-bikes.de
Weight frame/fork/ headset bearing*: 1,770/382/98 g
Frame sizes**: 53, 56, 58, 60 cm
Seat/steering angle: 71.5°/73°
Seat / top / head tube: 572/545/187 mm
Wheelbase/ caster: 987/66 mm
Stack/reach***: 579/368 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Easton EC90 SL
Steering bearing: Chris King no Thread, 1-1/8 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: Campagnolo Super Record (53/39 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Mavic R-Sys/ Schwalbe Ultremo R.1 tyres
Handlebar/stem: Syntace Racelite 2 Carbon/-F119
Saddle/post: Selle Italia SLR/Thomson Elite (27.2 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
