The lightweight frameset wins the frame classification with Giant, but for the expensive material some compromises have to be made on the equipment package. The 105 groupset with Tiagra cassette and the Aksium wheels are certainly bearable in view of the unexpectedly favourable price, and the high-quality handlebar/stem combo from Syntace even deserves praise. However, we would soon swap the cheap tyres. Although the head tube is slightly longer than on the aluminium models, the Spire has a decidedly sporty appearance - in the recommended size with the already shortened steerer tube, it was a tad too sporty for our test rider. Packaging and assembly are uncritical, but we didn't like the slight but noticeable difference in colour between the frame and fork on the test bike.
Price 1,199 Euro
Weight 8.1 kilos
Reference/Info www.radon-bikes.de
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1,184/385/93 grammes
Frame sizes*** 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm
Seat/steering angle 74°/73°
Seat/top tube/head tube 565/560/165 mm plus 10 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 995/54 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 562/396 mm/1.42
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing Radon, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano 105 (50/34 t., press-fit)
Wheels/tyres Mavic Aksium Race/Schwalbe Lugano Active
Handlebar/stem Syntace Racelite CDR (aluminium)/Syntace F 109
Saddle/post Radon Lite/Smica Pro (31.6 mm)
*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement 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 an upright sitting position
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