Speed without breaking the bank? The new RADON VAILLANT 10.0 is here to make that dream a reality. Priced at just 4,499, the VAILLANT flagship model promises to deliver on all fronts: aero-optimized, stiff, and seriously sporty. But can you really get race-ready performance on a budget, or is there a catch? We took it for a spin to find out!RADON VAILLANT 10.0 | 7.8 kg in size M | 4,499 | Manufacturers websiteLets be honest prestige is a big deal in the dropbar world. But not for everyone! German manufacturer RADON, which is backed by online retailer Bike-Discount, is all about delivering top bikes for little cash. And what about the VAILLANT 10.0? Its out to prove that budget-friendly can still be sexy, fast and solid. Weve put RADONs top race bike to the test to tell you for which rider type its a match.A Closer Look at the RADON VAILLANT 10.0RADON ditched the old look of the VAILLANT series, and boy, does the new one deliver! The new frame is sharper, the dark green metallic paint oozes class, and the discrete branding adds a touch of sophistication. Add in the sleek dropped seatpost, the one-piece aero cockpit with hidden cables, and those 45 mm deep Mavic Cosmic SL carbon wheels, and youve got a bike that doesnt just talk the talk it looks fast even when stationary!You can attach a computer mount to the underside of the cockpit.The wide-range 10-36T cassette gives you plenty of gears for tackling steep climbs.The new VAILLANT looks far more modern than its predecessor, bringing RADON right up to speed with the competition. Its not reinventing the wheel, but it sure gives the VAILLANT series a breath of fresh air, turning these bikes into real head-turners that look pricier than they are.Sleek! The subtle matte black decals ensure a discrete branding youll only spot the logo if you take a closer look.They blend in perfectly with the bikes overall design, adding a touch of understated class.With just 30 mm of tire clearance, the frame limits your tire options.The VAILLANT 10.0 has a well-rounded spec. One of the highlights is theMavic Cosmic SL carbon wheelset, which retails at 1,489 and, paired with 28 mm Continental GP 5000 tyres, exudes quality in all directions. The SRAM Force AXS 212 drivetrain hits the sweet spot for the price. Rounding off the overall excellent package are the lightweight Selle Italia SLR Boost Kit Carbonio Superflow saddle, the in-house one-piece aero cockpit, and the D-shaped seatpostall of which youll also find on the two more affordable versions.RADON VAILLANT 9.0 | 3,499 | Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 | 7.75 kg (manufacturers specifications)With the VAILLANT 9.0, RADON swapped the pricey carbon wheels for a 34 mm Fulcrum Racing 400 DB alloy wheelset. However, with its ULTEGRA Di2 212 drivetrain the 9.0 variant doesnt have to hide from the top-tier 10.0 model even if its matte black stealthy finish makes it look like its flying under the radar.RADON VAILLANT 8.0 | 2,999 | Shimano 105 Di2 | 8.25 kg (Manufacturers specifications)A full-carbon aero race bike with an electronic groupset and a one-piece cockpit for 2,999? Thats impressive! The RADON VAILLANT 8.0 is a bold offering at this price point and looks much more expensive than it is. The Shimano 105 Di2 groupset provides a solid entry into the world of electronic shifting, while the deep red paint job is sure to turn heads.SizeXSSMLXLTop tube515 mm532 mm550 mm570 mm590 mmSeat tube470 mm500 mm530 mm560 mm590 mmHead tube107 mm130 mm148 mm168 mm190 mmHead angle7272.2572.757373.25Seat angle74.7574.7573.7573.2572.75Chainstay415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mmBB Drop70 mm70 mm68 mm68 mm68 mmWheelbase976 mm986 mm996 mm969 mm1,020 mmReach374 mm380 mm388 mm396 mm404 mmStack517 mm540 mm557 mm577 mm599 mmThe geometry of the new VAILLANT series, with a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.41 in size M, is on the sporty side and yet not overly aggressive, offering a more relaxed riding position compared to hardcore race machines like the Bianchi Specialissima RC. Alongside three spec options, you can choose from five different sizes ranging from XS to XL.The RADON VAILLANT 10.0 on testThe moment you put your hands on the RADON VAILLANT, it feels just as premium as it looks. The flawless finish and sleek paint job make the VAILLANT 10.0 a real eye-catcher. And that fast, racy vibe? Its not just an illusion it totally delivers when you hit the road.The VAILLANT is very eager to pick up speed. While, at 7.8 kg, its not the lightest bike out there, its stiff enough to handle hard sprints without flexing, efficiently transferring your power to the rear wheel. Sprinting to the town sign is a blast, and youll feel safe doing it. The bike feels composed at high speeds, which is partly due to the wide 42 cm cockpit. RADON didnt follow the trend of narrow handlebars for aero gains, but the added width gives you heaps of control. This results in a high level of confidence when bombing down descents at top speed.However, the trade-off is that the handling is a bit sluggish and vague at lower speeds. On long, steep climbs, the VAILLANT doesnt feel as at home as it does on descents. The slightly heavier weight and less precise handling become noticeable here. If youre after a bike with sharp, playful handling, you might be disappointed. But if you value stability and predictable handling, youll love it.The riding position is central and moderately sporty, which might not be ideal for die-hard pro racers but perfect for ambitious roadies who want to stay comfortable while pushing the pace on fast rides. However, the bikes overall compliance leaves something to be desired. The frame, seatpost, and cockpit dont offer much give, so vibrations arent filtered out as well as they could be. With tire clearance limited to 30 mm, theres not much room to compensate, either.On the upside, the ergonomics of the one-piece cockpit are well-designed, providing a comfortable grip in all positions. Overall, its a solid, sporty package with just a few shortcomings in terms of compliance. Tuning tip: 30 mm tires for a little more cushioning.Our conclusions about the RADON VAILLANT 10.0The RADON VAILLANT 10.0 delivers solid performance and a high-quality spec, all wrapped up in a sleek, modern package. It really shines on fast straights and thrilling descents, where its composure, predictable handling, and efficiency come into their own. The only downside is the lack of compliance, which becomes noticeable on longer rides and rough roads. Overall, the VAILLANT 10.0 is a stylish, fast, and modern bike at a competitive price, though it feels a bit old-school when it comes to comfort.TopsValue for moneyModern designFlopsLimited complianceMore info at radon-bikes.comDer Beitrag RADON VAILLANT 10.0 Fast, yes. Expensive, no? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.