As part of the media shoot for the Vaillant campaign on Tenerife, I was able to test the Radon Vaillant extensively over 4 days.
The bikes arrived pre-assembled by the manufacturer. They were three Vaillant models with different equipment. After landing in Tenerife, we quickly removed them from their boxes and got them ready to ride. All we had to do was adjust the handlebars, fit the wheels and fine-tune the brakes. Soon we were off and riding.
The first impression I got from the Vaillant was that this Radon road bike series has grown to be even more advanced and performance-orientated than previous editions. The integrated cable routing, one-piece carbon cockpit and geometry contribute to a really clean and agile look.
Each of the three different versions comes with its own frame colour. While the entry-level model with the Shimano 105 DI2 groupset features a red colour, the mid-range model with the Shimano Ultegra DI2 has a black frame and the top-of-the-range model with the Sram Force Etap and Mavic carbon wheels boasts a green frame. The colour design is quite unusual and based on a kind of flip-flop paint job that brings out the respective colour tone more or less depending on the sunlight.
In terms of decals and details, Radon has also opted for a fresh, modern approach. A good example of this is the combination of the integrated seat clamp concealed in the frame and the aerodynamically optimised seat post. Both make the bike look all the cleaner.
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Max’s first riding impression: athletic, yet balanced handling
First impressions on a road bike often tell you a lot, because you haven’t got used to the bike yet and the special characteristics come across undistorted. With the Vaillant, I immediately noticed the slightly athletic riding position and the balanced handling. The frame is definitely on the stiffer side and responds quickly. What I particularly enjoyed over the next three days on the volcanic roads of Tenerife with their numerous twists and turns was the easy forward propulsion and the Vaillant’s overall character, which is designed for suave performance and speed. The bike and its rider mastered several hours on and around the Teide volcano with ease and a good feeling.
The drivetrain and braking equipment proved to be completely convincing with its flawless functionality. Thanks to the electric shifting system, you can switch to the next gear very precisely at the touch of a button. The only thing you notice apart from the precise change is a quiet humming noise. All I can say about the brakes is that I was never worried about them on any descent, no matter how steep, because the braking power was always fully adequate.
Speaking of descents: the aerodynamic improvements to the frame are particularly noticeable on the downhill sections. The comparison with the previous model is surprisingly clear in this respect. Nevertheless, the latest Vaillant should not be thought of as a special bike for descents, but rather a road bike that manages the balancing act between being an aerodynamic bike and a climbing bike very well, without leaning too much in one direction or making a half-hearted attempt to compensate for major weaknesses with strengths in special features. Everything remains very well balanced.
Max’s complaint: The saddle could be more comfortable
The only thing I can complain about is the saddle, which didn’t fit my buttocks quite so well and would certainly have proved a little uncomfortable in the long term. However, my fellow riders couldn’t confirm this at all, which just goes to show how individual impressions are when it comes to this point of contact with the road bike. After replacing the factory-fitted saddle with my usual SQlab, this problem was fixed.
I found the 56 cm frame to be slightly too small, which is why I would opt for the next larger frame personally. As the frame is not approved by the UCI, it is not allowed for all competitions, which as a racer at heart I would of course have liked.
I had the opportunity to test all three bikes and therefore all of the aforementioned components. The following applies to each individual version: thanks to the electric shifting and the all-in-one cockpit, you always get modern equipment at a really good price-performance ratio. What’s more, the new Vaillant is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of road cyclists.
Max’s conclusion: No overpriced gimmicks, just good performance at a fair price
If you’re looking for an ambitious, performance-orientated road bike that won’t let you down in any area and won’t overwhelm you with special features, you’ll get great equipment at a fair price point. The cool look comes for free, so to speak.
