RADON VAILLANT 10.0 – Fast, yes. Expensive, no?

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!

Let’s 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? It’s out to prove that budget-friendly can still be sexy, fast and solid. We’ve put RADON’s top race bike to the test to tell you for which rider type it’s a match.

A Closer Look at the RADON VAILLANT 10.0

RADON 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 you’ve got a bike that doesn’t just talk the talk— it looks fast even when stationary!

The new VAILLANT looks far more modern than its predecessor, bringing RADON right up to speed with the competition. It’s 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.

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 2×12 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 seatpost—all of which you’ll also find on the two more affordable versions.

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 2×12 drivetrain the 9.0 variant doesn’t have to hide from the top-tier 10.0 model – even if its matte black stealthy finish makes it look like it’s flying under the radar.

A full-carbon aero race bike with an electronic groupset and a one-piece cockpit for € 2,999? That’s 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.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	515 mm	532 mm	550 mm	570 mm	590 mm
Seat tube	470 mm	500 mm	530 mm	560 mm	590 mm
Head tube	107 mm	130 mm	148 mm	168 mm	190 mm
Head angle	72°	72.25°	72.75°	73°	73.25°
Seat angle	74.75°	74.75°	73.75°	73.25°	72.75°
Chainstay	415 mm	415 mm	415 mm	415 mm	415 mm
BB Drop	70 mm	70 mm	68 mm	68 mm	68 mm
Wheelbase	976 mm	986 mm	996 mm	969 mm	1,020 mm
Reach	374 mm	380 mm	388 mm	396 mm	404 mm
Stack	517 mm	540 mm	557 mm	577 mm	599 mm

The 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 test

The 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? It’s 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, it’s not the lightest bike out there, it’s 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 you’ll feel safe doing it. The bike feels composed at high speeds, which is partly due to the wide 42 cm cockpit. RADON didn’t 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 doesn’t feel as at home as it does on descents. The slightly heavier weight and less precise handling become noticeable here. If you’re after a bike with sharp, playful handling, you might be disappointed. But if you value stability and predictable handling, you’ll 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 bike’s overall compliance leaves something to be desired. The frame, seatpost, and cockpit don’t offer much give, so vibrations aren’t filtered out as well as they could be. With tire clearance limited to 30 mm, there’s 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, it’s 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 10.0

The 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.

More info at radon-bikes.com

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Words: Jan Richter Photos: Jan Richter