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 | Manufacturer’s website

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!

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. 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.

Sleek! The subtle matte black decals ensure a discrete branding – you’ll only spot the logo if you take a closer look.
They blend in perfectly with the bike’s 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 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.

RADON VAILLANT 9.0 | € 3,499 | Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 | 7.75 kg (manufacturer’s 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 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.

RADON VAILLANT 8.0 | € 2,999 | Shimano 105 Di2 | 8.25 kg (Manufacturer’s specifications)

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.

Tops

  • Value for money
  • Modern design

Flops

  • Limited compliance

More info at radon-bikes.com


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Words: Jan Richter Photos: Jan Richter