The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023 group test”

With the DEFT 10.0 750 2023, German mail order brand RADON have entered the race with their eMTB for the rough stuff. For € 6,799, you’ll get a carbon frame with an alloy swingarm, 170 mm of travel front and rear, and a Bosch Performance CX Smart System with 750 Wh battery. Can the DEFT deliver on the trail?

**RADON** DEFT 10.0 | Bosch Performance Line CX/750 Wh | 170/170 mm (f/r)
24.7 kg in size L | € 6,799 | Manufacturer’s website

As one of Germany’s biggest direct-to-consumer brands, RADON enter our 2023 eMTB group test with the DEFT 10.0 750, which is the most potent eMTB in their portfolio. Despite generating a whopping 170 mm of travel at the front and rear travel, RADON’s 29” e-beast is supposed to impress with playful handling on fast and rough trails. At first glance, the DEFT looks a lot like its smaller sibling, the RENDER, which combines 160/140 mm of travel, at the front and rear, respectively. In-keeping with the intended use, the DEFT relies on a beefy carbon frame with a striking cross brace, which doubles as the shock mount. Unlike the front triangle, the swingarm is made of aluminium. If the DEFT had wings, it could be easily mistaken for a stealth bomber with its discreet matt black finish with gloss highlights. In a sea of black, the golden Kashima coating of the FOX Factory suspension adds a welcome touch of colour.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

Only the finest – what sets the RADON DEFT 10.0 750 apart from the competition?

The DEFT relies on a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which churns out 85 Nm torque and draws its power from a 750 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery. When it comes to securing the battery cover, RADON take an unconventional approach, using a rubber band that hooks to two bolts on the down tube. The system looks sturdy and holds the battery securely in place, preventing it from rattling on the trail. If you tend to park your bike outside, you’ll be relieved to hear that the battery is additionally secured with a key. Moreover, RADON replaced Bosch’s finicky charging port with a clever, well-positioned proprietary system.

**Artificial tailwind**
The powerful 85 Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor packs a punch, providing plenty of support in every situation.

**Safe bro!**
The battery cover is securely held in place by a rubber band and the battery additionally secured by a key lock.

**Simple**
Smart solutions like the externally routed brake line allow RADON to cut production costs and also to put a smile on all home mechanics’ faces.

The high-quality FOX Factory suspension is complemented by a rather solid spec. If you like to plough your way back into the valley on long, steep trails, you can rely on the excellent braking performance of the MAGURA MT7 four-piston brakes, which are paired with a massive 220 mm rotor at the front and 200 mm disc at the rear. A couple of small but clever details, like the externally-routed brake line, allowed RADON to reduce production costs – and perhaps to make the life of home mechanics easier! FOX also supply the Transfer Factory dropper post. Unfortunately, this only offers 150 mm of travel in size L upwards, which could be a problem for long legged riders. The choice of tires isn’t ideal either, especially for heavy riders and mean shredders. The Germans combine a 2.6″ MAXXIS ASSEGAI at the front and 2.6” Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the hard MaxxTerra rubber compound and puncture-prone EXO+ casing. This setup doesn’t do justice to the potential of the bike, so we recommend upgrading to more robust tires with the tough DoubleDown casing and the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front, which improves traction.

**Not enough**
The tires don’t do justice to the potential of the bike. Heavy riders and naughty shredders should upgrade to the tougher Doubledown casing on both tires, combined with the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front.

**Fancy**
The high-quality FOX Factory suspension adds an elegant touch and delivers a tremendous performance on the trail.

RADON DEFT 10.0

€ 6,799

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Bosch System Controller
Fork FOX 38 Factory FLOAT GRIP2 Kashima 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 170 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 150 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 220/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle 1x12
Stem Race Face Turbine R 40 mm
Handlebar Race Face Turbine R 780 mm
Wheelset NEWMEN EVOLUTION SL E.G.30 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI 3C MaxxTerra EXO+/MAXXIS Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 2.6/2.6

Technical Data

Size M L XL
Weight 24.7 kg
Perm. total weight 135 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 110 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Tuning tips: Upgrade both tires to a version with tougher casing and softer rubber compound at the front

How does the RADON DEFT 10.0 750 fare on the trail?

Enough of numbers, how does the RADON perform on the trail? As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the DEFT integrates you nicely between its wheels, which, together with the intuitive handling, makes you feel at ease from the get-go. Although the weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, the RADON requires great physical effort to spontaneously pop off ledges and feels rather sluggish on flat trails. It quickly becomes clear that the DEFT 10.0 750 feels bored on flowing trails, begging for more action. It’s only when the trails get rougher that the RADON comes to life. Here it ploughs its way through nasty rock gardens with stoic composure, inspiring huge amounts of confidence while still providing sufficient reserves for botched landings. Compared to other full-fat eMTB all rounders in this test, the RADON has slightly stiffer rear suspension, which ensures lively handling and allows you to change direction spontaneously without breaking a sweat. On technical trails, the high front end takes the edge off steep chutes and encourages you to commit to daring lines.

**Good traction**
When pedalling uphill, the rear end bobs slightly but generates good traction.

**more and more**
The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 really comes to life on rough trails, where it inspires huge amounts of confidence.

On long, flat transfer trails, the RADON places you in a comfortable, upright pedalling position. When climbing, the rear end bobs slightly but still generates decent amounts of traction. However, the high front-end tends to lift easily, requiring you to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking. On technical climbs, the powerful Bosch motor helps you negotiate tricky key sections. Overall, the RADON isn’t just a bunch of nice components parts but a very well-rounded overall package.

With its beefy, squared-edged frame silhouette, the RADON DEFT 10.0 750 looks like it’s ready for the toughest trails!

Size	M	L	XL
Top tube	600 mm	618 mm	640 mm
Seat tube	425 mm	455 mm	490 mm
Head tube	105 mm	115 mm	135 mm
Head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	76°	76°	76°
Chainstay	458.2 mm	458.2 mm	458.2 mm
BB Drop	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm
Wheelbase	1,243 mm	1,262 mm	1,286 mm
Reach	455.6 mm	470.2 mm	485.5 mm
Stack	622.1 mm	631.2 mm	649.3 mm

**Helmet** FOX Dropframe PRO | **Glasses** NAKED Falcon | **Hip Pack** EVOC Hip Pack | **Jersey** Specialized Specialized/Fjällräven Wool T-shirt | **Shorts** Specialized Specialized/Fjällräven Atlas Pro Short | **Kneepad** Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard V1 | **Shoes** Unparallel Up Link | **Socks** Vans Classic

Who should take a closer look at the RADON DEFT 10.0 750 and who should look elsewhere?

The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 is the ideal bike for price-conscious shredders who are looking for a powerful eMTB. While it might not be as intuitive as the Orbea WILD or Yeti 160E, the DEFT’s excellent touring capabilities ensure a wide range of applications. Unfortunately, small riders will walk away empty-handed, because the RADON is only available in size M upwards. If you prefer to get your bike serviced by your LBS, you might be better off looking elsewhere. As a direct sales brand, RADON doesn’t sell their bikes in physical stores, and many shops charge extra for repairs on bikes they don’t sell. Enthusiastic home mechanics, on the other hand, might enjoy the RADON a lot!

The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 comes to life on rough terrain, where it impresses with endless reserves!

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the RADON DEFT 10.0 750

Despite being the second cheapest bike in the test field, the RADON DEFT 10.0 750 delivers an impressive performance with its top-notch spec and excellent suspension. Although it can’t quite keep up with the strongest bikes in this test, it inspires huge amounts of confidence and is suited for a wide range of applications. As a result, the RADON DEFT secures a well-deserved Best Buy Tip!

Tops

Suspension provides huge reserves
Excellent price/performance ratio
Wide range of applications

Flops

Tires don’t do justice to the potential of the bike
Dropper post doesn’t offer enough travel

You can find out more about at radon-bikes.de

The test field