The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 has already secured the coveted Best Buy Tip in our huge 2023 e-mountainbike group test, and is back for more with a few exciting features, including aBosch Performance Line CX Smart System motor and a € 6,799 price tag. Does it have what it takes to secure victory in our group test under € 7,000?
24.7 kg in size L | € 6,799 | Manufacturer’s website
The RADON DEFT 10.0 managed to secure the coveted Best Buy Tip in our huge 2023 e-mountainbike group test, which included 30 of the hottest bikes of the season. In our group test under € 7,000, the German direct-sales brand enters the race with the exact same bike. The DEFT 10.0 750 generates 170 mm of travel (f/r) and is the most potent eMTB in RADON’s portfolio, as well as the flagship model in the DEFT range. At first glance, it looks a lot like its smaller sibling, the RENDER, which combines 160 mm of travel at the front and 140 mm at the rear. The beefy carbon frame and alloy swingarm come in a discreet matt black finish with gloss highlights. The striking cross brace ensures a unique look and doubles as the shock mount. However, the real highlight is the FOX Factory suspension, which provides a refreshing contrast to the black finish with its fancy Kashima coating.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 for € 7,000 – 7 budget eMTBs in our eMTB group test
Bling bling! – What sets the RADON DEFT 10.0 750 apart from the competition?
Like many e-mountainbike manufacturers, RADON rely on a proven 85 Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor for the 24.7 kg DEFT 10.0 750. The motor draws its power from a big 750 Wh battery that can be removed from the downtube. To do this, first you’ll have to remove the battery cover, which is securely held in place by a rubber strap that at the same time prevents it from rattling. The battery is also secured against theft with a key lock. If you want to charge the battery directly on the bike, you can do this via the proprietary charging port, which is well positioned above the motor and very intuitive to use. The integrated Bosch System Controller in the top tube is the neural centre of the drive system and displays all basic riding data, including the battery charge status and current support level, via coloured LED bars – and through the Bosch eBike Flow app you can access even more data. The compact, bar-mounted Bosch Mini Remote is intuitive to use and ensures a tidy cockpit in conjunction with the wireless drivetrain. The rear brake line and shifting cable are routed through the headset, underlining the bike’s clean look. Unfortunately, the cables reappear at the transition from the main frame triangle, where they run straight to their destination outside the frame, spoiling the overall clean appearance.
The battery cover is held in place by a rubber band and the battery itself is additionally secured with a key lock.
The charging port is well positioned and protected by a robust twist-lock cover instead of Bosch’s flimsy rubber glob.
The Bosch System Controller is seamlessly integrated into the top tube and shows all relevant riding data, like the battery status and support modes. If you need more data, you can connect your bike to the Bosch eBike Flow app.
In our 2023 sub € 7,000 group test, the RADON’s FOX Factory suspension stands out from the crowd, not only because of the fancy Kashima coating, but also through its top performance on the trail. Frankly speaking, no one would expect to get a FOX 38 Factory fork and FOX FLOAT X2 Factory air shock with an e-mountainbike in this price range. This is particularly interesting for experienced riders, who can fine tune the suspension using the countless adjustment options. FOX also supply the Transfer Factory Kashima dropper, though this has a meagre 150 mm of travel in size L. Especially with long-legged riders, this restricts freedom of movement on the bike. For the brakes, RADON went the safe way, relying on powerful MAGURA MT7 four-piston brakes. Alongside the Specialized Turbo Levo, the DEFT is the only bike in this test with a huge 220 mm rotor at the front, which the German manufacturer pairs with a 200 mm disc at the rear. Shifting is taken care of by a mixed 12-speed SRAM drivetrain consisting of an X01 Eagle rear derailleur and GX shifter with matching cassette. For the wheels, RADON combine a NEWMEN EVOLUTION SL E.G.30 alloy wheelset and MAXXIS tires, with a 2.6″ ASSEGAI at the front and 2.6” Minion DHR II at the rear, unfortunately both in the puncture-prone EXO+ casing. Heavy and aggressive riders should consider upgrading to the more robust DoubleDown casing and while they’re at it, improve the front wheel’s traction by changing to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound. Apart from a few minor flaws, the spec of the RADON is top-notch, which is pretty unique in this price segment.
The DEFT is the only bike in this test to come with a top-tier FOX Factory suspension, which ensures a killer look and top performance on the trail.
Merciless trail rippers should consider upgrading the tires to the more robust DoubleDown casing for better puncture protection and to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound for more traction.
RADON Deft 10.0 750
€ 6,799
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Bosch System Controller
Fork FOX 38 Factory Grip 2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 170 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 150 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 220/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01/GX 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
| 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 | 76.0° | 76.0° | 76.0° |
| Chainstays | 458 mm | 458 mm | 458 mm |
| BB Drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,243 mm | 1,262 mm | 1,286 mm |
| Reach | 456 mm | 470 mm | 486 mm |
| Stack | 622 mm | 631 mm | 649 mm |
Jersey Leatt Gravity 4.0 Jersey | Shorts Leatt Enduro 3.0 Shorts | Kneepad Leatt AirFlex Hybrid Pro
Shoes Specialized 2FO Cliplite | Socks Stance Hot Wheels
And off you go! – The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 in review
Riding uphill, the RADON DEFT 10.0 750 places you in a central, upright albeit slightly front-heavy pedalling position. On long transfers between trails, the stiff rear suspension doesn’t wallow, but still releases enough travel to absorb bumps and potholes, allowing you to embark on epic backcountry expeditions without having to book a session with the chiropractor after each ride. When negotiating your way to the trailhead on technical trails, the efficient rear suspension generates good traction, digging the tire knobs deep into the loam in most situations. The powerful motor takes the edge off nasty ledges and supports you with great eagerness, even when pedalling at low cadences and setting off from a standstill. The precise, intuitive handling makes it easy to stick to your lines, and only on very steep climbs does the DEFT require you to actively load the front wheel to keep it tracking. Overall, the RADON is one of the best climbers in the entire test field – only the Specialized Turbo Levo and Moustache make it to the trailhead with less effort.
The powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor helps you tackle technical climbing sections, while the efficient rear suspension digs the tire lugs deep into the loam.
The RADON DEFT convinces with excellent composure and still implements fast direction changes with great eagerness.
While you’re still buckling up your helmet at the trailhead, the DEFT is already stomping its hooves … erh wheels, and begging you to throw some fine dirt under its tires. When dropping into the trail, it makes you feel at ease from the get-go, inspiring confidence with its intuitive handling and well-integrated riding position. On fast, flowing trails, it doesn’t quite match the ridiculous amount of riding fun delivered by the flow-king in this test, the SCOTT Lumen. However, the stiff suspension makes it easy to generate plenty of speed by pumping through rollers and berms. Despite the generous amounts of travel, the DEFT doesn’t absorb the rider’s input like a sandbag, allowing you to pop off ledges and providing enough reserves to bail you out on botched landings. That said, the RADON feels underwhelmed both on flat and slow trails, and only comes to life in rough sections, where it ploughs through nasty rock gardens and root carpets with stoic composure, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process and leaving the entire test field behind in a cloud of dust. The DEFT clearly proves that smoothness and agility aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, implementing spontaneous direction changes with great eagerness while at the same time providing precise feedback with its defined rear suspension.
The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 ploughs through rock gardens with stoic composure, inspiring tons of confidence in the process.
Who should take a closer look at the RADON DEFT 10.0 750?
The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 is a keeper for anyone looking for a mean shredding machine with excellent downhill capabilities and top-tier components. Despite its rowdy disposition, it cuts a fine figure on longer tours, covering a wide range of applications as a result. However, small riders will walk away empty-handed with the RADON DEFT, because it’s only available from size M upwards. Inexperienced home mechanics should be aware of the fact that RADON achieve their unique price-performance ratio by taking retailers out of the equation, which means extra work for you or higher bills at your local workshop.
Tuning tip: Upgrade to more robust tires in the tougher DoubleDown casing front and rear, and while you’re at it, to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound upfront.
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
Our conclusions about the RADON DEFT 10.0 750
The RADON DEFT 10.0 750 combines an understated look and high-quality components with a high bling factor. However, the killer look is complemented by an excellent performance on the trail, where the RADON DEFT strikes an excellent balance between composure and agility, proving the most confidence-inspiring competitor in the entire test field, as well as the one with the most suspension reserves. At the same time, it impresses with excellent touring capabilities, which makes it suitable for a super-wide range of applications. As a result, the DEFT secures a well-deserved Best in Test!
Tops
- Top-tier spec
- Eats rock gardens for breakfast
- Wide range of applications
Flops
- Underwhelmed on flat trails
You can find out more about at radon-bikes.de
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 for € 7,000 – 7 budget eMTBs in our eMTB group test
All bikes in test: Bulls Sonic Evo EN-SL 1 Carbon (Click for review) | Haibike Nduro7 (Click for review) | Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 5 (Click for review) | RADON Deft 10.0 750 | SCOTT Lumen eRide 910 (Click for review) | SIMPLON Steamer Pmax (Click for review) | Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy (Click for review)
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Words & Photos: Mike Hunger
