Radon Jealous AL 10.0 Review

The Radon Jealous AL 10.0 featured in this review has one clear objective: to deliver maximum riding pleasure at an attractive price point. Instead of enticing customers with a carbon frame, Radon opts for quality components in the sub-€ 2,000 category. Does this strategy pay off, or is the aluminum racer a relic from the past?

Building an expensive, high-quality mountain bike isn’t exactly rocket science. With a budget of 4000€ or more, product managers can really pull out all the stops when designing a new rig.

Time and again, we’ve featured test bikes in our magazine that even break the 10,000€ mark. The cutting edge of bike technology is tantalizing, but given the current pricing trends, it remains a pipe dream for many. It also begs the question:

What’s the result when bike manufacturers have to pinch every penny to deliver more affordable bikes? Can the Radon Jealous AL 10.0, priced at under 2000€, uphold the standard in the economy class, or is it just yesterday’s tech wrapped in a no-frills aluminum frame?

Keeping an eye on the price tags across various brands, it’s apparent that Radon has decoupled from an industry trend. While some manufacturers are now commanding five-figure sums for their flagship models, even the most expensive Radon bike stays below the sound barrier of €5,000.

The reason that the Bonn-based brand can offer rigs like the Radon Jealous AL 10.0, decked out with a spotless XT setup, for well under €2,000 boils down to three factors.

Radon Bikes are only available for purchase directly from the manufacturer online, eliminating retail margins.

With bike-discount.de supporting the brand, this major online store can source components at attractive rates. Radon steers clear of gimmicky tech, opting instead to craft bikes with a blend of common sense and keen attention to cost-efficiency.

The strategy is well-conceived. Instead of falling into the trap of over-the-top marketing, you can expect stellar value for money. A look at the Jealous AL 10.0 confirms that the product managers know exactly how to skillfully execute the company’s strategy.

In response to the competitive offerings from major brands like Cube or Decathlon, who showcase carbon frames in this price segment, Radon confidently holds its ground. The aluminum frame of the Jealous may be up-to-date technologically, but it’s not winning any awards for innovation.

The craftsmanship leaves no room for complaint. The Pressfit bottom bracket and the rear hub spacing of 12×148 mm meet the current industry standards. The 30.9 mm seatpost diameter makes upgrading to a dropper post a breeze.

The shift cable for the rear derailleur is routed through the down tube. On the other hand, the hydraulic line for the rear brake is fully externally routed. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, it serves its purpose and significantly reduces the effort required for wrenching and initial assembly.

Radon reinvests the savings made from using a simple aluminum frame instead of costlier carbon options directly into the bike’s components as a direct-to-consumer brand.

The Jealous AL 10.0 comes decked out with Shimano XT components from its brakes, shift levers, and crankset to the rear derailleur. You’d be hard-pressed to find a 32mm Fox suspension fork on competitors’ bikes within this price bracket.

The result of the high-quality components is impressive on the scales, too: At 11.3 kg without pedals for a size L frame, this aluminum bike is even significantly lighter than comparable carbon models.

The Rockrider Race 740, for example, sports a carbon frame but still tips the scales at 400 grams more. Even the Cube’s Reaction C:62 ONE with its carbon frame is heavier by 200 grams.

The pairing of Mavic Crossmax wheels and Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires, inclusive of tubes, cassettes, and brake rotors, tips the scales at only 4470 grams. We consistently weigh the wheelsets on all test bikes because rotating mass is a crucial, objective factor in assessing bikes. And this figure is impressive, especially when you compare it with the competition.

The Canyon Lux Worldcup CF 8 positions itself in the premium segment with a price tag of over €5000. However, its carbon wheels paired with Maxxis tires are heavier than the wheelset on the Jealous AL.

And you can really feel that on the trail. The Jealous AL knows nothing of sluggish starts or sweat-soaked climbs. The agility displayed by the bike is something you’d usually only expect from the higher-priced echelons.

The riding position on this bike isn’t overly aggressive. Even without spending hours in the saddle, your ride won’t end with a slipped disc. In sync with the bike’s strong propulsion is the handlebar lever for locking out the suspension. For fast or extended rides on mild trails, there’s nothing to fault with this bike. It’s a true pleasure to ride.

However, if you’re looking to tackle more challenging singletracks, the fixed seatpost limits the bike’s potential. You can manually drop the saddle quickly with a flick of the quick-release lever, but it’s not worth the hassle for short descents.

Riders accustomed to a dropper post will find themselves instinctively reaching for the lever at the start of a trail with this bike, only to realize they’re grasping at a remote for a fork lockout instead of the anticipated dropper activation.

The bike’s well-executed geometry, sensitive suspension fork, and powerful brakes barely reach their full potential with a sky-high saddle in the descents.

Tires measuring 2.25 inches on rims with a 25-millimeter internal width come across narrower than those on some competitors, which you’ll notice on the edge during steep descents, but it barely dents the overall ride enjoyment. A dropper post, however, would be the top upgrade tip for this bike.

Radon’s lineup also includes Jealous AL models that come stock with a dropper post.

And of course, we have also prepared the pricier Radon Jealous Carbon models for you in our comprehensive market overview.

Our innovative test system allows us not just to review individual bikes, but to take a look at the entire model family, showcasing all the Radon Jealous variants. Moreover, in our buyer’s guide, we provide invaluable advice on sizing and answer questions that are particularly important for beginners.