The new 2022 RADON DEFT 9.0 eMTB is built for the steepest and toughest descents. It has the latest Bosch intelligent system motor, 750 watt-hour battery and reasonable parts. It's all based on a carbon front triangle and an aluminum rear that offers a massive 170mm of travel. All this costs only 5,999 euros.

The RADON DEFT is very similar to the smaller RENDER, offering 160mm in the front and 140mm in the rear. Instead of the smaller 625 watt-hour battery of the previous Bosch generation, the new DEFT is exclusively available with a 750 watt-hour battery with the Bosch Smart System. The DEFT range starts at just €5,199, making it one of the most affordable long-travel eMTBs on the market.

New RADON DEFT 9.0 2022 with details

Previously, RADON's full-suspension eMTB lineup consisted of just one model, the RADON RENDER, but that's set to change this year. RADON is expanding its portfolio with a long-running spin-off, DEFT. And the lineage of the RADON eMTB is no guesswork: As the new RADON RENDER was introduced in mid-January, the RADON DEFT shock runs parallel to the top tube. It has a carbon front triangle paired with an aluminum rear. One of the distinctive design elements of the new DEFT is the brace that wraps around the top tube and protrudes about half a centimeter. There is a kink in the seat tube below the suspension mount that limits the depth of seat post placement. Spoiler: All frame sizes have a 150mm dropper. There are almost no cable ports on the front of the Carbon. Instead, cables are routed directly from the handlebars through the Acros headset into the frame.

Cables are routed from the outside in the aluminum rear and are tied with cable ties, looking a little smoother than the front. The RADON weighs 24.7kg in the L size, thanks in part to the lightweight carbon front triangle.

The battery cover hooks onto a screw at the top and is held in place by a rubber tab at the bottom. Thanks to a rubber seal around the rim, it sits tight and doesn't make noise. The standard Bosch lock is hidden under the cover, which keeps the frame clean and shiny. Despite the new carbon frame, the new DEFT 9.0 is unlikely to go down as a style icon in eMTB history. The frame is functional, the motor and battery are well integrated, but the rear end looks messy and they still use magnets on the rotor. This requires a wired sensor attached to the rear end, but Bosch already has a wireless option that measures wheel circumference using a magnet on the valve.

RADON DEFT 9.0 test bike components 

The components of our RADON DEFT 9.0 test bike are sensibly designed for maximum performance. Apart from the rear tire, the components of our test bike are available. The FOX Performance Elite suspension on the flagship RADON DEFT 10.0 consists of a FOX 38 fork and a FLOAT X shock that offers extensive adjustability. The only difference between these models and the more expensive Factory models is the Kashima gold coating. A SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain spins the wheels and provides reliable shifting through the eMTB-optimized one-click shifter. For stopping, you get a set of Magura MT 5 brakes with 200mm rotors front and rear. They are powerful and easily adjustable. Heavy, fast riders benefit from a larger 220mm rotor up front – standard on the flagship model anyway. Make sure you stay rubber side down MAXXIS ASSEGAI in the front and DHR II in the rear. Our test bike was equipped with an unusual combination, which paired the stronger EXO body up front with the weaker EXO casing in the rear. Fortunately, both tires will feature EXO tread on production models. In this case, heavy, fast riders should consider upgrading and resort to the thicker Doubledown coating instead. As a result, you can run lower tire pressures with the same puncture protection and get more traction!

Radom DEFT 9.0
€5999

Technical specifications
of Bosch Performance Line CX Gen4 engine,
Bosch Power Tube battery 750 W,
LED control display, Bosch / Bosch Kiox 300
Fork Fox 38 Performance Elite, FIT GRIP2, E-Tuned 170 mm
Rear Shock Fox Float X Performance Elite 170 mm
Seatpost RADON Competition Brake Dropper
Magura MT5 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle 1x12
Stem Race Face Turbine R 35 mm
Handlebar Race Face Turbine R 780 mm
Wheels SUNringl� D�roc SD37 Expert 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI EXO / MINION DHR II EXO 2.5"/2.4"

Technical data
Size ML XL
Weight 24.71 kg
Perm. Total weight 135 kg
trailer approval number

Other models and availability of RADON DEFT

In addition to the experimental RADON DEFT 9.0, you will also receive RADON DEFT 8.0 and the flagship RADON DEFT 10.0. Along with FOX suspension and 8.0 wall tires, different models come with different Bosch Smart System controls.

The entry-level RADON DEFT 8.0, priced at €5,199, forgoes the screen entirely, giving it a clean look. The Bosch handlebar remote shows the battery status and support level via 5 LED strips using different colors, and even without the Kiox display you can pair your smartphone with the bike via Bluetooth. DEFT 9.0 is being tested with a Bosch Kiox 300 display. Both models will be available from July.

Conclusion about the new RADON DEFT 9.0 2022

The RADON DEFT has made a successful debut: it's a capable eMTB for gravity-oriented riders who like to use long suspension. This bike thrives more on shaped tracks with berms and jumps. Not only does it do on the descents, but it also gets you back to the top without complaint. If you don't mind external cable routing in the aluminum rear end, you're getting a bike with the latest Bosch technology and quality parts at a fair price.

Author and translator: Ali Asghar Alizadeh

 Source: ebike-mtb.com