Spotted: Radon's Revised Slide 160 Carbon

Feb 9, 2017
by Mike Kazimer  
Radon Slide 160

It looks like Radon are working on an updated version of their carbon Slide 160 - a few photos of the new frame shape were recently sent our way. Like its predecessor, the bike still uses a Horst Link suspension design, but the chainstay and seatstay pivots have been designed so that they appear flush with the frame, a look that brings to mind the appearance of the current Rocky Mountain Slayer. The top tube shape has also been altered - the way that the tube splits before joining the seat tube gives it a very unique look.

The Slide's rear shock is now affixed to the swingarm with a trunnion mount, usually a clear indicator that a metric sized damper is being used. There are rumored to be versions in the works for both 27.5" and 29" wheels, although final details have yet to be announced.

Radon Slide 160
The frame has a very angular shape, a change from the curves found on the current version.
Radon Slide 160
It's not entirely clear whether this is an unpainted carbon frame or a non-rideable rapid prototype, but there's something about the raw finish that makes the bike look extra stealthy.


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Radon Bikes


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138 Comments
  • 213 0
 We likes it RAW and WRIGGLING
  • 21 0
 ^^^^^ Love it!
  • 38 0
 Loud slurping noises**
  • 19 0
 keep your nasssty chips
  • 16 2
 Holy Shit that thing looks stealth ! and a water bottle cage mount YAY !

Is it going to be available in North America is the real question ???
  • 28 0
 Shimmy shimmy Ya...Oh baby I like it raw!!! ...
  • 9 20
flag dingus (Feb 9, 2017 at 14:30) (Below Threshold)
 "Ooh Precious we likes it raw. Ooh Precious we likes it raaaaw!"
  • 4 1
 @Flysmile: ol dirt dawg aka baby Jesus
  • 12 1
 Reminds me of the blackbird fighter jet that was decommissioned a while ago
  • 2 0
 @Scotj009: sr71 blackbird was a recon plane not a fighter, but i get your point.
  • 1 0
 @stumpymidget: lol ok fair enough Smile , pretty sure there was a fighter with a similar theme as well wasn't there?
  • 1 0
 @Scotj009: yeah, f117 nighthawk.
  • 95 3
 For the love of god, please dont paint it, it looks awesome just like that.
  • 16 0
 I feel like even putting round wheels on it would be sacrilegious..
  • 10 3
 Will be painted with typical euro/german colors. As usual.
  • 3 0
 @therealtylerdurden: hahaha that's EXACTLY what I told myself yesterday! But I think an industry 9 wheelset would still be nice! All blue or black with silver hubs! MMmmmm!! Big Grin
  • 3 0
 @Timo82: I9's would at least do a bike like this proud! Big Grin
  • 3 2
 @fracasnoxteam: Sorry but i ve never seen a radon bike painted with euro/german colours Big Grin And also not a single one of they re 2017 modells is painted like that!
  • 59 1
 totally looks like a f117 nighthawk, just sayin'
  • 21 34
flag parallaxid (Feb 9, 2017 at 16:31) (Below Threshold)
 a completely obsolete plane that was barely useful?
  • 45 0
 @parallaxid: doesn't mean it wasn't cool looking.
  • 15 1
 @parallaxid: I'm curious why you'd say that. The F-117 was in service for 25 years and had an excellent combat record.
  • 5 3
 @Powderface: f*cking a. I'm curious as to why his comment has so many props.. Idiots abound these days, eh?
  • 17 2
 @Powderface: How about that time that one of them crashed in the desert but they lost the nuclear warheads and one detonated in a mine underground but the other was later found after a train crash where it was meant to be detonated by terrorists? I've DEFINITELY seen a 108 minute documentary about it....
  • 4 1
 The batbike guys, they plan on doing a mtb action scene in the next Batman Movie
  • 2 0
 @bigtim: I thought it was only one warhead, and the terrorists divided it in 2 parts to give the detonations a nuclear signature. I recall the documentary, and I believe a British secret agent and an uncharacteristically beautiful nuclear physicist joined forces to uncover the scheme.
  • 4 0
 @bigtim: It was a B2, good documentry through.
  • 2 0
 @bigtim: BROKEN ARROW PEOPLE- FICTION- LOL he joshed all yall
  • 1 0
 @logic007: Lol that was a good movie.
  • 35 0
 So this thing doesn't show up on radar, right?
  • 71 0
 As long as it doesn't show up on the credit card bill, that's all I care about.
  • 6 0
 @Mfro: I wish I could prop you more!!
  • 2 0
 @Mfro: it's direct sales, your credit card will be happy Wink
  • 1 0
 "Yeah, i'm KOM on all my local trails, but it doesn't show up on Strava because I ride a Radon..."
  • 32 0
 Does it count as "Spotted" if Radon sent you guys photos? Usually you reserve the "Spotted" title for spy shots at races, parks, etc...
  • 6 0
 These are actually spy photos of @mikekazimer 's computer screen shot through the office window...
  • 1 0
 Thought the same thing. Maybe go with Leaked instead of spotted?
  • 52 30
 Somebody get this frame designer some sandpaper to round out these hard edges. The frame has a good 'stance' but is too brutal in execution, bordering on crude. Carbon fiber doesn't like hard angular edges. Neither do the finishers of carbon fiber bikes. Someone has to push the fabric into the edges of the mold, and then take pains to not sand off the edges when finishing the surface. Those double-tubes at the TT/ST junction and again at the ST/BB area seem like gratuitous mud catchers, unless there's some secret SWAT gear to stash. Splitting the TT in that manner adds weight and complexity without much gains in strength.
  • 16 5
 Are people down voting this guy because they disagree with his criticism or because he is not joining in with the gushing? Bike looks really nice but doesn't twozerosix make some points?
  • 21 7
 @johnnygrosso: I think because its easier to push a 'like' or 'dislike' button than formulate coherent thoughts.
  • 6 3
 Agreed with @twozerosix all other styling things aside, this is about as bad of a designed use for carbon as you can come up with. All the sharp ridges and peaks, and the pointy 90 degree edges at the end of the members.. add nothing but weight and cost to the design yet no strength increases at all.
  • 18 2
 As a guy that works with carbon fiber (among other composite materials) I could not agree more. That being said I am pretty sure this is not a carbon bike rather, a 3d printed product of some sort.
  • 8 1
 chill
  • 7 1
 @Smokewag0n: definitely a rapid prototype used to scope out some style cues. I won't be surprised to see the actual frame with toned down lines and edges.
  • 3 3
 @johnnygrosso: he did, until you cried about it
  • 8 1
 @bogey: So this is a free customer focus group on Radions new free look before they commit to molds? Leak photo of the styling model to PB and see the reaction!
  • 3 2
 @Wouldhaveletmego: he made valid points, people down voted, i questioned that, you posted a comment...
  • 2 0
 @Mojo348: yeah, valuable feedback for the design team if there's still time before final tools are cut.
Looking at their other bikes there are design cues in common between this model and others, especially that carbon hardtail. But what's odd about this prototype is the hard edge lines...which is why I thought it was a machined model. Tool builders might want to use a 1/8" ball end mill to create the molds, which will create the softer radii on the edges.
  • 2 0
 "Carbon fiber doesn't like hard angular edges. " Yeah, absolutely right. And those edges won't like rock strikes. I can't think of any benefit from them aside from looks.
  • 22 1
 #keepitraw
  • 24 2
 #thatswhatshesaid
  • 19 1
 #unlessitschickenthenrawisbad
  • 14 1
 Spotted; hilarious, as in at their R&D center?
  • 21 1
 "Spotted on my morning walk through Radon HQ."
  • 2 0
 Spotted the email that Radon sent them with this photo attached.
  • 14 3
 Where is the guy from a while ago who said Radon buy chinese catalogue frames . . . .
  • 13 3
 3d printed likely
  • 4 0
 Looks a lot more like rapid prototyping than carbon fiber, especially where the rear suspension triangle meets the frame. It's square instead of being rounded. But anyway, really food looking frame. The F117 of bikes in terms of looks.
  • 1 1
 I meant good looking
  • 5 1
 This thing looks wicked... like an old school lambo! If I was a kid I would have a poster of this bad boy on my wall and it would be RAD!!
  • 6 0
 Best looking frame I think I've seen yet.
  • 3 0
 Looking at frame progression.. Forks are going to have to get a bit wider in the future. Even now I don't see how people like those narrow boxxers. My 40s are tight on my M16c.
  • 2 0
 Looks amazing!

Hope their doing a raw version!

I'm not sure about a 29'' Enduro cause the dropped the 29'' trailbike in favour of a 27,5+ for this season and ther chief engineer Bodo Probst is no big fan of 29'' enduros!

But maybe Mr. Stahl (CEO) persuaded him on building it.

But what only drawback with will surely be there is that with most 'forwarder brands' the reaches are quite short. Only the Strive CF Race XL has a modern long and slack geometry. But this is a thing of personal preferences so i think we have to wait and see.

The old Slide Carbon 160 was never a fully hardcore enduro to ride on the heaviest on trail. More a allrounder which struggled a bit when it came to really rocky sections!
  • 2 0
 Do you feel better now?
  • 5 2
 Looks far stiffer than the SWOOP 200. Hopefully their DH bike will just look like a bigger version of this because this thing is awesome!
  • 10 9
 I don't know anything about carbon, but this does not look raw to me at all (which doesn't mean I don't like that finish). I am not even sure it is carbon : maybe it's just a prototype manufactured just to see if everything fits ? But then again I don't know anything about carbon...
This is raw carbon : pbs.twimg.com/media/CcC8AVTWEAAHTN5.jpg
  • 14 1
 It very well may be a rapid prototype - it's hard to tell. There are also different types of carbon construction. Some use a woven pattern, like you referenced in that photo, and others are unidirectional, which results in a matte finish without any visible patterns.
  • 7 0
 That is one type of raw carbon weave, probably 1x1 or 2x2. The Radon is another, which looks like Unidirectional. There are many different types of carbon weave available!
  • 2 0
 My first reaction also. Thought it was a CNC'd foam model. Could be the unidirectional material with extensive sanding overall.
  • 11 1
 its graphene bro
  • 4 0
 @mikekazimer: with unidirectional carbon you can still see different layers (at the junctions). I'd say this is a rapid prototype, too. the BB area and pivots seem rather imprecise...
  • 1 1
 Have a look on my profile at the evil undead that's raw carbon unidirectional, it looks kind of dirty in the sun but so nice
  • 1 1
 That is one type of raw carbon. there are many.
  • 6 0
 It's pencil lead carbon..., I'll see myself out
  • 14 1
 "I don't know anything about carbon."

Nailed it bro.
  • 1 0
 Not necessarily. Other responses have suggested UD carbon, but it could also be carbon veil over uni or twill. It could also be a matte paint coat over otherwise not so pretty carbon.... I vote for a mockup, hand finished and prepped for paint.
  • 1 1
 @jdb06: haha Ye! Radon are like CF is so last century. Graphene bro! Carrys volts 6000 times as fast!! Pencil it in Brah!
  • 2 0
 @gaffney92: graphene with nanotubes. double helix. single crystal construction, grown in a cryogenic chamber.
  • 2 0
 I know it's a prototype and the finish is down to the material used... but mimic that finish on the production bikes with matt black graphics and the Pinkbike will comments section will look like money.
  • 4 1
 that frame seems to have a look all its own, which is impressive now a days.
  • 4 0
 After the Batmobile, the BatBike !!! Damn it looks sick !!!!!
  • 3 0
 Never saw a bike as sexy as that!!!!!!! BatBike like you said!! Don't know how it rides but...i NEED it!! lol
  • 4 0
 Paint would ruin this.
  • 3 0
 Mad Max approves. That's badass.
  • 3 0
 Hm. Radon doesn't ship to Canada. Neither does Canyon. Hm.
  • 5 0
 If I'm right, Radon are pretty cheap. I'm supposed to go to Switzerland this summer, maybe I could buy it there and came baack with it!!! Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Me thinks it be square, me thinks it be special. Me WANTS to try it my Precious!
  • 3 0
 this one. work of art
  • 1 0
 That's epoxy tooling block. It's usually green or pink but depends on the formulation
  • 2 0
 that looks so good all squared up
  • 2 0
 Taking Stealth to the next level.
  • 2 0
 oh ya big travel 29er , nice
  • 1 0
 I hope it's an unrideable proto, simply because I can't believe it's being clamped in a stand like that.....
  • 1 0
 Love the color, or i guess lack of color. Wish I could get a finished bike looking like that.
  • 3 0
 No 26"?
  • 1 0
 That's a pretty sick looking frame. My advice is please keep the graphics simple.
  • 2 0
 Geometrical edges. I love geometrical edges. Stealth fighter jet like.
  • 2 0
 The Master Chief would ride this bike
  • 1 0
 This looks awesome! Liking the squares edges and sharp angles over the industry standard flowy and curvy!
  • 1 0
 Looks awesome! Now please, Radon, DON'T FUCK UP THE PAINT JOB! THIS ONE TIME!
  • 1 0
 looks pretty sweet, sexy top tube
  • 3 1
 Ready for lift off!
  • 2 1
 dig the hidden look of the fsr chainstay link
  • 1 0
 I would have let it like this ! love it ! I like the competition ! Smile
  • 1 0
 that actually looks pretty sick
  • 1 0
 very beautiful lines looks light
  • 2 0
 I want this now!
  • 1 0
 Finally! some of the tech from Roswell New Mexico has made it into MTBs.
  • 1 0
 please... the same design for the swoop 170!
  • 1 0
 first aid kit looks also nice
  • 1 0
 OOOOh baby I like it raaaaaw
  • 1 0
 It's a beast raaaaw it's all covert ops #splintercell
  • 1 0
 Wow moma your raw ops that's raw lol.
  • 1 1
 cube front end, canyon rear
  • 1 0
 Whoooaaaaaa!!!!!
  • 1 0
 ARMY STYLE!!! NICE!!!!
  • 1 0
 Keep it raw
  • 1 0
 Fuck that looks nice
  • 1 0
 So stealthy
  • 1 0
 Take my money..
  • 1 0
 looks like a tank
  • 1 1
 looks like it was made out of foam
  • 1 0
 Remedy....
  • 1 0
 Low poly mtb
  • 1 0
 Dope AF.
  • 1 0
 i like that a lot.
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