Radon Jealous 70 (2017): Your Ultimate Trail Bike Guide

Hey guys, let's dive deep into the awesome world of the Radon Jealous 70 from 2017! If you're on the hunt for a seriously capable hardtail that can tackle just about anything you throw at it on the trails, you've come to the right place. This bike isn't just about looking good; it's built to perform, offering a killer blend of climbing prowess and descending fun that often gets overlooked in the hardtail category. We're talking about a machine that's designed to inspire confidence, whether you're grinding your way up a steep fire road or getting rowdy on some technical singletrack. The Jealous series from Radon has always been a bit of a hidden gem, offering a bang-for-your-buck ratio that's hard to beat, and the 2017 Jealous 70 is no exception. It embodies that spirit of adventure and capability that makes mountain biking so addictive. So, buckle up, because we're about to unpack everything you need to know about this fantastic trail slayer. We'll cover its geometry, components, how it rides, and who it's perfect for. Get ready to get jealous!

Geometry That Means Business

When we talk about the Radon Jealous 70 (2017), the first thing that really stands out is its geometry. This isn't your grandpa's XC bike; Radon designed this bad boy with modern trail riding in mind. Think slacker head tube angles, a longer reach, and a steeper seat tube angle. What does all this mean for you, the rider? It translates to a bike that feels incredibly stable and planted when you're bombing down descents, even on chunky, technical terrain. The slacker head angle gives you more confidence to point it downhill, as it effectively increases the fork's offset and slackens the angle even further when the suspension compresses. This makes the bike less likely to dive or get deflected by obstacles. The longer reach provides a more centered riding position, giving you better control and allowing for more body English to maneuver around obstacles. It also means you won't feel cramped on the bike, even on longer rides. And that steeper seat tube angle? It's a game-changer for climbing. It shifts your weight forward, putting you in a more efficient pedaling position, making those lung-busting climbs feel a little less painful. It helps you keep the front wheel planted on steep ascents, which is crucial for maintaining momentum. The bottom bracket height is usually well-balanced – not too high to feel tippy, and not so low that you're constantly smashing pedals on rocks and roots. Overall, the geometry of the Jealous 70 (2017) is a masterful blend of aggressive trail characteristics and efficient climbing, making it a versatile weapon for all sorts of adventures. It’s a hardtail that punches well above its weight class, offering stability and confidence that rivals some full-suspension bikes, all while keeping the simplicity and efficiency of a hardtail.

Component Breakdown: What Makes It Tick?

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the Radon Jealous 70 (2017) – the components! This is where Radon really shines, packing in some seriously high-quality parts that you'd typically find on much more expensive bikes. Up front, you're likely looking at a top-tier suspension fork, probably from RockShox or Fox, with around 120mm to 140mm of travel. This amount of travel is perfect for soaking up trail chatter and bigger hits, giving you plush comfort and control. We're talking about forks with features like lockout for efficient climbing and rebound adjustment to fine-tune the suspension's response. For the drivetrain, expect a reliable and smooth-shifting 1x setup, probably a Shimano Deore or SRAM NX/GX level, featuring a wide-range cassette. This means you've got plenty of gears to spin up steep climbs without sacrificing chain retention on the descents. The simplicity of a 1x system also means less maintenance and less to worry about when you're deep in the woods. Braking is handled by powerful hydraulic disc brakes, likely from Shimano or SRAM, with decent-sized rotors. These brakes offer excellent stopping power and modulation, giving you the confidence to brake later and harder, which is crucial for high-speed descents and unexpected obstacles. The wheels are usually a solid, durable set, often tubeless-ready, which is a huge bonus. Tubeless setups allow you to run lower tire pressures for better grip and comfort, while also significantly reducing the risk of pinch flats. The tires themselves are typically aggressive, designed to provide ample traction in a variety of conditions. Finishing kit, like the handlebars, stem, and seatpost, are usually from reputable brands, offering good ergonomics and durability. Many models even come with a dropper seatpost, which is a massive upgrade for trail riding, allowing you to instantly lower your saddle for descents and technical sections, giving you more freedom of movement and confidence. The Jealous 70 (2017) is spec'd to be ready to ride straight out of the box, with no immediate need for upgrades, which is a huge plus for anyone looking for value.

How Does It Ride? The Trail Experience

So, how does the Radon Jealous 70 (2017) actually feel when you're out on the trail, guys? This is where all that geometry and those sweet components come together to create a truly exhilarating riding experience. Climbing on this bike is surprisingly efficient. Despite its trail-oriented geometry, the steeper seat tube angle and the responsive suspension fork allow you to power up climbs without feeling like you're fighting the bike. The 1x drivetrain provides a good range of gears, so you can find a comfortable cadence even on the steepest ascents. The front end stays planted, and you feel well-positioned to tackle technical climbs that might have you walking a lesser bike. But let's be real, the Jealous 70 truly shines when you point it downhill. The slack head angle and longer wheelbase give you a feeling of stability that's just incredible. You can charge into rough sections with confidence, knowing the bike will track true and absorb impacts. It feels planted and secure, encouraging you to push your limits. The suspension fork does a fantastic job of smoothing out the trail, preventing your hands and arms from getting beat up. When the trail gets twisty, the bike feels agile enough to flick through berms and navigate tight switchbacks, thanks to its well-balanced handling. The grippy tires and powerful brakes inspire confidence, allowing you to carry speed and brake later. It strikes a fantastic balance between being playful and stable. You can easily pop off roots and rocks, manual over obstacles, or lean it hard into corners. It's the kind of bike that makes you want to explore further and ride faster. The simplicity of a hardtail means you get great feedback from the trail, really connecting you to the ride. For anyone looking for a hardtail that offers a massive amount of fun and capability without breaking the bank, the Radon Jealous 70 (2017) is an absolute winner. It's a bike that will put a smile on your face with every pedal stroke and every descent.

Who Is This Bike For?

Alright, let's talk about who the Radon Jealous 70 (2017) is the perfect steed for. This bike is a fantastic option for the aggressive trail rider who loves the simplicity, efficiency, and direct feedback of a hardtail, but wants a bike that can still handle some serious abuse. If you're someone who enjoys exploring singletrack, hitting local flow trails, and maybe even dabbling in some enduro-style riding, this bike will not disappoint. It’s ideal for riders who appreciate a great value proposition. Radon is known for packing a lot of performance into their bikes without the hefty price tag, and the Jealous 70 (2017) is a prime example. You get high-end components and modern geometry that make it competitive with bikes costing significantly more. For riders looking to upgrade from an older XC hardtail or a more basic trail bike, the Jealous 70 offers a significant leap in capability and confidence. It’s also a great choice for riders who might not have the budget for a full-suspension bike but still want a capable machine for challenging terrain. The learning curve is minimal, especially if you're already familiar with mountain biking. The bike encourages you to improve your riding skills, as it rewards good technique and line choice. It's not just for the hardcore riders, though. Even if you're a more intermediate rider looking to progress and push your boundaries, the stability and confidence-inspiring nature of this bike will help you build skills and tackle tougher trails. Essentially, if you're looking for a versatile, fun, and incredibly capable hardtail that offers exceptional performance for its price point, the Radon Jealous 70 (2017) should definitely be on your radar. It's a bike that's ready for adventure right out of the box, begging you to explore your local trails and beyond.

Final Thoughts on the Jealous 70

To wrap things up, the Radon Jealous 70 (2017) is, without a doubt, a standout hardtail that offers incredible performance for its price. It brilliantly merges modern, aggressive trail geometry with a component spec that punches well above its weight. Whether you're an experienced rider looking for a no-nonsense trail machine or an intermediate rider aiming to step up your game, this bike provides the confidence and capability to tackle a wide range of terrain. The stability on descents, the surprising efficiency on climbs, and the overall fun factor make it a truly compelling package. It’s a testament to Radon’s philosophy of delivering maximum performance and value. If you're in the market for a used hardtail that can handle everything from flowy singletrack to more challenging descents, the 2017 Radon Jealous 70 is a seriously strong contender that deserves your attention. Happy trails, guys!