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Pro Bike Check: James Shirley’s Factory Radon Slide 160

James Shirley rides for the Radon Factory Enduro Team and has been focusing on a European based racing campaign this year, racing at the likes of the EES, Specialized SRAM Series, Trans Savoie and selected rounds of EWS. Despite a front puncture on the first stage James battled back up to finish in 57th place, we caught up with James to check out his factory Radon Slide 160.

James and his Slide 160 on the beach of Finale Ligure.
James and his Slide 160 on the beach of Finale Ligure.
The Factory Radon Slide 160, lets have a closer look and get into the details...
The Factory Radon Slide 160, lets have a closer look and get into the details…
First up is James's suspension set up. Up front he is using Manitou's Mattoc fork.
First up is James’s suspension set up. Up front he is using Manitou’s Mattoc fork.
On the back is a Manitou Swinger with a +1 degree shock hardware on both ends.
On the back is a Manitou Swinger with a +1 degree shock hardware on both ends.
The wheel set is a pair of DT Swiss EX1501.
The wheel set is a pair of DT Swiss EX1501.
On the DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline rims is a Continental Der Kaiser 2.4 on the back and a Der Baron 2.4 on the front.
On the DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline rims is a Continental Der Kaiser 2.4 on the back and a Der Baron 2.4 on the front.
The cockpit is kited out in Answer components. James uses a ATAC AME 50mm stem with a 0 degree rise, with a stack height of 14mm under the stem and 10mm above it. The bars are a SL Pro Taper Carbon with a length of 750mm and 10mm rise.
The cockpit is kited out in Answer components. James uses a ATAC AME 50mm stem with a 0 degree rise, with a stack height of 14mm under the stem and 10mm above it. The bars are a SL Pro Taper Carbon with a length of 750mm and 10mm rise.
Shifting is kept neat by a SRAM XX1 drivetrain.
Shifting is kept neat by a SRAM XX1 drivetrain.
James uses Answer lock on grips with the outer clamp removed.
James uses Answer lock on grips with the outer clamp removed.
Magura MT7's deliver the stopping power, James runs a 203mm rotor on the front and a 180mm on the back.
Magura MT7’s deliver the stopping power, James runs a 203mm rotor on the front and a 180mm on the back.
The drive train is kited out fully with SRAM XX1 (apart from the Shimano XT Trail pedals), James runs the 170mm cranks with a 32T and a CarboCage chain guide for extra security.
The drive train is kited out fully with SRAM XX1 (apart from the Shimano XT Trail pedals), James runs the 170mm cranks with a 32T and a CarboCage chain guide for extra security.
The 11 speed drive train with a 32T chain ring gives James the range he needs for everything from long Finale liaisons to flat out racing down 'Mens downhill'.
The 11 speed drive train with a 32T chain ring gives James the range he needs for everything from long Finale liaisons to flat out racing down the ‘Mens downhill’ stage.
'Jamesy Boy' has had a long summer on the road in Europe and will be looking forward to getting back home to Scotland!
‘Jamesy Boy’ has had a long summer on the road in Europe and will be looking forward to getting back home to Scotland!

For more information on James’s bike head over to Radon-Bikes.com

Words & Photos: Ross Bell

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