ENDURO Long-term Test 2014: The Mondraker Foxy XR

30.05.2014
by

Mondraker presented the new Foxy for 2015 just a couple of weeks ago. Without a doubt the Foxy is one of the most interesting bikes on the market, the geometry, the design, the components; it’s extraordinary in every way. Test-rider Ruben has some good plans for this season; it’s time to introduce the bike and its test-rider.

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Hooray!

The number of mountainbikes on the market grew exponentially over the past decade and I would consider the percentage of good bikes very high. When you go to your local bike-shop and spend your savings on a new ride, you will get something good. It’s more a question of size, riding style and the price range, but luckily enough it gets harder to buy something really bad. The reason for this is the evolution of trail/enduro bikes over the years; frame-geometries tend to be the same, suspension-systems just work and the choice in components concentrates on only a few brands. Bikes that simply work and will give you a good time are everywhere, but in the flood of these products there are also always some that are different. The Mondraker Foxy, without a doubt, is one of these rare, different bikes.

The Mondraker features the ‘Fast-Forward-Geometry’ and comes with a completely new edgy frame-design. You have to imagine how brave the guys from Spain are, it’s a big risk; they stand up from the mainstream of products and say: ‘we do it different, we do it better’. Well, we will see what time will tell us, but first a little hooray for being different!

What makes the Foxy XR so extraordinary is the overall package beginning with the geometry. The top-tube of the frame is approx. 30-40mm longer than the competition; therefor the stem is very short. In theory the reach doesn’t get affected and the wheelbase gets longer. Also, the Foxy has a steep seat-angle and a slack head-angle, both contributing to an even longer wheelbase. The test-bike is a size large with a wheelbase of 1220mm, which is more than an average downhill bike. So in summary, the bike is long, with a big O.

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Design

When it comes to design, I like to compare it with wine. There are two discussions, ‘is it good?’ and ‘do you like it?’. The second is 100% subjective, but the first is not. Massimo Vignelli once said: “We like design to be visually powerful, intellectually elegant, and above all timeless”. The design of the Mondraker Foxy frame is consistent, has a sharp, fast, and functional look. Except for the triangle in the front of the frame, everything looks like it has a purpose. From a design point-of-view the Foxy shares quiet a bit with the Ghost AMR Riot. The complete front and rear triangles are made of carbon fibre, the linkage-parts of aluminum.

enduro mountainbike magazin mondraker foxy xr 2015 fox float 2015 reviewed longterm test team tested-9b

Components

6999 euros give a lot of space for good components, the Foxy has some tasty parts on it.

The drivetrain is a full Sram XX1 group with a rather small 30t chainring. The wheels are some pimp-looking Crankbrothers with Maxxis Ardent rubbers.
The drivetrain is a full Sram XX1 group with a rather small 30t chainring. The 27.5″ wheels are some pimp-looking Crankbrothers with Maxxis Ardent rubbers.
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30mm stem and 740mm handlebar
30mm stem and 740mm handlebar
Fox 2015 suspension with 140mm of travel in back and 160 in the front. The 34 Talas forks can be lowered down to 140 on the run. The CTD modes of both the fork, as well as the shock, are adjustable with one lever on the bars.
Fox 2015 suspension with 140mm of travel in back and 160 in the front. The 34 Talas forks can be lowered down to 140 on the run. The CTD modes of both the fork, as well as the shock, are adjustable with one lever on the bars..

The testrider

My name is Ruben Torenbeek, born in 1989 in the Netherlands and living in Germany since 2009. I’m an engineer and previously worked for a well-known ‘German Bicycle Technology’-brand. In the past I competed in all kinds of bike-disciplines, trials for a long time, downhill for a couple of years, but for this season I plan to just spend a lot of time on my bikes. No goals, no aims, just an overdose of enduro riding with friends, on home-trails and in the mountains. I will also use the Foxy for three Trans-alps, where I will be guiding. I think I can say I developed quiet an aggressive style of riding and am stoked to use the Mondraker this season!

enduro mountainbike magazin mondraker foxy xr 2015 fox float 2015 reviewed longterm test team tested-6b

You can follow our experiences with the Mondraker – and all other longterm testbikes – in our interactive timeline: Including broken parts, tuning modifications and everyday-impressions, but also all the great stories we experienced with our bikes – you should swing by regularly!

Year of birth: 1989 | Biking since: 2001 | Size: 182cm | Weight: 70kg | Job: Testrider at ENDURO & Engineer | @Strava

Text: Ruben Torenbeek | Photos: Christoph Bayer & Robin Schmitt

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