Mondraker 2016 – plus-size tyres, revamps, all-new Dune Carbon
Despite having a decade and a half of experience in the bike world, the Spanish company Mondraker show no sign of slowing down. For 2016 they’ve not only tweaked and honed their current collection and introduced plus-size tyres for various models, they’ve also launched a brand new carbon version of their enduro-specific, race-focused Dune as well as kids versions of the Panzer fat-bike. Here’s all you need to know.
The enduro race-orientated Dune now in carbon
After 2014 saw the Foxy Carbon emerge onto the market, and 2015 heralded the Summum Carbon, the Dune has now crept out in carbon, coming in four sizes and three different build specs: XR, RR and R. The Dune Carbon’s frame weighs in at 2,450g (minus the damper), with the entire bike now weighing in at 12.9kg, or 12.6kg.
Unlike its aluminium counterpart, the 160mm-travel race-ready bike has seen slight alterations to its geometry, and each of the three available models has become a little longer. Thanks to its 170mm forks, the sinfully expensive top-of-the-range XR model has geometry that just begs for racing, with 12mm extra on its wheelbase and a head angle that’s slackened to 66°. This model also comes with the ‘Adjustable Geometry Kit’, which allows the chainstay length to be altered from 430 to 440mm with the flipchip, and the head angle has ±1° options with headset cups. If you only opt for the frame kit, then you can purchase these additionally. Like all of Mondraker’s carbon bikes, the Dune Carbon comes solely with internally routed cables. The carbon chainring/bottom bracket protector is an entirely new feature for 2016. We’ve summed up all the information on the bike in an article you can find here.
Plus-size tyres and a revamp of the Crafty and Vantage
Plus-size tyres are making their entrance in Mondraker’s repertoire in 2016, as the 140mm full-suspension Craft will now only be available with 27.5+ tyres. These consist of the brand’s own 40mm rims and 3″ Maxxis tyres as well as suitable plus-size forks from FOX. This bike has now been reduced to just two build specs (R+ and RR+). The RR+ models features FOX 34 FLOAT 27.5+ forks, a FLOAT X LV EVOL damper also from FOX, an 11x Shimano drivetrain and Mondraker’s own 40mm rims.
When it came to the Vantage hardtail with 140mm forks, Mondraker had a rethink: from the former 27.5″ model with 2.4″ tyres, now just the two cheaper models, the Vantage and the Vantage R, remain. But, as compensation, the collection will also be broadened to include the same plus-size tyre and rim combo as the Crafty (R+ and RR+).
TLC for the Foxy and Summum
In terms of technology, Mondraker’s bestseller, the Foxy, stays the same for 2016, although its image has been significantly upgraded and the spec of all the bikes has been revised. The Foxy Carbon XR 2016 will feature SRAM Guide RSC brakes instead of the previous Formular R1 brakes, and DT Swiss XM1501 wheels instead of the more eye-catching Crankbrothers hoops.
Mondraker’s downhill bike, the Summum, is virtually unchanged apart from its refreshed colourways and updated spec. The aluminium version of the Summum Pro Team has been cut from the range though, and the bike will now only come in the two cheaper builds.
More choice for the kids
Now the kids really have something to get excited about, as Mondraker’s kids collection has significantly grown. The entry-level hardtail Finalist will come in 3 sizes (24″, 20″ and 16″) and any parents with a fat bike in their shed has even more reason to rejoice – the Panzer is going to be out in 2016 in 24″ and 20″ sizes too. Similarly, full suspension fans should applaud Mondraker as the aluminum fully, the Factor, will also come in a 24″ version.
Complete information on the Dune Carbon here, the additional news aren’t yet available on Mondrakers website, but should be there by the end of the year at latest.
Text: Andreas Maschke Photos: PR Mondraker
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