Mondra… who? With the new MONDRAKER ARID CARBON, a respected mountain bike manufacturer is pioneering new ground. Although this is Mondraker’s first foray into the drop-bar-bike arena, the ARID CARBO is not just another off-road renegade – it’s aiming to be a race-ready machine too! So, we brought the ARID CARBON out West, putting it to the test in Arizona’s Badlands to see if it can live up to the calling.
MONDRAKER is a name with a bit of magic behind it, inspired by the comic book magician “Mandrake.” Up till now, the brand from Elche, Spain, has been dedicated to the production of iconic MTB rigs, which are designed to conquer the most brutal trails – their first model back in 2001 was a burly downhill beast. Since then, Mondraker’s range has steadily grown to include enduro, trail, and cross-country models. These Iberian machines are known for their unique “Forward Geometry” concept, consisting of a long wheelbase, long reach, short stem, and slack head angle. Added to that is Mondraker’s signature look, with sharp tube profiles, aggressive lines, and a distinctive triangular “frame window” between the head tube, down tube, and top tube. The latter is as slender and elegant as a wizard’s wand. Mandrake would be proud of it!
You can find the full test at our sister magazine GRAN FONDO.
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Words: Nils Hofmeister Photos: Ivan Marruecos / Nils Hofmeister / Josh Becker
