The RAAW Madonna V2 is one of the most uncompromising enduro bikes on the market and known for its hard-hitting qualities. It’s made for the roughest trails in the world, but is it fast on a race track?
In our introduction of the fastest enduro race bike on test you can’t just find our most interesting findings and our overall conclusion, but a good view on all bikes tested.
The RAAW Madonna V2 was awarded the coveted Best Buy in our last high-end enduro bike group test and we were very curious to see how the aluminium bike would fare against the clock. The aluminium frame is designed for maximum durability with its oversized bearings and despite the ENVE carbon handlebar, MAXXIS Doubledown tires (comparatively light in this test field) and carbon rims, the RAAW is the heaviest bike on test, weighing in at 16.16 kg. Admittedly, the NEWMEN wheels only save a few grams compared to their aluminium counterparts.
The 170 mm FOX 38 Performance Elite fork matches the bike’s stealthy black look perfectly. Controlling the 160 mm of rear travel is FOX’s latest X2 shock. Four-piston XT brakes do stopping duties and Shimano also supply the 12-speed XT drivetrain. A particular highlight is the 212 mm Vecnum NIVO dropper post, which can be inserted all the way into the frame – amazing! The Madonna V2 has bosses on the top tube that allow you to bolt a small bag or spares strap directly to the frame. With different rocker links available, the suspension kinematics of the RAAW can be adapted to suit different rider weights. These are combined with either a 60 or 65 mm stroke shock to offer 160 mm travel at the rear.
Hobby racers will love the externally routed cables. You can easily swap the gear or brake cables if you’re replacing or upgrading components.
The NEWMEN carbon wheels are just 150 g lighter than their aluminium counterparts. That’s not because of particularly hefty carbon rims, but due to the low weight of the aluminium rims.
The FOX 38 hasn’t got any decals but it’s still got all the performance. It’s the most capable fork on test.
Raaw Madonna V2 FOX Factory Custom
€ 5,302
Specifications
Fork FOX 38 Performance Elite Grip2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Performance Elite 160 mm
Seatpost Vencum Nivo mm212
Brakes Shimano XT 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 32 (10-51)
Stem Acros 50 mm
Handlebar Enve M7 35 780 mm
Wheelset Newmen ADVANCED SL A.30
Tires MAXXIS Assegai / Minion DHR II 2.5"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Weight 16.16 kg
Wheelsize 29"
Specific Features
Tool Storage
While the chainstay length of the Madonna V1 was static, the V2 features a flip chip to adapt the length according to your needs.
The Madonna is built to have fun on the trail instead of standing around in the workshop. The extra sealing on the bearings should guarantee long-lasting fun.
Thanks to the short, straight seat tube, the size large Madonna V2 is able to accommodate a 212 mm Vecnum NIVO dropper post. Awesome!
Relaxed uphill, relaxed downhill – the geometry of the RAAW Madonna
The RAAW Madonna was one of the first bikes with a steep effective seat tube angle and most of the competition still lags behind. Thanks to this, the bike climbs significantly better than its weight suggests. RAAW have always prioritised the bike’s balance and this is clearly noticeable in the chainstays, as their length is specific to each frame size. On a size large, they measure 445 mm and are combined with a 480 mm reach. The head angle is slack at 64.5°.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 395 mm | 420 mm | 445 mm | 470 mm |
| Top tube | 573 mm | 596 mm | 617 mm | 645 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 115 mm | 130 mm | 145 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| Seat angle | 71.0° | 72.5° | 74.0° | 74.0° |
| Chainstays | 440 mm | 440 mm | 445 mm | 450 mm |
| BB Drop | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,197 mm | 1,233 mm | 1,269 mm | 1,305 mm |
| Reach | 430 mm | 455 mm | 480 mm | 505 mm |
| Stack | 621 mm | 643 mm | 657 mm | 670 mm |
Jersey DHARCO Gravity Jersey | Pants DHARCO Gravity Pants | Shoes ION Rascal AMP
Stay off the brakes! The RAAW simply irons out the bumps!
Built for speed – the RAAW Madonna V2 on the trail
Before hitting the timed test stage, we always rode a rough trail to get used to the bike and adjust its settings. Aboard the RAAW, we were definitely able to leave the brakes open the longest. The bike is extremely composed and never fails to instil you with confidence. You’re positioned low on the bike, never lacking grip and feeling invincible. Despite its super sensitive suspension, the RAAW doesn’t wallow, offering plenty of support and just the right amount of progression towards the end. The added weight of the aluminium frame keeps the bike planted and it stays on track more securely. On the many off-camber turns of our test track, the Madonna scores for its excellent weight distribution. Without having to shift your weight around too much, you’ll have plenty of grip on both wheels.
Tight sections are doable but you’ll have to work the bike hard.
However, you’ll notice the bike’s length. The long wheelbase makes for very composed and stable handling but quick direction changes and tight sections require a lot of physical input from the rider. Although it doesn’t wallow, the suspension stays low in its travel and also requires a little more input. While bikes like the Lapierre or Canyon are very intuitive and easy to manoeuvre, you have to ride the Madonna more like a downhill bike. This means that you consciously preload the suspension with your body weight before changing direction. In a race against the clock, this makes the RAAW lose time. However, those who prefer hammering down the roughest trails and doing all-day Sunday shuttle runs in the bike park, while feeling as comfortable and confident as possible, will love the RAAW.
How does the Madonna compare to the competition?
The RAAW Madonna and the GT Force Carbon are worlds apart! By the time the RAAW comes to life, you’ll be going so fast your eyes are likely to pop out on the GT. However, that all changes as soon as the trail becomes tight and winding. Here, the GT flits around like a hare while the Madonna sedately rolls along behind. Unfortunately, races are known to be won in the corners, especially in the very tight ones. The Canyon or the Lapierre offer a balance between the two extremes.
Differences from the standard bike:
- NEWMEN carbon wheels
- Vecnum dropper post
- MAXXIS Doubledown tires
- ENVE carbon handlebar
- OneUp grips
Conclusion
The RAAW Madonna V2 is not your classic enduro race bike. InsteadRather, it is a bike for high-speed trails and downhill tracks. Thanks to its super balanced geometry and excellent suspension, its handling is good-natured and easy to ride, instilling you with confidence. However, it loses time to the fastest bikes in the test in tight sections.
Tops
- balanced and good-natured handling
- lots of freedom of movement on the bike
- capable suspension
Flops
- heavy
- cumbersome in tight sections
More information: raawmtb.com
The test field:
A lot more mtbs, our findings and the trends for the upcoming saison can be found in our introduction of the fastest enduro race bike on test.
All bikes in test: Canyon Strive CFR Jack Moir Edition (Click for review) | Commencal META AM 29 (Click for review) | GT Force Carbon Pro Martin Maes Edition (Click for review) | Lapierre Spicy Team (Click for review) | Nukeproof Mega 290c RS Team Edition (Click for review) | Raaw Madonna V2 FOX Factory Custom | Specialized S-Works Enduro Team Edition (Click for review) | Trek SLASH 9.9 2021 (Click for review) | Yeti SB150 Team (Click for review) | YT CAPRA Elite 29 (Click for review)
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