Reach stretched out and suspension travel increased for updated cross-country rig
Mondraker has revealed its new F-Podium cross-country mountain bike featuring an updated Zero Suspension System and slacker geometry.
The brand has given the bike a bump up in terms of suspension travel, with the rear increasing from 100mm to 110mm and the fork also receiving an extra 10mm, now at 120mm.
The new bike also receives a more aggressive geometry to cope with the increasing demands of cross country racing, with head angles being slackened from 67.3 degrees to 66.5 degrees.
Mondraker has simplified the F-Podium line-up with only one travel option and carbon fibre frames available. Four models will be available at launch, all using the same Stealth Air carbon fibre frame.
The range starts at £4,999/$6,299/€4,999 for the base F-Podium, while the top-of-the-range F-Podium RR SL is priced at £10,799/$13,999/€10,999.
Refined Zero Suspension System
Mondraker’s new F-Podium cross-country mountain bike is made from the brand’s Stealth Air carbon fibre, which it says offers the lightest weight and compliance of all the carbon bikes in its range.
The F-Podium uses an updated version of Mondraker’s Zero Suspension System. This system is a virtual pivot suspension linkage, which the brand claims is one of the most supple linkage designs. This is because both sides of the rear shock are compressed by the dual links simultaneously.
Mondraker says the new system works on the same premise as the previous model, but it now positions the shock lower in the frame allowing Mondraker to make the rear triangle more compact.
This is said to aid in weight reduction and rear-end rigidity, while also allowing for longer dropper post insertion into the seat tube.
The design allows for two water bottles to be placed in the front triangle, which will be music to marathon riders’ ears.
All models in the F-Podium range now run a 120mm suspension fork and a 110mm remote lockout rear shock.
This brings the bike closer to the previous F-Podium DC (downcountry) model, which has a 120mm fork and 115mm of rear suspension travel.
Mondraker has given the bike internal headset cable routing, a threaded BSA 73m bottom bracket, down tube protection and an integrated rear shock mudguard.
The F-Podium RR and F-Podium RR SL will also receive Mondrakers integrated one-piece ONOFF Helium Carbon 0.2 handlebar.
Forward Geometry
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube length (mm) | 410 | 440 | 470 | 500 |
| Top tube length (mm) | 576 | 601 | 629 | 658 |
| Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Bottom bracket height (mm) | 335 | 335 | 335 | 335 |
| Chainstay length (mm) | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 |
| Effective seat tube angle (degrees) | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) | 66.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Fork offset (mm) | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1152 | 1177 | 1208 | 1239 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 90 | 90 | 105 | 120 |
| Reach (mm) | 430 | 455 | 480 | 505 |
| Stack (mm) | 595 | 595 | 608 | 622 |
The F-Podium has a more aggressive geometry compared to its predecessor to cope with ever-more demanding cross-country racing courses.
The head angle of the new bike has slackened from 67.3 degrees to 66.5 degrees, while reach measurements have increased by 7mm from 473mm to 480mm for a size large frame.
Chainstay length measurements have also increased from 432mm to 435mm which should make the bike feel more stable at high speeds.
Mondraker F-Podium spec and price
Mondraker F-Podium
- Fork: RockShox SID Base RL, 120mm
- Shock: RockShox SID Luxe
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Level T
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35in
- Price: £4,999/$6,299/€4,999
Mondraker F-Podium R
- Fork: Fox 34 Step Cast Performance, 120mm
- Shock: Fox Float SL Performance
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Level Bronze
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax XL S
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35in
- Price: £6,299/$7,799/€6,799
Mondraker F-Podium RR
- Fork: Fox 34 Step Cast Factory, 120mm
- Shock: Fox Float SL Factory
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Level Bronze
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax Carbon XL R
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35in
- Price: £7,699/$9,199/€7,999
Mondraker F-Podium RR SL
- Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate, 120mm
- Shock: RockShox SID Luxe Ultimate
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX SL Eagle T-Type
- Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax SL Ultimate
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 2.35in
- Price: £10,799/$13,999/€10,999