The bicycle manufacturer Mondraker, based in Alicante, Spain, presents the Arid, a new aluminium gravel bike. The company is responding to the gravel hype and the growing demand for versatile gravel bikes that cut a fine figure on both tarmac and unpaved roads.
According to the manufacturer, the new model should close the gap between classic road bikes and mountain bikes almost perfectly and offer bikers maximum flexibility in their choice of route - we know: All gravel critics will howl at this sentence ... ha ha!
Aluminium frame with carbon technology
The new Mondraker Arid Alloy is based on the same concept as the existing Arid Carbon model. The frame is made from Stealth Evo aluminium and, according to the manufacturer, should offer the same geometry, the same high-performance design and the same versatile range of use as the carbon version.
Smooth Welding Technology is used for production. This should not only give the frame a sleek and clean look, but also ensure balanced riding characteristics. In particular, the focus is on damping fine impacts to ensure comfort and balanced riding behaviour in every area of use.
Proven technologies from the carbon model
Mondraker has transferred many technologies from the Arid Carbon to the new aluminium model. These include the special rear triangle design of the chainstays, the mounting points for bottles and luggage and Mondraker's own carbon fork.
The aluminium frame should fit perfectly with Mondraker's philosophy in the gravel segment: Durability without sacrificing performance. The manufacturer is thus positioning the Arid Alloy as the ideal entry into the gravel lifestyle, which should be equipped for every adventure.
Frame details and equipment options
The frame of the Mondraker Arid Alloy is made from 6061 aluminium alloy. Mondraker gives the frame weight in size M as 1992 grams. The internal cable routing is through the head tube.
The frame is equipped with a T47 bottom bracket and offers space for tyres up to 50 millimetres wide. A total of up to six water bottles can be mounted on the frame. The Arid Alloy is designed for single-speed drivetrains and is available in five frame sizes from S to XL.
Two equipment variants
Mondraker offers the Arid Alloy in two versions: The Arid S in bronze/black and the Arid R in golden silver/nimbus grey. Both models are equipped with a Mavic Allroad Disc tubeless-ready wheelset and 45 millimetre wide Maxxis Reaver tyres.
The add-on parts come from Onoff, with the stem and handlebars being customised for specific sizes. The seat post has a diameter of 27.2 millimetres and a length of 400 millimetres.
Differences in drive and brakes
The basic Arid S model is equipped with a mechanical Shimano GRX RX-610 drivetrain. The chainring has 40 teeth and the cassette offers a range of 10-45 teeth. The higher-quality Arid R is equipped with Sram Apex AXS electronic gears.
A 40 chainring is also used here, while the slightly more finely graduated 12-speed cassette has a range of 11-44 teeth. The brakes on the Arid S come from Shimano (GRX RX-610) to match the gearing, while the Arid R uses Sram Apex AXS brakes.
At a glance
Geometry and area of application
Like the carbon model, the Arid Alloy also relies on the Mondraker Forward Geometry. This combines a long reach with a slack steering angle and a short stem. The manufacturer hopes that this will result in balanced riding characteristics.
The Arid Alloy is designed to be suitable for longer adventures as well as daily commuting. With the introduction of the aluminium model, Mondraker's gravel range now includes three different models.
Technical specifications & price
Frame:
- Type: Gravelbike
- Material: Stealth Evo Aluminium 6061
- Weight: 1992 gram (size M)
- Bottom bracket: T47
- Tyre clearance: up to 50 millimetres
- Bottle holder: Space for up to 6 bottles
- Sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL
Mondraker Arid S:
- Drive: Shimano GRX RX-610
- Chainring: 40 teeth
- Cassette: 10-45 teeth, 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano GRX RX-610
- Price: 2399 Euro
Mondraker Arid R:
- Drive: Sram Apex AXS (electronic)
- Chainring: 40 teeth
- Cassette: 11-44 teeth, 12-speed
- Brakes: Sram Apex AXS
- Price: 2799 Euro
Common equipment:
- Impellers: Mavic Allroad Disc Tubeless-Ready
- Tyres: Maxxis Reaver, 45 millimetre width
- Seat post: Onoff, 27.2 millimetre diameter, 400 millimetre length
Geometry
What is Mondraker?
Mondraker is a renowned bike label from Alicante, Spain. Mondraker originated from a bike parts distributor, which founded its own bike brand in 2001 with the peculiar name Mondraker (based on a comic character).
Mondraker became known through its collaboration with downhill world champion Fabien Barel, who worked together with the Spaniards on special technologies and geometry concepts. This resulted in the Zero Suspension System and Forward Geometry, which ensure better control and stability.
Mondraker enjoyed tremendous success at the 2016 Downhill World Championships, where the team took all three podium places in the men's category. The riders who secured this success were Danny Hart, Laurie Greenland and Florent Payet. Mondraker is mainly known for its high-priced, high-end bikes with a strong image.
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Dimitri Lehner
Editor
