The name initially raises questions. Mondraker? That's not Spanish, because that's where the bike with the funny model name "Plunder" comes from. Dumpling? Well, after we got carried away with name speculation in the last issue, we'll leave it at that. The bike label has ex-DH world champion Fabien Barel to thank for putting it on the scene's radar screens. It can't be that bad, because Barel is still on the hunt for precious metal. Visually, the "Plunder" is somewhat reminiscent of Specialized's "SX". On the trail it shows that it is not a full suspension travel miracle like the "Demo", Votec or Scott. The geometry is pleasant, flat over the ground and lower than the Ghost, whose character it comes close to. In other words: more manoeuvrable than stable and more at home on technical passages than on high-speed tracks. It quickly becomes nervous, requires precise steering and demands an experienced rider. On jumps, however, the "Plunder" scores again with its manoeuvrability. The rear end has a tendency to bottom out. It lacks end progression. A stiffer spring won't help, however, as it would only become bumpy. The Spaniards don't come with a chain guide, so the chain often jumps off. Otherwise, the equipment fits. Good: the Formula brakes and the grippy, albeit narrow Intense tyres. The sharp-edged saddle, however, is the proverbial "pain in the arse".
CONCLUSIONThe Mondraker is a coherent, good bike that doesn't really inspire in any discipline, but convinces as an all-rounder with a lot of fun potential.
RemarkSmart: the telescopic seatpost helps enormously on uphill sections.
