As an affordable mountain bike hardtail, the Chrono has long been an old favourite in the portfolio of Mondraker. Now the Chrono has been given the suffix DC for "Down Country", meaning that the trail hardtail should be more versatile than ever before. With the introduction of the F-Podium DC full-suspension bike, it was already clear that the Spaniards believe in the new mountain bike category and are developing bikes specifically for down-country use. This is how the F-Podium DC Fully Mondraker also regularly competes in cross-country racing in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. With the Chrono DC series, Mondraker now also offers this innovative discipline for price-conscious bikers and beginners. Down country and hardtail are not contradictory for the Spaniards.
Trail hardtail with aluminium frame
In order to expand the Chrono DC's field of application towards riding fun on trails, Mondraker is not only relying on a revised geometry, but also on a completely new equipment concept. Suspension forks with 120 millimetres of travel are intended to give the Trail hardtail downhill with more confidence. It is also fitting that Mondraker consistently equips the new Chrono DC with 2.4 inch wide tyres and a retractable telescopic seat post.
The aluminium frame made from Mondraker's "Stealth Alloy" comes with two bottle cage mounts, internally routed brake lines and shift cables, Boost rear triangle standard and a threaded BSA bottom bracket. Its special manufacturing process is designed to combine a low frame weight with high structural strength. The trail hardtail rolls on large 29-inch wheels and was designed exclusively for single drivetrains.
Geometry of the new Mondraker Chrono DC
The geometry of the new Mondraker mountain bike has also been adapted for down-country use - i.e. riding on trails. "XC Forward Geometry" is what the Spaniards call the new approach for a wide range of applications. The developers focussed above all on increasing the feeling of safety on fast descents. The steering angle is now 68.5 degrees flat and, together with the 120 millimetre suspension, promises a lot of control on downhills.
A moderate reach of 460 millimetres (size L) and 430 millimetre short chainstays in all frame sizes promise uncomplicated and agile handling. On long tours and sporty climbs, a 74.5 degree seat angle should offer an efficient pedalling position. Overall, the geometry of the new Mondraker Chrono DC is balanced and ready for the wide range of uses of a trail hardtail.
Equipment and prices
Mondraker is now offering the new Chrono DC hardtail in two equipment variants. Their equipment is intended to reflect the broad spectrum of MTB hardtails from trail to touring and to make particularly price-conscious mountain bikers sit up and take notice. The top model Chrono DC R comes for 2199 euros with a Fox 32 Rhythm fork and a mix of Sram GX Eagle and Sram SX Eagle drive components. For 1849 euros, the Chrono DC model is likely to appeal to beginners looking for an affordable hardtail mountain bike. This equipment variant relies on a Rockshox Judy Silver suspension fork and a complete Sram SX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain. Mondraker equips both models with 2.4-inch wide Maxxis Ardent tyres and Sram Level brakes.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
