Mondraker F-Podium RR - Test marathon bikes: Mondraker & length runs on the long distance
Jan Timmermann
· 15.07.2024
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Fast looks, fast name: the Mondraker F-Podium is clearly a hot candidate for starting block number one. We haven't yet had the opportunity to test the latest racing machine from Mondraker, but that should finally change at the Alpentour Trophy multi-day marathon in Schladming. As realistically as possible, we tested the F-Podium for its strengths and weaknesses in marathon use. It was up against competition from Cervélo ZFS-5 and Storck Adrenalin. A tough marathon shootout!
The Mondraker F-Podium goes into battle with a carbon frame and 110 millimetres of travel at the rear. A Fox 34 SC Factory fork delivers 120 millimetres at the front. Mondraker is known for its progressively long geometries and the F-Podium is no exception. How will the Spanish rocket perform when it gets down to business on the slopes around Schladming?
The promising Mondraker F-Podium RR carries the biggest price tag in the test at 7999 euros. Fittingly, Mondraker offers a lifetime guarantee on the well-protected frame. The wheels, cranks and handlebars are made of high-quality carbon, which saves a few grams. The fact that the F-Podium has to share the weight rating with the significantly smaller Storck is due to the sheer dimensions of our XL test bike. Mechanical shifting is almost exotic in this price segment, but still works crisply and well. However, the clunky lever for the dropper post doesn't really fit the picture. Its long lever travel makes it impossible to position ergonomically. Apart from that, the bike with its thin and wide top tube exudes a lot of racing vibes even when stationary. A good omen.
We also tested these two marathon full-suspension bikes for their suitability for racing:
The Mondraker F-Podium RR on the marathon trail: Full speed ahead!
The fact that I choose the Mondraker F-Podium for the stage with the most high-speed descents is pure coincidence. On the ski slopes, the brute smoothness of the Spanish rocket makes it easy for me to make up a lot of places. The faster, the better. For marathon descents, the 66.5 degree head angle and the 500 millimetre reach are a winning combination. Tucked low and wide over the bike, the brakes can always remain open when riding straight ahead. Uncertainty downhill? No way, even if your body is already tired.
Thanks to the 435 millimetre short rear end, the F-Podium is also easy to throw into corners and flip over obstacles. Wide, well-damped tyres and a harmonious chassis despite the ten millimetre difference in travel support the high-speed flight towards the valley. The rear suspension strikes a good balance between sensitivity, feedback and reserves. I shoot past one competitor after the other quietly and calmly. Chapeau!
Uphill attack: Marathon attack with the Mondraker F-Podium
In practice, what the geometry table suggests is verified. The long, flat cockpit and the overhanging main frame put me in by far the sportiest riding position on the Mondraker. The aggressive riding position alone gives the bike the forward thrust of a fighter jet. On the flat as well as on the climbs, this, together with the progressive seat angle, encourages pressure on the pedals. On the narrow climb up to the Reiteralm, I have to really lunge to pedal the Jet round the bends. Quickly switch to the cradle position. The fork and shock can be locked out at the same time with the press of a thumb - great! On the many rough gravel climbs of the third stage, the centre position delivers efficiency and comfort at the same time. The Mondraker has the best balanced race suspension of the test.
Of course, four hours on a full-suspension rack also has its downsides. When I feel the first stitches in my back, I am reminded of another marathon experience. Back then, I fell off my bike at the finish line with lumbago and my partner had to take off my shoes. There's no doubt about it: the Mondraker is a racy racing machine, but it takes its toll on the long distance. Even if the bike sets few limits in the marathon, the rider must first be able to keep up.
The Mondraker F-Podium RR in the BIKE Test: Data & Notes
details
- Front suspension travel: 120 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 110 mm
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Area of application: cross-country / marathon
- Price: 7999 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Available from: Specialist retailers
- Guarantee: for life
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 34 SC Factory
- Shock: Fox Float Factory DPS
- Gear system: Sram GX / X01 Eagle AXS, 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 10-52 / 520%
- Brakes: Sram Level Stealth Bronze 2-piston, 180 / 160 mm
- dropper post/stroke: OnOff Pija Dropper / 170 mm
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax Carbon XL R
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race, Exo TR, 29 x 2.2"
Measured values
- Total weight: 11.7 kg (without pedals)
- Frame weight: 2266 g (without shock absorber)
- Weight damper: 353 g
- Fork weight: 1560 g
- Weight of wheels: 4117 g
- Impeller inertia: 3177 kg x cm²
Grading
Driving behaviour (65%): 1.8
- Uphill riding behaviour (14%): 2.25
- Uphill efficiency chassis (13%): 2.00
- Downhill riding behaviour (20%): 1.25
- Downhill suspension (18%): 2.00
Laboratory (10%): 2.2
- Weight (6%): 2.25
- Wheel acceleration (4%): 2.00
Equipment (25%): 1.5
- Equipment quality (5%): 1.45
- Usability/added value (5%): 3.00
- Transport volume bottle cage (5%): 1.25
- Saddle retractability (5%): 0.50
- Quality/processing (5%): 1.25
Final grade: 1.8
Conclusion from BIKE Test editor Jan Timmermann
With good climbing characteristics and brute downhill smoothness, the Mondraker F-Podium lives up to its name. A powerful race bike for ambitious speed riders. If you can take advantage of the length and sporty riding position of the F-Podium, you'll be unstoppable in the marathon. Too extreme for a leisurely after-work ride, great for racing. Marathon test victory for the Mondraker F-Podium RR!
Pro
- impressively smooth running
- Harmonious chassis in all situations, handlebar remote control
- combines propulsion and downhill expertise
Contra
- bulky in tight uphill situations
- Long sitting position quickly becomes too extreme
- expensive bike
Jan Timmermann
Editor
