"Completely new and yet completely the same" is the motto under which Raaw presents its fan community with the latest expansion stage of the Madonna enduro bike. Raaw has made a name for itself among bikers with a preference for challenging trails with rock-solid aluminium frames and durable hardware. The developers have not lost sight of this focus with the Madonna V3. At the same time, the customisability of the frame has been raised to a new level in order to perfectly meet personal preferences and the requirements of tough enduro courses.
Manufacturer information Raaw Madonna V3
- Area of application: Enduro
- Front / rear suspension travel: 170 / 160 mm
- Wheel size: 29" / Mullet
- Maximum tyre width: 2.6"
- Frame material: AL 6066 T6
- Weight: 3.9 kg (incl. hardware, thru axle and frame guard, without shock, size M)
- Colours: Matt black & aluminium raw with matt clear lacquer
- Price frame kit: from 2790 euros
- Adjustable geometry, customisable rear triangle progression, double bridge fork compatibility, extra robust hardware
Geometry data in size L
- Reach: 480 mm
- Stack: 664 mm
- Steering angle: 64°
- Seat angle: 78°
- Head tube length: 130 mm
- Chainstay length: 450 mm
- Wheelbase: 1284 mm
- Bottom bracket height: 335-340 mm
Versatility is the trump card
Good enduro bikes have to be real jacks-of-all-trades. The new Raaw Madonna V3 should be no exception and score points on challenging trails as well as on climbs. Even those who take their enduro bike out on a long tour should be happy with the Raaw Madonna V3. The bottom bracket height, chainstay length and steering angle can be adjusted in just a few simple steps. If you want more freedom of movement on steep descents, you have the option of fitting a small 27.5" wheel. However, the Madonna V3 always rolls on 29-inch wheels.
Customisable chassis
Raaw has redesigned the rear suspension kinematics of the Madonna V3 for more sensitivity and support at the same time. This now offers even progression across the entire suspension travel range. This should result in good feedback from the ground on the trail, regardless of where the rear triangle is in its travel. According to Raaw, the result is a more defined and always predictable ride feel. The response behaviour of the rear suspension of the Madonna V3 should now be even more sensitive for more traction. The high level of suspension support should also have a positive effect when braking and pedalling. As befits a modern enduro MTB, the Raaw Madonna is compatible with both air and coil shocks. Thanks to a straighter down tube, the V3 has more space for the shock
The progression of the rear suspension on the Raaw Madonna V3 is adjustable. So that both heavy and light riders can ride their shock with optimum air pressure, the V3, like the V2.2, is available with two different rocker versions. With a higher gear ratio, the Rocker 60 is suitable for riders weighing less than 90 kilos. Heavier riders benefit from the lower gear ratio of the Rocker 65, while a variable lower shock mount allows the standard 26 per cent progression to be increased or decreased by an additional three per cent. With so many options, Raaw makes it clear that the Madonna V3 is by no means just a bike for technology nerds, but that the factory settings should also work excellently thanks to the brand's many years of experience.
World Cup technique from the downhill bike
Raaw has already been able to test its so-called "toolbox concept" in the Downhill World Cup. This is an adjustable frame platform that allows riders to set up their bike perfectly for a specific route. This is made possible by adjusting the lower shock mount. Like a toolbox, Raaw bikes should always be the right tool for the job. The concept familiar from the Raaw Yallah! downhill bike has now found its way onto the Madonna V3 enduro bike. If the lower shock mount is converted, the bottom bracket can be raised by three millimetres. All options for adjusting the bottom bracket height and progression can be combined as required.
Thanks to the new design, also influenced by the Yallah!, with a lower sloping top tube, the new Madonna frame should also allow more freedom of movement on steep descents. Like its big brother, the Madonna V3 is also compatible with double bridge forks. As long as an installation dimension of 598 millimetres is not exceeded, the enduro bike can also accommodate stiff suspension forks with a double bridge and 180 millimetres of travel. Special fork bumpers protect the frame from fork impact.
The right Raaw Madonna V3 for every rider
Thanks to five different frame sizes, the Raaw Madonna V3 should suit enduro riders between 158 and 208 centimetres tall. Chainstays that grow with the rider are designed to ensure balanced handling in all sizes. The chainstay length of the Madonna V3 can be adjusted in three steps. When delivered, the chainstays are set to the centre dimension. From there, they can be lengthened or shortened by five millimetres using the Rear Axle Kit. This allows a minimum of 440 millimetres (sizes S and L) and a maximum of 460 millimetres (size XXL). If all the customisation options are not enough, you can insert an angled headset into the full-length 56 mm head tube and also influence the steering angle.
Raaw's speciality: long shelf life
Raaw relies on double-sealed bearings for the extra durability of its frames. Wider, more stable industrial bearings both in the main pivot point and in the rocker and continuous axles should make the Madonna V3 particularly robust even in tough enduro use. The number of individual parts is now lower, so that small tolerances add up less overall. As a result, Raaw promises less creaking, even in high-stress areas. Wrenchers will be pleased with the continuous external cable routing and the threaded BSA bottom bracket.
A five millimetre thick down tube protector protects the aluminium frame of the Madonna V3 in the event of stone contact. The completely redesigned chainstay protector now not only protects the frame from the impact of the drivetrain, but also from abrasion from the heel. The seat stays are also protected by a protector. Protective films specially tailored to the frame are designed to preserve the look of the bike for many years to come. Raaw places great trust in the durability of its products and offers a five-year guarantee on the frame of the Madonna V3. The Palatinate-based company also offers a crash replacement programme.
Small details, big difference
New on the Raaw Madonna V3 is a removable ISCG05 mount for a chain guide or bashguard. The bike is supplied with the in-house thru-axle system, but Raaw also offers extra seat stays that are compatible with Sram's UDH derailleur hanger for wireless transmission drivetrains. However, these do not have the option of adjusting the chainstay length. The aluminium frame of the Raaw Madonna V3 comes with a bottle cage mount and tool mount under the top tube for long days on the enduro trails.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
