Mondraker Foxy Carbon Unlimited: A mini stem for enduro bikes to mark the anniversary

When the Mondraker Foxy first saw the light of day in 2004, the MTB world was in the midst of an enduro frenzy. The trend towards long-travel bikes with progressive dimensions continues to this day. The first Mondraker Foxy with the so-called Forward geometry, which came onto the market ten years later, can confidently be described as a pioneer of this wave. Mondraker has been driving the development of the Foxy for over 20 years and today presents the anniversary version. The bike, limited to 20 units, not only comes in an exclusive paint finish, but also with an extra short and high stem. Just in time for the anniversary, the Spaniards are reviving the concept of long main frames and super compact cockpits. Clear the stage for the Mondraker Foxy Carbon Unlimited 20th Anniversary.

Details of the Mondraker Foxy Carbon Unlimited 20th Anniversary

• Area of application: Enduro
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame material: Carbon
• Price: 10,999 euros
• Special features: limited to 20 units, special paint finish, Forward geometry, FG10 and FG30 stems

A little history lesson: 20 years of Mondraker Foxy, ten years of Forward Geometry

When Mondraker presented the first Foxy in 2004, the brand was only two years old. The bike had an aluminium frame and 140 millimetres of suspension travel from a classic four-link rear suspension system. Naturally, the first model rolled on the 26-inch wheels that were established at the time. In 2011, the bike was upgraded to Mondraker's so-called Zero Suspension System, a rear suspension concept that the Spaniards still adhere to today. This was followed four years later by the introduction of the first Foxy Enduro with a carbon frame and the complete switch to large 29-inch wheels in 2019. All in all, the Mondraker Foxy has undergone all the evolutionary steps of a modern enduro mountain bike. However, one feature stands out in its history. It was already ahead of its time back then.

Mondraker introduced the so-called Forward Geometry on the Foxy enduro model in 2014. At the time, the geometry concept was considered revolutionary and it took a few more years before other manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon. The most important features? Long reach values, longer wheelbases and short stems - an approach that is still modern today. The central integration of the rider into the frame promises more control and, in combination with a shorter cockpit, better steering behaviour. The greater distance between the front and rear wheels is a proven concept for smoother running at high speeds. In addition, a steeper seat tube in the forward geometry should ensure more efficient positioning of the rider above the bottom bracket and therefore better climbing characteristics.

Overall, Mondraker attributes greater riding safety and versatility to its bikes with this geometry approach. As early as 2014, the developers questioned the rules of mountain bike geometry that had been generally accepted for many years, which is why Mondraker describes the 20th anniversary of the Foxy as a milestone. The anniversary is a memorial to the technological upheaval of the past 20 years, which might have come much later without the Foxy's forward geometry. Of course, the anniversary Foxy also comes with Forward geometry. In size L and in the standard geometry setting, it has a reach value of 490 millimetres. The head angle is 65 degrees slack, the seat angle 76 degrees steep.

>> We have already tested a cheaper version of the Mondraker Foxy Carbon.

Extra short: Mondraker FG10 and FG30 stems

The first Mondraker bike with Forward geometry had a stem that was only ten millimetres short. What looks unusual at first glance should work perfectly in the concept of the long reach values and ensure direct control of the bike despite the high level of smoothness. Mondraker also used short but not quite as extreme stems with a length of 30 millimetres on the Fox models of recent years. The Mondraker Foxy Carbon Unlimited 20th Anniversary now comes with a ten millimetre short stub stem again. In addition to the FG10 stem, the buyer also receives a 30 millimetre long FG30 to experiment with the length. Visually, the parts are somewhat reminiscent of the internet phenomenon of the "raised-reversed stem" due to their conceptually high design, but are more of a homage to the original Forward concept.

Strictly limited: The anniversary bike from Mondraker

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Foxy, Mondraker is giving itself the gift of a special limited edition of 20 of the enduro bike with 150 millimetres of travel at the rear and 160 millimetres at the front. Each copy not only comes with a certificate of authenticity, but also a booklet about the history of the Mondraker Foxy model. The design of the strictly limited collector's item is based on the black, white and gold aesthetics of the Foxy, with which the Forward geometry was introduced for the first time. Each bike is individually painted by hand and features special graphics on the fork, shocks and wheels. Including a collection of Foxy logos from the last 20 years.

When it comes to equipment, the birthday boy naturally only gets the finest goods. A Fox Factory chassis with Kashima coating blends in seamlessly with the Fox Transfer Factory dropper post. The Fox 36 suspension fork with the new Grip X2 damping cartridge comes in a special paint finish. e*Thirteen provides the Grappler carbon wheels with an inner rim width of 30 millimetres. Deceleration is provided by Sram Code Silver Stealth brakes, while a Sram X0 Eagle AXS Transmission groupset takes care of the drivetrain. Of course, so much exclusivity has its price - namely 10,999 euros.

>> But looking for a lightweight marathon bike from Mondraker? We tested the F-Podium here.