It is of course no coincidence that Mondraker sent the Arid gravel bike to our colleagues at BIKE magazine for testing. Mondraker is clearly characterised by mountain bike DNA. That's why the new gravel bike is not just a road bike with wide tyres, but should also feel at home off-road thanks to its handling and comfort - a road bike for real mountain bikers, so to speak. The frame and fork of the gravel bike are tested by the Spaniards according to MTB standards. Even though the bike is approved for a suspension fork and dropper post, these have been dispensed with in favour of a light, sporty gravel bike that is clearly stands out from the Mondraker hardtail MTBs. In the video, we explain how the concept works and the arguments in favour of the new Arid.
Test video of the new Mondraker Arid RR
"Arid" translates as "dry land". In the BIKE test, however, the conditions were not very dry. In late autumn in Germany, the new gravel bike from the Spaniards was able to prove that it also performs well in this country. Our test bike is the second most expensive model. For 6499 euros, the Mondraker Arid RR combines top equipment with a light weight. Despite the XL size, the scales came in at just 9.0 kilos. The BIKE test video shows what else the new gravel bike from Mondraker has to offer and how it rides off-road:
The Mondraker Arid gravel bike in detail
- Field of application: Gravel, tours, bikepacking
- Wheel size: 28"
- Prices: 3299 to 9499 Euro
- Frame material: Carbon
- Weight: from 7.9 kg
- Frame weight: 1250 g (size M)
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
- Tyre clearance: 50 mm
- Special features: Luggage mounts on fork and top tube, down tube storage compartment, flex points in rear triangle and seat post, up to six bottle cages, tested to mountain bike standards
Optimised carbon frame on the Spanish gravel bike
When developing the Arid, Mondraker's aim was to design a gravel bike that would make as many bikers as possible happy. It had to be versatile and yet light. With the top model Mondraker Arid RR SL, dream values from 8 kilos are possible. The basis for this is a frame weighing 1250 grams. According to Mondraker, even lighter would be possible, but only if the numerous frame features were sacrificed. These include the low-set seat stays, which immediately catch the eye. But this is not just a visual treat. Mondraker has chosen the carbon layup in the seat stays and chainstays so that they offer a controlled flex.
There is also a flex point in the seatpost of the Mondraker gravel bike. Overall, this should increase comfort on gravel tracks and the rider should be able to endure long days in the saddle without any problems. At the same time, Mondraker pays attention to high rigidity at the crucial points in the bottom bracket and head tube area. The engineers have really spared no effort and designed an optimised frame. The wall thickness of the carbon frame varies between 0.8 and 3.2 millimetres.
The fork of the Mondraker Arid is also not bought in, but developed in-house. Up to 50 millimetres of tyre clearance are possible. The bike is prepared for mudguards at the front and rear. This should be particularly practical for everyday use and commuting. Luggage can be mounted on the threads of the fork. There is also a mount for a bolted bag on the top tube. There are two bottle cage mounts in the frame triangle and another under the down tube. So if you're thinking of crossing a desert, you can transport up to 6 water bottles. Alternatively, you can strap a tent and cooker to the bike and go on a bikepacking adventure.
The storage compartment in the down tube of the Mondraker Arid is also practical for smaller laps. The fastener is easy to open. So you can't leave it lying around in the dirt and forget about it. Mondraker has designed it to be completely sealed. There are three waterproof pockets in the storage compartment. The elongated tool wrap can be used to store an air pump and spare inner tube, for example. There is space in the centre for all kinds of small items, such as the front door keys. The third pocket has space for a CO2 cartridge and multitool.
To ensure that gravel bikers can enjoy the Arid for a long time, Mondraker has thought ahead. A large protector protects the down tube and a bolted T47 bottom bracket makes maintenance work easier. All cables are beautifully integrated and run through liners without rattling. Thanks to the UDH derailleur hanger standard, a SRAM Transmission rear derailleur can also be retrofitted.
Models and prices
Mondraker offers the Arid in four equipment variants. Anyone looking for a new carbon gravel bike should be able to find what they are looking for. The frame and fork are the same for all variants. Thanks to integrated cable routing, the Arid can be ridden with both wired and wireless gears. Mondraker also sells a frameset for self-assembly separately. Cost: 1999 euros.
Mondraker Arid Carbon
- Price: 3299 Euro
- Weight: 9.7 kg
- Equipment: Shimano GRX RX-822-GS / Mavic Allroad Disc wheelset
Mondraker Arid Carbon R
- Price: 4699 Euro
- Weight: 8.9 kg
- Equipment: SRAM Rival XPLR Etap AXS / Mavic Allroad SL
Mondraker Arid Carbon RR
- Price: 6499 Euro
- Weight: 8.8 kg
- Equipment: SRAM Force Etap AXS / Mavic Allroad Pro Carbon SL
Mondraker Arid Carbon RR SL
- Price: 9499 Euro
- Weight: 7.9 kg
- Equipment: SRAM Red XPLR Etap AXS / Zipp 303 XPLR SW Carbon
First test of the Mondraker Arid RR
One thing is immediately clear on the Mondraker Arid: the gravel bike is a place to feel good. The riding position is a good compromise between sporty and comfortable. You can really put your foot down all day and still get off the bike in the evening without back pain. In addition to the frame and fork, the seat post, handlebars, cranks and rims of our test bike are also made of carbon. All in all, the 9.0-kilogram Arid RR accelerates really light-footedly and accelerates effortlessly at full throttle. The bike converts the rider's power into propulsion without any loss.
The ergonomics are immediately pleasing and will also appeal to gravel newcomers. This is also ensured by the attachments from our own component brand On-Off. The handlebars offer plenty of good grip options and have a compact flare, i.e. they are positioned outwards. In the lower handlebar position, a nice aerodynamic position is possible.
The Mondraker Arid RR is powered by a wireless Sram Force AXS drivetrain. It changes gears wirelessly and is linked to a power meter in the bottom bracket. This enables targeted training control. The flex in the rear triangle and seat post is clearly noticeable. Unlike many other carbon gravel bikes, the Arid isn't a hard rack. Instead, the comfort concept keeps small bumps and vibrations away from the rider. Overall, the rider tires more slowly and lasts longer, even when the gravel gets really rough. The high damping of the 45 millimetre wide tyres is also impressive here.
You can tell that Mondraker didn't design the Arid as a specialist, but as a generalist. The bike actually feels at home wherever it makes sense to ride a gravel bike. Even on easy trails, the riding position is harmonious. Mondraker relies on a steering angle of 70 degrees. This is a good average value for a modern gravel bike. This keeps the Arid stable and reactive at the same time. The handling is really fun when cornering. The lightweight bike is uncomplicated when changing direction and can be manoeuvred through tight corners with ease. The rest of the geometry also impressed us. For a gravel bike, the Arid has a rather short seat tube and a slightly longer reach. This means you always have plenty of freedom of movement over the bike when standing and makes it easier for mountain bikers to make the transition. Mondraker has introduced a new frame size so that all bikers can find a suitable Arid. With five frame sizes to choose from, everyone should find one that fits perfectly.
Conclusion on the Mondraker Arid
The new Mondraker Arid gravel bike leaves an absolutely convincing impression. We particularly liked the balanced riding position, the uncomplicated handling and the comfortable frame flex. Small details such as the luggage holders and the storage compartment in the down tube are great details that are absolutely brilliant for everyday use and longer rides. The mountain bike specialists have done a really good job on the gravel bike. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
Jan Timmermann
Editor
