Back Issue | Group Test: Mondraker Factor XR Review
Spanish bike maker Mondraker is well known for extreme frame designs and their revolutionary Forward Geometry. The system, which is proven in downhill and extreme terrain, should also work for all-round bikes like the € 4,099 Factor XR.
We were excited to see if the concept really works out.
This review is part of a Group Test. View the main article here. Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 | Scott Genius 910 | Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL | Trek Fuel EX 9 29 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite 29 | Giant Trance Advanced | Mondraker Factor XR
The looks of the Factor XR are characterised by the Mondraker Forward Geometry and Stealth frame design. The bike has a very long top tube (630mm in size medium) combined with a stubby 30mm stem. The rest of the spec is functional and well chosen. Shifting is undertaken by a mix of SRAM X9 & X7 components, while Avid Elixir 7 Trail brakes offer good stopping power. The suspension is made up of a high-end Fox 32 Float Kashima Factory fork as well as a Fox Float CTD Kashima shock.
Before testing even began, we swapped the thin-walled, low-profile Maxxis Crossmark 2.1″ tyres. In Alpine terrain, these tyres are in our experience totally overwhelmed, and this would have distracted from actually testing the bike.
In spite of the super short stem, the rider doesn’t feel cramped aboard the Factor; the position can’t be described as stretched, but you can pedal the bike effectively and in a relaxed way. This isn’t the case when standing, however; here the bike feels nervous and wobbly as the steering is too direct. In our opinion this is problem which one can live with. We did, however, need a longer breaking-in period with the Factor XR until we’d gotten used to the unique handling.
Mondraker recommends running the rear shock at maximum of 30 % sag in order to get the best performance. No sooner said than done! The result is a plush, pleasantly progressive rear end which can easily cope with bigger hits. Under really extreme impacts the suspension wasn’t quite able to eliminate bottom-outs. At the front, the Fox fork works well and helps to create a well-balanced overall ride.
The suspension has strong chain growth and even the clutched SRAM Type 2 rear derailleur wasn’t completely able to eliminate the chain slapping on the frame — a trait the testers found annoying.
The Factor XR feels most at home on steep and extreme terrain, as the ‘over-the-bars’ feeling is history on this bike. On flat trails the Factor tends to understeer, making an active riding technique an absolute necessity to hit your lines exactly. Fast steering changes, or brakes-off and let it roll: you can do anything on the Mondraker, but it requires that you make some radical changes to your riding habits.
Forward Geometry – With an extra-long top tube and super-short stem, the Factor XR is equipped with Mondraker’s well-known Forward Geometry. This is especially advantageous on steeper trails. ‘Over-the-bars’ feeling? No way!
Plush – The rear shock is mounted floating between both frame triangles and is compressed at each end. With the relatively generous sag recommended, the suspension is plush and capably absorbs all impacts.
Powerful – The Avid Elixir 7 Trail brakes fitted won over the whole test crew with enormous power and super modulation. The stock 160mm rotors fitted should be quickly swapped for a 180mm versions though.
Angular – A saddle needs to be comfortable on long rides and not get in the way on descents. We didn’t get on with the Fi’zi:k Ardea MG either sitting or standing, as our shorts kept getting caught on its sharp edges.
Unnecessary – A quick release thru-axle is a wonderful feature, as you don’t need any tools to remove the rear wheel. Not on the Mondraker: here you still need a 6mm hex key to hold the rotating sleeve in place whilst unscrewing the axle.
Conclusion:
on demanding trails the Mondraker Factor XR is in a league of its own after you’ve become accustomed to the geometry. The handling is, however, unique — and is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. Either way, an active riding style is absolutely essential!
Price: € 4,099
Weight: 12.9 kg (w/ Continental Mountain Kings)
Specifications
- Fork: Fox 32 Float FIT Factory Kashima/li>
- Rear Shock: Fox Float Factory Kashima
- Drivetrain: SRAM X9/X7
- Brakes: Avid Elixir X7 Trail
- Handlebars: Race Face Evolve, 725 mm
- Stem: OnOff Stoic FG, 30 mm
- Tires: Maxxis Crossmark, 2.1″
- Wheels: Easton EA70 XCT 29
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb, 125 mm
Geometry
Size: S / M (tested) / L / XL | Top Tube Horizontal:630mm | Seat Tube Angle: 74°| Chainstay Length:445mm | Head Tube Angle: 69°| Wheelbase: 1175mm Reach: 468mm | Stack:585mm | Wheelsize: 29″
This review is part of a Group Test. View the main article here. Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race 29 | Scott Genius 910 | Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL | Trek Fuel EX 9 29 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite 29 | Giant Trance Advanced | Mondraker Factor XR