2012 Mondraker Durham Bike

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The Bike:

The Zero suspension system performs brilliantly. Great power transfer and tracking is very impressive. This doesn't seem to be at the expense of stiffness, something that more complicated linkage systems frequently suffer from. Over all build was fine, brakes, drive train and general components have all stood the test of time.

I swapped out the fox springs for heavier weight to suit my more airborne riding style and will be swapping out the spring on the rear shock soon, too.

Have to say I was disappointed by the build quality of the bearings and linkage bolts. 6 months in a bearing race failed completely and most of of the linkage bolts had seized. Managed to replace them under warranty but I'm concerned about it happening agin.

The Ride:

Bit of context: I mainly used this for light UK downhill, a big alpine trip (incl. the Megavalanche) and general gaps and drops riding (20ft +) etc.

The pedalling ability great - very impressed with the lack of bob in the system even when sprinting. The responsiveness of the system combined with the low weight invites you to throw the bike around in the air all day. Angles are spot on. Decent wheelbase and Mondraker's customary slack head-angle means that this thing loves going fast. A low BB and centre of gravity ensures cornering and drifting is predictable, natural and very, very addictive.