2015 Mondraker Foxy Carbon RR

(discontinued)

Reviewed by AJ Barlas and Dylan Stucki // Photos by Lear Miller

After three years of development, Mondraker's first foray into a bike with fantastic plastic has arrived in the form of the Foxy Carbon, a 140mm travel trail machine. The Foxy comes in a lightweight package and features the now dominant 27.5-inch wheel size. Mondraker bikes are renowned for having some of the most unique geometry, and the new ride is no exception. We got to know the modern looking Spanish creation during the 2015 Vital MTB Test Sessions.

Highlights

• Carbon frame
• 27.5-inch wheels
• 140mm (5.5-inches) of rear wheel travel // 140mm (5.5-inches) front travel
• Tapered head tube
• 67.5-degree head angle
• 75-degree effective seat tube angle
• 343mm (13.5-inch) measured bottom bracket height
• 430mm (16.9-inch) chainstays
• PF92 bottom bracket
• 142mm rear spacing with 12mm through axle
• Measured complete weight (size XL, no pedals): 27-pounds, 13-oz (12.6kg)
• MSRP 5999 EUR

As with many manufacturers that offer a new carbon model, doing so typically results in a far more streamlined, sleeker look. Such is the case with the Foxy. The new bike is sexier than its aluminum sister, thanks in part to the replacement of the unconventional hunchback top tube with something more slender, while still maintaining their distinctive bracing near the headtube. Mondraker says the bike's modern and aggressive styling was influenced by contemporary auto design trends, among others, and we've got to admit that this thing looks good. The company varies the fiber type, quantity, layout, and epoxy resin based on the different demands for each part of the frame.

Mondraker was the first brand to really push the drastically longer front end (top tube and reach), which they call Forward Geometry. What are the benefits of such a setup? Steering precision, control, handling, confidence, and stability at speed over difficult terrain are just a few of the items claimed to improve. Pushing the front end out also gives the perception of having a slacker head angle, and encourages you to get your weight forward.

They offset the frame's elongated geometry by using a short stem to place the contact points in approximately the same location as a bike with conventional geometry. In the case of our size XL Foxy test bike, the massive 518mm reach measurement was a considerable 38mm longer than the next closest XL bike at Test Sessions, and used a stubby 30mm length stem to reign things back in a portion of that distance.

It also utilizes Mondraker's Zero Suspension system, a proprietary design that falls under the virtual pivot banner. The rear shock is compressed by rotating links on both ends. It's said to provide a great pedaling platform, little in the way of brake squat, and a smoother ride in the rough - all attributes we'd evaluate on the trail. Another interesting feature on the Foxy is the use of FOX’s CTD lever with a splitter, which allows you to switch between Climb, Trail, and Descend damping modes on the front and rear suspension simultaneously. This adds two more cables to the front of the bike, which unfortunately also makes for a very cluttered setup.

The bike is very quiet, with no internal cable rattle thanks to a well designed internal routing system that tensions the cables inside the downtube. The RockShox Reverb seatpost is routed up through the seat tube for that Stealth look. Frame protection is offered by a rubber guard on the chainstay to prevent chainslap. The downtube gets a guard as well, but it's minimal in comparison to the length of the downtube and may not prevent many stray rocks from marring up the beauty.

Additional details include a press fit bottom bracket, ISCG tabs, a bottle mount inside the front triangle, ample mud clearance, and a nice fender/mud guard on the otherwise exposed shock.

There are four Foxy Carbon models ranging from 3699-6999 EUR. We tested the second tier Foxy Carbon RR model that runs 5999 EUR (approximately $6,800 US, though the brand does not sell in the USA at this time). You can also pick up a frame and shock package for 2999 EUR. They're offered in sizes Small, Medium, Large, and XL.

On The Trail

So, where does one ride a bike like this? What types of trails is best suited to? We experimented on a variety of terrain surrounding San Luis Obispo, California. From smooth and fast ribbons of dirt with high speed berms, jumps, and meandering climbs to rock gardens and tight switchbacks, we rode a big selection of trail types for good measure.

With the high speeds possible on the majority of the trails we rode, the bike often felt very stable - a result of its length, which takes some time to get used to. The long reach requires you to get very aggressive and up over the front in order to push the bike into turns. Don't get over the front enough and you'll feel detached from the bike and fight to keep front end traction. If you can maintain a minimum speed that's quite quick, the bike will shine on descents and instill confidence. Just don't get sloppy. Keeping it up to speed is a challenge you'd better be willing to accept, because it's the only rewarding way the bike likes to be ridden. That stability and control at speed comes with shortcomings.

Regardless of your technique, the length makes it sluggish in tight situations, and it can be a challenge to maneuver quickly. The extra length also made it difficult to manual and play with the front end of the bike, despite the reasonably snug 430mm chainstays. Jumping the bike was also very awkward, as the added length seemed to make it want to kick up the rear end through the transition, adding a bucking sensation at times.

We are all for trying new things, and perhaps with much more time on the bike we would grow fond of its size. The Forward Geometry concept is intriguing, but when pushed to the extreme we felt that it's simply too much for the trail bike application. Despite the short 30mm stem, the long front end was uncomfortable with a reach of 40-60mm longer than most bikes of the same size in this category. The majority of bikes come equipped with a 50mm stem these days, so even with the 20mm savings on the stem length, you're still looking at something with contact points 20-40mm further out than what you're likely accustomed to. We agree with having a long reach and short stems, but the XL Foxy Carbon felt flat out too long for our 6'3" and 6'5" testers. As very tall riders who often struggle to find bikes that actually fit us, that's not something we thought we'd ever say.

Geometry aside, we owe some praise to the Zero Suspension system as it's a very well rounded design. With the rear 200x57mm FOX Float CTD Factory shock set to 25% sag and the FOX 34 Float CTD Factory fork set to 20%, the suspension felt balanced and performed well. We never felt any harsh bottom outs, despite actually doing so on numerous occasions. The progressive nature of the design and the speed burst it can provide was really noticeable when pushing the bike hard into short, quick corners - an attribute that caught us by surprise the first time we gave 'er. There was no discernible hang up on square edges or skipping about on chatter, with the bike remaining quite planted when our form and speed were up to par.

We seldom used the dual CTD adjustment lever as there simply wasn't a need for it. The Foxy exhibits very little pedal activated bob even when wide open, and accelerates up hills quite well. We wouldn't go as far as describing it as spritely, but it moves faster than many 140mm travel bikes do. Even on straightforward, buff climbing trails we saw little point in the lever, but for the times we really wanted to smash the pedals, the Climb and Trail modes did provide a noticeably stiffer platform. Leaving it wide open allows the rear end to track better, however, and also leaves the bike ready for the next descent, so we'd prefer to see the bike without the complication and clutter of the remote.

The Foxy's weight didn't its climbing abilities either, coming in as one of the lightest Test Sessions bikes at 27.8-pounds.

Build Kit

Mondraker's Foxy Carbon RR build consists of components from Onoff, FOX, RockShox, Maxxis, Crankbrothers, Formula, and SRAM, which for the most part were solid.

Right off the bat, most riders will ditch the stock 740mm wide Onoff Stoic Carbon bars. Considering how the bike needs to be ridden, some extra width is a good bet.

The 140mm travel FOX 34 Float CTD Factory fork features an updated cartridge for 2015, and once setup to a suitable pressure (likely higher than recommended) it performed well, with buttery smooth action and good support throughout. Tracking was good, and for the trails the bike will likely see the fork is a great match.

As we've come to expect, RockShox's Reverb Stealth dropper post performed well. Because there is no front derailleur, we flipped the remote lever to be under the left side of the bars as it's in a better position. Even with the dual CTD lever to contend with, both levers were still easy to use when required.

Crankbrothers Cobalt 3 tubeless wheels filled the rolling department, and actually felt quite nice, albeit a bit softer than what our testers prefer. The wheels stayed true and tracked well. They're pretty narrow, though, resulting in a rather rounded profile to the high volume tires.

The 2.4-inch Maxxis Ardent tires roll fast, but we were left wanting a little more cornering bite when getting up over the front end - something the bike requires to muscle its long front center around bends.

Formula's CR3 brakes were the only component that gave us any major grief. Aside from providing relatively poor stopping performance, the rear brake piston seized on several occasions, essentially locking the brake. Getting it to recede back into the caliper was more of a guessing game than anything, but rotating the rear wheel with the brake held would eventually release it. Should you decide to upgrade the dual 180mm rotors, know that the rear brake uses a relatively uncommon adapter.

The SRAM X01 drivetrain with X1 cranks worked without a hitch, providing a smooth, quiet, and friction free drivetrain experience with no chain drops. Clearance between the chainstay and the front ring is incredibly tight, so much so that we would be surprised if a 34 tooth chainring could fit. Potential clearance issue aside, our test bike was severely under geared with the stock 30 tooth ring. This made getting up to the speeds needed to really enjoy the bike more difficult, and we found ourselves spun out often.

Long Term Durability

The brakes are the only part that we had issues with. We'd suggest replacing them. There were no concerns with the frame or other components, however, and we don't see why the bike wouldn't hold up to years of abuse. Mondraker backs the frame with a generous lifetime warranty.

What's The Bottom Line?

Thanks to Mondraker's Forward Geometry and bottomless feel of the Zero Suspension system, the new Foxy Carbon RR is a more capable bike than the 140mm travel designation would typically indicate. It needs to be ridden at speed to enjoy the ride, and requires a very demanding, over the front riding style that may be difficult for riders to maintain during long days in the saddle.

We found the recommended size to be surprisingly and uncomfortably long (even for our 6'5" tall tester), but the bike has potential to be a good, go-mostly anywhere trail rig under the right rider. The predictable, progressive, and well designed suspension allows it to climb and descend equally well. Those who prefer an easily maneuverable bike will want to look elsewhere, or at the very least consider sizing down. For practical use, there is an upper limit to the long front end/short stem geometry concept, and in our opinion the Foxy is at the far end of the spectrum.

Visit www.mondraker.com for more details.

Bonus Gallery: 22 photos of the 2015 Mondraker Foxy Carbon RR up close and in action

About The Reviewers

Dylan Stucki - When he's not busy popping no-handed wheelies or shot-gunning beers you're likely to find Dylan comfortably inside the top ten at Big Mountain Enduro races. Since he's a big guy and charges hard he breaks a lot of stuff. He's naturally a perceptive and particular rider who picks up on even the smallest details.

AJ Barlas - In 15 years on the bike AJ has developed a smooth and fluid style. Hailing from Squamish, BC, his preferred terrain is chunky, twisty trail with natural features. He's picky with equipment and has built a strong understanding of what works well and why by riding a large number of different parts and bikes.

Which reviewer resembles you the most? Don't miss our Q&A with the testers for more insight about their styles and preferences.

About Test Sessions

Three years ago Vital MTB set out to bring you the most honest, unbiased reviews you'll find anywhere. That tradition continues today as we ride 2015's most exciting trail, all-mountain, and enduro bikes in San Luis Obispo, California. Reviews can be accessed 24/7 in our Product Guide. Test Sessions was made possible with the help of Foothill Cyclery. Tester gear provided by Five Ten, Race Face, Easton, Troy Lee Designs, Club Ride, Kali, Royal, Smith, Pearl Izumi, and Source.