Mondraker give the top-tier of their versatile alloy XC hardtail mountain bike a longer travel, slacker upgrade with the all-new Chrono Carbon DC. Just like the alloy model’s upgrade at the start of this year, now the new Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC is trail ready with 120mm forks and even more progressive geometry….
Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC downcountry MTB hardtail
Mondraker says their carbon Chrono hardtail has always been a best-seller, delivering a bit more travel and a more progressive ride than their racy XC Podium hardtail, yet still lightweight and reasonably affordable. But after seeing the positive response to the downcountry iteration of the aluminum Chrono DC since the start of this year, it was clear the masses would be craving a carbon downcountry hardtail, too.
So here it is, the all-new Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC a lightweight and progressive downcountry mountain bike hardtail.
New Trail Forward Geometry
In fact, the new Chrono Carbon DC is even more progressive than its alloy sibling with updated Forward Geometry. The same basic idea is there, scaling fork travel up for the 29er to 120mm to take on more technical trails. Fit on the bike is essentially the same as the alloy DC with longer Reach, slightly higher Stack from the longer travel forks, similar BB height, and a steeper seattube for a more forward weight balance especially when climbing.
But the new Chrono Carbon DC get an even slacker 67.5° head angle. Compare that to the alloy DC’s 68.5° or the much steeper 70° headtube on the standard Chrono Carbon XC hardtail. The new Chrono Carbon DC does get a 5mm higher bottom bracket, though. That will improve crank clearance when smashing through rough terrain. But it will also help maintain maneuverability, even with the slacker steering.
What’s new?
The new Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC is an all new carbon hardtail, sporting a completely revised profile. From cross-country to marathon to trail… downcountry. Gone is the kinky shape, replaced by a super thin flattened toptube. The rear end is also completely reshaped with a smoother transition to the new UDH dropout. And pared-down chainstays for a more comfortable ride without sacrificing pedaling efficiency. Plus, you get thinner seatstays that are ever-so-slightly dropped at the revised seat cluster.
Its more boxy seattube and revised downtube profile also now integrate flush Fidlock mounts for a smoother look and quick & easy magnetic water bottle attachment. And you can still swap in a filler plate it you’d rather stick with a conventional bottle cage.
Tech details
The new ‘stealth carbon’ Chrono Carbon DC hardtail is built around 120mm fork travel and clearance for 29×2.4″ tires. It features a BSA threaded bottom bracket, internal tapered headset, Boost thru-axle spacing, flat mount 160mm rear brake, and molded chainstay protector.
The bike is 1x only with conventional internal cable routing entering through the sides of the downtube. That then includes routing for 31.6mm droppers. All but the entry-level Chrono DC bikes come spec’d with droppers. Unlike their non-DC XC siblings that still stick with rigid posts.
Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC – Pricing, Options & Availability
The new Chrono Carbon DC comes in three spec levels. The Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC is the most affordable at 2200€. For that you get a RockShox Recon Gold RL fork with remote lockout and a SRAM NX/SX Eagle groupset.
Then, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC R steps up to 2800€. Upgrade to a Fox 32 Rhythm fork also with remote lockout, a SRAM GX/NX Eagle drivetrain, and a dropper post.
And lastly, the Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC RR tops out the line at 3500€ with a Fox 34 Factory remote lockout fork and a more complete SRAM GX mechanical build.
If all of those are still out of your budget, you can pick up the alloy Chrono DC from 1500-2000€.
