Mondraker has pushed the limits of lightweight in the past for their Podium models, and the 2021 Mondraker Podium hardtail comes in at a claimed 775g for the frame. They say it’s now the lightest production frameset in the world, which could make it one of the lightest mountain bikes in the world with the right build.
That weight puts it under many road bike frames, yet it’s tough enough for World Cup XC racing. It’s not just the frame layup and weight that’s new, they’ve also updated the geometry for a more aggressive (and modern) racing stance.
How’d they make it so light?
Compared to the prior iteration, which launched as a 2017 model with a 920g claimed frame weight, the 2021 Podium drops almost 150g.
To do that, they made a few changes to the design. The prior model kept Mondraker’s signature bent top tube design and fully streamlined stem-tucked-into-the-headtube design. While arguably more attractive, sometimes function overrules form.
They’ve also removed any front derailleur compatibility, which eliminates ports, guides and other small hardware from the frame. The frame itself continues with their Stealth Air Carbon layup, which simply refers to the use of mostly (or all) high modulus carbon fibers.
The 2020 Mondraker Podium does keep the ultra flat, low slung top tube design. As is the trend these days, it gets a slacker head tube, steeper seat tube, and shorter chainstays. This puts the rider in a more powerful position without giving up high speed stability and control while descending.
2021 Mondraker Podium tech details & features
Without their inset stem design and dead straight tubes, the new Podium looks much more like other mountain bikes…
…until you get the full side profile and see how thin the top tube is. That, combined with flattish seatstays provides some compliance for the rider. The top three models also get their carbon seatpost with a flattened section to add a bit more flex into the system, too.
Even the chainstay are a little thinner than before. There are internal cable housing guides to ease assembly, popping the rear shift cable (assuming you even need it) out directly in front of the derailleur.
The frame uses the SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) design, making replacements easy at most any shop.
2021 Mondraker Podium models & pricing
All build models get the same high end frame, it’s only spec changes that differentiate them down the line. Here’s what’s on offer:
2021 Mondraker Podium Carbon RR SL
Frameset: Minimal Concept Design, Stealth Air Carbon 29in hardtail: 775g
Fork: RockShox SID SL Ultimate RL 29
Wheelset: Mavic Crossmax SL Ultimate Carbon 29, 25mm, hookless
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle
Brakes: SRAM Eagle AXS
Colorways: Black and dark blue, with light blue Mondraker logo
Complete Bike Weight: 7.8kg (17.2lb)
2021 Mondraker Podium Carbon RR
Frameset: Minimal Concept Design, Stealth Air Carbon 29in hardtail: 775g
Fork: RockShox SID SL Ultimate RL 29
Wheelset: Mavic Crossmax SLR Carbon 29, 26mm, hookless
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Carbon Eagle
Brakes: SRAM Trigger GX Eagle
Colorways: Black and blue with red Mondraker logo
Complete Bike Weight: 8.4kg (18.52lb)
2021 Mondraker Podium Carbon R
Frameset: Minimal Concept Design, Stealth Air Carbon 29in hardtail: 775g
Fork: Fox 32 29 Float FIT4 EVOL SC
Wheelset: DT Swiss XR1700 Spline 29, 25mm, tubeless ready
Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100
Brakes: Shimano SLX M8100
Colorways: Black with yellow Mondraker logo
Complete Bike Weight: 8.9kg (19.62lb)
2021 Mondraker Podium Carbon
Frameset: Minimal Concept Design, Stealth Air Carbon 29in hardtail: 775g
Fork: RockShox SID SL Select RL 29
Wheelset: DT Swiss XR1700 Spline 29, 25mm, tubeless ready
Drivetrain: Truvativ Stylo 7K Eagle
Brakes: SRAM Trigger GX Eagle
Colorways: Black and red, with white Mondraker logo
Complete Bike Weight: 9.3kg (20.5lb)
Prices start at 4,199€, available through Mondraker dealers. Hit their website for complete specs and pricing.
