Alright, we’re here to talk about the Mondraker F-Podium. Modern XC race bikes have been trending in a good direction lately. They’re way more fun and way less scary to ride fast than they used to be, and I’m a big fan. The majority of XC bikes have gone to a variation of a flex stay suspension platform. Mondraker is bucking that trend and going with their multi-link Zero Suspension System design. Does the added complexity and weight make a better bike? I’ve got my opinions, but you’ll have to hang around to find out.
Well, we have another elephant in the room to address. Our good friend Conor is on the other side of the camera today because, as many of you know, he broke himself really good. I don’t want to say he took a purposeful digger because he didn’t want to ride another XC bike ever again, but I’ll let you decide. He’s all patched up now and on his way to getting back riding.
Now, I might not be quite as charming as Conor, but I ride a lot more XC and trail than he does, so this will work out just fine. Now, enough of this; let’s get to the Mondraker F-Podium.
XC bikes are fun, yes, I said it, and the F-Podium might be the most fun XC bike I’ve ridden. So much of that is going to be because of the Zero Suspension System. It uses two rotating links to drive the rear end. It’s a more complex system than a flex stay, which uses carbon flex as a pivot. It adds a pivot and about half of a pound, although the F-Podium is absolutely as light as it gets for a multi-link. With multiple World Cup podiums this year you know it’s capable at the highest level, not just my dad bod, middle-age excuse for a rider. While Mondraker might not be a household name, especially in these parts, it’s a company that’s been around for over 20 years and has some really high-end tech going into their gorgeous bikes. With Mondraker, whether you get the nicest or the most affordable option, you get their best frame. That’s great if you plan on adding some upgrades to it over time. The finish and paint quality is really high end too. I’ve had a lot of comments on this one while riding.
Now it’s time to go ride.
Mondraker F-Podium Ride Review
Climbing
Does the extra complexity lead to faster times going up? Let’s dig into that.
The first thing that really stood out to me was the traction. The Zero Suspension System gave perhaps the best traction I’ve felt on a XC bike — standing, sitting, it doesn’t matter, it’s going to hook up. Now that suppleness of the suspension did add to just a touch of suspension movement under pedaling forces but they never made the bike feel sluggish in any circumstances. I did find myself using the lock out lever a bit more than I normally do and there’s a few reasons why. First, it actually works well. o many dual remote lockouts just don’t work well these days. They’re a little fussy and it can be a bit awkward at times to use. Also, many lockouts are just an open/closed lever. I rarely want to completely lock out my suspension. I like a middle “trail” position while climbing to firm things up just enough yet still allow me to maintain good traction. The lever on the Mondraker is a nifty little 3 position thing and really worked well. I can’t tell if it’s on purpose or not but things were set up just right so when I hit the dropper lever it would unlock the suspension. Frankly, I really ended up liking this. When a dropper post needs to be down I can’t think of many circumstances where I’d want the suspension anything but open. This could be adjusted to not do it but I liked it. Finally, it’s in an easy spot to reach. I hate having to move my positioning on the grip to hit levers.
You’re going to be up, over the front on the F-Podium. With it’s low front end and longish stem there’s no confusing it for an enduro bike. Uphill switchbacks and steep punches are not an issue. You’re just right to put the power down and get the most out of the traction.
The F-Podium made me want to push faster and climb longer. The speed it held while still maintaining comfort made me smile, and also sweat a lot.
Descending
With that forward, racy feel that excels while climbing does it lose out descending?
When the trail is pointed down the F-Podium was surprising. The rear traction and the way the bike tracked is as good as I’ve felt for a XC bike. It uses the 110mm of rear travel so effectively that it feels like it has a bit more than other XC bikes with 120mm rear travel. Cornering through bumps and still having grip even with Maxxis Rekon Race tires was refreshing. The Fox 34 SC works well and is well suited for the bike but I’ve had a couple moments where I could feel some deflection and twist out of it. I can’t really fault it since I’m 190 lbs but it was there.
Geometry is on the slightly more aggressive side than some XC bikes. The 66.5 head tube angle along with the generous reach it ends up with a bit longer than most and I appreciate it. 66.5 is in my opinion the sweet spot for XC. It’s still quick and responsive but not nervous. I found myself pushing it way faster than I would expect for a bike at this travel and weight. It almost got me into trouble a couple of times but the quickness and responsiveness let me correct course and save it.
You’re not going to mistake the F-Podium for a bigger bike when descending but that doesn’t mean it’s not a ripper in its own right. An active rider can really take advantage of the ease it changes direction and can just get out of the way of the more sketchy stuff. I’ve come away smiling after every descent and as long as you’re realistic as to what the bike is you’ll be very pleased. If you want more out of it on the downs there’s some room to beef it up and make it in my opinion even more fun.
What would I change about the Mondraker F-Podium
I think anything I’d change on the spec of this bike is a personal preference. I’d shorten the stem to 42-50mm, put a riser on it, and definitely get rid of the Fizik saddle. Come on bike industry, the Fizik Vento Argo is not great. It’s coming on a lot of bikes and very few people can spend any real amount of time on it. The bar and stem is just a fit thing for me though and the stock stuff really seems solid
Mondraker F-Podium Comparisons
F-Podium vs Yeti ASR
I’ve spent a lot of time on the Yeti ASR lately. The geometry is quite close but the suspension is a flex stay compared to the multi-link on the Mondraker. I’d give the edge to the ASR on acceleration under hard loads but I give the edge to the F-Podium on traction. These are both perfect examples of modern XC bikes and are currently my two favorites.
F-Podium vs Orbea Occam SL
I know this might seem a little off but I think there’s some similarities to the Orbea Occam SL. The Occam SL has 140mm of travel and a light trail bike build instead of a XC build but I’ve ridden the Occam SL quite a bit and feel like it’s more of a long legged XC bike or please forgive me Conor, a down country bike than it is an aggressive trail bike like it’s travel would suggest. What makes the Occam SL unique to me is its ability to be nearly XC bike fast up yet have some extra when descending. The F-Podium does this in a bit different way. The quality of suspension traction and stability allows you to ride harder downhill than you’d expect.
Read the Orbea Occam SL review here
So who is the Mondraker F-Podium for?
I have a couple people in mind. It’s a true blue World Cup worthy race bike so if you’re a racer then it should be on your short list. It’s incredibly fast and competitively light. It’s one of those bikes that if you’re racing and on a F-Podium it’s not the bike that’s limiting you in any way. If that’s what you value then don’t hesitate to get one.
The other group is the trail rider who appreciates a light and efficient ride. They might never race but ride multiple times a week, probably mostly in lycra because that’s all they’ve worn for a decade plus. The “if it’s not on Strava it didn’t happen” type. It works great for this rider because it’s never going to make you dread that big, challenging climb but still give a fun rip down on your favorite pedally descent where your effort makes it even better.
So that’s the take — and remember, XC bikes can be fun too.
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