First Look: Mondraker Chrono Carbon DC Hardtail

Nov 22, 2023
by Jessie-May Morgan  
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Mondraker has released its most capable hardtail to date; the Chrono Carbon DC. Though not radically different to the alloy Chrono DC released earlier this year, the new hardtail announced today is not its carbon copy. A 120mm travel fork puts the head tube angle at 67.5°, making it a slacker, and likely a more confident descender than the aforementioned.

And of course, a Stealth carbon frame goes a long way to making it considerably lighter. The frame alone weighs a claimed 1150g, with the lightest Chrono DC Carbon RR model weighing a claimed 11.6 kg (25.6 lb).
Chrono Carbon DC Details
• Stealth Carbon Frame
• 29" wheels
• 120mm fork
• 67.5° head angle
• 74.5° effective seat angle
• 425-475mm reach
• 430mm chainstays
• Claimed weight: 11.6 kg / 25.6 lb (Carbon DC RR)
• $2,799-$4,499 USD
mondraker.com

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The 120mm fork gets a remote lockout
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No thru-headset cable routing here

Mondraker pitch the Chrono Carbon DC as a versatile hardtail, adequately equipped for cross-country, marathon, downcountry, and even a spot of trail riding. That said, its weight, geometry and components push it more toward the latter categories. All three models launching today are equipped with a 120mm travel fork. While the two more affordable options run 32mm stanchion Fox forks, the top-end DC RR gets the burlier Fox 34 SC Factory.

All get 2-piston brakes, with a 180mm rotor up front and a 160mm in the rear. Only the entry-level model goes without a dropper seat post, with the DC R and DC RR both benefiting from the adjustable ONOFF Pija dropper; S - 95-120mm, M - 120-150mm, L/XL - 140-170mm.

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Cable routing is internal. In contrast to the F-Podium XC race bike, cables do not enter through the headset, instead entering the frame just aft of the headtube. It has a 73mm threaded BB, Boost spacing, and a UDH for Transmission-compatibility, though none of the models announced today boast that latest technology from SRAM.

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A magnetic Fidlock bottle mount is recessed into the seat tube for extra stealth

Geometry
The Chrono Carbon DC is available in four sizes (S-XL), with reach figures of 425mm, 440mm, 460mm and 475mm on offer. In addition to the lighter carbon frame, it's the slacker 67.5° head angle that sets it apart from the more affordable Chrono DC.

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As the front-center length increases throughout the size range, the rear-center remains consistent at 430mm, and all sizes share the same 71.5° seat tube angle (74.5° effective), and 65mm BB drop.




Pricing and Availability
Mondraker's Chrono Carbon DC hardtail is available now in the UK, US, and throughout Europe, in all three models seen herein.

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Claimed weight for the Chrono Carbon DC is 13.2 kg (29.1 lb)

The most affordable of the lot is the entry-level Chrono Carbon DC, retailing at £2,299 / $2,799 USD. It rolls up on a Mavic CrossRide wheelset and Maxxis Ardent tires, with a Rockshox Recon Gold RL fork, a SRAM SX/NX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain and SRAM Level brakes.

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Claimed weight for the Chrono Carbon DC R is 12.1 kg (26.7 lb)

One rung up is the Chrono Carbon DC R, priced at £2,799 / $3,499 USD. Upgrades include the Fox 32 Float GRIP fork, an ONOFF Pija dropper seat post, a SRAM Eagle drivetrain composed of SX, NX and GX parts (importantly, the derailleur is GX) and SRAM Level T brakes.

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Claimed weight for the Chrono Carbon DC RR is 11.6 kg (25.6 lb)

Topping the range is the Chrono Carbon DC RR, which will set you back £3,599 / $4,499 USD. Highlight parts include the Fox 34 SC Factory fork, Mavic CrossMax XL S wheels, and a SRAM GX (mostly) Eagle 12 speed drivetrain. It too gets the ONOFF Pija dropper.

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Author Info:
jessiemaymorgan avatar

Member since Oct 26, 2023
65 articles

68 Comments
  • 36 1
 $4500 for 26 lb carbon HT...where do I sign up?
  • 27 16
 That really is impressively heavy. My 2006 Gary Fisher with parts bin components and angle adjust headset is 25.
  • 15 0
 how do you ride it with quick releases, rigid post, and stanchions that are less than 34mm?
  • 16 3
 Man, I'm gonna sell my 25lb 100/100 scalpel, to gain a pound and lose my rear suspension!
  • 39 7
 @Ryawesomerpm: Y'all are comparing apples and oranges. This Mondraker has basic drivetrain, alloy wheels, aluminum bars, etc. Your 25lb scalpel is tricked out with carbon hoops and a higher spec drivetrain for sure, and your 2006 Gary Fisher is probably rolling on 26s. If you put nice wheels, a carbon cockpit and a light cassette on this bike you could get it to 23 lbs or less easy. I have a 23lb fs race bike, so this isn't a bike I personally want either, but I'm not going to compare my Gucci s-works build to a starter hardtail race bike.
  • 26 1
 @Lokirides: the price doesn’t scream starter hardtail
  • 7 0
 @Lokirides: you can get a Carbon Blur that weighs 28.X lbs for the same price or for the same weight as this a Blur that costs $1k more.
  • 7 2
 @Lokirides: pick a weight and be a dick about it?
  • 2 3
 @Lokirides: I'm comparing dollars to dollars. You're looking at $4,500 USD for the highest end one of these that weighs 25.6lb. I guess if you were comparing just list prices, it's not the same, however the state of the bike industry right now, you can get a scalpel for a pretty good deal (or other xc FS type bike). For example, in Canada, right now, you can get a scalpel carbon se1, nice trim, carbon wheels, $5,800 CDN on sale.
  • 8 0
 Yeah...my aluminum framed Specialized Chisel with a 120mm pike and 180mm dropper post, XM481 rims and Cushcore XC in both wheels weighs 27lbs. At a fraction the price...
  • 2 10
flag trioofchaos (Nov 22, 2023 at 12:16) (Below Threshold)
 @aelazenby: okay grandpa
  • 3 5
 @Lokirides: don't come in here with your f*cking facts and logic and shit all over this incel pity party!


ftr, the chrono is indeed the low end carbon hardtail. if you get a RR SL Podium and throw all the light parts at it, they are like 17lbs. lol.....Mondraker makes some of the lightest bikes in every single category of MTBing. it's really silly to think a $4500 bike should weigh what a $10,000 one does
  • 1 0
 @walserish: because it's not. its a Mondraker, and it's carbon. those two things are mutually exclusive with "starter"
  • 2 1
 @Mtbdialed: LOL - nice use of extreme example to try and prove a point....plenty of ~$5kish FS bikes that are of sim weight...I bet you are paying at LEAST a $1k premium for this bike relative to many others out there.
  • 2 0
 @coffeepoop42069: Chisel ride ok with the 120 fork?
  • 3 0
 This comment thread highlights why manufacturers all play fast and loose with claimed weight figures; if it's deemed 1 lb overweight, people won't consider it. I'm not defending the value proposition here, though.
  • 1 1
 Sorry but I’m not impressed. Hell my medium size 853 Steel Cotic Solaris comes in @ 23.6 lbs ready to rock. Running a 100mm Fox, my hand built DT Swiss 240s w/ XR391 & Kenda rubber w/ orange seal, older XTR 11 spd drive & brakes w/ older e-thirteen cassette. Cheap FleBay carbon riser bar, Ti. Stem & Post. (Hell all bicycle/s are made in China or Taiwan) And No I don’t use a dropper I’m old school and hang my family jewels off the back like we did back in the day. I have less funds in it than the cheapie one here! STEEL IS REAL
  • 2 0
 @caltife: Yeah, it's great. Mine's a size XL. I put some riser bars and beefier tires on it and it feels still XC enough to be quick, but shreddy enough to go ride most of the same trails I'd be riding my full sus on.
  • 1 0
 @walserish: its also not 2010 anymore....
  • 33 2
 Hard tail posts on PB are only welcomed if the frame material is not carbon and the frame builder is quirky.
  • 3 0
 Or if it weighs less than a wet fart.
  • 19 0
 Award for the sexiest top tube 2023?!
  • 1 0
 Mondraker have some of sexiest bikes ever made
  • 15 0
 Sh!ts purple… super sticky
  • 3 0
 Did I hear someone say scooby snacks?
  • 2 0
 ***hands over pipe*** sire
  • 2 0
 It came from the shady side of the field, eh?
  • 1 0
 Only valid reason for buying a bike with in frame storage
  • 4 0
 I built myself a 24lb Titanium hardtail for $4,200 CAD this year. All parts brand new, except brakes were in my parts bin

Lynskey Livewire (handmade in USA)
Fox Factory 34 FIT4 (140mm)
X01 AXS Drivetrain
RaceFace Carbon Cranks
OneUp Carbon Bar
Race Face Turbine R Stem
Race Face Turbine R Allo Wheels
OneUP Post
XTR Trail brakes

Point is...if you shop wisely and buy things on sale, you can build yourself a top-shelf bike for a fraction of a new build. This bike is heavy, poorly spec'd and priced realy high = really poor value proposition.
  • 7 0
 The text says HA 67.5, the chart says 68.5. What's true?
  • 1 0
 Both. Carbon is diff head angle.
  • 2 0
 @GravityCandy: thanks, so the chart is the one for the Al version. Should be clarified I think.
  • 4 0
 The text was correct. The head angle is 67.5 - correct geometry chart now provided Smile
  • 5 0
 always forget Mavic still makes wheels... just googled Mavic and a drone company came up first...
  • 3 1
 I love the onoff ‘sulphur’ handlebar branding. Team, we need a word not yet trademarked or strongly associated with a competitor that evokes science! Mtb marketing has been copying the homework of the 00s haircare industry with its flying molecules and lab-coated extras bracketing the model with the awesome windblown hair. Explain it to me, doctors, am i so fast because of _elements_?!
  • 1 1
 No one even remembered that Fox still manufactured forks 32 other than Step Cast. The problem with the 34SC is that it only accepts rotors up to 180mm, whereas the 32SC accepts up to 203mm. In the end, Niner was ahead of its time with the Air 9 with 120mm fork. hahaha It's also interesting to see that after the launch of the Scalpel HT, the Trek HT and this bike, the brands kind of took a break from the weight fight. To this day, I think the Epic HT was a problem, as it disappeared from the market.
  • 1 0
 Who on earth would put a 203mm rotor on a 32mm fork? 180mm is more than enough for the intended purpose
  • 1 0
 I think it's a good concept. The geo looks sorted for long backcountry rides with some steep descents. It's not a race bike, and the weight is decent enough for a bike like that.
  • 1 0
 I'm disappointed that it weighs the same as a Transition Spur......and costs almost the same. It's really not that light for a top-spec carbon hardtail.
  • 3 3
 you think this spec is "top spec"??? *boggle*
  • 1 0
 @Mtbdialed:The DC RR is the top spec......yes. Do you see a higher one in the article?
  • 3 2
 @maestroman21: my point is that GX is hardly "top spec"

whay you are stretching for, is like saying a trek marlin 8 with Deore is TOP SPEC, becuase its all Trek specs knowing the demo. Mondraker is no different here. the Chrono is the entry level xc bike from Mondraker. their top spec race hard tail is like $12k. so relatively, this is "budget". Mondraker is a super premium brand. what's next, you want a 20lb hardtail from Unno thats under $3000???

it will never cease to astound me people that think every company should make $1200 complete bikes and try and compete with Giant.......sigh...
  • 2 0
 Looks good and not terribly expensive. Seems a little porky however. I'd ride one
  • 10 0
 Are you talking about my wife?
  • 1 0
 Daddy should have penned this so we could drag his sorrowful self through the comments
  • 1 0
 Oops spell correct. Doddy
  • 1 0
 Pretty heavy for a "DC" hardtail...my element C50 weighed the same and had a rear shock
  • 1 0
 Looks good
  • 1 1
 How'd they get that photo on the log?
  • 3 0
 And why?
  • 1 0
 @PerPerroni: this is Mondraker's take on a trials bike.
  • 1 1
 It’s not a bad deal whatsoever!!
  • 2 4
 Look nice, but those reach figures look rather old fashioned these days.
  • 2 0
 Combined with the stack they look like tons of fun to me.
  • 2 0
 Those are hardtails, so the reach grows under sag ...
  • 2 0
 @lkubica: I just rode a HT all summer so most of the sag is in my back.
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