Mondraker. A name not a lot of people know. I know it. Why you ask? Well, it's because I did my homework. I was just toying around one day on google and was trying to find a super light XC frame to bring in and work with. Yeah, I know, I have my COTIC Solaris Max, sub-28lb XC type build...but I wanted something...different?
The Mondraker Podium, from here on out to be designated: Phantom Death Project (more on that later), is currently the LIGHTEST XC BIKE IN THE WORLD! And that world is quite large! So congrats to them! And now I am bringing you not only frames and completes but MY interpretation of what the Phantom Death Project, Mondraker Podium SHOULD be.
Phantom Death Project comes from Mondraker! See, I did my homework: Owner loved comics and vaguely named the brand after Mandrake the Magician because "he can create something out of nothing". Kind of like how I take a frame and create nirvana from that ONE piece...then adding many, unique, pieces that just...work. Anyway, Phantom comes from the creator of Mandrake, Lee Falk. He went on to create The Phantom. Which became a much bigger success in many forms from the mid-1930s on.
Hence Phantom. Making something really cool, even MORE...but in a dark, Mysterious, foreboding way...like a Phantom.
So Phantom Death Project is on the books! On its way by boat as I mull over this build and keeping it LIGHTEST in the world!
Lightest XC frame in the world! 1 lb 15oz! yeah. Crazy, right??!!
Making it lighter than factory starts here. 70 grams for a 31.8x40mm stem! Go figure.
Because they are cool and super light! And after my own branded wheels? These are my favorite!
Going a bit more un-traditional on a flat bar. Just comfy and super light!
Once again, lighter than XX1 and sooo much nicer!
Shaving another 40 grams from the factory build with this beauty!
Reynolds carbon levers and titanium hardware make these the lightest around! My first use, personally, of Hayes and I can't wait!
Fast and sticky! And light! 29x2.25 for perfect XC execution!
Seems I'm putting these on everything now! Maybe not 'cheap grips', but that's a good thing! These are impeccable!
Having dealt with Manitou for a long while, but never using one, this is it! THE R7 Pro! Light and strong! Can't wait to try this bad boy out!
Because, Wolftooth!
-Podium Carbon frame
-Manitou R7 Pro fork 110mm travel
-Cane Creek AER headset
-Ride Fast Racing Livewire 29" carbon wheelset
-Schwalbe Racing Ray/Racing Ralph 29x2.25 rubber
-e*thirteen XCX race carbon cranks
-e*thirteen 9-50 cassette
-e*thirteen 34t ring
-TRP TR12 12 speed derailleur and shifter
-Hayes Dominion T2 carbon/titanium brakes
-Dominion T series lightweight rotors 160/160
-ProTaper 2020 carbon bar
-ProTaper 35mm stem
-Terry Fly carbon saddle
-RevGrips
-YBN "Oil Slick" Chain
-Crankbrothers 125mm dropper post
-Shimano SPD pedals
More to come...