Arid Carbon: The Ultra Gravel Bike
Riding a bike in an arid environment, regardless of terrain, can be seriously demanding. Bike and rider alike may be pushed to their very limits. The extremes of temperature, poor grip, and general exposure make it a significant challenge… yet thankfully it’s often incredibly exhilarating too.

Here at Mondraker we thrive on that sensation. We live and work in one of Europe’s most arid regions, surrounded by dry, rocky, loose terrain where grip is often non-existent. Those feelings, that experience, led us to create in perhaps the most appropriate place possible our best gravel bike imaginable: the new Mondraker Arid Carbon.

Expanding the Territory
Arid Carbon is our new gravel bike. A bike that’s here to expand our presence in the segment where the DUSTY e-Gravel bike has already carved its own niche. We’re simply, organically, growing the range, because at Mondraker gravel biking isn’t just the latest thing… it’s become an intrinsic part of our identity.

Arid Carbon, our first non-assist gravel bike, manages to borrow some design cues from its e-Bike cousin while managing to keep itself well out of the other’s shadow. In a segment made up of riders with very different ideas about just what makes a great gravel bike, we specifically designed Arid Carbon to be the mould breaker, the bike to bridge that gap between differing ideologies thanks to its enormous capacity for adaptation. Because when it comes down to it, gravel biking is simply a very personal discipline.

Riders have always adapted their bikes, based on many different factors, to be exactly what they want them to be. So that’s why, when designing the Arid Carbon, we kept in mind just how diverse our field of riders would be and likewise how varied their take on ‘gravel’ would be. We specifically designed Arid Carbon to be able to adapt to just about anyone.

The Devil’s in the Detail
We’ve really gone to town on the details. Arid Carbon has HHG internal cable guides to facilitate maintenance and keep the frame lines really clean, especially under the stem, and the UDH derailleur hanger provides the stiffness and precision you need when pedalling hard over rough terrain. 1x drivetrain only, the bottom bracket is threaded for maximum stiffness, and once again, ease of maintenance.

The frame and fork combined provide mounting points for up to six water-bottles, and generous frame and fork dimensions take up to 50mm wide tyres with clearance to spare. The bike also features the all-new Mondraker ‘Carry-On’ system.

Carry-on: Next Gen Hand Luggage
Riding the Arid Carbon is like writing your own screenplay. Racing, adventure, singletrack or the daily commute, Arid Carbon is going to be there with you whatever the script; and when you need to take something with you you’ve got internal frame storage for the first time ever on a Mondraker. Whether it be basic tools, a bite to eat, documents or clothing, Mondraker’s ‘Carry-On’ system has you covered. Accessible through a watertight, dustproof cover on the downtube, you can carry the essentials safely, securely and quietly.

Three custom-made, internal yet easily accessible, double-lapped zipper bags keep things neat and tidy and mean that you won’t need additional packs or accessories for those shorter trips. One of the bags is specifically designed to carry a spare tube and tyre levers. Another for a mini-pump or CO2 cannisters, and the third for a multitool… or… you can use them for whatever fits your needs better on the day.

Key Points
• StealthAirCarbonframe
• StealthAirCarbonfork
• Carry-Onframestorage
• Under-stemHHGinternalcableguides • 1xdrivetrainonly
• UDHderailleurhanger
• BBT47bottombracket
• Upto50ctyreclearance
• 12x142mmrearaxle
• FlatMountbrakecallipermountsfrontandback
• Multiplewaterbottlemounts
• 5differentsizes

Better Fit, Better Geometry
A key feature of Arid Carbon is the adoption of 5 different sizes, the better to cover all types of rider. The new ML size goes beyond just adding a size to the traditional S, M, L, XL lineup; rather it reduces the jump between sizes while also making the smallest model a little less rangy and the largest a little more spacious. As a result, we’ve not only made Arid Carbon fit riders on the extremes better than ever before, we’ve also made fine tuning your fit better for everyone by having smaller steps between sizes. Arid Carbon is the latest Mondraker to take this step, after the recently released SLY and the latest version of the Crafty Carbon.

In fitting with the Mondraker badge on the headtube, Arid Carbon adopts innovative geometry stats with generous reach figures and stem lengths of between 60mm and 90mm depending on frame size, a 70° head angle and 425mm chainstays. The riding position is extremely comfortable and confidence inspiring thanks in part to the new ONOFF handlebar range, the result of intensive development over the last 12 months. Strength, posture and handling have all been refined.

Putting Down the Power
The pleasure of driving yourself forward. Nothing but your legs, your strength, your endurance. At a time when e-Bikes seem to be taking over, bikes like Arid Carbon take us back to the origins of cycling, of unadulterated fun and freedom to roam, detached from complications and trouble.

Arid Carbon is unmistakeably a Mondraker in every way, yet with its own character thanks in part to its distinctive and technologically advanced rear triangle design. Likewise, more than 10 years of development of Forward Ge- ometry shine through when riding the Arid Carbon; that trademark blend of aggressiveness, control and fun that mark every Mondraker regardless of discipline.

Arid Carbon is an origins bike, a return to pure cycling, yet offers all the advantages of high-tech frame construction and quality components. Arid Carbon plants Mondraker firmly in the world of gravel riding.

Four Builds – All Fast
Arid Carbonis available in four different builds: Arid Carbon, Arid Carbon R, Arid Carbon RR, and the range-topping Arid Carbon RR SL which is also available as a frame only option. All four builds share the same Stealth Air Carbon frame and fork, and the same 400mm long, 27.2mm diameter Onoff S9 seatpost. Whichever build you go for you’ll be on a heater from the very first time you turn a crank.

Canadian SRPs
Arid Carbon RR SL $12,999.00
Arid Carbon RR $8,999.00
Arid Carbon R $6,999.00
Arid Carbon $4,999.00
Frameset Arid Carbon RR SL $2,799.00

Read more here.

Welcome to take a look – and if we haven’t answered any of your questions (and you can’t find the answer in the FAQ page), please write to us. Winter is the perfect time to plan new adventures.

Watch the Webinar chat here.

Experience one of the best single-day rides in the world on the Celia Sanchez Tribute route, or take on the Guantanamo Mango, a 12-day cycling adventure into the backwoods of eastern Cuba. The Fat Mary Bike Tour in western Cuba delivers turquoise beaches, and famous caves while the Cayo y Seis Ciudades is another fabulous tour featuring Cuba’s stunning landscapes with its many hidden gems.

Ciclo Temba is a superb and fully supported end-to-end bike ride across Cuba where you can enjoy the spectacular Cuban countryside at a leisurely pace and savour the local culture from a traditional Cuban barbecue to a diver’s paradise – ask about their e-bike rentals.

While their core business is fully supported trips, Bicycle Breeze is happy to work with folks on self-guided bike-packing tours, and they offer bike rentals as well.

Read more about Bicycle Breeze here.
Order a copy of Best Cycling Great Escapes today here.

He also picks up a couple of young local shredders, Caleb Holonko and Ryder Bulfone. The crew rides and visits some classic spots, as well as some hidden gems, trails and neighbourhoods.

Join the legendary Hans Rey and guests as they show off the home of the BC Bike Race. And if you’re joining us for BCBR 2025, consider spending a few days in Vancouver before or after the race. 

Read more about BCBR 2025 here.
 

This event aims to gather the entire mountain bike ecosystem’s players together to share, network, learn and move forward collectively in an industry currently in full expansion. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, representatives from across Canada and Eastern North America are all invited to attend the bilingual symposium.

For the industry as a whole
Conferences, workshops and panels covering assorted themes will be held simultaneously, reaching out to include each of the industry’s sectors. A trade show with booths for networking, festive evenings, terrain workshops on trail building and group rides are all part of the program.

Held every second year, the event program will be tailored by Vélo Québec, Aventure Écotourisme Québec and l’Association des stations de ski du Québec to address the mountain bike community’s challenges and needs.

A bilingual event for all
The Symposium is therefore for anyone interested in the development, promotion or management of recreational and tourism-related mountain biking: Training and skill centre managers and employees, industry professionals and government officials, trail builders and trail maintenance crews, personnel from regional and sectorial associations, adventure tourism operators, elected and municipal representatives, communications and marketing teams, specialized medias and lastly, event producers.

COMING SOON
Program details and event registration: January 2025 via the website.
Sign up for the Symposium newsletter for updates!

Invitation from Québec vélo de montagne
With the financial support of Destination Québec Cité, this new major event is a group initiative by Québec vélo de montagne and its members, including the top five mountain bike destinations from the Greater Québec Cité and Charlevoix region – Vallée Bras-du-Nord, Empire 47, Sentiers du Moulin, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif de Charlevoix.

About Québec vélo de montagne
Québec vélo de montagne is a concerted initiative between the top mountain bike destinations from the Capitale-Nationale and Charlevoix region, along with their respective territory’s RMCs and RTAs. Its mission is to enhance the destination’s performance in tourism. QVDM partners include:

• Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale
• Destination Québec cité
• Tourisme Charlevoix
• SDE de la Jacques-Cartier
• MRC de Portneuf
• Développement Côte-de-Beaupré
• MRC de Charlevoix
• Vallée Bras-du-Nord
• Mont-Sainte-Anne
• Sentiers du Moulin
• Empire 47
• Le Massif de Charlevoix

When In The Land Of Elephants, Play By The Elephant’s Rules
As the Cape to Kili expedition transitioned from Namibia to Botswana, we moved from the ‘Mountains & Dunes’ section to ‘The Elephant Highway.’ Crossing the border was like stepping into a new world: the landscape shifted from rolling dunes to flat bushland, gravel roads turned into smooth tarmac, and our roadside attractions transformed into animals.

Once we crossed into Botswana, we found ourselves in the land of elephants – a new and awe-inspiring territory. It quickly became apparent that we were visitors in their domain. Elephants are the largest living land animals so in order to navigate this unique environment safely, TDA has established strict rules to follow.

As our tour leader Yanez explains, “Elephants are complicated creatures. They have complex relationships with humans, and each one is extremely intelligent.” One of the most crucial rules is to always give way to elephants. If you encounter one, remember – they have the right of way.

Read the full story here.

Paired with MAHLE X20 or X30 motors, the system boasts a weight of just 2.5 kilograms with the X20, generating as much torque as a 55 Nm mid-drive. The XS System is compatible with the full MAHLE Ecosystem and is already available in the market.

“Our passion for innovation and commitment to cyclists inspire us to continually push boundaries. With the XS system, we have distilled the e-bike down to its most essential elements, delivering unmatched value,” said Jochen Sommer, General Manager of MAHLE SmartBike Systems. Battery integration has long posed a challenge for bike manufacturers due to size and assembly complexities. MAHLE’s XS system solves this by offering a streamlined e-bike setup powered entirely by a 1kg external battery, which conveniently fits in a standard water bottle cage. In addition, the newly developed Smart Motor Controller can be mounted inside or outside the frame, allowing for minimalistic, unobtrusive integration—making it possible to use standard muscular bike frames to create fully functional eBikes.

Without sacrificing performance, the XS system is comprised of only the essential components: the eX1 External Battery, XS Smart Controller, X20 or X30 Hub Drive Unit, and a Torque or PAS (Pedal Assist) Sensor. This minimalism reduces the system’s environmental footprint by downsizing components and simplifying the system’s architecture. Furthermore, its ease of maintenance and broad range of accessories provide limitless customization opportunities.

The eX1 battery fits perfectly for daily use, offering over 170Wh of capacity. “In our research, we found that even less than 100Wh are sufficient for most daily activities —urban commuting, short rides—so we focused on optimizing for what riders need. The result is XS: a light, efficient system that perfectly suits everyday use,” said Marco de la Serna, Head of Product, Strategy, and Business Development at MAHLE SmartBike Systems.

Additionally, the eX1 battery serves as a Range Extender for any existing MAHLE X20 or X30 system and as a power bank to charge devices such as phones or laptops thanks to a USB-C port integrated in the Energy Hub charger, which comes along with the system.

The XS system also integrates with the expansive X-series accessory line, enhancing both performance and user experience. Customization is nearly limitless, with optional accessories like the Duo, eShifters, and Pulsar ONE, among others, available for added functionality.

Users can also connect to the MAHLE Digital Ecosystem via their eBike, laptop, smartphone, or Apple Watch, opening the door to the present and future of the smartbike revolution. The MAHLE digital ecosystem enables a multitude of functionalities, providing a perfect symbiosis between user and eBike.

Using the system is very intuitive. With an intuitive control, riders can power on the system, switch between assistance modes, and monitor battery levels directly from the interface atop the eX1 External Battery. The system also offers automatic assistance, enhancing ease of use. 

Read more here.

The first 24 Hours of Summer Solstice took place June 20-21, 1998, with only 350 participants—over 26 years ago! This year, we’re continuing to build on that legacy and are working closely with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority this fall on trail upgrades to improve drainage and trail flow.

Find all the details on categories and pricing here, and now is the perfect time to start assembling your teams! Mark your calendars for November 5, and don’t miss your chance to secure an early spot and first choice on camping sites. We’re excited to welcome everyone back to the trails for another fun-filled event, celebrating the spirit of our mountain biking community!

If you have any questions please contact me adam at chicoracing.com.

Happy trails,

Adam Ruppel,
Chico Racing

We regularly answer questions via e-mail and try to create informative content on our website, but now the idea of ​​seeing each other live fell through. We will organize four Zoom workshops in which you will be able to get to know a part of our team, and especially Mrs. Trans Dinarica herself.

There will be four workshops; two for European cyclists and two for everyone from the other side of the Atlantic.

Schedule:
• October 23 2024 at 6:00 PM CET (for Europe)
• October 29 2024 at 6:00 PM EST (for North & South America)
• November 5 2024 at 6:00 PM EST (for North & South America)
• November 7 2024 at 6:00 PM CET (for Europe)

The content will be approximately the same; with different dates we want to accommodate cyclists from all over the world. It is enough to attend one webinar.

All webinars will be held in English. At the end of each webinar there will be time to answer your questions.

Sign up and hope to see you soon.

As we approach this important day, we have taken a deeper dive into the platforms of the three major political parties, focusing specifically on their support for active transportation.

Our analysis outlines how each party plans to promote walking, cycling, and other sustainable modes of transport while highlighting their commitment to enhancing mobility, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Polling stations will close at 8 p.m. PST today.

Check your assigned spot on your Where to Vote card or visit here to find the best option for you!