2014 Access Stealth Trail 29er Mountain Bike Review

April 19, 2022 Post a Comment

Spanish bike maker Mondraker is well known for extreme frame designs and their revolutionary Forward Geometry. The arrangement, which is proven in downhill and extreme terrain, should too work for all-round bikes like the € 4,099 Factor XR.
We were excited to encounter if the concept really works out.

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (3 von 8)

The looks of the Factor XR are characterised by the Mondraker Forward Geometry and Stealth frame design. The bike has a very long peak tube (630mm in size medium) combined with a stubby 30mm stalk. The rest of the spec is functional and well chosen. Shifting is undertaken by a mix of SRAM X9 & X7 components, while Avid Elixir 7 Trail brakes offer adept stopping ability. The suspension is made up of a loftier-end Play a joke on 32 Bladder Kashima Manufacturing plant fork as well every bit a Play a trick on Float CTD Kashima shock.

Before testing even began, we swapped the sparse-walled, low-profile Maxxis Crossmark 2.1″ tyres. In Alpine terrain, these tyres are in our feel totally overwhelmed, and this would accept distracted from actually testing the bike.

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (1 von 8)

In spite of the super brusque stalk, the rider doesn't feel cramped aboard the Gene; the position can't exist described as stretched, simply you can pedal the bike finer and in a relaxed way. This isn't the case when standing, however; here the bike feels nervous and wobbly as the steering is too direct. In our opinion this is problem which i can live with. We did, however, need a longer breaking-in flow with the Factor XR until we'd gotten used to the unique handling.

Mondraker recommends running the rear shock at maximum of 30 % sag in order to go the all-time performance. No sooner said than done! The effect is a costly, pleasantly progressive rear end which can easily cope with bigger hits. Under actually farthermost impacts the break wasn't quite able to eliminate bottom-outs. At the front, the Trick fork works well and helps to create a well-balanced overall ride.

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (2 von 8)

The suspension has stiff chain growth and even the clutched SRAM Type 2 rear derailleur wasn't completely able to eliminate the concatenation slapping on the frame — a trait the testers establish abrasive.

The Factor XR feels most at habitation on steep and extreme terrain, every bit the 'over-the-bars' feeling is history on this bike. On flat trails the Factor tends to understeer, making an active riding technique an absolute necessity to striking your lines exactly. Fast steering changes, or brakes-off and allow it roll: you can practice anything on the Mondraker, but information technology requires that yous make some radical changes to your riding habits.

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (4 von 8)

Forward Geometry – With an actress-long top tube and super-short stem, the Factor XR is equipped with Mondraker'due south well-known Forward Geometry. This is especially advantageous on steeper trails. 'Over-the-bars' feeling? No way!

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (5 von 8)

Plush – The rear shock is mounted floating between both frame triangles and is compressed at each cease. With the relatively generous sag recommended, the suspension is costly and capably absorbs all impacts.

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (6 von 8)

Powerful – The Gorging Elixir vii Trail brakes fitted won over the whole test crew with enormous power and super modulation. The stock 160mm rotors fitted should be quickly swapped for a 180mm versions though.

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (7 von 8)

Angular – A saddle needs to be comfortable on long rides and not get in the way on descents. We didn't get on with the Fi'zi:k Ardea MG either sitting or standing, every bit our shorts kept getting caught on its sharp edges.

Mondraker Factor XR Enduro Magazine (8 von 8)

Unnecessary – A quick release thru-axle is a wonderful characteristic, as you don't need whatever tools to remove the rear wheel. Not on the Mondraker: here you even so need a 6mm hex key to concur the rotating sleeve in place whilst unscrewing the axle.

Conclusion:

on demanding trails the Mondraker Factor XR is in a league of its own after you've become accustomed to the geometry. The handling is, however, unique — and is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. Either way, an active riding style is absolutely essential!

Price: € 4,099

Weight: 12.9 kg (w/ Continental Mountain Kings)