Mullet Drivetrains Go Standard on Mondraker's Updated Arid Gravel Bikes

Mondraker's 2027 Arid refresh isn't a redesign—it's a refinement. The Spanish brand, known for pushing geometry on mountain bikes, has left the Arid's frame and geo untouched while addressing the small friction points that matter on long days in the saddle.

The Fork Trade-Off

The most significant change is also the most polarizing: Mondraker stripped the three-pack mounts from the carbon fork. The result is a cleaner layup, slightly more vertical compliance, and 20 grams saved. For riders who actually use fork-mounted cargo—bikepacking setups, extra water on desert routes—this is a loss. Mondraker is betting most gravel riders never bolt anything to those mounts anyway. Fair bet, but if you're the exception, factor it in before you buy.

Mullet Drivetrains Go Standard

Across the RR, RS, R, and S builds, Mondraker is pairing wide-range MTB cassettes with drop-bar shifters. Wireless tech makes this pairing straightforward now, and the gear range helps on steep mixed terrain where a pure road cassette would leave you grinding. The durability of MTB derailleurs doesn't hurt either. For data-driven riders who track cadence optimization, having that extra low-end means you can stay in your target zone on punchy climbs instead of mashing at 55 rpm.

Size-Specific Bars and Easier Storage

Proportional handlebar widths—400mm on a small up to 460mm on an XL—are surprisingly rare as a stock spec. Proper bar width affects breathing, shoulder fatigue, and handling precision. If you've ever swapped bars immediately after buying a bike, you know how annoying it is to pay twice. The redesigned in-frame storage compartment is a smaller detail: Mondraker says bag extraction is smoother now. Minor, but if you're fishing for a tube mid-ride, you'll notice.

Pricing Reality

The Arid Carbon S with GRX starts at $3,799—reasonable for a carbon gravel frame with decent components. The flagship RR SL hits $10,999, which puts it against established gravel race bikes from Cervélo, 3T, and Factor. Mondraker's gravel pedigree is thin compared to those brands. Whether the Arid's MTB-derived geometry and aesthetics justify flagship pricing depends on how much you value standing out from the usual suspects at the start line. The alloy Arid S at £1,999 is the value play if you want the platform without the carbon tax.

Who shouldn't bother? Bikepackers who need every mount possible, or riders already happy with their current gravel setup's gear range. For everyone else running light and wanting a bike that doesn't look like every other gravel machine—worth a closer look.