Mondraker's new Tracker R offers a World Cup charming suspension system at an enty-level price.
The frame
With the Tracker R, Mondraker have foregone the expensive Stealth alloy tube set of its big brother, the Factor, and opted for hydro-formed 6061 alloy in its place. The Tracker still has the similar suspension links and geometry.
The Zero suspension system functions via a RockShox Ario RL rear shock, which offers external rebound adjustment and a convenient lockout, but you will lose out on some of the Factor's future-proof details such as the lack of ISCG tabs, a tapered head tube and a standard 9x135mm rear axle.
The detail
Mondraker's own OnOff kit is pretty much in all places, which is no bad thing. We transformed the long 90mm stem for a 70mm model, to take the advantage of the beneficial head-angle and long wheelbase.
Taller pilots found the 350mm long seat-post attached with the low seat tube height marginally too low when seated. It's worth trying before you buy. The Avid brakes lack a bit of outright power so you have to be more powerful with them but they do offer decent feel.
Suspension-wise, the RockShox pairing delivered a more than decent performance after a bit of fiddling. We had to wind some preload on to the Recon Gold TK fork to help it sustain a bit more tranquility, but found the reverse at the rear - running slightly more sag than normal permitted the Mondraker to make full use of its travel better. At 14.5kg (32) the Tracker R is not the lightest but for this money, it's no rush.
The ride
The Tracker R climbs well with the shock locked out; it's no rocket but gains altitude nicely. The low bottom bracket helps on tech trails although the minimally threaded Kenda tires will hinder it in anything other than dry conditions. We'd recommend swapping them to a more aggressively-threaded number to really get the most out of mountain conditions.
When you are working the trail and descending, the bike really comes to life. That lengthy wheelbase automatically has you planted right in the middle of the bike and the Zero system between your ankles adds to the feeling that you're standing 'in' as opposed to 'on' the bike.
The RockShox Ario RL does a decent job. The initial stroke is supple which helps the bike carry speed through chatter sections. It's a pretty linear feeling platform but we don't think that that's a bad thing at this price - you always know where you are in the travel and it's easy to understand.
It's the geometry that shines through with the Tracker R. It carries more speed than it really should be able to. The numbers all add up and it's one of the most accomplished entry-level full-bouncers around.
Conclusion
Ideal to full suspension if you don't mind upgrading parts later. The Tracker R provides thrills far above its station, therefore we give the rating 4/5 which means VERY GOOD: One of the best mountain bikes you can buy.