Mondraker, perhaps the most well-known brand in mountain biking, has launched its first non-electric gravel bike, Arid Carbon. 

Based near Alicante, Spain, the brand claims to be based in one of the driest areas in Europe and knows about the dry and dusty terrain and the search for grip when riding. It is this dry terrain that provides the model name of the bike.

The best gravel bikes cover a range of uses at the moment. However, Mondraker seems to have created something like all the models here. The Arid is neither an all-out racing machine nor a super slack and aggressive model. It seems to be designed to work on a range of horseback riding to suit whatever the owner's terrain and gravel riding requirements determine. 

For the top spec RR SL models, 4 models and 5 sizes are available from 9 9,799/£8,499/€9,499. The range starts at33,299/£3,199/€3,199 for dry carbon.

In terms of design, dry carbon appears to be up-to-date, and its specifications may please future owners. There is clearance for 50mm tyres, T47 bottom bracket shell and SRAM UDH derailleur hanger mount standard. The brand can spec SRAM Red XPLR AXS13 speed group set to top spec bikes. 

The frame is only 1x and the Mondraker has a semi-integrated cable routing under the stem and into the head tube. Downtube internal frame storage is the first for Mondraker bikes.

This brand uses the same stealth air carbon frame mix as MTBs for dry carbon and applies dry carbon to the same range of tests as MTBs. There is a unique split at the top of the seat stay, with 2 connection points to the seat tube, which Mondraker says improves frame compliance and ride comfort.

Geometry Number wise, dry carbon has a stem length of 411 mm with a reach of 70mm and size M/L, with a head tube angle of 70 degrees and a fork offset of 45mm. The length of the chain stay is 425mm, and the M/L size bike is given a wheelbase of 1067mm. The standard handlebar stem length is between 60 and 90 mm depending on the frame size. 

Arid Carbon is Mondraker's first pedal-only gravel bike, but it also sells dusty electric gravel bikes. The brand states that dry carbon is more lifelike than dusty and is designed to handle the rocky, loose and dry riding around the Alicante plant.

Dry carbon features no more than 6 mounting points for water bottles, including a fork leg boss, so you don't need to go thirsty however it gets hot. Mondraker states that arid Carbon can be used for everything from gravel racing to bike packing, as all these mounting points also offer versatility.

Mondraker's "carry-on" system also features dry carbon. The carry-on system consists of 3 small internal zipper bags that are accessed via a down tube cover. The pack is designed to carry puncture repair elements but can be used for whatever you need. Similar to the internal tool role used by Canyon Endurace. 

Mondraker will sell Arid Carbon in 4 specifications. The five SA available, with the new M/L size added to its normal S to the xl, to offer more fit options in the midrange but also extreme

flagship is the Arid Carbon RR SL, the SRAM Red XPLR AXS13 speed group set with power meter, and the Goodyear XPLR45mm type. Zipp303XPLR wheel with ear is specification. The price is £8,499/€9,799/€9,499.

Next up are the Arid Carbon RR with the SRAM Force XPLR AXS group set and the Mavic Allroad Pro Carbon SL wheels with Maxxis Reaver45mm tires, priced at £5,799/ー6,499/€6,499.

The Arid Carbon R has a Maxxis Reaver45mm tire on its Sram rival XPLR AXS group set and Mavic Allroad SL wheels, priced at £4,199/ー4,699/€4,499.

The base model Arid Carbon has a Shimano GRX RX610 group set and Mavic Allroad disc wheels with Maxxis Reaver45mm tires. The price is £3,199/€3,299/€3,199.

Arid Carbon is only available as a frameset, priced at £1,799/ー2,199/€1,999.