2016 marked the beginning of the Madonna’s development, with a clear goal: to design a bike that doesn’t back down, is fast, balanced, intuitive, easy to work on, and as purposeful in its appearance as it is in its performance. Today, we offer two versions of the Madonna, each with a distinct philosophy: the Madonna V3.2 and the Madonna R.
The Madonna V3.2 is the fifth iteration and our benchmark enduro bike. The adjustability through the Toolbox Concept, the extensive size range, two rocker links, and the CNC-intensive design characterize the no-compromise ethos of the Madonna V3.2.
The Madonna R is a true rider’s bike with a clear focus. It’s produced to the same quality standards, in the same factory as the Madonna V3.2, but reduced to its essence. Less adjustability, less tinkering, more riding.
The Madonna R comes at a lower price point and is made to simply grab and go. If you want full adjustability and a bike you can adapt, learn from, and occasionally tinker with, the Madonna V3.2 is the bike for you. The Madonna V3.2 also offers a wider range of frame sizes and two rocker links, allowing riders at either end of the weight range to achieve a great suspension setup.
Sizing and Geometry
Both bikes share the same core geometry philosophy: balanced, predictable, and confidence-inspiring at speed. Chainstay lengths grow with frame size on both bikes, ensuring consistent weight distribution and handling across the range.
The difference lies in size coverage. The Madonna V3.2 is available in five frame sizes, offering a broader fit range for riders at the extremes. The Madonna R is available in three sizes, focusing on riders from 167 to 199 cm.
Suspension
The Madonna V3.2 uses two interchangeable rocker links, creating two distinct leverage ratio curves. The Rocker 60 is optimized for riders under 90 kg, the Rocker 65 for riders over 90 kg. This allows for a more tailored suspension setup depending on rider weight and preference.
The Madonna R uses a single rocker link. Its leverage curve sits between the Rocker 60 and Rocker 65 options of the Madonna V3.2, offering a well-balanced setup that works across a wide range of rider weights without the need to swap parts.
With a 65 mm stroke shock, the Madonna R achieves 165 mm of rear wheel travel, compared to 160 mm on the Madonna V3.2. While the Madonna R covers a broad range very well, the Madonna V3.2 offers more fine-tuning, especially for riders at the lighter and heavier ends of the spectrum.
Frame Construction and Materials
Both frames are produced in the same factory and built to the same quality standards.
They share the same tubing, but differ in their construction details. The Madonna V3.2 features more CNC-machined parts, including its signature CNC-machined head tube with integrated logo. The Madonna R uses more forged parts, resulting in a more streamlined and cost-efficient construction while maintaining the same durability and performance standards.
Hardware
The majority of the hardware is shared between the two bikes, including the double-sealed pivots.
There are, however, some differences. The Madonna V3.2 uses more hardware overall due to its higher level of adjustability. It also features ball bearings in the lower shock mount to reduce friction.
The Madonna R takes a simpler approach. It uses standard shock bushings at the lower shock mount and integrates a flip chip for wheel size adjustment, allowing riders to switch between a full 29” setup and a mullet configuration.
ISCG tabs are fixed on the Madonna R, while they are removable on the Madonna V3.2.
Adjustability
The Madonna V3.2 features our full Toolbox Concept, offering extensive adjustability across multiple parameters. It’s designed for riders who want to experiment, fine-tune, and fully understand their setup.
The Madonna R is intentionally simplified. The only adjustment is the flip chip for wheel size (29” or mullet).
Compatibility
Both bikes are designed to work with both air and coil shocks and are optimized around a 170 mm fork. A 180 mm fork also works well, and both bikes are compatible with dual crown forks, as long as the maximum axle-to-crown measurement of 598 mm is not exceeded.
Warranty
Both the Madonna R and Madonna V3.2 come with the same warranty and support structure, reflecting the same commitment to durability and long-term ownership.
Madonna V3.2 |
Madonna R |
|
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Maximum adjustability, tunability, and customization (Toolbox Concept) |
Reduced to the essence, grab-and-go simplicity |
| Sizing | 5 sizes S–XXL (158–208 cm) |
3 sizes M–XL (167–199 cm) |
| Geometry | Shared | Shared |
| Suspension | 2 rocker links (Rocker 60 / Rocker 65) |
1 rocker link |
| Rear Travel | 160 mm | 165 mm |
| Shock Stroke | 65 mm / 60 mm | 65 mm |
| Frame Construction | More CNC-machined parts (incl. CNC head tube with logo) |
More forged parts, simplified construction |
| Manufacturing | Same factory, same quality standards |
Same factory, same quality standards |
| Hardware | More hardware due to adjustability | Reduced hardware |
| Lower Shock Mount | Ball bearings | Standard shock bushings |
| Wheel Size Adjustment | Interchangeable lower shock mount | Lower shock mount flip chip (29” or mullet) |
| ISCG Tabs | Removable | Fixed |
| Adjustability | Extensive (Toolbox Concept, chain stay length, suspension progression, BB height, rocker link and 56 mm straight head tube allowing for head angle adjustment) |
Minimal (wheel size only) |
| Compatibility | Air & coil shocks, 170–180 mm forks, dual crown compatible (≤598 mm ATC) |
Air & coil shocks, 170–180 mm forks, dual crown compatible (≤598 mm ATC) |
| Warranty | 5 years, first and second owners |
5 years, first and second owners |
| Weight | 3.9 kg (incl. all hardware, w/o shock, size M) |
4.2 kg (incl. all hardware, w/o shock, size M) |
| Finish | Raw and Matt Black | Raw, Matt Black and Shiny Red |
