Media
We can talk for hours about our bikes, but you're probably also interested in what others think. On this page you can find independent reviews and various media coverage.
Design & Innovation Award for our Madonna V3
The Madonna V3 has been awarded the Design & Innovation Award! The jury’s verdict: “With its strong focus on durability and performance, the RAAW Madonna V3 sets new standards. [...] The high-quality frame ensures a long service life, while the robust suspension provides top-tier control and stability on the trail. With its well-balanced riding position, the Madonna strikes an excellent balance between composure and agility. This bike is a top choice for riders who value longevity, versatility, and exceptional trail performance!”
Pinkbike: Jibb V2 Review
Pinkbike's Take: Though not the jibbiest bike money can buy, I did have a really good time riding the Jibb LT. It is a predictable, well-mannered trail bike that is a fraction more capable than its travel numbers would suggest. It doesn't feel like a scaled-down enduro bike, more like a well-rounded trail bike with a very supportive suspension platform that is dependable and rewarding.
Blister: Madonna V3 Review
The RAAW Madonna feels like a bike conceived by riders who couldn’t quite find their ideal blend of aggression, durability, and practicality in the rest of the market. In a lot of ways, it’s an understated bike—it’s aluminum, comes in raw or black, and its suspension design has no acronyms—but the intentionality behind the frame’s finer details and its composure on the trail make it a very compelling option if your local trails can offer up the challenge it deserves.
ENDURO Mag: Madonna V3 Review
The RAAW Madonna V3 comes with a timeless, elegant look and offers a crazy level of adjustability, allowing you to customise both the geometry and suspension kinematics. Despite being one of the most affordable bikes in this test, and focusing above all on durability and ease of maintenance, it’s still one of the best all-rounders, impressing above all with its strong suspension and harmonious blend of composure and agility. Throw the extremely fair price into the mix, and the RAAW Madonna V3 deserves to roll home with our Best Buy Tip in the bag!
ENDURO: Jibb V2 Review
The new RAAW Jibb V2 rolls into the new season with a simple, sleek look, with a clear focus on durability and ease of maintenance. It’s currently one of the most versatile trail bikes available on the market and appeals primarily to experienced riders who know exactly what they want from their bike. On the trail, the Jibb V2 is playful and direct, with its firm, poppy suspension generating tons of speed. However, it’s not the best climber amongst trail bikes, and when the going gets rough, there are smoother bikes out there. As a result, the new Jibb V2 delivers good vibes rather than fast results.
MTB-News: Jibb V2 Review
The Raaw Jibb V2 picks up where its predecessor left off, and remains an excellent trail bike, particularly impressive downhill with a lot to offer in its aluminum frame. The well-thought-out and practical detailed solutions are appealing, and hardly any bike is likely to be as customizable as the new Jibb. Those who can overlook the high weight will find the new Raaw Jibb V2 to be a very solid, fast, and fun downhill machine.
Pinkbike: Jibb V2 First Look
The Raaw Jibb enters its second generation as a more versatile 130mm travel trail bike, carrying with it all of the hardware updates and adjustment options seen on the longer travel Madonna and Yalla! frames. The additional versatility comes from a switch to a modular lower shock mount that allows for bottom bracket height and progression adjustment. That also brings the opportunity to run an MX wheel size configuration in addition to the stock 29" setup. Chainstay length adjustment, independent of other geometry changes, is also on the table to the tune of +/- 5mm.
Pinkbike: Madonna V3 Review
Time for a trip down memory lane. Back in the early 2000s, right around the time when fat powder skis were really catching on, word started to spread about the Volkl Explosiv. It was a wide (for the time) and stiff ski, built to take a beating, the ideal tool for the contingent of ski bums who enjoyed billygoating through rocks that were barely covered with snow. It wastheski for a number of seasons, earning a cult following amongst the global ski bum collective. In my mind, the Madonna is the modern mountain bike equivalent of that classic. It's not overly flashy, there's no gimmickry, it's simply a solid, well-executed mountain bike that's built to last, and deliver a very good time in the process.
Loam Wolf: Jibb V1 Review
The RAAW Jibb is a bike that inspires RAAW sending and dancing on the edge of both bike and bodies’ limits. It’s on the heavy end of the spectrum for a bike in its travel category but inspires riding aggression more than your typical 135mm and even some longer travel machines. With incredible attention to detail in its design and some inspirational ride character, the Jibb is a very fun machine for the right rider.
bike-test.com: Jibb V1 Review
Raaw proves that tuning your mountain bike doesn’t have to be a “pain in the butt”. The Jibb frame impresses with its durable, low-maintenance design. In our premium build, the lightweight wheels effectively mask the frame’s relatively high weight. This makes the Raaw Jibb not just rock-solid on the descents, but also well-suited for long rides. The 135 millimeters of rear travel perform well, though a tad more travel in the back would be more harmonious with the bike’s overall setup.
Pinkbike: Madonna V3 First Ride
I'm a big fan of bikes that feel like they encourage you to go faster, or to send it extra deep just to see what'll happen, and the Madonna is firmly in that category. It's quiet and composed without feeling too muted or dull, and it can smash down a rough trail with the best of them, especially when it's set up with a coil shock.
When I reviewed the previous version of the Madonna, I said that it was one of the best cornering bikes I'd ever ridden. I've spent time on dozens of bikes since writing those words, but it turns out that's still the case with the updated model. Its ability to hold a line through a rough, chopped up corner is remarkable – it's calm and stable, while still delivering an engaging ride.
MTB-News: Madonna V3 Review
The Raaw Madonna V3 is the logical evolution of its predecessor and comes with numerous sensible new features. But it's not just the details that impressed us; the riding behavior of the enduro bike completely won us over. Those looking for a full-throttle machine brimming with grip will be happy here. It's a bit of a pity that one has to choose between adjustable chainstays and the SRAM UDH standard. However, it's all the more commendable that Raaw allows this choice at all by offering both variants for purchase.
ENDURO Mag: Madonna V3 First Ride
At first glance, not much seems to have changed on the new RAAW Madonna V3, but the devil is in the details. However, RAAW haven’t lost sight of their focus on durability and easy maintenance. In addition to the refined kinematics, it should let everyone find their ideal setup thanks to the extensive adjustability. Unfortunately, you’ll have to buy additional hardware to do so. The Madonna V3 is a full-on enduro bike that won’t let you down, on everything from relaxed trails to hard enduro tracks.
Loam Wolf: Madonna V2.2 Review
Though we haven’t put thousands of miles on the RAAW Madonna V2.2, it’s safe to say it’s a bike built to stand the test of time, and its performance would leave the majority of enduro riders very happy for this time. Balanced and predictable, the RAAW Madonna V2.2 is an enduro bike that is very easy to ride, letting you focus on the trail ahead while it goes about its business and provides you with a solid base upon which to charge.
ENDURO Mag Yalla! Review
With its understated look and RAAW’s clear focus on durability and ease of maintenance, the Yalla 2023 makes the heart of every downhill fan beat a little faster. [...] the flexible geometry concept lets you dial-in your ride to perfection, allowing you to make it down every trail safely and reliably while cranking up the rowdy factor to 11!
MTB-News: Yalla! First Look
Ruben and his team have created a more than worthy addition to the Raaw product range with the Raaw Yalla! downhill bike. The bike impresses with excellent details, outstanding adjustability, and numerous user-friendly solutions. Unfortunately, we have not been able to test the Yalla! due to snowed-in downhill trails so far, but we will gladly make up for it as soon as spring allows.
BIKE: Jibb Review
The Raaw Jibb is characterized not least by its solid performance. But primarily, it is the rough-and-ready character, the keep-it-simple-approach, and the durability that make the Allgäu trail bike particularly interesting for hard-core shredders. Due to its resilience and the short suspension travel, it is also perfect as a second bike for enduro riders.
MTB-News: Jibb-Review
With its massive aluminum frame, the RAAW Jibb looks quite unusually martial for a trail bike. However, with its extremely pedal-neutral and sensitive chassis, the Jibb does its best to conceal this fact. On the descent, it tickles the last bit of performance out of its limited travel and does not shy away from big jumps and hard descents.
Singletracks: Madonna Review
A Wildly capable gravity tool: If you have €2,092.45 to throw down on the ultimate enduro race frame for a privateer athlete, or a fantastic all-mountain ripper, this is the one I’d recommend. The Madonna eats bricks and shits buildings, leaving you to smile and holler along the way.
Pinkbike: Jibb Review
This is the bike for someone looking for a long-term trail partner, a bike that's built to last multiple seasons, and does well on a wide variety of terrain. It does reward a more aggressive riding style, and it feels more alive at higher speeds, but overall it does a great job of handling whatever comes its way.
ENDURO Mag: Jibb Review
The RAAW Jibb is more a specialist than it is an all-rounder. Instead of going for long rides, it prefers to get to the top of the mountain in a straight line, preferably on steep trails, only to surf its way back down into the valley with as much style and fun as possible. While the handling can be demanding for beginners, it allows experienced riders to convert the smallest obstacle into air time. The typical RAAW alloy frame was developed for maximum durability and the spec is well thought out, except for the tires.
ENDURO Mag: Jibb Review
The terrier emblem, the party-hard attitude and the urge for bike parks – none of this has anything to do with hubris for the new RAAW Jibb. This Jack Russell really packs a punch. The unique concept of an amped-up trail bike works for experienced riders but will be too much for beginners. All in all, with the Jibb, RAAW have hit the ball out of the park for real trail-party bikers. At high speeds, this jibber gets out of its comfort zone, but that’s what a Madonna V2 is for.
MTB-News: Jibb Review
Raaw has a precise idea of what they think a bike should look like, and it doesn't necessarily coincide with everyone's preferences. For its audience, however, the young manufacturer has created a product that leaves little reason for complaint. Uphill: good - downhill: super! We particularly liked the upright downhill position and the balance, which offers the rider a lot of composure. Very little will really upset this bike. So you can fully concentrate on what you want to do with the vehicle underneath you. Maximum fun, maximum speed, maximum enjoyment - your choice!
Pinkbike: Jibb First Look
Raaw are a German brand known for hard-charging and no-nonsense bikes. Or should I say bike? The brand seems to be near synonymous with the Madonna, its enduro rig that received high praise indeed when Mike Kazimer reviewed it, and it must have gotten a little lonely as the solitary series in Raaw's range because now it has a new playmate - the Raaw Jibb.
Pinkbike: Bike of the Year Nominee
Is there even a need to explain how the Madonna V2 ended up earning a nomination? I mean, just look at it. The aluminum frame is built to last, with a clean, utilitarian look, sealed covers for all the bearings, and external cable routing to simplify maintenance. It's designed to survive multiple seasons of hard riding, rather than barely making it through a summer of shredding without needing a complete overhaul.
ENDURO Mag: Madonna V2 Race Bike Review
The RAAW Madonna V2 is not your classic enduro race bike. Rather, it is a bike for high-speed trails and downhill tracks. Thanks to its super balanced geometry and excellent suspension, its handling is good-natured and easy to ride, instilling you with confidence. However, it loses time to the fastest bikes in the test in tight sections.
Pinkbike: Madonna V2 Review
Don't be deceived by the Raaw Madonna V2's no-frills appearance – there's something very special about this bike. Not only is it build to survive just about anything, its performance out on the trails is highly addictive. The way that it rails turns and smashes through whatever gets in its way more than makes up for any weight related concerns.
Pinkbike: Madonna V2 First Look
The new Raaw Madonna V2 was announced earlier this month, and one recently showed up for review, so we decided to take a closer look at this aluminum framed, 160mm 29er. The frame has all sorts of well-thought-out details, with an industrial aesthetic that's all about functionality over fashion. From the oversized main pivots and double sealed bearings to the external cable routing and stout rocker link, it's built to take a beating and survive multiple seasons of hard use.
MTB-News: Madonna V2 Review (German)
Viele kleine und durchdachte Veränderungen sorgen dafür, dass das Raaw Madonna V2 ein sehr guter Vollgas-Bolide ist, der vor allem auf harten und schnellen Strecken glänzt. Das silberne Aluminium-Gerät ist aber auch sehr viel Fahrrad und erfordert entsprechende Trails, um so richtig zum Leben erweckt zu werden. Wer vor allem in gemäßigterem Gelände unterwegs ist oder aktive Fahrräder bevorzugt, dürfte mit anderen Bikes besser bedient sein. Fahrer, die hingegen nur Vollgas kennen, werden auch die nächste Evolutionsstufe des Raaw Madonnas lieben!
ENDURO Mag: Madonna V2 Review
The RAAW Madonna V2 offers an excellent complete package. It’s capable of taming the wildest trails but remains easy and predictable to handle. [...] If you’re looking for a reliable and durable enduro bike that is also versatile, this is the bike for you. On top of that, the RAAW is a great climber and you can configure the build to suit your needs.
Pinkbike: Madonna V1 Review
The Madonna is a solid speed weapon that will fly you up and down mountains with ease, smash through the roughest terrain and put up with neglect. It's a great option for people that care more about getting on with riding and trail performance than double-checking grams on a spreadsheet.
MTB-News: Madonna V1 Review
Mit dem Raaw Madonna hat sich ein neuer, spannender Ansatz im breit gefächerten Enduro-Segment auf den Markt positioniert: Besonders Fahrer, die sich die Abfahrt gemütlich selbst verdienen wollen, dürften die entspannte Sitzposition im Uphill schätzen. Bergab wartet der Rahmen mit viel Steifigkeit und Reserven für harte Landungen auf. Beim Setup sollte man sich Zeit lassen und die ab Werk angebotenen Dämpfer-Optionen mit den persönlichen Vorlieben abwägen. Ist alles passend abgestimmt, verträgt das Madonna auch hartes Gelände ohne jegliches Murren.
ENDURO Mag: Interview with Ruben
Ultimately, however, no bike from any one the major brands could fully convince him. So he launched his own brand: RAAW Mountain Bikes. We interviewed him to find out more about his motivation to do so, why he thinks he can do it better, and to get the inside scoop on the first RAAW bike, the Madonna.
MTB-News: Interview with Ruben
With the RAAW Madonna, the newly founded company from Allgäu has introduced a 29er with a lot of suspension travel and some interesting approaches. But how do you even come up with the idea to start your own bike company? And what are the goals of RAAW? We met with company founder Ruben Torenbeek for an interview.
ENDURO Mag: Madonna V1 Review
Way to start with a bang, the RAAW Madonna not only impressed with its extreme composure and very balanced handling, above all, it is the many clever details that convinced us. It is definitely not going to be the perfect bike for everyone, but anyone looking for a fast machine for the gnarliest tracks in the world will find it here!