Madonna V2 "The 1.8 Million Meter Descender" - RAAW of the Month December

This month’s RAAW of the Month showcases a Madonna V2 that has already tackled an incredible 30,000 kilometers and 1.8 million meters of descent. As a brand dedicated to the longevity of our products, customers like Christophe, the proud owner of this featured bike, represent the ultimate test. That’s why we’re thrilled to hear that Christophe still rates his Madonna’s performance as being just as exceptional as on day one.

Christophe originally hails from southern Alsace, France, but after 18 years in Berlin, he has now settled in Freiburg — just a stone’s throw from the Alps and not far from his old home. His love of cycling began in the 1980s when he got his first mountain bike, a Peugeot Alpine Express. However, his early years were spent in road cycling, even competing in junior world championships and legendary races like the Paris-Roubaix U-23.

After retiring from road racing and taking nearly a decade off, Christophe rediscovered his passion for mountain biking in 2012 — surprisingly, in Berlin. “It’s hard to believe, but Berlin actually has some fantastic trails,” he says. Since then, he’s been hooked, chasing the perfect mix of flow, thrill, and nature on the trails around Freiburg and beyond, using nearly every spare moment. “I love riding natural trails, but my real passion is technical, high-alpine routes. Honestly, I’d almost rather be riding on the front wheel than the back,” he says, describing his style.

Christophe decided on the Madonna in 2017 during a trip to Finale Ligure. After testing it on the “La Briga (Destra)” trail, he was sold on the bike’s concept: robustness, size-adapting chainstays, and versatility. Since then, it’s been his faithful companion — first in the V1 version and now in the V2 featured here. “I just ordered a Madonna V3,” he adds. Christophe also owns a Jibb, which he’s been using for lighter tours since 2020, but most of his high-alpine adventures are still tackled with his Madonna.

Christophe’s Madonna (size XL for his 189 cm height) is built with reliability and durability in mind — a must for someone who rides as much as he does. “I ride a lot, so finding components with great value for money was crucial,” he explains. The Fox 38 fork with Grip2 cartridge provides the front-end stiffness he needs, while the Fox DHX2 coil shock delivers stability and a smooth ride. For specific rides, he swaps in the lighter Fox DPX2 air shock. His drivetrain setup consists of Shimano XT components, with a short-cage derailleur for improved ground clearance, which is especially important in technical alpine terrain.

Christophe builds his own wheels, using durable DT Swiss FR560 rims paired with 350 hubs and DT Swiss Comp spokes. For grip and puncture protection on extreme terrain, he relies exclusively on gravity-casing tires with Rimpact inserts, typically from Schwalbe or Maxxis. “This setup has proven itself on high-alpine trails — the bike can handle even the toughest descents with ease,” he says proudly. “My Madonna V2 has done about 30,000 kilometers and 1.8 million meters of descent, and you can’t tell. With fresh bearings, it feels like a brand-new bike. Nothing is worn out or sloppy,” he praises the frame.

Christophe’s Madonna V2 has accompanied him on some of the highest rideable peaks in the Alps. Highlights include tours to the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière (3,751 m) and the Barrhorn (3,610 m). He’s not afraid to carry his bike over 1,000 meters of elevation gain on his back to reach the perfect descent. “I love technical, high-alpine trails but also enjoy surfing through scree fields — it gives me an unparalleled freeride feeling,” he says, summarizing his riding style. For Christophe, his Madonna isn’t just a bike; it’s a tool that opens the door to adventure and unforgettable experiences.

The featured Madonna V2 has now been replaced by a V3, but Christophe’s thirst for adventure remains as strong as ever. “One day, I’d like to try carbon rims,” he muses, though he’s very satisfied with his current setup. “If I ever get bored of the Alps, I’d love to ride in Canada or British Columbia — and maybe even conquer a 4,000-meter peak with my bike,” he shares.

Christophe is using his Madonna V2 exactly as we intended: experiencing adventures on alpine trails, over and over again. And, thankfully, his Madonna V2 is doing exactly what we built it for: keeping up with all his adventures and still performing like new after 30,000 kilometers and 1.8 million meters of descent. Christophe’s Madonna V2 isn’t just a loyal companion; it’s a shining example of what RAAW strives to stand for: durability, reliability, and versatility. With its no-compromise setup, Christophe has built a bike that excels on technical trails, alpine adventures, and pure riding fun alike. His stories show that a bike is more than just a means of transportation — it’s a tool for creating unforgettable experiences and epic adventures. And we’re confident that Christophe’s journey with the Madonna is far from over.

Since we founded RAAW, one thing has given us a lot of pleasure: seeing where, how and by whom our bikes are ridden all over the world and how you use our frame kits to create different, individually optimized works of bike art. That's why from now on, every month we'll choose a particularly successful and exciting bike build from the community as "RAAW of the Month" and present the bike and its rider in detail on our website. In addition to glory and Insta-fame, a 100 € voucher for our online store awaits the lucky winner. Does your bike have what it takes to be "RAAW of the Month"? Check out this page to find out how to apply.