Madonna V3 Buyers' Guide
With this guide, we aim to help you configure the perfect Madonna V3 to suit your needs. We'll walk you through our online configurator step-by-step, providing all the essential knowledge to create your ideal setup.
You can follow the guide sequentially from top to bottom, or use the table of contents to jump directly to specific sections where you have questions. We've kept the main article focused on the most important information. If you want to explore a topic further, you'll often find additional links to relevant resources within each section.
Content
By the way, of course we're happy to provide personal advice for any questions regarding the Madonna V3. You can schedule an appointment in our German showroom or contact us by phone or email. We're here to assist you!
Overview
We currently offer the Madonna V3 in two options: as a Frame Kit and as a Rolling Chassis. The Frame Kit includes the frame, shock, and optionally, the headset. The Rolling Chassis includes everything in the Frame Kit plus a suspension fork, cockpit, dropper post, saddle, and optionally, wheels with tires. This means you'll only need to add brakes and a drivetrain of your choice. You can find the exact contents of each package in the respective product descriptions and customize them to your preferences using the configurator.
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How to configure your Madonna V3
Whether you choose a Frame Kit or a Rolling Chassis, we offer various configuration options to tailor the bike to your preferences. For the Frame Kit, you can choose from five frame sizes, five shocks (with the corresponding spring rate, if applicable), two rocker versions, and two different seat stays. You can also specify whether you want the frame covered with protective film. For the Rolling Chassis, you will additionally select the desired wheels, dropper post travel, handlebar rise, and stem length.
As you adjust the configuration on the product page, the displayed price updates automatically. Under the "Add to Cart" button, you can also see the current delivery time estimate for your selected configuration.
Is your desired size or configuration sold out? No need to worry! We typically restock multiple times a year for both frames and components. To be among the first notified about new stock, simply select your desired configuration in the configurator and click the "Notify me when available" button. We will send you an email as soon as your configuration is available again. Additionally, we usually provide an update on the current delivery situation in our monthly newsletter.
Which Frame Size Fits You
The right frame size for you primarily depends on your height. However, other factors such as personal preferences, intended use, desired riding position, and riding style can also influence your choice.
In the graphic below, you can see our size recommendations based on height. Choosing a size within the suggested range ensures a good fit.
If you want to compare the geometry, especially the reach and stack, of the Madonna V3 with your existing bike, you can find the relevant values in the geometry table on this page.
Of course, the best way to determine the right size is by sitting on the bike or, even better, taking it for a test ride. If you have the opportunity, visit us in our showroom in Germany or book a test ride. You can find all the information you need on this page.
The Right Rocker Link
For the medium, large, and XLarge frame sizes, you can choose between two different rocker links, Rocker 60 and Rocker 65, to adjust the leverage ratio based on your weight. Both rockers offer 160mm of travel and 26% progression at the end of the travel, but they use different shock strokes (60mm and 65mm, respectively). This ensures the shocks operate in their optimal range regardless of the rider's weight, providing more sensitive response and allowing you to utilize the full adjustment range of the damper settings.
Which rocker is right for you? It's simple: If your riding weight is under 90 kg, choose Rocker 60. If you weigh more than 90 kg, we recommend Rocker 65.
Need a combination not listed in the configurator, such as a small frame with Rocker 65 or an XXLarge frame with Rocker 60? Usually, this is not a problem! Please email us at hello@raawmtb.com, and we will check the availability of your desired combination.
Rear Shock and Spring Rate
We offer the Madonna V3 with various shock models from Öhlins and Fox. Additionally, you can order the frame without a shock and install another compatible shock of your choice. Please note the mounting dimensions (205 x 60 or 205 x 65 – Trunnion) and refer to our compatibility list.
If you select a coil shock in the configurator, an additional selection field will appear where you can specify the desired spring rate.
Currently, the following shock models are available:
Fox Float X (Air Spring): The Float X offers an excellent balance of performance and ease of setup. This shock is ideal for both trail and enduro use. Its precise feedback and optimal traction make it a perfect all-rounder in our opinion. [Setup-Guide | Manufacturer-Website]
Fox Float X2 (Air Spring): The Fox Float X2 combines coil spring-level responsiveness with excellent damping, low weight, and numerous adjustment options for a riding experience previously unheard of with air shocks. [Setup-Guide | Manufacturer-Website]
Fox DHX2 (Coil Spring): The Fox DHX2 shock offers unparalleled responsiveness and endless traction. Compared to air shocks, the DHX2 uses a bit more travel (with the same sag) and sits slightly lower in its travel, giving the bike a somewhat flatter feel. [Setup-Guide | Manufacturer-Website]
Öhlins TTX2Air (Air Spring): A high-performance shock in a lightweight yet robust package, the Öhlins TTX2Air impresses with its sensitive response and excellent bike control under all conditions. It's an absolute all-rounder with many adjustment options! [Setup-Guide | Manufacturer-Website]
Öhlins TTX22m.2 (Coil Spring): The Öhlins TTX22m.2 coil shock shines with incredible traction and ample support throughout the entire travel. If you are looking for maximum performance in rough terrain, this is the one for you. [Setup-Guide | Manufacturer-Website]
Fox Float X (Air Spring) |
Fox Float X2 (Coil Spring) |
Fox DHX2 (Coil Spring) |
Öhlins TTX2Air (Air Spring) |
Öhlins TTX22m.2 (Coil Spring) |
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| Custom Madonna-Shock-Tune | ✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Climb Switch / Pedal Mode | ✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
| Adjustable Low-Speed-Compression | ✅ (11 Clicks) |
✅ (16 Clicks) |
✅ (16 Clicks) |
✅ (12 Clicks) |
✅ (16 Clicks) |
| Adjustable High Speed Compression | ❌ |
✅ (8 Clicks) |
✅ (8 Clicks) |
✅ (3 Clicks) |
✅ (3 Clicks) |
| Adjustable Low-Speed Rebound | ✅ (16 Clicks) |
✅ (16 Clicks) |
✅ (16 Clicks) |
✅ (12 Clicks) |
✅ (7 Clicks) |
| Adjustable High Speed Rebound | ❌ |
✅ (w. VVC, 8 Clicks) |
✅ (w. VVC, 8 Clicks) |
❌ |
❌ |
| Adjustable Progression | ✅ (Volume spacer) |
✅ (Volume spacer) |
❌ |
✅ (Volume spacer) |
❌ |
| Intended Use | Trail, Enduro | Enduro, Downhill | Enduro, Downhill | Trail, Enduro, Downhill | Enduro, Downhill |
By the way, in our Knowledge Base, you can find detailed setup guides for all shocks with recommended settings for three different suspension preferences: Soft, Regular, and Firm. These guides are also the best resource for determining the spring rate you need.
Headset
We offer the Madonna V3 with the high-quality Cane Creek Hellbender 70 headset, which we chose for its performance and durability. To ensure you can get started without any special tools, we deliver the frame with the headset already pressed in. Of course, you can also order the frame without a headset and install a different model. The Madonna V3 requires a 56/56 Zero Stack headset.
Tip: If you want to experiment with the adjustable head angle of the Madonna V3, you will need an appropriate angle-adjust headset. You can find the Works Components model in our shop.
Seat Stay
When it comes to seat stays, you have two options: The RAAW seat stays come with our proprietary thru-axle system, which firmly connects the two seat stays and allows for chainstay length adjustment through separately available axle kits. The UDH seat stays are compatible with SRAM UDH and Transmission derailleurs, but they do not offer adjustable chainstay length and always come in the middle position. Both the RAAW and UDH seat stays come with the appropriate derailleur hanger included.
Which seat stay is right for you depends on your personal requirements and preferences. We will also offer the UDH seat stays separately, so you can retrofit them at a later date if desired.
Protective Film
For additional protection, we offer a pre-cut sheet of protective films that cover high-wear areas on the top tube, down tube, head tube, seat stays, and chainstays.
If you have chosen a Madonna V3 Frame Kit, your configuration is now complete. You can save it by clicking the “Add to Cart” button. Additionally, you have the option to add various recommended accessories to your order in the Add-Ons section. For more information, see the section “What else do I need?”.
If you have chosen a Madonna V3 Rolling Chassis, there are a few more decisions to make in the configurator, which we will briefly explain below.
Dropper Post Travel (Rolling Chassis)
The Madonna V3 Rolling Chassis comes with a OneUp Components Dropper V3, which we offer with various travel lengths. The right travel for you depends on your leg length – we always recommend choosing the maximum travel that fits your leg length.
How to find the perfect dropper post travel for you is summarized in this article. There, you will also find information on which travel length fits each frame size.
Stem Length and Handlebar Rise (Rolling Chassis)
The Rolling Chassis offers two stem length options, 42 mm and 50 mm, along with two handlebar rise options, 20 mm and 35 mm. This flexibility allows you to customize the fit and feel of your Madonna V3. In this article, we've summarized how these choices impact ride characteristics.
Wheels / Freehub System
If desired, we can equip the Rolling Chassis with high-quality DT Swiss EX1700 wheels, paired with Maxxis Assegai tires in the new EXO+ casing on the front wheel and Maxxis Minion DHR II in the DoubleDown casing on the rear wheel. This combination is our favorite for nearly all situations. The wheels can be configured with either Shimano Micro-Spline or SRAM XD freehubs, depending on the drivetrain you plan to install.
To make the setup easier, rim tape and tubeless valves are already installed.
Congratulations – you have now completed the configuration of your Madonna V3 Rolling Chassis. You can save it by clicking the “Add to Cart” button. Additionally, you can add various recommended accessories to your order in the Add-Ons section. More about this in the next section.
Add-Ons - What Else Do I Need?
Both the Frame Kit and Rolling Chassis come with all the necessary small parts for assembly – you don't need to order any additional products to get started.
You can find the exact contents of each configuration in the product description under “Content”
However, we highly recommend adding the Madonna V3 Spare Bits Kit to your order. It includes a derailleur hanger and essential spare parts, which can save your biking holiday in a pinch. You can add it directly to your cart in the “Add-Ons” section on the product page.
MX Setup: The Madonna V3 with a 27.5” Rear Wheel
If you want to run your Madonna with a 27.5” rear wheel, you will need our MX Lower Shock Mount. You can find this directly in the Add-Ons section. Of course, we also offer the MX Lower Shock Mount as a separate product for retrofitting. For more information on wheel sizes in the Madonna V3, check out this deep dive article.
If you want to take advantage of the Madonna’s toolbox concept, you might need additional accessories depending on the modifications you desire. Ruben provides an overview of the different possibilities, necessary parts, and useful starting points in this article. Generally, we recommend riding the Madonna V3 with the standard geometry for some time before making fine-tuned adjustments. This allows you to get a feel for the bike and better understand your preferences.
Any Questions?
We are happy to assist you personally with any questions regarding the Madonna V3. Simply schedule an appointment in our showroom in Gemany, or contact us by phone or email. We are here for you!
Not Included in the Box, But Part of the Deal
All our frames come with a 5-year warranty for both first and second owners. Additionally, as part of our Crash Replacement Program, we offer frame replacements at favorable conditions if damaged in crashes during the warranty period. You can find all the details on this page.
What's Next? - Checkout & Payment
Once you have finished configuring your Madonna V3 frame or Rolling Chassis, the price of your configuration will be displayed under the product name. If you are visiting our website from an EU country, the prices will include your local VAT. For orders outside the EU, we do not charge VAT – you will pay it upon import (more information on taxes can be found here). Shipping costs will be calculated at checkout after you enter the delivery address, and an overview of the shipping costs is available on this page. The expected shipping time is displayed under the “Add to Cart” button. Frames marked as “directly available” are shipped within a few days..
After adding your Madonna to the cart, you can take your time to add more products or proceed directly to checkout by clicking the “Checkout” button. Payment can be made by credit card or bank transfer.
RAAW Riders enjoy many benefits with us: insider news, monthly community deals, a members-only Strava club, and VIP support. Be sure to check the box “Receive news and offers via email” at checkout to take advantage of all these benefits.
Once you have completed your order, you will receive a confirmation via email. We will also inform you about the shipment via email – including a tracking link so you can see where your package is at any time.