What RAAW Model is best for me? - Buyers' Guide
RAAW is a small brand that values quality over quantity. Our goal is to build exceptional mountain bikes that we can't get enough of ourselves. Currently, we offer three models—each with its own unique ride feel, but all sharing the same DNA and signature RAAW look. In this article, we'll give you an overview of what these bikes have in common, how they differ, and help you find the perfect RAAW for you.
- No time to read? Here’s the short version
- What do they have in common?
- Who is the Yalla! for?
- Jibb vs. Madonna: Which one is right for you?
- Overview: The three models compared
No time to read? Here’s the short version
If you're into downhill riding, the Yalla! is your bike. It’s a modern downhill machine, built for racing on the toughest courses in the world—over and over again. Infopage Yalla!
For smashing through rough terrain without compromising on climbing ability, the Madonna is our recommendation. It excels on the hardest trails, tackles any ascent, and handles long rides with ease. Infopage Madonna V3
If you're looking for a playful and versatile companion for all your trail adventures that invites an active riding style, then the Jibb is your top pick. It’s got less suspension travel than the Madonna but is just as tough—a true all-rounder. Infopage Jibb V2
What do they have in common?
All of our models are designed with versatility, durability, and what we like to call "sendability" in mind. Plus, they all benefit from our personal factory support.
Durability
We aim to create timeless bikes that outlast the fleeting trends of the industry and serve as a reliable companion for years, even if you spend every spare minute on challenging trails. That's why all our models feature aluminum frames and large, well-sealed bearings. The frames are also designed to minimize maintenance and make it enjoyable when you do need to give them some love.
Sendability
No matter which model you choose, you’ll notice from the first descent that our bikes are built to go fast and push limits, encouraging you to hit jumps in spots where others would hesitate. The secret lies in your positioning on the bike: the combination of a high front end, low bottom bracket, and perfectly balanced geometry gives you a secure and confident ride. Even when things get sketchy, there’s still plenty of suspension travel left to back you up.
Versatility
Thanks to their balanced geometry and impressive climbing abilities (well, at least for the Jibb and Madonna—sorry, Yalla!), our frames provide a versatile foundation that you can customize to your liking using our configurator and Toolbox concept. Right from the start, you can choose from different shocks, and with our accessories, you can fine-tune the head angle, chainstay length, bottom bracket height, and rear suspension progression to suit your preferences. You can even opt for a 27.5” rear wheel on the Jibb and Madonna.
Factory-Level Support Included
When you ride a RAAW, you’re never riding alone. Your frame comes with comprehensive documentation and direct access to our team for any questions or issues you may encounter. You also get 2 years (Yalla!) or 5 years (Madonna, Jibb) of warranty coverage (even for second owners), crash replacement, easy spare part availability, and exclusive deals for RAAW riders.
Despite the similarities and their—at first glance—similar looks, each bike has its own character and intended use. In other words, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have all three in your garage. Here’s a breakdown of how they differ and which one might be right for you.
Who is the Yalla! for?
While the Jibb and Madonna overlap in some areas, the Yalla! clearly stands apart, making the choice simple: if you’re riding downhill, the Yalla! is your RAAW. It’s a modern downhill bike built for racing on the world’s most demanding courses—again and again. A large number of Yalla! riders use the bike for downhill races, and the rest primarily tear it up in bike parks. You can find all the details on the Yalla! on this page.
Loved by… Privateers
Racing without a team backing you at a high level brings unique challenges—for both the rider and the gear. Thanks to its robust and low-maintenance design, the Yalla! is a favorite among privateers. It’s a bike that has their back on stressful race weekends, letting them focus on what matters.
Loved by… Setup Nerds
Whether it’s about shaving off those last fractions of a second or simply dialing in that perfect feel for the trail and conditions, the Yalla!’s fine-tuning options are a dream for any setup enthusiast. Tinker with the head angle, chainstay length, rear suspension progression, and bottom bracket height to dial the bike precisely to your liking.
Loved by… Park Rats
Only those who’ve spent an entire summer in the bike park truly understand the demands thousands of vertical meters put on both rider and bike. Park rats love the Yalla! not only for its balanced geometry, which provides great confidence, but also for the durable aluminum frame, oversized sealed bearings, and supple suspension that can be dialed in for comfort if needed.
Jibb vs. Madonna: Which one is right for you?
While the Jibb and the Madonna may look similar at first glance, there are some significant differences between the two bikes. The Madonna was designed for the world’s toughest trails, with speed as the main focus. The Jibb, on the other hand, combines the beloved Madonna DNA with a playful and direct character that encourages an active riding style.
The Madonna: Character and Intended Use
Stable, powerful, balanced, and always predictable—the Madonna shines at high speeds and thrives when blasting through rough terrain. Despite its love for fast and gnarly trails, it also offers excellent climbing abilities. If you’re into that kind of ride, the Madonna is your bike.
With 160mm of rear travel, the Madonna provides endless reserves, keeping you comfortable on the hardest hits and roughest trails. The rear end hugs the ground, generating plenty of traction while delivering precise feedback from the trail. On smoother trails, it requires a bit more input from the rider compared to the Jibb.
When it comes to climbing, the Madonna benefits from a comfortable pedaling position with a steep seat angle and excellent anti-squat values from the rear suspension. The result? A bike that earns its descents the honest way.
Loved by… Enduro Racers
Enduro racers love the Madonna not just for its speed but also for its low-maintenance, easy-to-service design, which means less time in the pits during busy race weekends. With multiple adjustment options, racers can perfectly dial in the geometry and handling to suit their needs or specific race conditions.
Loved by… Alpine Adventurers
The Alps are not only visually stunning but also home to countless demanding trails that require effort to reach. Thanks to its efficient climbing position and solid uphill performance, the Madonna isn’t intimidated by long rides with over 1500 meters of climbing. And one thing is for sure: on the way back down, your bike will never be the limiting factor.
You can find all the information about the Madonna here.
The Jibb: Character and Intended Use
The Jibb, on the other hand, is much more playful than the Madonna, with a personality reminiscent of a Jack Russell Terrier chasing its own tail — an energetic and fun companion for any trail adventure. Whether you’re climbing, descending, or at the bike park, every ride on the Jibb feels like a party! If this sounds like your kind of bike, it’s worth taking a closer look at the Jibb.
With its slightly shorter reach and steeper head angle compared to the Madonna, the Jibb has a lively, nimble feel, making even less technical descents more exciting and full of fun.
Don’t be fooled by the seemingly modest 130mm of rear travel—the Jibb still has plenty of reserves and will have your back when you push it to the limit. Its rear suspension is firmer than the Madonna’s, providing more “pop” and inviting a more active riding style.
Like the Madonna, the Jibb also benefits from an efficient climbing position. However, it accelerates faster, and it’s quicker to power through short climbs and sprints in a standing position—a lot of this also depends on your choice of tires and components.
Loved by… Local Heroes
While road trips and bike holidays are great, most riders spend the majority of their time on local trails, which often aren’t the most challenging. If you’re after a bike that maximizes fun on these everyday trails but still holds its own in the bike park or the Alps, the Jibb is a perfect match.
Loved by… Trail Explorers
The best biking days are often the ones where you have no idea what kind of trails you’ll be riding that day. This is where the Jibb’s versatility and toughness shine. It lets you enjoy the ride without worrying about the bike when things get a bit more intense. Ready for any adventure.
You can find all the information about the Jibb on this page.
Still not sure? Book a test ride!
At our HQ in Haßloch, Germany, we have the Madonna, Jibb, and Yalla! available in all sizes. We’ll happily adjust the bike to your weight so you can get a real feel for it and find the right size for you. You can also take the Jibb and the Madonna out on the trail for a test ride — more details are available here.
If you get the chance to test ride, we highly recommend it! It’s the best way to experience how these bikes perform in real-world conditions and ensure you find the perfect model for you.
We’ve also answered more frequently asked questions about “Jibb vs. Madonna” in this article. And if you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to help!
Overview: The three models compared
On this comparison table on our website, we’ve summarized the key specs and technical details of the Jibb, Madonna, and Yalla!