Sonder Cortex
Cortex is no longer in production. If you're after an efficient, do-it-all trail bike in the current range, look at the Sonder Signal. It's the closest match: a 140mm titanium hardtail built for fast, flowing singletrack and big days in the mountains.
Sonder Cortex
Cortex was our do-it-all 29er trail bike, loved for its broad ability and confidence-inspiring ride on everything from local trail centre laps to big mountain days. Swap stories and get advice from other Cortex owners in the Sonder Bike Owners Group on Facebook.
Further reading
- Hardtail vs Full Suspension Mountain Bikes: Guide for Bike
- SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission meets the Sonder Cortex -Mechanical is alive
- How do I choose the right size bike for me
- How to fit your bike at home for comfortable all day riding
- Guide to down-country mountain biking
- Why choose a mid-travel 29er?: Essential Guide for Bike
- How to assemble your new Sonder bike at home
- How a pencil beats the cycle industry
Up to date trail bike geometry
Trail bike agility with Enduro bike stability, the Cortex has a confidence inspiring, stable and responsive ride.
Increased chainstay length for the Large and XL frames maintains consistent weight distribution for riders of all heights.
Metric shock standard
Designed around metric shock sizing standard, with lengthened shocks and shorter strokes that increase bushing overlap for more smooth, supple, sensitive and reactive suspension action. We've worked with SRAM to produce a rear shock that's specifically tuned for the Cortex - and made sure those benefits are felt across a wider range of rider size and weight.
140mm travel at the front and 135mm at the rear lets you carry higher speeds over rough ground without sacrificing pedalling efficiency.
Horst link suspension design
The tried and tested Horst Link suspension design allows the suspension to stay active when braking. We've fine-tuned the suspension leverage curve to maximise performance on the downhill while maintaining efficient uphill pedalling - great for long days in the mountains and no need for climb switches!
Internal cable routing
Internal routing in the front triangle makes for clean lines and tidy cables, with dampened foam liners for a quiet ride.
Universal Derailleur Hanger
Keeping up with industry standards, Cortex uses a UDH hanger. They're widely available so you can get rolling again sooner after any mid-ride mishaps!
The UDH also makes Cortex compatible with the latest SRAM Transmission groupsets.
Mountain journal
Grab a brew, kick back and relax with in-depth features, tales of derring-do and Go Nice Place Do Good Things.
SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission meets the Sonder Cortex -Mechanical is alive
Our Sonder Cortex full suspension trail bike came specced with SRAM’s brand new Eagle 90 Transmission mechanical groupset. It was...
How do I choose the right size bike for me
Want to find the perfectly sized bike for you? We've made figuring out the right size bike a whole lot...
How to fit your bike at home for comfortable all day riding
A good bike fit is essential for long days in the saddle and, as we all know, a comfortable rider...
Guide to down-country mountain biking
Combine short-to-mid-travel, progessive geometries and lighter weights and you get a bike that lets you ride far and have serious,...
Why choose a mid-travel 29er?: Essential Guide for Bike
When we head out to the trails, we often take the Cortex. So the question is, with all this choice,...
How to assemble your new Sonder bike at home
Every Sonder Bike is handbuilt to order by our team of skilled mechanics, personally checked by our Workshop Manager and...