Lightweight eMTB with Enduro Focus

Spanish mountain bike and eMTB maker Mondraker is making a big push into the U.S. market and to that end have introduced a new eMTB called Dune. The Dune comes in three different builds: XR, RR and R. While the parts pick varies across the three different versions, a number of features remain constant. This is a Class 1 eMTB (20 mph maximum assist) with a mullet setup (29-in. wheel front and 27.5-in. wheel rear) and a carbon fiber frame with 165mm of travel. The fork features 170mm of travel. Each of the editions of the Dune come equipped with Bosch’s Performance Line SX motor and a 400Wh Compact PowerTube battery. So why is it called a lightweight eMTB when it can handle the sorts of hits that require 7 in. of travel? Because all three versions weigh a scant 43 lbs.

It’s not uncommon for a regular mountain bike with that much travel to weigh 35 lbs., so a 43-lb. eMTB that can handle the sort of hits intended for enduro and downhill designs is a surprising achievement.

While most rear suspension systems anchor the shock in the frame and attach the other end to a link that is moved by the swingarm, Mondraker’s Zero Suspension System places the shock between two links, meaning it is compressed from both ends. Mondraker calls the system Zero because they say it pedals efficiently, without the bobbing that comes with some systems, plus it experiences zero brake-jack, that is, a locking-up of the rear suspension which occurs in some suspension platforms when the rear brake is applied. Another common issue is pedal kickback, which is resistance at the pedals caused by the suspension actively moving while the rider is pedaling

Mondraker also touts their Forward Geometry design. They were one of the first companies to being using longer top tubes and shorter stems, which moved the front wheel farther in front of the rider, making for a more stable ride, especially on steep descents.