180 mm light EMTB banger
Mondraker Dune 2024

Mondraker is revamping its Dune model. While the last Mondraker Dune version disappeared from the scene in 2020 without a motor, the newcomer returns with Bosch’s SX Performance Line engine. With a hefty amount of travel and a powerful push from the motor, it aims to attract “turbo-oriented” riders.

For some, the term “Turbo” refers to a power mode in the Bosch E-Bike system; for others, it’s simply a way of life. Those who live by the turbo creed seek to extract the max from everything they do. Turbo-driven individuals go all-out in all aspects of life.

Pedal to the metal in their careers, full throttle in their personal lives, and, of course, all-out in sports. Mondraker introduces the new Dune, a bike that embodies this full-throttle philosophy like no other. With a combination of 600 watts of motor assistance and 170 mm of travel, its main goal is clear: shredding more of the gnarliest trails in less time. Full throttle, indeed!

The alignment with steel spring elements and 180 or 170 mm of travel on the fork makes it clear: The Dune is a serious piece of equipment for heavy-duty use. Yet, the brakes don’t employ Sram’s new Maven but rely on the well-known Sram Code. They may not be anchors, but with large rotors, they certainly provide ample stopping power. The XO Eagle drivetrain installed on the top model is currently the benchmark in shifting performance. To extend the range of the 400 Wh Bosch battery, there’s the option to add a 250-watt range extender.

It’s a given that a bike like the Dune features Mondraker’s Fast Forward Geometry. But what exactly does that term entail? More than a decade ago, Mondraker started to increase the mainframe’s reach, positioning the rider more central on the bike. What was initially sneered at has now set a precedent. Every renowned brand, as well as the no-name manufacturers, has jumped on this trend initiated by Mondraker. A reach of 485 mm in size L is no longer unusual these days.

What remains exceptional, however, is that Mondraker doesn’t excessively slacken the head angle. At 74 degrees, it’s reasonable but doesn’t push the boundaries for a bike with 170 mm of travel. Paired with a low weight of under 20 kilograms in the RR and XR versions, the handling remains pleasantly agile and intuitive. That’s not a given for an EMTB with 170 mm of travel.

The Bosch SX motor packs a 55Nm of torque. For context, Fazua’s Ride 60 has 5Nm more, TQ’s HPR 50 delivers 5Nm less. Bosch and Shimano’s full-power units provide 85Nm. And even though these motors offer more torque, Bosch claims that the SX motor, peaking at 600 watts, can nearly match their performance. And it does, but there’s a catch: you must pedal at a cadence of around 100 revolutions per minute.

If you manage that, you’re rewarded with an almost full-power eMTB experience. But don’t expect the Bosch SX to do all the work for you on climbs. For those willing to break a sweat, the Bosch SX gives you a motor that cuts your uphill time to a minimum without adding much weight. With the Bosch SX inside the Dune, Mondraker goes in the opposite direction compared to the Neat. That’s because the Neat’s integrated TQ HPR50 is known for its whisper-quiet operation and gentle assistive torque. So while the Neat, with 160mm of travel on the fork, offers just a gentle nudge, the Dune hits you with a hurricane-force tailwind.