Mondraker Sly R on test: A high-flyer with Bosch SX and VPP?
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At first glance, the main frame of the Sly very skilfully conceals the fact that it is the only one in our light comparison test for around 6000 euros made of aluminium. The weld seams on the head tube of the Mondraker are beautifully polished. The design of the wide cockpit is also particularly successful. The Spanish label's painters must have finished the finish around the shock just before the siesta.
The split seat tube is part of the rear triangle concept with a virtual pivot point and is particularly short in favour of freedom of movement with a lowered saddle. The Sly is not really "light". On the scales, the Bosch system is inferior to the TQ antagonist. However, the range extender and water bottle can be accommodated in the frame triangle at the same time to maximise the range of the bike and rider. The Mondraker Sly R costs 5999 euros and is available for example from at Liquid Life or Mount7 available.
The Mondraker Sly R in detail
- Price: 5999 Euro >> at Liquid Life or Mount7 available
- Motor: Bosch SX, 60 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 21 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Max. System weight: 150 kg
- Warranty: Lifetime on the frame
Swanky engine
Mondraker has three bikes with light motors in its programme. As the big (and expensive) brother of the Sly, the Neat relies on the TQ HPR 50. The expensive Superenduro Dune also has the Bosch SX. The motor has just received a small boost in maximum torque via a firmware update. The performance was already excellent before. Over 500 watts are briefly possible at the peak, provided you crank really fast.
The disadvantage: the motor is not really discreet, at least not in the Mondraker. In our test bike, the motor sounds clearly audible, even at low support levels. Apparently the frame amplifies the motor noise. Other bikes with SX are significantly quieter. Mondraker relies on the usual 400 series battery, permanently installed. The modern Kiox 400 C display in the top tube, on the other hand, is a clear added value.
Components of the Mondraker Sly
In addition to the aluminium frame, you can tell from the equipment that Mondraker, as a high-end brand, does not have it easy in the price range below 6000 euros. Nevertheless, the electronic S1000 Eagle drivetrain is something that no one else in the test field can afford. On the trail, however, a better brake or fork would bring clearer advantages. Especially on long descents, Sram's DB8 stopper can easily make your hands tired. Tuning tip: upgrade to a 220 mm front disc and more aggressive pads.
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Lyrik / Deluxe Select+
- Gear system: Sram S1000 Eagle (12-speed)
- Brakes: Sram DB8 200/200 mm
- Wheels: Mondraker
- Tyres: Maxxis DHF MaxxGrip / DHR II Exo+, 29 x 2.50
- Special features: Aluminium frame with partially ground seams
The geometry is surprisingly ordinary
First the ride, then the data: In our tests, we usually only consult the measurements from our laboratory after the first riding impression. And with the Mondraker, we were quite astonished. Conventional head angle, rather long chainstays, slightly high bottom bracket: this is anything but radically new or modern, but it obviously works. The seat angle is extremely steep.
How the Mondraker Sly R rides in practice
From the very first time you sit on the Mondraker, the position on the bike feels very front wheel orientated. The steep seat angle and moderate reach with a short stem dictate a compact position for the rider. This definitely has advantages on very steep ramps. Then you can wedge yourself between the saddle and the high front and let the pithy Bosch motor push you uphill. The long chainstays and plush riding position make it easier to push through the roots.
The rear suspension is noticeably lower in its travel than its competitors from Canyon or Merida and provides a lot of traction. The SX only delivers its full power at a high cadence. Unfortunately, the motor in our test bike hums very loudly, especially when warm. The 34-tooth chainring ensures a tight gear ratio and therefore requires a high assistance level on steep climbs - a feature shared by many SX bikes and which, in our opinion, does not quite match the Light concept. Saving power in Eco mode on climbs? Difficult.
Enduro vibes
On the descent, it becomes clear that Mondraker has obviously hit a sweet spot with the conventional-looking geometry. Behind the high front end, the rider is wonderfully integrated into the bike. Neither too long nor too short, the Sly is easy to handle in any trail situation and, despite the long chainstays, it still sits skilfully on the rear wheel. The highlight is the emphatically comfortable rear triangle. It absorbs big bumps powerfully and also takes small bumps out of the trail.
This allows you to take on full-blown enduro tracks all day long. Nevertheless, dynamic jumps are also possible thanks to stable support. The simple damping of the inexpensive fork cannot keep up with this. In the mid-stroke it shows little control, and on rebound a top-out combined with loud smacking makes control difficult. Despite the soft Maxxgrip tyres, the guidance at the front is limited. The weak Sram DB8 brakes are also tiring in the long run. They could do with a tune-up.
Review of the Mondraker Sly R Light
Advantages
- Rear triangle quality
- Climbing skills on steep terrain
- High confidence on the downhill
Disadvantages
- Total and wheel weight
- Weak fork and brakes
- Loud motor
Conclusion on the Sly R
Mondraker puts an inspiringly powerful bike with an aluminium frame on the tyres, with which you don't have to be afraid of any downhill or uphill sections. The rear triangle and geometry form a powerful basis, but this is limited by the high weight and simple equipment. - Jan Timmermann, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
