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Mondraker Sly with Bosch SXAffordable light e-bike with aluminium chassis and Bosch power

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 24.09.2024

The new Mondraker Sly comes with Bosch Performance SX and is intended to appeal to a broad target group.
Photo: Mondraker

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With the Neat and Dune, Mondraker already has two light eMTBs in its programme. With the Sly, the Spaniards have gone one better. The Bosch bike should score particularly highly in terms of price and versatility.
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We can already hear it grumbling in front of the screen. 6000 euros is supposed to be "cheap"? That's understandable! But in the market for light e-MTBs, the choice in this price range is actually very limited. And this is exactly where the new Mondraker Sly wants to shine. With a Bosch SX motor, 160/150 mm suspension travel and aluminium chassis, the new e-bike from Spain should appeal to a particularly broad target group.

Mondraker Sly // Bosch Performance Line SX // 400 Wh // 160/150 mm // 29 inchPhoto: MondrakerMondraker Sly // Bosch Performance Line SX // 400 Wh // 160/150 mm // 29 inch

The Sly is already the third Light-E-MTB in Mondraker's portfolio. And in a way, it is a symbiosis of the Bosch-powered Enduro Dune and the Neat all-mountain bike with TQ motor. While it inherits the lively Bosch Performance Line SX from the powerful Dune, the geometry and suspension are clearly orientated towards the more moderate Neat. At 5999 euros, the entry-level price is significantly lower than that of its two carbon brothers, which are both available from 7999 euros. The weld seams of the aluminium frame are neatly polished in places. This also gives the Sly a chic look.

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The Sly takes its rear suspension design from its carbon brother Neat, which comes with a TQ motor.Photo: MondrakerThe Sly takes its rear suspension design from its carbon brother Neat, which comes with a TQ motor.

The facts about the Mondraker Sly

  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
  • Battery: Bosch Compact Tube 400, permanently installed
  • Optional: 250 Wh range extender
  • Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame: Aluminium with partially ground weld seams
  • Frame sizes: s, M, ML, L, XL
  • Price: 2 models for 5999 and 6999 euros
  • Weight: from 20.7 kg, both models under 21 kilos (manufacturer's specification)
The weld seams are not completely sanded, but are still discreet and unobtrusive. "Seamless", says Mondraker. The cables run classically into the frame.Photo: MondrakerThe weld seams are not completely sanded, but are still discreet and unobtrusive. "Seamless", says Mondraker. The cables run classically into the frame.
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In the press photos of the black aluminium frame, the weld seams in the head tube area actually look invisible.Photo: MondrakerIn the press photos of the black aluminium frame, the weld seams in the head tube area actually look invisible.

The e-drive of the Mondraker Sly

The chassis of the Mondraker Sly is clearly based on the Neat all-mountain bike. However, the two Spaniards have taken a completely different approach to the motor. Instead of of the whisper-quiet, minimalist TQ HPR50 the Sly is equipped with the lively Bosch Performance Line SX, which scores points not only for its high peak performance but also for its particularly high dynamics. The "little Bosch" has a special characteristic. The SX only delivers its maximum thrust at very high cadences and only for a short time. When pedalling slowly, it only pushes discreetly.

HERE you can find a detailed test of the Bosch Performance SX.

The Bosch Performance SX is not particularly slim, but it is quite powerful. At least at a high cadence.Photo: MondrakerThe Bosch Performance SX is not particularly slim, but it is quite powerful. At least at a high cadence.

The power comes from Bosch's Compact Tube 400 (400 Wh), which is permanently installed in the down tube of the aluminium frame. Mondraker talks about a "removable battery", but this probably only refers to the complex removal option for exceptional cases. The motor also has to be removed for this. This is hardly practical for everyday battery changes or for charging the battery.

To extend the range of the bike, the Bosch Power More 250 is available as an optional range extender. Special feature: The range extender AND water bottle fit into the frame triangle at the same time. Mondraker has provided a second attachment point under the top tube for this purpose. The Bosch system is operated with the wireless mini-remote and the system controller in the top tube. Here, the battery level and selected U-level are displayed via coloured LEDs.

The geometry of the Mondraker Sly

Five instead of four frame sizes, that's new with the Mondraker Sly. This means that the steps between the frames are smaller and every rider should be able to find a chassis that really suits them. The reach changes in 20 mm increments. With a reach of 480 mm, the new ML frame size is roughly on a par with an average L frame in this category. The XL size has a reach of 520 mm, which should be enough for really tall riders. At 455 mm, the chainstays are quite long across all frame sizes, which should provide good climbing characteristics and a smooth ride.

The Mondraker Sly is available in five sizes.Photo: MondrakerThe Mondraker Sly is available in five sizes.

Models and prices

Mondraker is offering two models of the new Sly. The Sly R and Sly RR cost 5999 and 6999 euros respectively. Both rely on the identical e-drive and the same chassis. However, the equipment differs significantly. However, both models already rely on electronic wireless shifting from Sram.

Mondraker Sly R

  • Price: 5999 Euro >> available here
  • Fork/shock: Rockshox Psylo Gold RL / Rockshox Deluxe Select+
  • Gear system: Sram S1000 Eagle Transmission
  • Brakes: Sram DB8 stealth
  • Wheels: Mavic E-Crossride 29
  • Weight: 20.9 kg (according to manufacturer)
The Mondraker Sly R with Rockshox suspension costs 5999 euros and is said to weigh 20.9 kilos.Photo: MondrakerThe Mondraker Sly R with Rockshox suspension costs 5999 euros and is said to weigh 20.9 kilos.

Mondraker Sly RR

  • Price: 6999 Euro >> available here
  • Fork/shock: Fox 36 Performance / Float X Performance
  • Gear system: Sram GX Eagle Transmission
  • Brakes: Sram Code Bronze Stealth
  • Wheels: Mavic E-Crosstrail SL
  • Weight: 20.7 kg (according to manufacturer)
The Mondraker Sly RR with Fox suspension is available for 6999 euros. Weight according to the manufacturer: 20.7 kilos.Photo: MondrakerThe Mondraker Sly RR with Fox suspension is available for 6999 euros. Weight according to the manufacturer: 20.7 kilos.The wireless Sram GX Eagle Transmission is responsible for changing gears on the Mondraker Sly RR.Photo: MondrakerThe wireless Sram GX Eagle Transmission is responsible for changing gears on the Mondraker Sly RR.The 150 mm stroke in the rear of the Mondraker Sly RR is managed by a Fox Float X Performance.Photo: MondrakerThe 150 mm stroke in the rear of the Mondraker Sly RR is managed by a Fox Float X Performance.

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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