Mondraker Gravel E-Bike: Dusty R and Dusty X - wild or urban? The main thing is gravel!

Just over a year ago, Spanish MTB manufacturer Mondraker ventured into the gravel arena and launched the Dusty e-gravel bike in three versions (R, RR and XR). The top model XR already had the 40 mm suspension fork on board, which is now also available for the Mondraker Dusty R. Those who know Mondraker for its downhill bikes will be a little hesitant about the new Dusty X model. In the 90s it was called a fitness bike, now it's a flat bar bike - a gravel bike with an electric motor and straight handlebars. This bike clearly wants to be on the road; in the city centre!

Mondraker Dusty R - a gravel bike wants to play

The Dusty R from Mondraker is a carbon bike that now comes with the lockable Rockshox Rudy suspension fork with 40 mm travel, which was previously only reserved for the top XR model. We were able to test ride the Dusty XR in the Spanish coastal hills last year. The geometry and the Mahle X20 motor already made it extremely capable off-road, and together with the suspension fork you could really let it rip on the trails (for a gravel bike). All the better that this upgrade is now available for the 5500 euro bike and that you don't have to pay 10,000 euros for it. Instead of the electronic Sram drivetrain, a Sram Apex 1 is fitted to the new Dusty model.

When it comes to the motor, Mondraker relies on the Mahle X20 with 350 Wh in the battery and an optional 185 Wh range extender. In our 2023 test, the Light Assist motor proved to be a gentle purr that delivers more power the more you pedal - up to a maximum of 250 W. The hub motor delivers 23 Newton metres of torque in three progressive support levels - which, according to the manufacturer, corresponds to 55 Nm on a mid-drive motor.

According to Mondraker, the existing Dusty R 2023 model will continue to be available with the specially developed rigid fork.

The Mondraker Dusty R in figures

• Frame: e-Gravel Stealth Air Carbon, fixed battery, 12 x 142 mm thru axle, prepared for 1 and 2-speed drive, integrated speed sensor
• Sizes: S: 440mm / M: 460mm / L: 500mm / XL: 530mm
• Suspension fork: Rockshox Rudy Base, 40 mm travel, 12 x 100 mm thru axle, 45 mm offset
• Handlebars: OnOff Gravel 16º flare; width: S: 440 mm / M: 440 mm / L: 460 mm / XL: 460 mm
• Saddle: Fizik Terra Argo X7, 150 mm
• Brake: Sram Apex 1, 160 mm (front) / Sram Apex, 160 mm (rear)
• Gear system: Sram Apex XPLR 12-speed
• Engine: Mahle X20 Drive Unit
• Battery: Mahle X20 IX, 350 Wh
• Display: Pulsar One Wireless / e-shifters
• Range extender: Mahle e 185 Wh (optional)
• Tyres: Maxxis Rambler 700 x 45, tubeless ready, dual compound EXO protection
• Colour: Midnight Blue / Tonic Gold / Teal Green
• Price: 5499 Euro

The Mondraker Dusty X - a gravel bike gets ready for the city

The Mondraker Dusty X is - if you like - the real novelty. The wild Dusty gravel bike with e-bike motor has been given a fine outfit for the city. Or shall we say: The Dusty becomes suitable for everyday use with mudguards and lights as well as straight handlebars. It is therefore similar to the existing, non-motorised Dusty SX model for urban use and commuting - only now with a 640 mm flat bar handlebar and the Mahle X20 rear hub motor that powers all other Dusty models. The Pulsar display for the Mahle X20 motor is mounted on the headset cap for the clean look of the new Mondraker Dusty X. An integrated Supernova lighting system comes as standard.

The new Mahle DUO Remote Controller is mounted on the left handlebar grip. This makes it possible to switch quickly between the support levels. This minimalist remote also acts as a control element for the lights, which are powered directly by the bike battery.

The Mondraker Dusty X in figures

• Frame: Frame: e-Gravel Stealth Air Carbon, permanently installed battery, 12 x 142 mm thru-axle, prepared for 1- and 2-speed drive, integrated speed sensor
• Sizes: S: 440 mm / M: 460 mm / L: 500 mm / XL: 530 mm
• Fork: Stealth Air Carbon
• Handlebars: MDK Urban 1.0 aluminium, Rise: 0 mm, Width: 640 mm, 9º Backsweep, 0º Upsweep, 31.8 mm
• Saddle: Selle Royal Prestige, 139 mm
• Brake: Sram Level Silver 2P Stealth, 160 mm
• Gear system: Sram Apex XPLR 12-speed
• Shift lever: Sram GX Eagle
• Engine: Mahle X20 Drive Unit
• Battery: Mahle X20 IX, 350 Wh
• Display: Pulsar One Wireless / DUO remote
• Tyres: Maxxis Re-fuse 700 x 40, tubeless ready, dual compound, MaxxShield EXO protection
• Lighting: 150 LUX Front light
• Range extender: Mahle e 185 Wh (optional)
• Colour: Bunker Grey / Fog Grey / Teal Green
• Price: 5199 Euro