What timing! The science fiction epic "Dune 2" hits the cinemas and the Mondraker Dune super enduro with Bosch's SX engine is launched - also in a second edition. No, the Spaniards didn't steal the name - they did it earlier.
Back in 2009, the manufacturer from Alicante launched an enduro bike called the Dune, back then with 26-inch wheels and, from today's perspective, funny curved aluminium tubes from the hydroforming press. Now the Dune is experiencing a revival as a light e-enduro with a chicly designed full carbon frame. Even the rocker is made of the black miracle fibre.
Mondraker Dune 2024: 3 models with Bosch SX & 400 Wh battery
There are three models: the Dune R with Fox suspension for 7999 euros, the RR with Öhlins suspension elements (9499 euros) and the top-of-the-range XR model with high-end equipment for a dizzying 11,999 euros. All models weigh around 20 kilos, are fitted with Mullet tyres and are powered by Bosch's SX motor, which nestles discreetly but clearly visible around the bottom bracket.
The SX from Bosch (400 Wh, 55 Nm) is a hybrid: at around two kilos in weight, it is not super light, but it is equipped with more power. This means that it can even be used on tours with full-power eMTBs. The SX is powered by an integrated, i.e. non-removable 400 Wh battery. The 400 Wh battery should provide enough juice for 1500 metres in altitude or two to three hours of long rides. "Most people don't ride for longer anyway," says Mondraker, justifying the compromise to save weight - either with a super-light motor with a lower speed or a smaller battery. The decision was made in favour of the small battery.
If you want to travel longer and tackle more metres in altitude, you can pimp the range with an optional extender. Bosch offers the 1.6-kilo PowerMore Range Extender with 250 Wh for this purpose. It is inserted into the water bottle holder and is said to deliver 60 per cent longer juice in parallel discharge. This means that both batteries are empty at the same time. The extender is inserted into the water bottle holder and must be purchased separately for 469 euros.
Equipment signals: full gravity
The generous suspension travel (170/165 millimetres on the R and RR, 180/165 on the top model) signals the intended use: full gravity. Freeride would have been the term used in the past; today it's called Enduro plus. In other words: no limits downhill, stunts welcome! The other equipment is also designed for off-road capability: the snappy and very stable four-piston Sram Code brakes and an extra-tough downhill tyre from Maxxis, where it counts the most: at the rear in the "Double Down" version. Given the purchase price, it's no surprise that the high-end equipment of the top model tested, with Sram's electric drivetrain, E-Vario seatpost, carbon wheels, etc., is beyond criticism. The Mondraker Dune XR is even 2000 euros more expensive than Europe's most popular road bike with just under 100 hp (Honda CBR 650 R, 9800 euros).
Even uphill, the motto is: Freeride! Bosch's SX motor makes sure of that. With 55 Newton metres, it delivers plenty of torque to master trial passages where even vertical artist Braydon Bringhurst would get stuck. Provided the cadence is high, the drive, which weighs around two kilos, provides disproportionate support. This means that you can keep up even when your friends are riding full-power bikes, something that very few light eMTBs can claim. Pleasant: the low motor noise. The Bosch SX is not as quiet as the lightweight TQ motor, for example, but does its job with a discreet background noise. Smart: Many settings can be customised via the app.
On the trail: how the new Mondraker Dune Carbon XR rides
We tested the Dune in the perfect "I'll take you to the limit" terrain: on the Sintra trails near Lisbon. There you'll find everything you need to give an enduro bike a real thrashing and take it to the proverbial limit: Snaking trails in the forest with tight loops and sharp bends - the bike has to be agile here, be able to shift quickly from one turn to the next and steer precisely, otherwise it gets tedious. Root fields, jumps, lightning drops over edges - without a plush, sensitive chassis, grip and control are lost. Rocky descents, tricky trial sections and steep slides - easy handling, good weight distribution and a direct riding feel are a must to master these challenges with flying colours. Full throttle sections with scree and rough terrain - here the suspension has to generate traction and calm the whims of the trail if you want to reach Vmax.
First order of business before we set off: the clunky display has to be removed from the otherwise stylish cockpit with wide 800 mm handlebars in the stubby stem (30 mm), fortunately the info box can be unplugged quickly. Thanks to Mondraker's proprietary "fast-forward geometry", Mondraker bikes always look a little longer anyway, so size medium fits very well with a rider height of 1.78 metres - the bike is manageable enough and yet sufficiently stable for high-speed blocking.
And you really want to step on the gas with the Dune. That's what it's designed for, and the top version offers a forgiving Öhlins suspension with a steel rear shock including the striking yellow Swedish spring. While the fork does its job rather inconspicuously, you can feel the extra comfort of the rear suspension. However, the bike is not a suction cup that sticks to the ground. The suspension provides pleasant counter-pressure to keep the bike lively. And pop for off-road jumps and shenanigans on the trail. The low weight of the Dune helps here. At 20 kilos, it doesn't come close to the thoroughbred light bikes, but it also doesn't tank through the terrain like the full-power faction.
The Dune demonstrated its agility high up at the Kapelle de Nossa, where rocks lie in the forest like giant menhirs. While the big boxes tend to bounce against the obstacle, the Dune can be lightened and lifted onto boulders with the use of the hips. The chainstays (445 mm) are short enough to pull the Dune willingly onto the rear wheel. This requires physical effort, but without straining your biceps. The bike is well-balanced, which you can feel on manuals: it surfs stably on the rear wheel, without bitching around - top!
Conclusion on the Mondraker Dune 2024 by Dimitri Lehner, FREERIDE Magazine
I like suspension travel and the agile feel of an organic bike, so the Dune suits me very well. The Dune mastered all the chicanes of the Sintra trails with flying colours. I'm happy to accept the shorter range compared to a full eMTB for more ease on the trail. The top model is fast, potent and precise - top! But the price is steep!
Models & Prices: Mondraker Dune 2024
Mondraker Dune XR I 11,999 euros I 19.6 kilos
High price, uncompromising equipment. The top-of-the-range Dune XR model is trimmed even more for downhill riding with a 180 mm Öhlins fork and Öhlins steel spring damper. Carbon rims keep the weight under 20 kilos.
Mondraker Dune RR I 9499 Euro I 19,4 Kilo
The Dune RR was also fitted with the Swedish Öhlins suspension, but with TTX Air air dampers. Brake system: Sram Code Bronze. Shifting is electric with Sram GX Eagle AXS - the wheels are made of aluminium.
Mondraker Dune R I 7999 Euro I 20,2 Kilo
The most affordable model, the Dune R, has Fox suspension (Fox 38 Performance, 170 mm/Fox Float X Performance), Sram's GX Eagle drivetrain, Sram DB8 brakes and aluminium wheels.
More bikes for gravity fans
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
