The Mondraker Dune is back for 2024

Dune, that’s a cool name. And just like the movie, the Mondraker Dune is out in it’s second iteration. The first Mondraker Dune was an enduro pedalbike released in 2009. Mondraker already have a long travel emtb, the Level. But they brought back the old name for the lightweight, mid-assist version.

I haven’t ridden the bike yet, but Rob received one. Check out his video review and read on for my thoughts and an introduction of the lineup.

The motor​

Mondraker released a lightweight emtb not too long ago. I was surprised to see it came with the TQ motor; I would have guessed Bosch. This time I had learned, and I assumed the Dune had the same TQ HPR50 motor. So, it does of course come with the Bosch Performance SX 55 Nm. This is a more powerful motor with a claimed maximum power output of 600 W. That’s almost twice as much as the HPR50.

Dune or Neat?​

Even though they’re both referred to as mild, mid-power or superlight bikes, they’re quite different. The Mondraker Neat is a shorter travel, lighter All Mountain style trailbike. While the Dune is an enduro, or even super-enduro bike. It makes sense making the shorter travel bike milder and lighter, I think.

Line-up and specs​

All 3 versions have the Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh battery that is non-detachable. The carbon frame has a bottle cage that can be swapped for the Bosch PowerMore 250 Wh range extender. Even though all versions have the same frame with 165 mm rear travel, there is a slight difference in frame geometry due to fork length. The more expensive Mondraker Dune XR comes with a 180 mm fork, the two others get 170 mm.

The Dune isn’t marketed as a Super Light bike. Mondraker calls it the latest addition to their light ebike range. The top-of-the-line Dune XR weighs in at 19.8 kg w/o pedals and bikes should be in stores as of now.

• Mondraker Dune R £6.799 / €7.999
• Dune RR £8.499 / €9.499
• Dune XR £11.999 / €11.999

Geometry​

Being a Mondraker designed for descending, it has of course got the long, low and slack “forward-geometry”. But I guess it could be lower. The seat tube length is 490 mm for size XL. That’s quite long for a bike with a 200 mm dropper seatpost.

As expected, the wheelbase too is long. Mondraker always made long frames with short stems. It’s 1.289 mm for size L and 1.260mm for the M. Being 181 cm (5’11) tall, I’ve been quite comfortable on size M on the Mondraker Crafty. Head angle is nice and slack at 64* for the two “cheaper” models while the Dune XR takes it down to 63,6*. Chainstays are surprisingly short at 445 mm. That’s 5 mm less than the lighter and presumably nimbler Neat.

My thoughts​

There are many lightweight emtbs with around 140-150 mm travel available. And with the Mondraker Dune, we’re getting a few hard-hitting lightweights to choose between. The longtravel superlight emtbs never was super lightweight, and Mondraker doesn’t describe it as superlight.

It seems the industry is moving away from that name. I used to call them mild emtbs, and it seems “mid-power” is catching on. Regardless, sub 20 kg is light enough to offer a very different riding experience compared to the 24-26 kg full power emtbs. With the slack front and short rear end, the new Dune looks like a burly bike that can be maneuvered quickly and easily on the descents. And it’s very likely not a slouch on the flatter trails either.