Sondors MXS

[Bigrod.52]

Hi everyone I’m contemplating aboiut getting a e bike . Anyone heard of this brand Sondors MXS . Is this a good bike that will last

 

[Zimmerframe]

I considered one as an option some time back, it almost seemed too good to be true, but eventually stumbled upon endless sad stories of problems ..

Yes, it's cheap .. but unless they've completely changed everything then it's heavy, unreliable and not easy to get problems rectified.

 

[Mabman]

The original Sondors crowd funding $500 e-fad bike was a huge success and I didn't believe he could produce them but ultimately did. Of course they wouldn't stand up to any real riding but the price was right and got a following of rabid fans.

Since he has carried on and with his line of supply in place can pretty much build any cheap bike he wants. But a rear hub motor on a mtb at $1700 is not cheap. There are bikes with good torque sensing mid drives in that price range already built to the same spec otherwise.

Once again I find myself wondering not how he could do it but who will buy it and be able to ride it seriously without issues, handling for starters.

The car is cool though and I'd like to see that succeed.

 

[Bigrod.52]

The original Sondors crowd funding $500 e-fad bike was a huge success and I didn't believe he could produce them but ultimately did. Of course they wouldn't stand up to any real riding but the price was right and got a following of rabid fans.

Since he has carried on and with his line of supply in place can pretty much build any cheap bike he wants. But a rear hub motor on a mtb at $1700 is not cheap. There are bikes with good torque sensing mid drives in that price range already built to the same spec otherwise.

Once again I find myself wondering not how he could do it but who will buy it and be able to ride it seriously without issues, handling for starters.

The car is cool though and I'd like to see that succeed.

So you are saying at that price MXS is worth the price and a trustworthy e-bike

 

[Bigrod.52]

I considered one as an option some time back, it almost seemed too good to be true, but eventually stumbled upon endless sad stories of problems ..

Yes, it's cheap .. but unless they've completely changed everything then it's heavy, unreliable and not easy to get problems rectified.

How long ago did you look into it . The reviews on MXS that I see seem to say it’s a pretty good e bike

 

[Mabman]

"a mtb at $1700 is not cheap. There are bikes with good torque sensing mid drives in that price range already built to the same spec otherwise."

Not sure how that could be construed as a positive. Caveat Emptor!

 

[Zimmerframe]

Probably about 6-8 months ago. I'll admit, I found plenty of positive reviews at the time, it was only when digging deeper that there seemed to be another side to it. I think Sonders do a great job of managing their web presence.

Like many of these things, you might buy one, love it, never have a problem. It's what we all hope for when we make a decision to buy something like this.

But as @Mabman says, it's not particularly great value for a hub motored bike. You're nudging what you can get a mid motored bike for.

Even ascetically, to me it just screams $300 chinese bike thrown together over the weekend.

Any e-bike is quite a big purchase, I'd just spend a bit more time looking at what other options there are, to at least satisfy yourself that that's definitely the right one if you do go for it.

 

[Bigrod.52]

Probably about 6-8 months ago. I'll admit, I found plenty of positive reviews at the time, it was only when digging deeper that there seemed to be another side to it. I think Sonders do a great job of managing their web presence.

Like many of these things, you might buy one, love it, never have a problem. It's what we all hope for when we make a decision to buy something like this.

But as @Mabman says, it's not particularly great value for a hub motored bike. You're nudging what you can get a mid motored bike for.

Even ascetically, to me it just screams $300 chinese bike thrown together over the weekend.

View attachment 25955

Any e-bike is quite a big purchase, I'd just spend a bit more time looking at what other options there are, to at least satisfy yourself that that's definitely the right one if you do go for it.

I decided to get the bike I believe it’s a good e bike

 

[Bigrod.52]

What do you guys think about converting a standard bike to electric. I have a standard Cannondale bike had it for 3 years maybe 4 still in great condition it is a bad boy by Cannondale

 

[Zimmerframe]

There have been a few good threads on that subject over the last few months, I'll try and find some later (as they're probably well hidden).

Most recently, @Waynemarlow brought it up in the cheap emtb challenge thread :

The Cheap EMTB Challenge - EMTB Forums

I contemplated one ages ago, but my mtb is too crap to waste the money on

 

[jimthompsonmd]

I own the Sondors MXS from Nov 2019; minor changes to the 2020 model and I am buying another one.

My thoughts:
1. It doesn't seem "cheap." Certainly the components are not necessarily top end, but they seem serviceable.
2. This is a big, fat, monster. I am not sure it's the right ebicycle for a true mountain biker zipping around trails. It's more like a motorbike. Perfect for a 200-pounder like me who wants a big, soft, powerful ride for smooth, graded trails, and steep climbs. I just can't see people leaping over logs and nimbly turning sketch trails in it. I may be wrong.
3. This bike is heavy. 65 pounds. Long wheel-base.
4. So far the Bafang and the battery done me fine. I rode up Mt Evans road here in Colorado two days ago; used 3 of 5 bars for about 12 or 13 miles. Bike pretty much did all the work on the way up--me'n the bike over 260 pounds total. (This is a paved road to 14,265 feet; currently closed due to snow at about 13.5K feet, where I turned around. As an aside, it's closed to cars through July due to the Covies, so fabulously fun on a bike.)
5. The front suspension, seat suspension, and 3" tires are great for a big guy coasting downhill over a road with tons of ruts and potholes. Bike coasted at 38 mph where it was smooth with no input from me. Brakes seem solid, and ride seems solid.
6. One frame size fits all. You cannot adjust the handlebar height. Supposedly standover is 31" but I would say don't buy if you are under 5/8"
7. I do see complaints re quality here and there. But OTOH there's a lot of 'em out there, so...I have been very satisfied with fit, finish and reliability.
8. Can easily change to Class 3, and if you don't disengage the throttle, throttle alone will take you to 28 MPH. Of course I would never do that, but if you did, you'd sorta have a motorbike...

In short: A big, heavy, electric bike with enough power to chug it around. But prob not the right bike for someone looking for a nimble, sophisticated ride...
I love this bike so much I bought another. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna pretend its great for everyone. I couldn't find a better deal and would love to hear what others think is a better buy, components v price-wise.