Review: Mondraker Level R eMTB

spec.) The R also uses a SRAM GX drivetrain with a Sunrace cassette, Shimano MT520 4 piston brakes with 203mm rotors, and DT Swiss H1900 eMTB wheels. The R retails for €6399. Meanwhile, the RR is upgraded to a SRAM EX1 eMTB drivetrain, Code RSC brakes, while sharing the R's DT Swiss H1900 wheels to justify its €8499 retail price.

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Construction, Features, and Motor

Mondraker aimed to keep the lines sleek with the design of the new Level R, with assistance from its internal, removable 500wh Powertube battery - the latest offering from Bosch to fuel their Performance Line CX motor. The distinctive brace at the head tube is carried over from their other models, along with the Zero suspension system that places the shock between the split seat tube. Aluminum is used throughout the frame that includes some nice touches, such as a mudguard for the shock and space on the down tube for a full-size water bottle. The cables are routed internally to further help those slick looks.

The Level R continues with Mondraker's progressive frame design and is badged with the 'Forward Geometry' logo. The Spaniards proved to be miles ahead of the pack in 2011 when the long and slack concept was first introduced, which now looks more normal when compared to charts from leading brands in 2019. My XL test bike has a 498mm reach, 65° head angle, a 44mm offset fork, a 74° seat tube angle, and whopping 490mm chainstays that render a wheelbase of 1340mm. That 74° seat tube angle might not sound very progressive, but that is the actual seat tube angle, not the effective seat tube angle like most, so taller riders wont end up with a slacker-than-advertised angle and their weight hovering over the rear axle when the seat post is raised.

Other supporting numbers are the 490mm chainstays, which should prove interesting to ride. I've often said that eMTBs should have longer chainstays to help keep the front wheel from wandering on steep climbs so that all that power can be used. In keeping with its mission statement, the -15mm BB drop and 150mm head tube length work out to a 655mm stack, which should create a commanding position on the steep, wild trails it's designed for.

Suspension Design

The Zero Suspension design is shared throughout Mondraker's range and has been proven at the World Cup downhill level on many occasions. Of course, the dual-link design is tweaked slightly for different bikes and their intended uses, and this eMTB's kinematics are more focused on anti-squat to keep the chassis stable under power. There is a significant amount of chain growth, which may explain the suspension's reduced suppleness while climbing.

Level R Build

Starting at the front of the Level R, we find a cockpit taken care of by Mondraker's own brand of OnOff components, with a 780mm wide handlebar and 30mm stem. Shimano MT520 (4-piston Deore) brakes are spec'ed with 203mm rotors front and rear to slow this bruiser. The suspension is all Fox, with an E-bike optimized 36 Rhythm 170mm travel fork, and a DHX2 Performance Elite shock, which uses a trunnion mount. The wheels are a DT Swiss Hybrid H1700 wheelset. The rims feature a thicker wall at the spoke bed, and the wheels feature thicker spoke heads and nipples, and a steel freehub body. The largely SRAM 11-speed drivetrain uses a GX rear mech and NX shifter, paired with a Sunrace cassette. The 150mm dropper post is by Onoff and is topped by an SDG Radar saddle

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Climbing

Being a tall rider, I was stoked to get on this XL monster to see what it was capable of, especially with its massive 490mm chainstay and good seat angle. The result? By far and above, the Level is the most capable electric climber I have ridden. It gave me a centralized position with hardly any front wheel wander or lift, which is great for the steeper climbs that eMTB's challenge you with.

The Level R was really firm under power, thanks to its high anti-squat level. This further improved the climbing potential, but it came with a minor downside. Bump absorption and grip from the suspension wasn't impressive when climbing and laying down big power. Being able to leave the shock in the open mode, to always be in a commanding riding position, and having sticky downhill tires more than made up for those minor flaws.

Descending

Another downside of the aforementioned anti-squat was that chain growth activated the clunky feeling (compared to super smooth Shimano and Brose systems) Bosch drivetrain. It engaged and disengaged as the suspension banged through bumps, which was a put-off at first, but I became used to it.

The Zero suspension provided great small-bump sensitivity near the sag point, and there was ample support to push and pump the bike around. Once I exceeded two-thirds of the suspension travel, though, there wasn't enough support to keep the weight of bike and rider from smashing all the way to the end of the stroke.

Obviously, the long, 490mm chainstays made it impossible to go around corners, so I had to get off and push around them all... (just kidding.) It carves long corners superbly well, and the long stays are much less of a hindrance than you may expect for tighter turns. It will go around anything that a short chainstay bike will, up to the point where a rear-wheel lift is needed to get around the apex.

I liked the long chainstay on long fast sections, as it made it really easy - almost relaxing - to stand up in a central position and cruise over whatever was coming up. Manuals and shifting my weight backward felt strange to start with, but the high stack and handlebar height offset that somewhat.

The Mondraker has loads of downhill potential, thanks to its massive size, weight, travel, and big wheels, but it wasn't the weapon I was hoping for. The stock suspension was lacking guts and support. The more expensive Level RR model offers more capable suspension in terms of the full-fat Fox DHX2 coil shock and 36 GRIP2 fork damper which have a more adjustments to dial in more support and bottom out control.


Later, I upgraded the fork with a GRIP2 damper and changed the shock for a Cane Creek DB CS which was a great improvement for both front and rear. Taking the stock bike to your local suspension tuner could get more out of the standard suspension if you need a less expensive option.

I am not a weight weenie, but the Level is pushing the boundary on the scales. I am really happy to see it spec'ed with correct components to get the job done, like full DH casing tires, but its total weight of 27kg is massive. Overall, that heft made it hard to move around and feel more sluggish on the trail. That said, there are no parts I would change to save weight. I'd rather ride a slug than carry a "lightweight" eMTB down the trail. If you are a downhill racer, take the Mondraker on your training rides for a few weeks and your downhill bike will feel like an XC racer when you get back on it – fun and free training.

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How does it compare?

After the awesome Specialized Kenevo and its near-silent ride, the Bosch-equipped Level is more comparable to a tractor. The motor makes more noise when turning and is clunky when connecting – though, this doesn't affect the ride in reality, but everyone prefers a quieter bike. But, the Mondraker has better sizing for taller riders, bigger wheels and better climbing geometry - all things that I prefer.

Shifter: The one-click eMTB shifter, which is good for stopping people mashing gears, hasn't been specced – disappointing to see and could cause issues for inexperienced eMTB'rs if they shift too many gears at once and under power.

RaceFace Aeffect crank: After having to moan about crank arms being too long on eMTB's for years, it is great to see the 165mm version fitted as standard.

Shimano MT520 4-piston brakes: I thought the 2-piston Deore spec brakes were fantastic for the price, these take it up a notch. Highly recommended if you want maximum power for a minimum price.

Is this the bike for you?

Overall, the Mondraker is a killer eMTB. It destroys both climbs and descents. But, you need serious terrain, strength, and skill to get the best out of it - plus, some good comebacks when your buddies make fun of you for riding a fatty. You will be having the last laugh, though, when waiting for them at the top - and the bottom of the trail. Stump up for the better suspended Level RR, or take your model R straight to your local suspension tuner to get a stronger tune from day one.

Pinkbike's Take

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Reviews and Tech Reviews Enduro Bikes Mondraker Mondraker Level