Test / E-MTB: Few other e-mountain bikes have generated such hype in recent weeks and months. With the Zendit, Spanish manufacturer Mondraker presents its latest flagship model, combining its proprietary Forward Geometry and proven Zero Suspension System with the brand-new Avinox M2S motor. With 170 mm of travel up front and 165 mm in the rear, the Zendit is clearly aimed at tough enduro riding. We took a closer look at this powerful e-MTB and tested it on the trail to see if it lives up to the immense expectations.
A framework for the highest demands
Mondraker doesn't cut corners with the Zendit's frame: all available build options utilize the same "Stealth Air Carbon" frame. In size ML (including hardware, without shock), this frame weighs exactly 3.000 grams. The Spanish company employs state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques; for example, 6-axis CNC machines are used for drilling and finishing the frame.
Particular emphasis was placed on durability. The system utilizes the knowledge gained from the development of Mondraker's downhill bikes. The uniformly sized "Enduro Max" bearings are equipped with additional rubber seals to counteract wear from dirt and water. Mondraker thankfully offers a choice when it comes to cable routing: The cables are routed classically through side ports on the head tube as standard, but the new headset design also allows for fully internal routing through the headset cap if desired. An integrated mudguard for the shock and generously sized chainstay protectors complete the package.
Zero Suspension and geometry tuning
The heart of the suspension remains Mondraker's in-house Zero Suspension System, which has been fundamentally redesigned for the Zendit. With a progression rate of 27 percent, the rear end is ideally suited to large-volume air shocks. Mondraker promises more sensitive response while maintaining enormous reserves. An anti-squat value of around 105 percent in sag is designed to ensure high pedaling efficiency, while the anti-rise of approximately 99 percent keeps the suspension active even during hard braking.
In terms of geometry, Mondraker remains true to its pioneering approach to modern mountain bike dimensions. The Zendit is offered in five sizes (S, M, ML, L, XL) – the intermediate size ML is a boon for riders around 1,80 meters tall. Typical of the Forward Geometry, the frames are very long; the reach in size L measures a generous 500 mm. Remarkably, the chainstays also increase in length: 450 mm in sizes S, M, and ML, compared to 455 mm in L and XL. This ensures consistent handling across all sizes.
| S | M | M/L | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach (mm) | 440 | 460 | 480 | 500 | 520 |
| Stacks (mm) | 631 | 631 | 640 | 649 | 658 |
| seat tube (mm) | 380 | 410 | 435 | 460 | 490 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 63,5 | 63,5 | 63,5 | 63,5 | 63,5 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 |
| top tube (mm) | 586 | 606 | 628 | 650 | 672 |
| Chainstays | 457 | 457 | 457 | 462 | 462 |
| head tube (mm) | 110 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 |
| BB Drop (mm) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The Zendit can also be customized via two flip chips. The lower flip chip extends the chainstays by 7 mm, allowing the standard mullet setup to be converted to a 29-inch rear wheel without altering the suspension kinematics. Another flip chip at the shock mount lowers the bottom bracket by 5 mm and slackens the standard 63,5-degree head angle to a more downhill-oriented 63,15 degrees.
The powerhouse: Avinox M2S drive
The Zendit is powered by the new Avinox M2S motor. In boost mode, the motor delivers a maximum torque of 150 Nm and a peak output of 1.300 watts. The 800 Wh battery, integrated into the downtube, ensures ample range.
The system's integration is remarkably clean. A high-resolution OLED touchscreen in the top tube provides all essential data and allows you to adjust the support levels without a smartphone. Conveniently, an integrated USB-C (65W PD 3.0) port allows you to charge smartphones, action cameras, or even laptops. The wireless remote controllers on the handlebars ensure a sleek, uncluttered look.
Another highlight is the "SmoothShift" feature in combination with the SRAM T-Type transmission. The motor controls the chainring independently of the cranks, making gear changes possible while coasting – without pedaling at all. The system also instantly reduces torque during shifting to prevent excessive wear.
Mondraker Zendit models: Unexpected price-performance winner
Mondraker is launching the Zendit in three trim levels, which at first glance appear to be priced in the absolute premium segment. But a closer look reveals a surprise.
The entry-level model Zendit RR It comes with a price tag of €8.490. Calling it an "entry-level" model is a massive understatement. For this price, the buyer gets a complete Fox Factory suspension system (Fox 38 front, Float X rear), DT Swiss H 1900 wheels, and a SRAM S1000 T-Type drivetrain. Such a top-of-the-line suspension setup on a carbon bike with the new Avinox motor for under €8.500 is still quite rare on the market and makes the RR the unsung hero of the lineup.
Above that ranks the Zendit RR S For €10.500. This model features the new Fox Podium GRIPX2 fork, DT Swiss HX 1700 wheels, and SRAM X0/GX components. The top model Zendit XR It costs a hefty 12.500 euros and leaves nothing to be desired with Fox Podium, Float X2 damper, carbon wheels (DT HXC 1500) and SRAM X0 transmission.
| Zendit RR | Zendit RR S | Zendit XR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Avinox M2S | Avinox M2S | Avinox M2S |
| Battery | Avinox FS800 | Avinox FS800 | Avinox FS800 |
| Fork | Fox 38 Factory GripX2 | Fox Podium Factory GripX2 | Fox Podium Factory GripX2 |
| Suspension shocks | Fox Float | Fox Float | Fox Float X2 Factory |
| Circuit | Ram S1000 | Sram X0/GX T-Type | Sram X0 T-Type |
| Brakes | Sram Maven Base | Sram Maven Silver | Sram Maven Ultimate |
| Wheels | DT Swiss H1900 | DT Swiss HX1700 | DT Swiss HXC1501 |
| support | Onoff Pija | Fox Transfer Factory | Sram Reverb AXS |
| Weight | 22,8 kg | 22,9 kg | 23,1 kg |
| Price | EUR 8.499 | EUR 10.499 | EUR 12.499 |
Practical test: On the trail with the Mondraker Zendit
After the specifications on paper had already impressed us, the Zendit (in our case, the RR S model) had to prove itself on the trail. Our first impression on the uphill sections? Incredulous head-shaking. The Avinox M2S motor unleashes its power so vehemently, yet simultaneously with such sensitivity, that even nasty, technical climbs lose their terror. But what's most astonishing is the sheer silence. Experiencing such unbridled power without the usual loud noise of an e-motor almost requires a moment of mental adjustment.
Racing genes instead of a comfortable sofa
Weighing in at around 23 kilograms and boasting a generous 170 mm of travel, one might expect a sluggish, plush "sofa." Far from it! The Zendit expertly masks its weight off-road. In a blind test, we would easily estimate the bike to be one or two kilograms lighter. It feels extremely lively, is eager to launch, and offers a surprising amount of "pop." The downside: This bike demands a skilled, experienced rider.
The carbon frame is exceptionally stiff, resulting in precise steering. If the front wheel points into a rock garden, the Zendit tracks exactly where it does. It doesn't flex or seek out "cheaper" lines on its own. What's a dream for racers and experienced riders could be overwhelming for beginners who simply want to cruise down the mountain in shuttle mode. The Zendit is a true enduro machine that demands an active and assertive riding style.
The Zero Suspension rear end underscores this character. It's so lively that we had to close the shock's rebound setting slightly more than the manufacturer's recommendation or our usual setup would have suggested. Once adjusted, however, the rear suspension performed flawlessly, offering massive traction and bottom-out resistance.
Detailed critique
Despite its outstanding riding characteristics, there are a few minor details that leave room for criticism. Due to its design, the insertion depth for the seatpost is limited by the massive rocker arm. While the standard 210 mm seatpost was perfectly adequate in frame size L, the frame is less suitable for extreme builds with 240 mm dropper posts.
We would have liked to see a bit more foresight in the frame protection. While the chainstay is excellently protected, the seatstay is exposed, which already revealed some scratches in the paint on our test bike. A classic downtube protector is also missing – on such a capable bike in rocky terrain, a high-quality protective film is absolutely essential. The design does score points, however, when it comes to storage space: even in frame size L, a large water bottle and a tool bag fit easily into the front triangle.
A frustrating issue arose when charging the battery, even off the trail. While the top-of-the-line XR model, costing €12.500, comes with an ultra-fast 12A charger (0-100% in 2 hours 25 minutes), Mondraker only included the standard 4A charger with our test bike (RR S), which costs over €10.000. A lunch break for a quick top-up unexpectedly turned into a test of patience. In this price range, this decision by the manufacturer is difficult to understand.
