‘Just ZENDIT!’ That’s the slogan Spanish brand Mondraker are using to promote their new e-mountain bike, which is set to become the flagship of the range. To make that happen, they’ve taken the lessons learned developing the new Summum downhill bike for the World Cup circuit, and carefully applied them to their new ebike suspension platform, alongside a fully integrated Avinox drive system. The ZENDIT also keeps things flexible when it comes to adjustability. A flip chip lets you tweak the geometry, while a second chip in the chainstay allows you to switch from between 27.5” and 29” rear wheels. According to Mondraker, that change can be made without affecting the geometry figures. More on that below.
Before we dive deeper into the technical details, it’s worth taking a step back to look at the package as a whole. Mondraker are launching the ZENDIT in three spec variants. Prices start at €8,499, while the top-spec model comes in at €12,499. We’ll take a closer look at what separates the individual models below. At 22.9 kg in mid-range RR S trim, the Mondraker ZENDIT is clearly not trying to make a statement in the ultra-lightweight stakes, unlike the AMFLOW PL Carbon, for example. Then again, that was hardly ever likely to be the goal, especially with a chunky FOX Podium fork up front. The spec sheet tells the same story. This bike isn’t about chasing every last gram, but about delivering a robust overall package with a clear focus on performance. The fact that the cheapest model is also the lightest in the line-up only reinforces that impression.
The Spec Variants of the New Mondraker ZENDIT
Mondraker are offering the ZENDIT in three variants, all based around an Avinox motor and battery system. The differences lie in the finer details.
Mondraker ZENDIT XR
On the ZENDIT XR, the most expensive model in the line-up at €12,499, Avinox’s 12 A fast charger comes as standard. Beyond that, the spec differences are mainly found in the shock and brakes. At the rear, you’ll find a FOX X2 shock, paired with a FOX Podium fork featuring the GRIP X2 damper. Both components offer a wide range of adjustment, fitting the bike’s high-end ambitions perfectly. Staying with top-tier components, SRAM’s MAVEN Ultimate brakes provide the stopping power. Shifting is handled by an electronic SRAM X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain, delivering the right gearing for the job. As well as the fancy shock, the XR is also the only model to feature RockShox’s wireless electronic Reverb AXS dropper post, although this only offers 175 mm of travel in size M/L. We’re big fans of the tire choice: a Maxxis ASSEGAI up front in MaxxGrip compound with a DoubleDown casing, and a Minion DHR II at the rear with the more durable MaxxTerra compound, also in a DoubleDown casing. Trust Mondraker’s figures, and this high-end build is actually the heaviest of the lot at a hefty 23.1 kg.
Mondraker ZENDIT RR S
Rolling in at €10,499, the ZENDIT RR S has surprisingly few differences compared with the top tier model. In essence, this version forgoes the FOX X2 shock, the Reverb AXS dropper post and the Avinox fast charger to knock €2,000 off the price tag. If you can live with a cable-actuated dropper and slightly slower charging, we think this is Mondraker’s most well-rounded package – especially since the bike still features the FOX Podium fork up front. The drivetrain and tires are identical to the top-spec build too, which is sweet. Defying all logic, the less money you spend, the lighter it gets: the RR S comes in at 22.9 kg.
Mondraker ZENDIT RR
The most affordable way into the ZENDIT range is the Mondraker ZENDIT RR at €8,499. On paper, you’re getting a solid workhorse here, though you do have to accept a few technical compromises. The SRAM MAVEN Base brakes offer fewer adjustment options, and the EXO+ casing in the front tire looks a little too vulnerable to punctures for a bike that’s built to charge rough trails. An immediate tire upgrade therefore seems like a sensible move. Aside from that, you still get a solid FOX suspension package, with a 38 Factory fork using the GRIP X2 damper, and a FLOAT X shock at the rear. Shifting comes courtesy of SRAM’s mechanical S1000 drivetrain, the entry point to SRAM’s Transmission shifting. According to Mondraker, the RR is actually the lightest model in the line-up at 22.8 kg.
The Flagship Stallion: the Mondraker ZENDIT in Detail
With the new ZENDIT, Mondraker are using a fully CNC-machined frame finish for the first time, neatly refining edges and drill holes with computer-guided precision after the manufacturing process, rather than relying on manual finishing as before. It’s the sort of detail you barely notice at first glance. A detail you’re much more likely to notice is the cable routing – there’s no headset cable tourism here, with cables entering through ports either side of the head tube. It looks tidy, and it’s much more practical for home mechanics. Installing and removing the cable-actuated dropper post is also made much easier.
The centrepiece of the bike, both visually and physically, is the beefy one-piece carbon rocker link. This is protected by the integrated fender, which should help to protect the bearings and shock from the worst of the flying muck.
Staying at the rear of the bike, you’ll also find a flip chip between the chainstay and the lower link, which allows you to convert the bike to a full 29er. When using a 29” rear wheel, the chainstay length grows by 7 mm, but Mondraker say the rest of the geometry remains unchanged no matter which rear wheel size you choose to use.
What’s particularly interesting in this context is that Mondraker are using size-specific chainstay lengths on the ZENDIT. Bikes in sizes S to M/L come with 450 mm chainstays, while this grows to 455 mm on sizes L and XL. The idea is to keep the proportions balanced across all frame sizes, despite the increasing reach and stack figures.
A second flip chip in the lower shock mount adds even more scope for adjustment. It’s used for fine-tuning the geometry between two positions: Standard and Low. In the Low setting, the head angle slackens out for maximum descending performance, while the bottom bracket sits lower. That gives riders extra room to dial in the setup to suit their riding style and the terrain.
On paper, the new Mondraker ZENDIT already looks every bit the part: loads of travel, adjustable geometry, an intricately made carbon frame, and performance-oriented specs. Does it live up to the promising start? You’ll find out soon in our test, once we’ve put it through some hard miles on the trails.
Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Mondraker
About the Author
Robin Ulbrich
Robin Ulbrich is a specialist in urban mobility and technical product management at 41 Publishing. As a master craftsman in vehicle interior equipment, he brings a profound understanding of material science to the editorial team, with saddles and ergonomic interfaces being his particular speciality. For DOWNTOWN and E-MOUNTAINBIKE magazine, the passionate cyclist analyses current city and off-road riding trends. In addition to his editorial activities, he utilises his manual skills for in-depth material analysis and practical product testing.
