For 2021, Mondraker equip the Dusk RR with the brand new Shimano EP8 motor, a large 630 Wh battery and even offer an additional range extender. We have all the details about what else has changed on this eMTB as well as our first ride impressions.
Shimano have made it easy for manufacturers to equip their ebikes with the new EP8 motor as it shares the same mounting interface as its STEPS E8000 predecessor. Mondraker have taken advantage of that fact to pep up the Dusk for 2021. The € 6,499 eMTB delivers the goods with an optional 360 Wh range extender, allowing a massive maximum battery capacity of 990 Wh. That should make long tours without any charging stops a real possibility. With 150 mm travel front and rear, and 29″ wheels, this bike is designed to offer ambitious tourers as well as trail riders enough comfort and reserves for anything they’ll face.
The Mondraker Dusk RR in detail
The aluminium frame of the Mondraker Dusk RR is unchanged for the new model year. It continues to use the fixed internal 630 Wh Simplo battery, which is activated from the underside of the down tube. Unfortunately that means the power button is still permanently exposed to being bombarded by dirt. We would have liked to see an update here for the new model. Apart from that, Mondraker have integrated the new EP8 motor very well. The speed sensor is mounted in a protected position in the dropouts, while the display and remote are E7000 series models, with a special cable to connect them to the new motor.
The spec of the Mondraker Dusk RR
The Mondraker Dusk is available in two specs. The top of the range Dusk RR comes equipped with high-end and reliable components. The FOX 36 fork and FOX Float DPS shock both control 150 mm travel. Shimano M6120 four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors do stopping duties. This model might be heavier and less refined than an SLX or XT brake but still packs a decent punch. The cockpit and seat post are from in-house brand Onoff. The only thing we can criticise here is the wobbly and hard to actuate remote of the 150 mm (size L) dropper. The 29″ DT Swiss H1900 wheels are shod in MAXXIS Rekon EXO tires. We would have hoped for grippier, and particularly at the rear, more puncture-resistant tires.
Mondraker Dusk RR
€ 6,499
Specifications
Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery Simplo internal 630 + 360 Wh Range Extender Wh
Display Shimano STEPS E7000
Fork FOX 36 FIT 4 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX Float DPS 150 mm
Seatpost Onoff Pija 125 - 170 mm
Brakes Shimano M6120 4-Kolben 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT/SLX 1x12
Stem Onoff Sulfur 30 mm
Handlebar Onoff Sulfur 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss H1900 Spline 29"
Tires MAXXIS Rekon EXO 2.6"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Weight n/a kg
Perm. total weight n/a kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) n/a kg
Trailer approval n/a
Kickstand mount n/a
Specific Features
360 Wh Range Extender
The geometry of the Mondraker Dusk
In terms of geometry, Mondraker were one of the pioneers of long and slack geometry. That’s reflected not just in their dedicated race bikes but also in trekking eMTBs like the Dusk. With a reach of 490 mm in size L, on paper, the Dusk is very long for a bike of this class. The same goes for the wheelbase and head tube angle, which are at the extreme end of the spectrum compared to other trekking bikes. You can find out more about how that influences its handling on the trail in our first ride impressions.
Size | S | M | L | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seat tube | 380 mm | 420 mm | 450 mm | 490 mm |
Top tube | 605 mm | 625 mm | 650 mm | 670 mm |
Head tube | 110 mm | 110 mm | 130 mm | 130mm |
Head angle | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° |
Seat angle | 76° | 76° | 76° | 76° |
Chainstay | 455 mm | 455 mm | 455 mm | 455 mm |
BB Drop | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm |
Wheelbase | 1225 mm | 1245 mm | 1265 mm | 1285 mm |
Reach | 450 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm | 510 mm |
Stack | 622 mm | 622 mm | 640 mm | 640 mm |
Mondraker Dusk RR first ride review
We had the chance to test the Dusk RR on the trails around Leogang before the official launches of both Mondraker’s 2021 bikes and the new Shimano motor. Mondraker position the Dusk as a trekking bike in their diverse portfolio and as a result, equip it with MAXXIS Rekon tires. For our testing on what were partly very burly alpine trails, Mondraker mounted more puncture resistance and grippier MAXXIS Assegai tires from the get-go.
Contrary to what you might expect, the riding position of the Dusk is very balanced. Despite the apparent length of the bike, it’s more than capable of being ridden for long tours without having to compromise its uphill handling. The Dusk achieves this not least due to the new, powerful, yet intuitive to use Shimano EP8 motor. Thanks to the long chainstays and the steep seat tube angle, the effective angle of which doesn’t get much slacker as you raise the saddle, there’s still enough pressure on the front wheel for climbs. The sensitive rear suspension irons out roots and edges effectively, without becoming unsettled. With the grippy rear tire fitted to our test bike, the Dusk climbs tricky sections with ease. However, with the stock and more conservative Rekon tire, you’ll have to accept that you’re likely to spin out on gravel or in the wet.
Downhill, the Dusk RR shines with the stability and control it offers. No obstacles on the trail make it lose its cool. The FOX 36 Fit4 fork with a specific ebike tune, just like the rear suspension, uses its travel willingly but with complete control. At high speed and on steeps, it’s particularly the geometry that allows the Dusk to stay in control and hold its line. Only when the trail starts weaving around and snakes its way downhill, does the Dusk require more input from the rider to get quickly around corners. It’s mainly the long wheelbase that results in the sluggish feeling of the Dusk through corners. On the flats, the weight distribution between the 29″ wheels is good, meaning open corners can be steered intuitively without having to shift your weight around. Like almost all eMTBs with the new Shimano EP8, the Dusk RR, despite all the attempts of Mondraker’s engineers, isn’t completely quiet. That’s due to the metalling clunking emanating from the motor’s gearbox.
Conclusion
The Mondraker Dusk RR makes a convincing impression as a well-thought-out trekking ebike with a huge range, high level of comfort and excellent climbing abilities. Thanks to Mondraker’s typically modern geometry, it doesn’t wimp out when the trails get harder either. The only thing that holds it back is its components. We’re interested to see whether a more trail-oriented build will be offered in the future.
More information at mondraker.com
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