Mondraker is releasing the details of its new ZENDIT eMTB in two phases. In the first, we’re learning almost everything about its new Avinox-powered e-bike, including frame design, suspension, features, models, and specs. In the second, on April 9th, we’ll get the full details, including the Avinox drive unit model, power numbers, and other specs. Is this an updated version of Avinox’s highly regarded motor system? Sounds like we’ll know more soon.
It’s a somewhat unusual approach for a brand in the bike industry, but it seems Mondraker has taken a page out of the exotic dancer playbook. By showing us almost everything about the ZENDIT, they’re clearly hoping to build some serious anticipation and interest in this soon-to-be-released bike. Get your dollar bills ready, because soon enough, Mondraker is going to take it all off.
But as we anxiously await the full details, here’s what we know about the new Mondraker ZENDIT so far.
Mondraker ZENDIT Details
Mondraker says it is “designed for aggressive riding on the nastiest climbs and descents, ZENDIT is the result of over 11 years of eMTB development, combined with the no-holds-barred approach to suspension performance from the Mondraker Factory Racing development team.” To that end, the ZENDIT’s carbon frame gets 165mm of rear wheel travel using the brand’s updated ZERO suspension platform. That’s being paired with 170mm forks and a mixed wheel size configuration.
Of course, the Stealth Air Carbon frame itself has been designed around the Avinox drive system and battery for seamless integration. Mondraker states the frame is “highly advanced in both design and manufacture,” and that they’re using 6-axis CNC machines for frame drilling and finishing. Notable frame features include a one-piece carbon rocker and the same twin-sealed bearing system on the new Summum. The frame also has fully guided internal cable routing, rubber and plastic frame protectors, and a drive system display unit integrated into the top tube.
ZERO Suspension
Mondraker states that its ZERO suspension platform’s kinematics have been completely revised to reflect the power of its drive system. It’s a fairly complicated-looking suspension layout with the shock passing through a hole in the seat tube. But, Mondraker says it is both supportive and active, while “anti-squat figures maintain a balanced, efficient ride with every pedal stroke.” Additionally, the brand has worked with Fox on ZENDIT-specific Float X and Float X2 tunes to maximize its performance and ride feel.
Unfortunately, we don’t have charts to share, but for those who enjoy hearing about kinematics, here are a few details. The leverage ratio is stated to have 27% progression, which is claimed to work well with today’s larger-volume air shocks. Anti-squat at sag is claimed to be 105%, and anti-rise is listed at 99% at sag.
FORWARD GEOMETRY
A while back, Mondraker really shook things up with its FORWARD GEOMETRY concept and was arguably a driving force in what we now consider to be standard geometry figures. Since most other brands have incorporated longer front center and reach measurements along with slacker head tube and steeper seat tube angles, Mondraker’s FORWARD GEOMETRY doesn’t really stand out like it once did. That said, the ZENDIT’s geometry chart shows a bike purpose-built for the aggressive riding Mondraker says its best suited for.
Mondraker also included geometry-adjusting flip chips, so riders can take the bike from slack in the high setting to even slacker in the low setting. Flipping the chips results in a 5mm change to bottom bracket height and a 0.35-degree head and seat angle adjustment, going from 63.5° to 63.15° at the front and 77° to 76.65° in the back. Reach numbers are spot on by today’s standards, with 20mm of growth between sizes, starting at 440 on a small and topping out at 520 on the XL (480mm on a large frame). On that note, there are five frame sizes: S, M, M/L, L, and XL.
For proportionality, Mondraker increases the chainstay length from 450mm on the S, M, and M/L sizes to 455mm on the L and XL frames. The ZENDIT comes stock with mixed wheel sizes, but Mondraker says that it can be switched to a full 29” setup using a lower flip-chip, which increases chainstay length by 7mm. This flip chip reportedly maintains suspension kinematics, bottom bracket height, and key geometry angles.
ZENDIT Models, Specs, and Pricing
After the unveiling of the ZENDIT’s motor details and its official launch on April 9th, it will be offered in three complete builds. All of these are built around the same frame and Avinox motor, battery, and other components.
ZENDIT XR: $15,499 USD / €12,499 / £10,999
- Fork: Fox Podium Factory, 170mm
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate
- Drivetrain: SRAM XO AXS Transmission
- Handlebar: Onoff Carbon
- Wheels: DT Swiss Carbon
- Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29” x 2.5” DD, Rear: Maxxis DHR II 27.5” x 2.5” DD
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS
- Frame Colors: Admiral Blue / Oxford Blue / Racing Silver, Vortex Grey / Black / Charcoal Grey
ZENDIT RR S: $12,999 USD / €10,499 / £9,299
- Fork: Fox Podium Factory, 170mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
- Drivetrain: SRAM XO AXS Transmission
- Handlebar: Onoff Carbon
- Wheels: DT Swiss Alloy
- Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29” x 2.5” EXO+, Rear: Maxxis DHR II 27.5” x 2.5” DD
- Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory
- Frame Colors: Hunter Green / Moss Green / Foxy Gold, Vortex Grey / Black / Charcoal Grey
ZENDIT RR: $10,699 USD / €8,499 / £7,399
- Fork: Fox 38 Factory, 170mm
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Brakes: SRAM Maven Base
- Drivetrain: SRAM S1000 AXS Transmission
- Handlebar: Onoff Alloy
- Wheels: DT Swiss Alloy
- Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai 29” x 2.5” EXO+, Rear: Maxxis DHR II 27.5” x 2.5” DD
- Seatpost: Onoff Pija Adjustable length
- Frame Colors: Saturn / Relic Metallic / Racing Silver, Vortex Grey / Black / Charcoal Grey
Mondraker ZENDIT: Stay Tuned
Part two of Mondraker’s two-phase ZENDIT launch is coming on April 9th. Stay tuned to learn the rest of the details about this new long travel eMTB. In the meantime, check out the Mondraker website to learn more.
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