Mondraker NEAT: Mondraker's first lightweight e-MTB

We were in the Pyrenees to see one of Mondraker's biggest innovations in recent times. Its range of "full power" electric bikes has been well received on the market, especially the different versions of the Crafty, and after the launch of its first electric gravel bike, the Dusty, it was time to get to know the first lightweight e-MTB from one of the most successful brands in the electric segment.

150/160 mm stroke, TQ motor, 360 Wh internal battery and the possibility of using a 160 Wh Range Extender

Neat is the best reflection of Mondraker's DNA. The Stealth Air Full Carbon frame includes the brand's characteristic window next to the steering, with the frame adopting a more angular shape, with a lighter style. The frame weighs 2.3kg with all the elements included (screws, plastics, etc...) and the RR SL weighs 17.9kg in total.

We had the opportunity to test the middle model in the range, the RR, which officially weighs 18.3 kg, but on our scales the figure was even lower: 17.92 kg! That's a difference of more than 300g! So it's likely that the SL weighs 17.7 kg, a fantastic figure for a bike of this type, already prepared with sealant and ready to roll.

The Neat includes features from the Foxy Carbon and Crafty Carbon. It includes, as you would expect, the improved Zero damping system, which on the Summum bikes of the MS-Mondraker team was camouflaged in official races.

Mondraker has redesigned this ZERO Suspension System, developing specific kinematics that we see for the first time in this Neat, but which we will certainly see in other models from the brand.

As it includes a small TQ motor, allowing elements such as the shock absorber and links to be lowered as far as possible into the pedal box area, the dynamic capabilities have been improved.

Through the new Zero Suspension technology, Neat has a greater initial sensitivity to small impacts and here the "Zero commitment" of the brand's development team comes into play, fitting the RR SL with a FOX Float X Factory EVOL shock absorber and reliable tires (Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR with EXO+ casing specifically for e-MTB). The result is a lightweight trail e-MTB with 160 mm of travel at the front and 150 m at the rear, where balance is its virtue above all else. 

Neat brings together the best of Foxy and Crafty in one bike. For fans of measurements, this bike has slightly longer chainstays than the Foxy (5 mm), but they are 5 mm shorter than on the Crafty. In dynamic terms, the Neat handles almost as well as a non-electric bike, even in tight corners and on sections that require a lot of braking, thanks to its 4 pistons, but also to its contained weight.

As it has 160 mm at the front and 150 mm at the rear, Mondraker has managed to create a more compact rear shock system, articulated on the basis of 15 mm axles that roll smoothly thanks to MAX bearings. The three models share the same carbon fiber frame and geometry, with the specifications varying. The suspensions are Fox on all models (36 on the front and Float X Evol Performance shock on the R, and Factory on the RR and RR SL).

The frame weighs 2,300 g and features a new design in the Zero damping system

We had the opportunity to test the Neat in Biescas (Huesca, Spain), where Mondraker staff gave us a tour of some spectacular trails so we could try out this bike. As for the range, it depends a lot on the rider's weight, type of use, level of assistance, etc., but Mondraker was able to sum up the capabilities of this bike very well after the tests it carried out: "A person weighing 75 kg can do a 3 or 4 hour ride with around 1,000 meters of positive gradient and using ECO and MID modes for 40 or 50 km." With the range extender (sold separately), the autonomy increases by 50% (it has an additional 160 Wh). This extra battery can be mounted on a FidLock battery holder. In addition, Neat has screws for a hydrant holder under the horizontal tube, like other models from the brand.

The Neat is very similar to a non-electric bike and you have to look very closely to realize that it is in fact an electric bike. The 360 WH battery weighs 1,835g and can be removed from the bottom of the diagonal tube by loosening a few screws and removing the protective plastic cover. As a curiosity, the Neat can only be used with the range extender, in which case the weight would be approximately 16.85 kg.

These are some of the key points in NEAT's geometry:

• The steering angle is 64.5º. As wide as the Foxy Carbon in the LOW position.
• The effective seat angle is 76.5º. 1° more vertical than the Foxy Carbon.
• The stanchion length is 450mm. 5mm shorter than on the Crafty Carbon (limited by the Bosch system) and 5mm longer than on the Foxy Carbon.
• Pedal height is 348mm. A good value on an ebike that has shorter cranks (165 mm in sizes S and M and 170 mm in sizes L and XL), but at the same time you pedal more consistently than on a non-electric bike.
• Reach of 450/470/495/515mm (sizes S/M/L and XL). Reach measurements halfway between Foxy Carbon and Crafty Carbon.

The German-made TQ motor is very quiet, compact and very light. It weighs less than 2 kg (1.85 kg real), has 50 Nm of torque and a maximum power of 300 watts. The 360 Wh battery weighs almost as much as the motor (1,835g) and this bike includes a small remote control connected via Bluetooth, as well as a 2-inch black and white display. The whole set weighs around 3.9 kg.

The TQ HPR 50 fits perfectly into the Neat concept and the TQ eBike app allows you to adjust various parameters:

Maximum Power: Adjustable between 30 and 300 watts, the maximum amount of power delivered by the motor.

Assistance: The motor's assistance percentage can be adjusted between 25 and 200% in its three assistance modes, Eco, Mid and High.

Pedal Response: Allows you to adjust the amount of assistance the motor provides when you start pedaling, offering more or less support.

In the field we confirmed the character of this bike and not even the small size of the engine hindered its handling, demonstrating high dynamics and surprising performance.

One detail that caught our eye was the fixings on the left side of the shock absorber's main link for what could be the new generation of Mondraker's MIND system, which could appear later this year or in 2024.

As with the brand's other models, Neat's cables enter the frame via the Acros steerer, and components from the house brand, ONOFF, are fitted as standard, such as the carbon and aluminium Krypton handlebar and stem, as well as the grips.

The three models, R, RR and RR SL have the same type of carbon fiber in the frame, but the components vary. The suspensions are FOX and the transmissions are SRAM, as are the brakes (the two high-end models have AXS electronic transmissions and the R has a mechanical cable version).

You'll soon be able to find these models in the store network and you can find more information at mondraker.com. 

Source: mountainbikes.pt