Mondraker Dusty E-Gravel 2023

The goal was to develop the lightest possible frame with an optimal compromise of stiffness, durability, and comfort, while taking into account the specifics of the hub motor drive system in the design. Mission accomplished: The final E-gravel frame weighs 1,298 grams, impresses with its innovative geometry, and exceeds the same ISO standards as the in-house Podium Carbon MTB hardtail frame, which, at 775 grams, is considered the lightest production frame ever in the XC hardtails category.

The frames of all three Dusty models shine with additional detailed solutions such as the integrated seat clamp, sloping chainstays, an integrated chainstay protector, dual compatibility, internally routed cables at the handlebars and stem, as well as the Dusty Carbon fork (579 g) on the R and RR models, or a RockShox suspension fork on the top model XR.

For more range, extra power on the mountain, reduced performance differences in groups, and nonetheless pure gravel performance, the Mahle X20 hub motor with the large 350 Wh battery firmly installed in the Dusty provides support. The system weighs 3.6 kg, supports with 23 Nm torque directly at the rear wheel (comparable to 55 Nm of a mid-motor), and is characterized by its smoothly engaging assistance. Using a 12 mm thru-axle and wirelessly fixed at the rear wheel, this system also offers the advantage over mid-motors that the Q-factor does not change and the frame could remain overall compact.

The individual components of the lightweight Mahle X20 system are the hub motor, the firmly installed 350 Wh battery, the bottom bracket with cadence and power sensor, and the control unit in the top tube. The display and the remote shifter on the handlebar complete the system. Optionally available is the 171 Wh Range Extender.

Integrated IX350 350 WH Battery: Permanently installed 350 Wh battery, which provides up to 180 km range and 2400 m elevation gain.

Mahle X20 Motor: The Mahle X20 motor is integrated into the rear hub and offers a torque of 23 Nm at the rear wheel (comparable to 55 Nm of a mid-motor). Mondraker's own "Watts On Demand" mapping for a natural riding feel and support tuned for gravel use in three different levels.

Mahle Bottom Bracket: Pressfit 386 EVO bottom bracket with built-in cadence sensor and power meter.

Head Unit: The control unit is integrated into the top tube and displays the support mode and battery level. Integrated Bluetooth and ANT+ interface.

Pulsar One Wireless Display: The bike computer displays values such as range, battery level, speed, and support mode.

Mahle E-Shifters: The remote shifters allow changing the support level without taking your hand off the handlebars.

Range Extender E185 X20 (optional): With 171 Wh, the range extender provides 50% more range and weighs only about 1 kg.

The motor is operated with the iWoc One Button, which is neatly integrated into the top tube, allowing access to three support levels. Intelligent technology is designed to provide an individual cycling experience: An advanced sensor package measures acceleration, speed, torque, temperature, and cadence, continuously adapting the drive to the person in the saddle through AI and machine learning.

For the natural riding feel of the Mahle X20, in addition to the mechanical implementation (quiet, smooth hub motor, narrow Q-factor), its particularly smooth power delivery is responsible. No matter which support level you are riding with the Dusty: The activation of the motor and the shutdown at 25 km/h are hardly noticeable, as great importance was placed on avoiding power peaks in the support during the system tuning, the motor mapping.

The trick is: "More watts, more power!"
In all 3 support levels, which have already been optimally preconfigured in collaboration with Mahle to make the gravel experience as close as possible to a bike without a motor, the motor power of the X20 motor is progressively added and is proportional to the power the rider applies to the pedals.

In short: The more input from the rider, the more input from the motor, resulting in a higher overall output at the rear wheel.

This mapping, in which all three support levels have been optimally tuned in their respective three parameters, is called "Watts On Demand" by Mondraker.

1. Peak Power: The maximum power with which the system supports.
2. Reactivity: The manner in which the support kicks in.
3. The progression of the maximum power.

Based on this, Mode 1 supports with 25%, Mode 2 with 50%, and Mode 3 with up to 200%, depending on the torque applied by the rider. Unlike other systems, the X20 system calculates the power assistance based on torque and not on cadence. This results in a power assistance proportional to the rider's power, which in turn generates a natural riding experience.

With the Mahle MySmartBike App and thanks to BT and ANT+ connectivity, all three support levels can still be matched and adjusted according to personal preferences as usual. Additionally, the app and web solutions provide a wealth of further information and adjustment options - from consumption management and health data to ride data analysis and battery status, and much more.

The Dusty R makes do with the 11 gears of an SRAM Rival 1x11 drivetrain and is equipped with affordable MDK-XG1 wheels. The remaining components are essentially identical to those of the RR.

Geometry

On the day of truth, each journalist received their individually adjusted test bike - of course, the fully equipped Dusty XR with the desired pedals and - according to body weight - an optimally tuned RockShox Rudy Ultimate suspension fork and the correct tire pressure. Visually, the bike already made an impression: The Dusty in black/blue looked like a "real" Mondraker at first glance and impressed with its modern and sporty design. Only upon closer inspection did the motor catch the eye - but only in the form of the massive rear hub and the power button on the top tube, as the rest looked like a completely normal gravel bike.
I found the many thick protective films attached to the frame and fork particularly cool, as well as the integrated chainstay protector. Upon inquiry, I learned that all bikes come with a complete set of protective films in the box, which the customer or their dealer can optionally apply. So don't let anyone charge you extra for it when buying the bike.

The drive was operated with the iWoc One Button neatly embedded in the top tube, which was used not only for switching on and off but also for accessing the three support levels. Alternatively, this could also be done via two buttons on the Mahle bike computer and the two Mahle Remote E-Shifters on the inner sides of the handlebars, which proved to be the optimal solution in the heat of the moment. The shifters allowed for intuitive up and down shifting, while the centrally placed iWoc One Button only allowed for sequential shifting (0-1-2-3-0-1-2-3).

After setting off, I tried to focus on the soundscape of the engine. But apart from a fairly quiet, dull hum, it wasn't noticeable at all. As soon as it went into the deeper gravel, it worked de facto "silently." I also found the motor assistance with Mondraker's "Custom Gravel Assistance Mode," which I left on the default settings, to be equally positive. Regardless of the support level, both the engagement of the motor and its shutdown at around 25.9 km/h were hardly noticeable. Although I spent most of the time in mode 1, where my exerted power was linearly amplified by a factor of 1.25, the first 15% incline after leaving the hotel provided a good opportunity to try out all the modes. After all, even in modes 2 (x1.5) and 3 (x1.7-3), there was no boost inferno, which we know and fear from other motor systems. It actually always felt natural and like myself, as if I had my big day or a second spring.

In mode 0 (no assistance), the Dusty behaved like a "heavy" gravel bike, as there was no motor resistance to be detected, and in mode 1, I experienced the tour as about as strenuous as with a bio-gravel without extra weight. Because "lightest frame" or not - the total weight was 13.8 kilograms without pedals, water bottles, and frame bag. Result: At the end of the day, after about 50 kilometers with 1,600 meters of elevation, there was still 25% left in the tank. Therefore, I would endorse 2,000 meters of elevation with a support factor of 1.25.

I also found it exciting that the cadence and power data determined by the Mahle control unit can be displayed via ANT+ on the Garmin/Wahoo bike computer. Powermeter included? Unfortunately "yes and no" - because the torque measurement in the Mahle bottom bracket is absolutely sufficient to supply the gravel-optimized motor mapping with enough data (spot torque detection of the upward and downward movement of both legs), but it is not enough for exact training control, as you are used to with p2m, Garmin, Stages, and others. Cadence top, power measurement flop - your own powermeter remains indispensable for serious training.

The riding became really awesome in the tough terrain. Whether steep uphill or even steeper downhill: The much-praised Mondraker geometry with its mighty reach, short stem, flat head angle, and compact rear played out perfectly.

The numbers of my medium frame: head tube 150 mm (short), reach 405 mm (loooong), stem 70 mm (shooort), head angle 70° (flaaaat), chainstays 425 mm (compact). In combination with the steep 74° seat angle, ultra-steep climbs could be tackled perfectly, as the weight was optimally distributed and the front wheel remained stoically on the ground. On the other hand, the Dusty XR ran downhill like on rails, and I rode some sections with it where I would have had my scruples even on a hardtail. In general, the agility was good, and the handling was very direct.

On a longer single trail over rough gravel, I followed a Mondraker employee who was riding a Dusty RR without a suspension fork and could see how his body was shaken and he got off the bike at the bottom like a beaten dog. With the RockShox suspension fork, I felt my downhill excursion was almost like a wellness trip. The 40 mm travel may not sound like much on paper, but thanks to the progressive spring curve, they made the small but significant difference: wrists, discs, and buttocks were grateful.

However, the suspension fork was just the icing on the cake. The biggest influence on the high comfort factor was, of course, the wide rim/tire combination, the compliance of the frame thanks to the SL carbon layup, which is also used in Mondraker's high-end MTBs, the low-set seat stays, and the dropper post, which offered a few extra millimeters of travel when retracted.