{"id":51859,"date":"2023-07-25T16:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T14:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=738568"},"modified":"2023-07-25T16:35:41","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T14:35:41","slug":"new-mondraker-neat-emtb-keeps-it-tidy-with-svelte-tq-motor-and-battery-system","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/new-mondraker-neat-emtb-keeps-it-tidy-with-svelte-tq-motor-and-battery-system\/","title":{"rendered":"New Mondraker NEAT eMTB keeps it tidy with svelte TQ motor and battery system"},"content":{"rendered":"

TQ motor brings mid-weight assistance to 150mm-travel electric trail bike <\/p>

By Tom Marvin\n \t\t<\/p>

2023-07-25 14:00:30<\/p>

\n\n

Mondraker\u2019s new NEAT electric mountain bike features TQ\u2019s svelte motor and battery system, integrated into a 150mm-travel carbon chassis that also features a fresh take on its Zero Suspension linkage.<\/p>\n

The NEAT takes cues from Mondraker\u2019s non-electric Foxy Carbon<\/a> and the Bosch-powered Crafty Carbon<\/a> ebike, placing it in the aggressive trail bikes<\/a> segment in terms of performance.<\/p>\n

With around 75 per cent of Mondraker\u2019s revenue coming from electric bikes<\/a>, the addition of a mid-weight option was the next obvious step.<\/p>\n

Despite having had doubts about the segment when the Spanish brand first launched electric mountain bikes<\/a> in 2015, their addition to the range is a sign of Mondraker\u2019s strong position in the market.<\/p>\n

The goal for Mondraker when building the NEAT was to create a bike that required no compromises from the rider, almost making you forget you\u2019re riding an ebike.<\/p>\n

With relatively long travel providing back-up when things get technical and an electric bike motor<\/a> with enough muscle to help out without weighing the bike down, the NEAT is designed as the perfect compromise between fully powered and non-assisted mountain bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Completely Carbon<\/h2>\n
\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Mondraker aimed to keep weight as low and central as possible, to improve handling.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With weight saving a key goal, the NEAT frame only comes in its Stealth Air Full Carbon, with both front and rear triangles, along with the main linkage, being built from the black stuff.<\/p>\n

This gives a frame weight, including the paint and shock (but excluding the motor and battery), of around 3kg.<\/p>\n

In this instance, the use of carbon has shaved a claimed 1.5kg off the bike weight, compared to an aluminium version. Mondraker claims the carbon frame\u2019s ride quality is improved to boot.<\/p>\n

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An imposing front end, ready for action.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This, along with the TQ motor system, means bikes come in at under 18kg.<\/p>\n

All the usual accoutrements are present, including neat cable routing from the front to rear triangle and a pair of Fidlock bosses. One of these is on the down tube and one is slung under the top tube \u2013 more on those later.<\/p>\n

And yes, cables do enter into the frame via the top cap of the headset.<\/p>\n

Zero Suspension re-refined<\/h2>\n
\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Zero Suspension linkage has been around for a while, with a tweak to the lower shock mounting on the NEAT.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Mondraker has used its Zero Suspension system for 15 years, however the design has not remained static in that time.<\/p>\n

Zero Suspension is similar to many VPP systems, in that there are solid front and rear triangles joined by a pair of short links. This is done to help the company tune the feel of its suspension.<\/p>\n

Current versions of the Zero linkage have the shock mounted at the top and bottom to the two short links.<\/p>\n

\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Alloy links join the two triangles.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On the NEAT, this has been modified so the bottom mounting point of the shock is on the rear triangle, with the top still joined to the link.<\/p>\n

This \u2018floating\u2019 shock design means the shock is compressed from both ends.<\/p>\n

By altering the linkage, Mondraker claims to have improved stiffness, reduced weight and optimised the performance.<\/p>\n

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The small wireless controller gives on-the-fly control of the power mode.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It also means weight is placed lower down in the bike, and enables the use of longer dropper posts<\/a> and improved space within the main triangle.<\/p>\n

It is said to have higher levels of anti-squat for improved reactivity to pedal inputs. Mondraker expects the bike to appeal more to riders who want to earn their descents than those who want the full punchy power of the Crafty Carbon.<\/p>\n

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The battery can be dropped out of this hole for a more regular-feeling, non-assisted ride.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It also has a higher leverage ratio, which gives increased early-stroke sensitivity.<\/p>\n

While the suspension might have similar anti-squat levels to the Foxy trail bike, it\u2019s more progressive (24 per cent), reflecting the increased weight of the bike, and the expectation that it will be ridden hard.<\/p>\n

Expect to see this new version of the linkage on more pedal-focused powered and non-powered Mondrakers in the future.<\/p>\n

Electric integration<\/h2>\n
\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
TQ\u2019s motor is mid-weight, mid-powered and very quiet.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

After trying most options on the market, Mondraker settled with TQ to provide the assistance.<\/p>\n

The 1.85kg TQ HPR50 motor gives up to 300W of peak power, with 50Nm of torque. Its internal mechanism, which does away with belts and cogs, leads to a very quiet motor in use.<\/p>\n

The 360Wh battery has three power modes. Power levels and various data is shown on a top-tube mounted display, while there\u2019s a wireless controller on the bars.<\/p>\n

\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Various data is shown via the top-tube display, with the button used to toggle through.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

An app enables you to tune each mode\u2019s maximum power level (from 30-300W), the assistance level (as a percentage of what you put in from 25-200 per cent) and the responsiveness of the motor to your pedal inputs.<\/p>\n

The 1.9kg battery can be removed and the bike ridden non-assisted if you wish.<\/p>\n

Additionally, 160Wh Range Extender batteries can be fitted. In theory, two can be mounted, using a locking mechanism, to the pair of Fidlock mounts in the frame.<\/p>\n

Well-shaped<\/h2>\n
\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The NEAT displays Mondraker\u2019s familiar aesthetic.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Mondraker\u2019s approach to geometry is well known, with its Forward Geometry concept being one of the first to adopt the long, low, slack<\/a> philosophy.<\/p>\n

Mondraker has looked towards the Foxy Carbon and the Crafty Carbon again here, with similar numbers across the board.<\/p>\n

Reaches range from 450mm to 515mm across the four sizes, while the head angle is 64.5 degrees and the (effective) seat angle is 76.5 degrees.<\/p>\n

\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A 160Wh Range Extender can be plugged in and a bottle, or second Range Extender, can be slung under the top tube.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The bottom bracket doesn\u2019t drop too low, because Mondraker expects you to be tackling techy climbs, and doesn\u2019t want you bashing your cranks off every rock.<\/p>\n

The chainstays are consistent in length across the sizes at 450mm.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t particularly short, but because reach figures have grown over the years, Mondraker believes this provides a better, more balanced feel from front to rear.<\/p>\n

\""Mondraker\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
SRAM\u2019s new Transmissions will be found on the top- and middle-tier bikes.<\/span><\/figcaption> Javier Garcia Juan \/ Mondraker<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Mondraker doesn\u2019t recommend slinging a smaller 27.5in wheel in the NEAT, to make it a mullet bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While the brand believes handling in steep and tight trails is improved, full 29in wheels<\/a> provide better balance, more speed and improved climbing. Mondraker also says battery range has been improved by using 29in wheels.<\/p>\n

<\/colgroup>
\ufeff<\/th>S<\/b><\/th>M<\/b><\/th>L<\/b><\/th>XL<\/b><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Seat angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>72.6<\/td>72.6<\/td>72.6<\/td>72.6<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat angle – effective<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>76.5<\/td>76.5<\/td>76.5<\/td>76.5<\/td> <\/tr>
Head angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>64.5<\/td>64.5<\/td>64.5<\/td>64.5<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay<\/b> (mm)<\/td>450<\/td>450<\/td>450<\/td>450<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>380<\/td>420<\/td>450<\/td>490<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>595<\/td>615<\/td>640<\/td>660<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>110<\/td>110<\/td>130<\/td>140<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork offset<\/b> (mm)<\/td>44<\/td>44<\/td>44<\/td>44<\/td> <\/tr>
Bottom bracket drop<\/b> (mm)<\/td>25<\/td>25<\/td>25<\/td>25<\/td> <\/tr>
Bottom bracket height<\/b> (mm)<\/td>348<\/td>348<\/td>348<\/td>348<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase<\/b> (mm)<\/td>1,235<\/td>1,255<\/td>1,275<\/td>1,295<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack<\/b> (mm)<\/td>626<\/td>626<\/td>642<\/td>650<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach<\/b> (mm)<\/td>450<\/td>470<\/td>495<\/td>515<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>