2022 Emtb Shootout - Mondraker Level R Review

#eMTB #loamwolf #emtbshootout The Mondraker’s Level R is an electrified “Super Enduro” bike, sporting 170mm of rear travel and a burly 180mm fork to cushion the hardest hits and rowdiest terrain. With all this travel on tap, and some fairly aggressive geometry numbers that had us selecting a size medium to test, the crew was excited to put the Mondraker Level R to the test in our 2022 eMTB Shootout. During testing, we were riding the same tracks as Neko Mullaly, Dakotah Norton, and Aaron Gwin in preparation for the downhill World Cups, which meant we were able to push the limits of this big hitting eBike. Let's jump into the Mondraker Level R review.
Technical climbs were handled impressively well on the Mondraker Level R, thanks to a pedaling platform that generates good support and kept the bottom bracket at an acceptable height, without becoming uncomfortably rigid or limiting traction. The long rear-end ensured the front wheel was weighted on steep climbs with minimal rider input, and the relatively steep 65-degree head angle means the bike didn’t have the tendency to flop when turning at low speeds and could handle tighter switchbacks better than some slacker options on test.
Read our full Mondraker Level R here: theloamwolf.co...
Weight as Tested: 57.9 lbs
Visit Fly Rides USA Website to get yours: bit.ly/3wE82Ee
Fly Rides supplied us with this bike and our Cube Hybrid 160 as well. Since they love our watchers & readers as much as we do, they have offered some discount codes for those in the market for a Mondraker, or any other eMTB they carry.
Any of your viewers can save $500 on any in stock, non-clearance Mondraker bike with code “THELOAMWOLF”.
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[@chuckedenburn5086]

I picked this bike up from Flyrides last week, 73yrs old and needed a plusher ride that fits the bill.

[@troycote432]

Thank you for doing honest reviews of these bikes. Hopefully manufacturers will rethink spec choices.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Honesty was a foundational block for us when we started this channel. And continues to be. So thank you for noticing.

[@troycote432]

I hope you are able to review the Eminent Drive at some point. Was able to ride one a few weeks ago and liked it but would like to hear how it stacks up against other emtbs before spending hard earned $.

[@jimm244]

Thank you for pointing out negatives, along with the positives (future ebike owner here).

[@TheLoamWolf]

Welcome to the wonderful world of ebikes! Prepare for fun and thank you for the feedback.

[@benjamink2654]

The power change problem is most likely a system that changes modes for you. The high bike has this but I don't know how to turn it off on a bosch.

[@paulmaag6958]

I have the 2022 Level R. The brakes can easily be fixed with 2 mm rotors. The mode controller is on all 2022 Bosch CX4 mode controller. Why pick on the level R and Trek only? Keep the bike in EMTB most of the time, no problems. I often climb steep access roads in AUTO MODE and do most of the single track in EMTB. No need to change power much with the 750 battery. My wheels have been great so far with 800 miles of all dirt hard core riding. I keep the pressures high. Perhaps their demo bike was previously bashed? This is not a bike designed for smooth flow trails. If you ride rough, steep, loose trails, this is one, stable strong bike. It is too heavy to call it flickable. But when it turns steep, rocky and nasty, the Level R is my pick. Do not buy a size smaller on this bike. It is a long wheelbase. long top tube design. Ride the right size for full and huge stability. Do not test ride this bike in a parking lot or on smooth trails. You will think its sluggish. Test ride it only in the rough. You will then see what it was made for. It was designed in Spain for bashing through baby heads, drops, roots and nasty's! It climbs in the rough like no e-bike I have ridden. I love this bike! Great for long tough rides in Colorado. It is not a bike for smooth bike park or level trails (not the meaning of level here).

[@lukeegga6676]

The 2022 Commencal Meta Power is a big omission. I would like to see how this bike stacks up against the Range etc. Also, can you compare winning bikes from both categories against in each other and how both would transfer disciplines in the finale? I’m sure from reviews that some bikes can do both trail and enduro well. Cheers.

[@szuflaszufla]

Hi ! Is it possible to fit 170mm dropper post into this frame ?

[@FINNdeischgut]

I ordered a Mondraker Level RR 2023 on offer for €4999 (including 19% VAT in Germany). I think this is a very good price. I am 187cm tall and took size L with a 490mm reach. I always found 480-500mm reach to be best on various Enduro/Freeride test bikes. The bike should be delivered in 8-12 days. I am very happy.

[@micheldommel]

I am looking at the same bike! the Dusk R also looks tempting (much cheaper). Any concerns about the heavy weight? I am a light rider...

[@FINNdeischgut]

@@micheldommel I don't yet know how the relatively high weight feels because the bike won't m for another 8-12 days. But I'm also a relatively heavy driver. How much do you weigh approximately?

[@micheldommel]

72kg@@FINNdeischgut

[@MTBNomad]

I live 20 minutes from their headquarters here in South Spain and I barely see this brand. I do see them from time to time but for being a Spanish brand it’s def not a popular as Orbea. But that may be about price and the fact that you can get a better performing spect out bike for less or the same cost.

[@amitypets7806]

This is a very good bike actually. You can find them on sale now for a good price. Have many miles on it in rough, nasty, rocky terrain, and the wheels have held up fine so far. Granted, I have made sure to check the spokes often and put Cushcore Pro in before the first ride as well as running 30psi. The brakes are weak but putting in a high-quality brake pad helped a lot and has made them acceptable for now. The Bosch controller is not that bad. Move the Kiosk 300 to a safer spot or remove it.

[@amitypets7806]

@loamwolf thanks for making these great videos.

[@LiveAeons]

Cheers, loam wolfs! I have the 2020 model and I'm pretty satisfied with it, apart from front / rear balance. I fint it a bit front biased, the low stack bringing too much weight forward on really steep stuff. Been thinking on swapping the 180mm Lyrik with a 190mm ZEB. Do you guys have any recommendations for a good e-mtb saddle? I'm looking for comfort, low stack/short rails and longish nose with slight downward tilt for super steep climbs .

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks very much and glad to hear you enjoy the bike! Check out WTBs ebike saddle. We reviewed it on the website. Also Ergon has one with a rear flip up, which has pros and cons, also SDG has a nice one.

[@wgnwheels333]

I think maybe Bosch over thought the new smart controller and display and forgot about the kiss principle, I prefer the purion display myself

[@abelramos8983]

Mondraker has DH dna brand bsince his begin and still keep It on normal bikes, but as you know guys few brands dare to go really extrem on ebikes and tend to go the SUV formula more and more.

[@Ridlam77]

I tested this bike at Flyrides not long ago. I found the bike stupid heavy, made my crafty SE seem light as a feather lol.

[@amitypets7806]

It is a HEAVY bike. Pros: Makes it very stable feeling. Cons: Lifting into the truck. But it rides very well and does not feel heavy during normal riding. No, not the best if you want to flick it around all day but it does jump nicely, turns well, and is maneuverable. Depends on what your riding style is. Fits mine perfectly.

[@BSE75]

i think the 2023 Level XR is very interesting spec new bosch controls , new rims, code rsc ,Öhlins

[@DoubleTap702]

Opinion on a Level R or a YT Decoy 29?

[@bsheetz1719]

Interested in this bike but worried about size/reach. Wish I could sit on one without having to fly to San Diego. I'm 5'9" and ride a medium Specialized Enduro with a reach of 444mm. I know there are a lot of factors, but given the height of the test riders...how big of a difference do you think a medium Level R would be at 470mm?

[@bsheetz1719]

Despite some concerns...picked up this e-mtb. Really enjoying the suspension and climbing capability. Smashed a rear wheel less than 100 miles in. What psi were you guys running on these wheels during the shootout?

[@jesswah82]

is there a reason you guys aren't including weights if the bikes? I always find that very interesting and a big factor in choosing a bike especially for racing.

[@TheLoamWolf]

The weights are up on our website in each of the detailed written reviews. Next time we'll be sure to include them also in the video, which we normally do. Thanks

[@abelramos8983]

Weight can be misleading ... i rode heavy bikes on paper that handles better that some that are more lighter. Suspension kinematics, weight distribution and geo play a role on that too

[@jesswah82]

@@abelramos8983 yeah you are right, the way the bike carrys the weight is probably more important. But for trying to race and pedal past the speed limiter it becomes more of an issue, I've found.

[@jesswah82]

@@TheLoamWolf awesome thanks, loving the reviews so far, can't wait for the wrap up episode 🤘

[@abelramos8983]

@@jesswah82 oh in that regard then, yes, you should worry about weight, but if you want to roll better none of the ebikes in the test are the best option anyway tho

[@topchoice1621]

I love the content on this channel I. Just wish I could afford just 1 of the bikes you review

[@TheLoamWolf]

Stay tuned for another affordable bike group review!

[@topchoice1621]

@@TheLoamWolf I can’t wait but you know what’s sad I probably won’t be able to afford those ether smh 🤦‍♂️ I’m saving up money to get myself a decent bike 🚲 that I haven’t seen you review yet hopefully it’s coming on your next few reviews like you said

[@ianswayne7296]

The frame looks great

[@HelloHello-gv2gg]

Nice to see the helmets off when your not riding. Less endur-bro! Can you announce which bikes in your shootout are available in the 🇺🇸?

[@TheLoamWolf]

All the bikes that we tested are available in the US, with the exception of Canyon's Spectral CFR LTD (We only get the normal CFR).

[@teabagNBG]

idk im not really feeling the review... they complain about a lot of things wich are just setup for example the parts... there are options to change parts... also the display is bulky lol well then jsut moutn it somewhere else... the frame itself and the slim battery and motor almost makes it look like a normal bike... im not a big downhill guy so i cant say much about stiffnes of the frame but that probably depends on preference anyway..

[@amitypets7806]

The Level R is a beautiful bike and some take a moment to even notice it has a motor.

[@NathanBuria]

sick!

[@86309]

Good stuff fellas, interesting on the Bosch controller changing modes on you, didn't it do that on another Bosch equipped Trail bike you just tested as well?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes it does. We're not sure exactly why though. We're reaching out to hear from Bosch.

[@StuartPlumbley]

I have the Bosch smart system on a cube, initially I was getting accidental mode changes, turned out to be my wayward thumb, a little change to its position sorted it and I leave it in EMTB mode all the time anyway. I also decided to remove the screen as it isn't required for the system to work.

[@rickbault1221]

Do you think we will ever see more frame only options becoming available or is it not cost effective for manufacturers?

[@TheLoamWolf]

We could only hope, we'd love to see more attainable frame only ebike options. Seems like Specialized is really the only big brand offering frame only...but only having an S-Works option is a bit of a bank-breaking buzz killer.

[@th_js]

@@TheLoamWolf Pole Voima is available as frame only.

[@brokenlegz]

I thought sram code r brakes were meant to be good?

[@bluestraycat]

Loving the reviews! I do however miss the "panel of judges" format of previous years. Interesting to hear your experiences with the new Bosch system, I think it's a killer motor that outperforms the competition, but the integration needs a lot more development for MTB use

[@TheLoamWolf]

Stay tuned!! That’s in the grand finale!

[@dannywild100]

So is the medium huge I am 5’8 and was looking at a medium but think I could almost get a small

[@TheLoamWolf]

We'd suggest looking at your current bike or others you're comfortable on and referencing those reach numbers.

[@dannywild100]

Ok I am riding the new patrol mullet in medium so the small is kinda close. Do you think you could mullet the mondraker

[@papawillyemtb]

Hey did you end up getting a Mondraker in the end? We're doing a huge end of the month sale since we're slightly overstocked at the moment. Reach out if you're still trying to get one! Fly Rides USA

[@dannywild100]

@@papawillyemtb I actually got the Scott ransom eride 920

[@BSE75]

Still dont know if i shoud go for turbo levo or crafty ....

[@TheLoamWolf]

We would pick the Turbo Levo as it rides a lot better. If MONDRAKER could improve their suspension kinematic to make it smoother off the top and not have the pedal / foot feedback and deceleration that comes with that hanging up, it would be one of the best bikes out. When it comes to smoother flow trails and trails that don’t have lots of square edge bumps, sharp impacts or braking holes, its a really awesome option tho. We love how playful they are.

[@BSE75]

@@TheLoamWolf thank you that helps a lot.the design and feautres from mondraker looks so good on paper but if the geo/suspension does not work as it shoud be. i better let my fingers from this bike. i also dont like the kiox system on a mtb. This remote and screen is far to big and chunky for mtb ridingstyle. Its good for a daily city bike but dosent fit mtb. i guess i have to spend some extra money and get a turbo levo instead. My only problem is that if i buy a levo this year and on winter they introduce the next generation levo. they are not cheap and you dont want to buy an old bike.

[@BSE75]

@Max Shenk I live in Germany so it won't be possible but thank you for your offer. I already owned a mondraker f-podium. It's a great bike but the suspension is very sporty.

[@St3v3-0]

@Max Shenk what's the smoking deal price?

[@donkeymcdonkerton]

Can we please get the SCOR 460 Z next? Please?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Since we’re going alphabetically….no. 😆

[@donkeymcdonkerton]

@@TheLoamWolf Oh man, you guys are killing me..lol. I am trying to make a decision.

[@donkeymcdonkerton]

@@TheLoamWolf but thanks for all you guys do. I love the vids!

[@th_js]

Would be more enjoyable to watch if you only stuck to metric. It's annoying when the bike's dimensions are in metric and your body height in imperial, etc. Why use imperial, when only a minority of the world uses it and it only makes things more confusing for most people?

[@zMaGiiCz1]

I’ve owned this bike naw for just over a month. The bike it’s self is sick!! Smashes Down any trail. Survived dyfi as well! I wouldn’t changed it for any ebike But the breaks are awful! And the wheels are a joke back wheels been re spoked already and gone again

[@zMaGiiCz1]

The display system can be taken off as well.

[@bsheetz1719]

Trashed a rear wheel 1st time I rode an aggressive trail. What psi are you running in the rear? Ride weight?

[@zMaGiiCz1]

@@bsheetz1719 i usually run about 26-27 in the rear. I’m only 70kg. I just ordered a Dt Swiss fr560 with a hope hub hopefully last abit longer with rim protection installed

[@jamsxr]

The Bosh controls are just awful.

[@Bubs941]

If that bike gives you arm pump. Good thing you don’t ride motocross.

[@TheLoamWolf]

I already do… but they’re not really the same sensations causing fatigue. Grip and pulling vs abusive vibration and impact chatter cause a different type of ache and fatigue in my hand and arms.

[@Bubs941]

@@TheLoamWolf so improper bike set up. Are coil rear shock a lot better than the air. Have you rode the ohlins set up with coil shock

[@TheLoamWolf]

Definitely not improper bike setup. We actually made a video where we put an "OChain" Device on a Mondraker and had notable improvement to suspension performance as well as reduced hand/foot fatigue. It's pretty understood that different suspension platforms and kinematics have different affects on pedal kickback, and do hang up a lot more than others in square-edge hits. Coincidentally, those platforms are usually much better at pedaling. So, as with anything in life, there are trade offs, pros and cons you could say. Not all suspension platforms are created equal, that doesn't mean one is right or wrong because everyone has a different riding style, terrain they ride and skill level. However that also does not mean that people have to get along with all platforms. This platform is very well understood to be harsh, have a lot of feedback and be stiff. That may not be an issue for some riders on certain terrain or that weigh enough to push through. Can this design be improved by an O Chain or very expensive dampers, yes it can. But, requiring consumers to spend more money to improve a bike's suspension feel when other bikes work better (for their application) without the need of relying on complicated or expensive shocks or devices should not be dismissed as improper set up or otherwise. Hope that helps clarify our experience and perspective.