To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by SONDORS. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of SONDORS products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the SONDORS electric bike forums.
Observations:
- The MXS is the first electric mountain bike made by SONDORS, a model that has been highly requested for some time now, so it’s cool to see it become a reality!
- While technically qualifying as a hardtail eMTB, the MXS doesn’t really fit nicely into any category box. Sure, it has MTB Maxxis tires with boost hub spacing, a great suspension fork, and powerful hydraulic brakes… but other features aren’t typically found on eMTBs, such as the kickstand and large display which can get easily damaged while mountain biking. There’s also no dropper seatpost, the gear range is limited, and the presence of the throttle (not to mention the massive motor) will limit what MTB trails you can legally ride on. To me, the MXS seems designed for SONDORS enthusiasts who want to tackle trails and rough terrain and have more agility than the typical fat-tire SONDORS Ebikes, while also performing well for city riding and cruising
- The MXS ships as a Class 2 electric bike which means throttle or pedal-assist up to 20mph. You can easily configure it as a Class 3 to reach 28mph speeds, in which case you need to disconnect the throttle to still ride legally in most places. Fortunately, SONDORS includes some easy connectors inside the frame for disabling the throttle, and ships the MXS with both Class 2 and Class 3 stickers so you can apply the right one.
- If you own a SONDORS it is easy to connect with the large and active community of other owners on Facebook and various forums around the web – including right here on EBR! SONDORS bikes are regarded as being highly customizable, both with official accessories and DIY modifications.
Pros:
- Available online across North America and covered by a new-and-improved one-year comprehensive warranty, SONDORS has also increased the size of their support team to help serve their growing community of riders
- Bright, eye-catching colors of Torch and Ghost Torch (white) and the iconic SONDORS battery compartment make the MXS stand out in a big way, well managed and internally routed cabling keeps it looking sleek as well
- The Maxxis tires are excellent all-purpose mountain bike tires with EXO puncture protection, they are tubeless-ready and plus-sized at 27.5×3.0 which increases comfort and stability
- Stronger-than-average spokes with 12 gauge up front and 11 gauge in the rear, the MXS also has boost hub spacing which further increases strength and durability
- Fairly comfortable for a hardtail thanks to the addition of a suspension seatpost with 30mm of travel, which isn’t a lot but every little bit helps! Up front is the MOZO air suspension fork with 130mm of travel, large 34mm stanchions, as well as a manual air adjustment valve a clicker for rebound adjustments
- Excellent stopping power from the Ebike-specific Tektro Auriga E-Sub brakes, these are hydraulic disc brakes with large four-finger levers which makes them incredibly easy to actuate even if you have low grip strength, for contrast most mountain bikes have two-finger levers (designed so that you can operate the brakes with two fingers while keeping most of your hand on the grip for stability). Large 180mm rotors in the front and rear provide good dissipation and these brakes have no problem stopping the hefty weight of the MXS
- The display features an appealing 3.5″ color LCD with numerous readouts, as well as a USB-A charging port on the right side that pushes a full amp of power, which means you can charge any smartphone with it (iPhones require a full amp vs. the 0.5 amps required by Android devices)
- The control system is incredibly configurable! You can adjust the number of pedal-assist levels as low as 1-3 or as high as 1-9, you can customize what percentage of motor assist you get for each of those levels, and you can even tweak the sensitivity for the battery capacity readout. Of course, you also have access to the more standard options (such as wheel size and backlighting levels)
- The battery is constructed of high-quality LG 3500 cells and has a massive capacity of 840 watt-hours, and should provide plenty of range even when using high levels of electric assist. Its triangle shape fits snugly into the iconic SONDORS frame compartment, and when removed from the bike you can use the carrying handle for easy transport
- The Bafang rear hub motor is satisfyingly powerful with 750 watts nominal and about 1000 watts peak, hub motors aren’t often seen on mountain bikes as they can sometimes struggle on grades at lower speeds, but this motor had no problem with some steep inclines as well as riding on sand (check out the video review to see it in action)
- The drivetrain features a Shimano Altus derailleur and a RevoShift half-grip shifter, and while it isn’t top-of-the-line I really appreciate it for its simplicity and ease of use, grip shifters make it easy to quickly shift up and down the entire 7-speed cassette, and the Altus derailleur is a step up from the entry-level Tourney. I also appreciate that a steel derailleur guard is included, extra important here as it also protects the motor connection point
- The chain is stainless steel which is more durable and rust-resistant, and the MXS also has a double-sided bash guard that serves to protect the chainring as well as keeping the chain securely in place
- Truly impressive tuning of the cadence pedal sensor means that the motor responds almost instantly when you start pedaling, to the point that it almost feels like a torque sensor! Typical cadence sensors have a delay of 1-2 revolutions on the crank arms before they kick in, so I appreciate that SONDORS has really dialed this in
- The adjustable-length kickstand has a wide base and did well even parking in the sand, and it is rear-mounted which means it won’t lock up the cranks when moving the bike backward while the kickstand is down
- The standard charger is 3 amp which is higher than the average 2 amp charger of most electric bikes, this means a faster charging time – definitely appreciated for such a high-capacity battery!
Cons:
- The battery can be removed from the frame compartment but it is a multi-step process that feels time-consuming compared to most Ebikes. You have to unscrew the compartment, unlock the battery, lift it part-way out while being careful not to stretch and damage cables, and then unscrew the controller connector. These are simple steps but it does mean extra time and effort if you want to regularly remove the battery and store it inside while not riding, which is something I recommend to prolong battery life. Lithium-ion batteries will last longer if you protect them from extreme temperatures, as well as keeping them about 50% full when storing for longer periods of time
- Only one frame size so riders at the ends of the size spectrum may not fit on the MXS, at 6ft 3in I found the MXS fairly comfortable but couldn’t quite get full leg extensions. This is one of the trade-offs when purchasing from a direct-to-consumer company like SONDORS; You save a lot in terms of cost and availability, but you don’t get the test ride option and dialed-in fit that is possible with dealer-distributed bikes
- Any warranty claims or repairs through SONDORS will involve shipping your MXS back to SONDORS… so I recommend hanging on to that shipping box, at least for your warranty period! Fortunately, SONDORS has expanded their warranty and support team to make that process more smooth, and SONDORS Ebikes use industry-standard components so that you can maintain them yourself, or have them serviced at your local bike shop
- The display is adjustable for angle for reducing glare, but it is not removable, which means it is vulnerable from damage to weather or getting dinged at the bike rack. More so here it is at risk to damage while mountain biking, this is why most eMTBs have displays that are either removable or small and out of the way
- The rear cassette has seven speeds but a range of only 14 to 28 teeth, this is a basic range and smaller than I would like to see on a mountain bike, the first gear being only 28 teeth means that you won’t be able to tackle steep inclines without serious help from the motor. Fortunately, the motor is more than up to the task, having no problem with a sustained steep incline during my ride test
- As mentioned in the last point that powerful motor and throttle are great for speeding up hills, but they come at a price. Many mountain bike trails limit the wattage of the motor, sometimes as low as 250 watts, and many trails also do not allow throttle-equipped electric bikes at all. This means that even though the MXS is an eMTB, there will be a lot of traditional MTB tracks where you aren’t allowed to ride, so make sure you check the regulations for your favorite riding spots if being able to ride there is an important factor for you
- The cadence sensor is not sealed which means it is vulnerable to damage and losing magnets, keep in mind that this is a fairly rare occurrence… although possibly more likely if mountain biking on rough terrain! While SONDORS has done a fantastic job of tuning this cadence sensor, it still won’t be able to compete with a torque-sensing mid-drive setup when it comes to riding on highly varied terrain
- There are a few other departures from standard mountain biking load-outs here: kickstands usually aren’t included because they add weight are easily damaged on trails, the saddle is a bit wide and could cause some chafing on longer rides, the large four-finger brake levers don’t feel as secure when operating with two fingers (keeping hands firmly on the grips), and there is no dropper seatpost for quick adjustments while riding. I would say that these things are minor and influenced by rider preference, but all-together they mean that the MXS may not be a great fit for a hardcore MTB enthusiast
Robert p herbert says
after 1700 miles- im very very happy! The review is exact! the only thing I would change is the gearing- totally satisfactory except for super steep inclines- then you wish it had a larger rear cog-
Tyson Roehrkasse says
Wow, that’s a lot of miles! Thanks for your comment, great to hear :)
Phylip Montgomery says
Where can I buy the McD for 1700 Sondors site says it’s 2300????
Court says
I’m not sure, perhaps the price has gone up since the time of review. Many companies have had to update due to shipping prices and supply chain constraints.
Vic Puentes says
You guys do a tremendous job with reviews!! I bought my Sondors MXS because of your review. I love my MXS and it has serviced me extremely well. I have had mine for over a year with absolutely no issues. I ride on pavement, dirt trails, fire trails, small roots and rocks. The e-bike is a goat on trails. I don’t use my e-bike for doing any jumping off anything over a few feet.
Now I need to find a way to service the Mozo front fork with a rebuild kit. I haven’t found anything on Mozo forks to get what I need. Anyone help me here???? Semper Fi Vic
Court says
Hi Vic! Happy to hear that the bike is holding up well and you’re enjoying it. I don’t have any knowledge about servicing the Mozo fork, and have mostly worked with local shops to do this kind of service. Maybe some of the parts are generic enough that they would have access? I’d love to hear what you learn as you dig into this more. perhaps someone on the EBR forums could help, in the maintenance section here.
Anonymous says
For this price should be 10 gear cassette not a cheap old tech 7 Speed 1×7 Shimano Altus, MF-TZ500-7 14-28 Tooth Freewheel
Tyson Roehrkasse says
I hear you, I would definitely like to see a cassette with more range on it as well! That would raise the cost though, and the motor does help to balance it out pretty well.
Anthony Howard says
How do i custom tune my new MXS???
Tyson Roehrkasse says
Hey Anthony, if you check out the video review I included a section on tuning the advanced settings for the MXS. That covers everything I know about it; I would recommend asking on the SONDORS Forum here or one of their other groups for more detailed help :)
Anthony Howard says
Thanks so much, though I have to wait until the end of July to receive my MXS, I have already ordered the fender and rack kit as well. Should be delivered sometime today. Though I have never been on or used an EBIKE I like what I saw with the MXS, it looks like a LETS GO RIGHT NOW kind of bike. I can’t wait. Want to put her on some hiking trails up to Mt. Wilson north of Pasadena.
VicPuentes says
My reason for the comment here is just trying to get as much info and learn about the Sondors MXS from people who own one. Please, any info you can pass long about your experience with the MXS would be great…
One minute I want to order the XS, and then the next the MXS. I am so trying to understand the comfort of both bikes, since the seats are the same. My plans are to ride mostly on pavement, commute, (75%) and some dirt trail riding the othr (25%). I will not be riding mountain bike paths or use for extreme downhills. To me the MXS just looks nicer without the real big tires??? To me its just so hard to order either one of these bikes without riding either one.
Court says
I feel ya, it can be difficult without trying in person. I haven’t reviewed either of the SONDORS (that was Tyson) but I do have experience riding city vs. fat tire ebikes, so I could chat with you for a bit if you want to text. Send your name and remind me of the two bikes so I can call you back, my number is 650.930.0342
Mark B says
Tyson, great and thorough review, as always, and what a huge step up for Sondors. There’s one thing, though, that I don’t exactly disagree with, but I want to post a counterpoint to.
I took a nice hardtail mountain bike and converted it to a mid drive ebike, and at one point I added a dropper. It was great to be able to adjust my seat position on the fly, but there is absolutely no forgiveness on a hardtail ebike without a suspension seatpost. My lower back and rear end were getting brutalized. Sadly, I ultimately had to go with a suspension seatpost, and my dropper sits in my garage. After this experience I don’t fault Sondors for not adding a dropper.
Tyson Roehrkasse says
That is a great point Mark, thanks for sharing your perspective on that :)
Jerry says
water bottle cage mounts???
why would anyone make a bike these days without a way to have water??
Will says
I am considering updating my five year old IZIP E3 Dash that I have 4,000 miles on with the MXS. The MXS has many of the features I am looking for including a throttle and at a price that is reasonable.
I have two concerns that I would greatly appreciate feedback on.
I have read mixed reviews of the Bafang 750 watt motor including that it is unreliable and does not actually put out the amount of power it claims. On the other hand, it seems to be ubiquitous in the industry and is fairly inexpensive to repair or replace. Is this motor a deal breaker as some have claimed.
Lastly, I have significant hills near my home which is the reason I got involved with ebikes in the first place. Are there any impediments (other than cost) to replacing the standard cassette with a 10 or 11 speed?
Thank you for your help.
Tyson Roehrkasse says
Hey Will, thanks for the comment! I think Bafang makes good motors, they have had some bad models as every company does, but overall they tend to be reliable. I have heard of some ebike companies lying about the wattage of their Bafang-sourced motors (basically, being dishonest about which motor is inside the hub casing), but I’ve never seen any proof of those claims. There’s a lot of other variables such as the battery and the controller, the configuration, wheel diameter, and more factors that will affect how powerful the motor “feels”. For the MXS it definitely feels like it’s putting out full power!
There shouldn’t be any issues upgrading the cassette, my recommendation for upgrading the gearing would be a wider range cassette, you could still stick with 7 speeds and bump to maybe an 11-36 tooth or so.
Layne says
We own 4 Sondor’s bikes: 2 Sondors originals, a Sondors X, and an MXS. We are very pleased with the Sondor’s bikes. They’ve generally stood behind their bikes and have been responsive.
For my weight and height (6-0, 195) the MXS is a far superior configuration for all around daily riding and use. It just feels lighter and handles tighter, has much better acceleration and superior stopping power. The frame’s integration of rectangular tubing on the rear is a beautiful visual upgrade (they put in once the bike went into production.) Finally, the flame paint job is stunning. It is not a bright red like it appears to be on the website. It is a beautiful gloss metal-flake, more burnt orange than red in real life.
The MXS is a perfect balance of priorities. The only time it’s not my go to ride is if we’re going on bar/beach strand run, where the cushy floating ride of the 5-inch tires and the fat boy seats are more appealing.
Court says
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your stats and great experience with these bikes, Layne! Sounds like you’re really enjoying them :D
Glenn says
I’m trying to decide between this and the Voltbike Yukon 700. Would love to hear your opinion on which way to go.
Court says
Hmm, my first thought is that the style and color could be a big factor. Does one brand stand out to you more? I think the bikes are going to offer a similar experience… SONDORS is based in the US while Voltbike is Canadian. Both companies have been around for several years now, and I’ve met the founder of both. These are value/affordable ebikes, so they sacrifice on components here and there, but overall, they are still great products. I like the air fork and suspension seatpost on the MXS. How do you feel about the big plastic battery box?
Glenn says
Thanks for the reply Court. I actually don’t mind the plastic battery box. This would be my first E-bike so I was thinking a more value ebike would be the way to go at least for my first time out. Don’t get me wrong $1700 is still a good chunk of change so I really want to get the most bang for my buck I can get. Either way I really appreciate all you do with the reviews and the site. It has been a godsend and a huge help for me trying to figure out which way to go.
Court says
Wonderful, I’m glad the site has been a good resource for you and hope you enjoy whichever bike you get. Sondors does seem to be doing a great job, and I kind of like their proprietary plastic battery/controller box too :)
Anthony Howard says
For me, I did a lot of research on Ebikes, sizes, power, quality, price range and so forth. Then I saw the MXS, and it called to me. LOL I watched reviews on it over and over again and began to to get a gut feeling and TRUST, it was and is the one for me without ever having ridden one.
I have a Helion Comp GT, medium sized, it’s nice, but I wanted something that goes beyond my limits by helping me reach then as well. That trailhead you find, and you have to ride it, see where it goes, how far, how high, or that bike path, going all out, all the way. The fresh air, Beautiful views, go further, go faster, go SONDORS!!!
Court says
Hi Anthony, sounds like you’re ready to get one! I hope it works great for you and I appreciate your enthusiasm. SONDORS has done a great job sticking around, keeping prices low, and innovating their frame designs. I think they look cool and offer a good experience. Go SONDORS ;)
Michel Jin says
I am considering this or the Voltbike Outback. Same price… Sonndors is not full suspension but seems to offer more powerful motor and bigger battery. Which one is the most bang for your buck? This will be my first ebike purchase and I am excited. Thanks EBR for all your work. I can’s top watching all your videos.
Court says
Hi Michel! That’s a great question… These models each offer something special, and I can totally see why you’d want full suspension. I like VoltBike a lot and enjoyed covering their products. The customer service seems good, though they are based on Canada vs. California USA for SONDORS. Depending on your size, weight, and climbing needs, the VoltBike Outback could be powerful enough. Without knowing more, it’s difficult to say. As someone with neck and back issues, I’d probably lean more towards suspension, but I’m only 135lbs and 5’9″ so for me, that bike is powerful enough and range isn’t an issue because I don’t enjoy riding too far :)
James Muro says
Hey Guys,
First, I have become addicted to this website. Such great information. I feel like an over-matched student listening to a wise professor.
I just bought my wife the Sondors Smart Step and still waiting for delivery. Meanwhile, with bad knees I too, need an ebike for the mountains of Vermont. Light single track riding, no jumps or anything crazy but some steep hills and some rocky terrain in parts. Wondering your thoughts on the MXS versus the NCM Moscow Plus? I like both bikes, like that NCM can get me the bike soon, but wondering if I get a better ride on bumpy terrain with the MXS. I welcome ANY insights from the experts!
Court says
Hmm, that’s a great question, James! With so many brands being sold out or having delays right now, I do think the NCM Moscow Plus could be worth it if you want to enjoy the good weather with your wife right away! SONDORS does make great products too, and it sounds like your wife and you could have matching bikes… I wonder how much longer until hers arrives? Maybe you could contact SONDORS and try to time them both to arrive at the same time? Would she mind if your NCM arrived earlier?
Dave Taube says
I got an MXS at the end of 2019, but didn’t ride it because 1) weather; 2) I was a little unsure what was involved with riding an electric bike. As soon as the weather got nice in the Spring, I hopped on my bike and I’ve been LOVING it ever since. I ride almost exclusively on pavement but I’ve taken it out on some easy gravel trails. I love the performance of the MSX. I live at the top of a very steep mile long hill and my main concern was the ability of the bike to make it to the top of the hill. While I can easily ride up the hill, most of the top at the maximum 5 electric boost, other far more serious riders (you know, the kind who wear Spandex and jerseys that advertise all sorts of companies) have to zigzag back and forth in order to make it to the top of the hill. I’m 5’10” and the bike fits me perfectly. Not sure if it’s too small for someone much taller than me. Highly recommended. I didn’t want to wait for the rear bag/fender kit that you can get from Sondors, so I bought an Ibera rack and bag on Amazon. You have to get a rack that mounts onto the seat post since the bike is unique and you won’t find a rack that has arms that fit the frame. Other than that, everything is great!
Court says
Sweet! I enjoyed reading your comment, Dave. Sounds like you’re really enjoying the bike and I’m glad you figured out a good rack solution. Thanks for passing along this info and sharing how well the SONDORS MXS has performed. Ride safe!
Roy says
I waited over 2 months for my MXS and after 1 week and 100 miles, it was well worth the wait. The EBR review was spot-on in all aspects. This bike is so much fun to ride. Having 2 road bikes and 2 mountain bikes, I was intrigued with the possibility of going 28 MPH with little effort. Hitting the ripe old age of 60, my 60-70 mile, 20 MPH avg. speed rides are a thing of the past. I find the pedal assist is perfect in getting me up some significant inclines and allows me to extend my rides. I did let the battery drain down to zero about 5 miles away from my home. This is a big, heavy bike and it is no fun on pedal power alone. Components and build Quality are very good. It really is a screaming value. During a ride today, I was stopped 3 times asking “what kind of bike is that”. Time will tell with the durability of the battery and motor. However, all in all, I could not be any more pleased with my purchase. Go Sondors!
Tyson Roehrkasse says
Hey Roy, thanks for the detailed comment! I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the MXS so far. I had a lot of fun reviewing it and just wished I could have ridden it for longer!
Roy says
Just to let everyone know, they have changed the display design. More edge to edge visibility, smaller, super bright. Only 5 settings for pedal assist which I find is OK.
The only thing is the the USB port is not on the side anymore. There is a cable with a connector that comes from the back of the unit and has a separate USB mount for the handle bars. It’s OK, just takes up real estate on the handle bars.
Brian says
Hey Tyson, great review. I got a lot of insight about the MSX.
I am 6’4″ and 220 lbs. Do you think MSX is too small for me? How did it feel when you rode it at 6’3?
Court says
Hi Brian, it should work alright. They designed the product to be approachable by a wide range of riders, and you are definitely on the taller end of the spectrum. It’s pretty affordable to get a different (longer) stem and seat post if necessary. You could optimize fit by purchasing a Trek, Giant, Specialized or other product that comes in five sizes, but that will cost a lot extra. If you like the SONDORS, my guess is that it will be workable and you’ll just be more upright and potentially have your knees closer to the handlebar without modification. Most of the other comparably priced ebikes will only come in one size that is very similar, so it’s really about price and knowledge that a standard 31.8mm stem and longer seat post and sliding the saddle back can improve your fit. There are also stem elongater products for taller people that I’ve seen but not tested :)
Bill Collins says
Really have enjoyed your reviews. They helped me decide what to buy. I also have a Trek Verve 2 which got me started in the Electric direction. As I am older (69) biking has helped me lose 25 lbs but I wanted that throttle to help the ride. I ride with my daughter and my new Sondors MXS is better than I expected. Delivery delays were a nightmare and bike took a month longer than promised.
Power, comfort, and handling are fantastic. Truly a great urban bike. Wheels are so light and the pedal assist is stupid fast and effortless. Display is great compared to Trek.
Things I would have Sondors change are to have setup for bottle holder, instructions (videos) need to reflect changes they have made in assembly, throttle needs to be a little better at modulation, and accessories need to be available when bikes are shipped, waiting two months for rack/fenders is not smart. Last but not least is NOT send me emails saying bike has shipped when it did not.
Electric bikes are going to continue growing and manufacturers need to get better at all aspects of sales/service/assembly for a high priced product. (IMO)
Court says
Hi Bill! Sorry to hear that it took longer than expected fro your MXS to arrive AND that they sent an update that was incorrect… that must have been very frustrating. You’ve got a good attitude, and I think you’re correct about the industry expanding! Some companies are doing an excellent job with customer support, but that can add to the cost of the bike. I agree that having a throttle is nice. Enjoy the ride, and thanks for the comment :)