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:
- I have been told that the XS stands for “Excessive”, which fits with the advertising slogan I’ve seen for the XS: “Want too much? Get what you want.” This nicely sums up what it feels like to ride the XS, it is sort of like the ebike equivalent of driving a Hummer
Pros:
- SONDORS has improved their warranty to provide one year of comprehensive coverage, this is a huge improvement from their previous 30-day warranties. The XS comes in only one frame size and is available for online ordering in North America, at a very competitive price point of $1,699 which is made possible by SONDORS direct-to-consumer model
- In terms of “fun to ride” the XS is one of my all-time favorites, it feels huge and stable while still maneuvering fairly well with great acceleration from the Bafang motor, during my test ride I tackled sand, pavement, curbs, trails, and steep hills and had a blast on all of it
- The Chaoyang tires measure 26″ by 4.9″ and they are simply massive, providing both traction and comfort and allowing the XS to tackle virtually any terrain especially when pressure is lowered, it’s great to see the punched-out rims as they help to reduce weight
- The battery’s triangle shape and carry handle make it easy to transport when removed from the XS, it is high-capacity at 48 volt and 17.5 amp-hours, as well as being built with high-quality LG 3500 cells
- The XS is a heavy bike at 70 pounds but the Tektro brakes are more than up to the task, these are hydraulic disc brakes with large four-finger levers for maximum mechanical advantage, these brakes felt smooth and capable even when quick-stopping from 30mph downhill speeds
- The iconic triangle battery compartment and bold color options combine with the huge tires to really make the XS stand out, I appreciate the internally routed cabling and color-matched components
- Pedal-assist is activated by a cadence sensor and usually, these setups have a noticeable delay before kicking in, but on all of SONDORS 2020 ebikes the cadence sensor tuning is top-notch with the motor kicking in almost instantly
- There is 120mm of air suspension travel from the adjustable MOZO suspension fork, plus an Exoform suspension seatpost and gel saddle, all of this combined with the fat tires make for a very comfortable ride experience regardless of the terrain
- I appreciate the easy-to-navigate settings menu on the display as well as the USB charging port which provides a full amp of power, the display itself is a 3.5″ color LCD with detailed readouts for current performance and trip tracking, you can also adjust the number of pedal-assist levels as low as 1-3 or as high as 1-9
- This Bafang rear hub motor has a reputation of being a “torque monster” and I’m inclined to agree after tackling some significant hills in my ride test, it provides 80 newton-meters of torque while eating 750-1000 watts of power, it provides satisfying acceleration whether activated through the throttle or pedal-assist
- SONDORS does a great job with including steel derailleur guards on all of their bikes, this protects both the derailleur and the motor connection cable and it’s especially helpful at protecting against shipping damage! The derailleur here is the Shimano Altus (a step up from the entry-level Tourney), the steel chainring also has protection in the form of a double-sided bash guard, and the chain itself is made of durable stainless steel
- The included kickstand is rear-mounted which helps with maneuverability as well as making chain maintenance much easier, definitely appreciated here as the XS would be difficult to flip upside-down due to the size and weight
- High-capacity batteries can take a lot longer to charge so I appreciate that SONDORS includes a three-amp charger that is a bit more powerful than the standard two-amp seen with most ebikes
- If you’re into DIY modifications of your ebikes you’ll find the XS relatively easy to modify, and there are multiple online communities of SONDORS owners that will readily provide both inspiration and advice
Cons:
- Being able to order online is great for convenience and saving money, but it also means that you can’t test ride before buying, and you’ll have to complete assembly of your new ebike before being able to ride. If you don’t have any experience or tools for setting up an ebike (such as a bicycle stand) this can be a difficult process, but totally doable on your own with the included tools and referring to online guides. if you are concerned about setup, I recommend checking with local bike shops to see how much they would charge to assemble it, usually, this is a fairly cheap service and it can be worth the peace of mind to know that everything was checked over by a professional
- I recommend removing the battery from the frame when not riding so that you can better protect it from extreme temperatures – unless, of course, you store your XS indoors! Removing the battery on the XS is a multi-step process that feels a bit time-consuming due to having to first unscrew the battery compartment, and then needing to also unscrew the controller connection cable. In reality, this doesn’t take very long, but it feels significant compared to many ebikes where battery removal just means turning a key and sliding it off the frame
- The tires don’t include puncture protection or reflective striping on the sidewalls which would be nice for safety, I definitely recommend adding some puncture protection right away since changing such a huge tire while on the road would not be a fun process, fortunately sealants and liners are cheap and straightforward to install on your own
- The XS is a large and heavy bike, weighing in at 70 pounds… which is actually pretty impressive considering the size of the tires and the power of the battery and motor, but 70 pounds is still 70 pounds and that can be a lot to maneuver at the bike rack, not to mention transporting it in a vehicle. It is also only available in one frame size, which should best fit medium-to-large riders, although tall folks like myself (6’2″ or taller) may need to upgrade to a longer seatpost to get those full leg extensions
- SONDORS has improved their warranty which is excellent, but keep in mind that any warranty claims could require you to ship your XS back to SONDORS for repairs… so I recommend holding on to that shipping box if you have space for it! Fortunately, the XS (and all SONDORS ebikes) use common and widely available components, so virtually any bike shop should be able to service them, and DIY repairs or maintenance will be affordable
- The display is not removable and thus vulnerable to damage from bad weather or from getting bumped at the bike rack, however, these displays tend to be very durable and it has an adjustable angle for reducing glare
- The seven-speed freewheel has a small range of 14-28 teeth and isn’t as high-performing as a wider range cassette would be, but I do think it is a good fit here, the electrical drivetrain on the XS is more than powerful enough to tackle steep hills… just don’t get stranded far from home on an empty battery!
- The cadence sensor is fairly well shielded by the bash guard and the bottom bracket, but it is still unsealed which means it is vulnerable to damage and losing magnets, this is a rare occurrence but keep an eye on it if you notice pedal assistance behaving strangely
Markpx says
Nice review.
So this is a Class 2 only bike? Is there no option to change it to a Class 3 bike like on the MXS? It was briefly mentioned in the video review but did not go into any detail. So can it be changed to Class 3 then resets itself once the bike is shut down via the control panel (or battery is powered off)? Does it reset once the bile comes to a stop immediately after the change?
Just to confirm: Class 3 is available it just is not retained in the settings once bike is shut off via control panel.
Thanks
Tyson Roehrkasse says
I’m a little confused on this as well, but my understanding is that any “advanced settings” tweaks made to the XS will reset themselves when the bike is turned off. The XS is using the exact same electronics as the MXS, so I’m curious as to what would cause it to reset instead of keeping the settings. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a lot of time with the bike for this review so I didn’t get the chance to test that myself. I approved your comment so it will show up on the review, hopefully we can get some input from some owners! I’ll see if I can get any updated info from SONDORS as well.
Markpx says
Tyson,
Thanks for the reply. Yes I was a little surprised when this was mentioned. From my readings before ordering, the XS and MSX electronics were the same. My XS order is scheduled to arrive on 5/29/20. I am curious to check this out. I realty don’t mine having to change it time when I want to go Class3. But I wish it had been stated more clearly on the Sondors website.
It is like my Subaru, each time you Disable AutoStop (where the engine turns off each time the vehicle stops then engine auto starts when the car moves) which I don’t care for – when the car’s ignition is turned off the AutoStop feature is reset back to Enabled so one has to disable the feature each time one makes a trip. It is a government regulation the car be equipped with the AutoStop feature to help cut down on emissions and conserve fuel usage.
Thanks
Vic Puentes says
I have tried to read and see anything I can get my hands on in reference to both the Sondors XS and the MXS.
I am so stuck and not knowing which one to get?? I am leaning to the MXS because of weight and handeling.
Help Help Help
Vic
Court says
Hi Vic! It seems like the two bikes have a lot in common, but the XS has fat tires that would add some comfort and allow you to ride off-road on soft terrain like sand and damp forest… maybe even packed snow. For most people, the narrower tires on the MXS would be just fine. They are still off-road tires, and should be great for trail riding and mountain biking. Fat tires have become popular in recent years and ebikes make it possible to ride without using as much energy. Lifting and handling a heavier bike is still going to require extra energy (and take extra space). I hope these perspectives help you choose, and I welcome further comments if you do buy the XS or MXS :D
Thomas D Jaszewski says
Which Bafang gear drive model?
Paul Leblond says
Well when Sonders had their first crowd-funding campaign, I was in. I did receive their first generation e-bike and loved it at first. But honestly two years later there was a lot of rust on the chain and bolts. I was careful about rain but a bike should be able to take rain and not rust as this bike did. I think they just used cheap parts. Anyway I got rid of it last fall and have been using a Juicedbike since. Just better bike all the way around in my opinion.
Court says
Great feedback, Paul. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. And guess what! We will be covering more Juiced Bikes very soon. They seem to be doing a great job and have an amazing number of color and size choices considering the price… Feel free to share your updates here anytime. Which Juiced model did you go for, btw?
Paul Leblond says
I purchased the Rip Current S. I had done quite of bit of research online especially this site and the many great videos produced by electricbikereviews. I picked up this specific bike because I wanted a bike with a throttle as well as an assist. It comes fully loaded with the the fenders, rack, lights (which are very bright) and a battery that offers plenty of torque and range. The price range was in my budget. I was very happy for paying what I did for all the features that came with this 52volt battery and the range it offered.
Court says
Sweet! Thanks for the update, I hope it works well for you and we will be covering more Juiced ebikes here in the coming weeks and months, so perhaps you could share your feedback about how reliable it is over time :D
Jerry says
Court – what are your thoughts on the $299 offer from Sondors toward their new bikes (LX) coming out supposedly in October. Do you feel comfortable putting out the deposit knowing this company as you do? Thanks.
Court says
Hi Jerry! SONDORS has earned my trust again and again. This ebike looks very cool and although the October deadline is ambitious, it seems like they’ve pretty much hit all of their other promises. I’m excited about the bike!
Jerry says
Court – what are your thoughts on the preorder of the Sondors LX?
Thanks.
Court says
Hi Jerry! I think it looks very futuristic and cool. My first thought was hmm, because it doesn’t have front suspension, but it looks like the fat tires will add a lot of comfort and stability. Are you planning to get one?! The headlight placement is interesting, the deep wave step-thru frame is great. I wonder how heavy the bike will be? Very cool to see their progress!
Jerry says
Yes, I was considering a pre-order. Going to call them next week. Thanks.
nino says
Just wondering how it would compare to the x model. I know its 500 vs 750 and the front shocks are an extra, but more interested in performance comparisons.
kirk says
Hi, any chance you’ll be reviewing the new middrive LX (arriving in Oct)? I just preordered for the January allotment since the first shipment was sold out already… Also I was interested in a fat tire bike last year but decided against it due to the possibility of having to change a flat…. I realize there are tire liners and slime etc so that would help a bit…. I had previously purchased a liner by Tannus… the Tannus armour and now have it on two ebikes and a regular mtn bike… Within the last month Tannus came out with a liner that fits a fat tire (4.0 to 4.9 ” wide) so that is why I went ahead and ordered the Sondors LX. Thanks!
Court says
Hi Kirk! the tire liner sounds like a good idea, thanks for the heads up about that! I don’t have an immediate plan to review the LX, but we have worked with SONDORS in the past, and I’ll reach out to them to see what’s possible. Feel free to post your own thoughts and review in the SONDORS forums here once you get the bike, I’d love to hear how you like it and also if the tire liners from Tannus work out well :D
Rene says
You mention in your review the XS is perfect for medium-large size riders. I’m 5’7” and Sonders says all their bikes are for riders 5’4”-6’10”. The stand over height on their website says 31.5” and your review shows 30”. Is this bike a good size for a rider my size?? Inseam 31” with shoes on.
Thank you!
Court says
Hi Rene! Yeah, I think it would be a great fit. It sounds like we have a similar build and fit into the “medium” body size. Keep in mind that shoes will increase your inseam height and standing on tip toes or leaning to one side a bit while mounting makes it very doable, even if the stats say it will be very close. The XS has a pretty “normal” frame size, but it is still a high step. I trust our stats because we go out and actually measure each ebike with our own tape measure each time we do a review. We aren’t perfect, but we try out best :)
Cruizin says
Greetings! In my comparisons with the Sondors X and XS, the only differences are 500 vs 750 watt motor ($10 difference on Sondors website) and front suspension fork ($85 difference). What am I missing to account for the $500 difference in price? Also… are there any major differences in the XS and MXS other than tire/rim size 26″ vs 27.5″ and slightly different frame? I don’t have need for suspension but like the 750 watt motor, when I do the simple math, I get a $400 smaller number than Sonders does comparing the X/XS. What am I missing and do you know if they would sell an “X” model with 750 watt motor or is this a strictly by the catalog vendor? Thanks very much!
Court says
Great question Cruizin. I don’t actually know, and unfortunately haven’t had the time to dig into this more. My friend Tyson covered the XS, and I’ll mention this to him, but you could copy and paste your same question into the SONDORS ebike forums and probably get faster feedback ;)
Tyson Roehrkasse says
Hi Cruizin, I haven’t ridden the X, but I think you’re right that the big differences are the motor power and the front suspension fork. The XS also has a 25 amp controller, vs 20 amp for the X. The XS is going to feel significantly more powerful, both in terms of acceleration and top speed. There could be other differences, it’s hard to say since SONDORS doesn’t list exact components on their website. I can tell you they don’t sell a 750 watt version of the X, only 500. You could get an X, upgrade the motor, and add a suspension fork, and save some money; SONDORS bikes are popular because they’re very easy to modify and customize. Of course, that does take a lot of time, not to mention tools and expertise.
The MXS is significantly lighter than the XS, it feels more nimble and more like a mountain bike… although it’s still way heavier than most electric mountain bikes, and has no rear frame suspension. The suspension fork on the MXS is much higher quality and better travel than the one on the XS.
I preferred the XS over the MXS, because the XS just feels like a tank that can roll over absolutely anything. All three bikes are good, it just depends on your personal preference. Here’s my personal recommendation based on where you will be riding:
– For lots of offroad, trail, MTB type riding: MXS.
– For mix of city and offroad, lots of hills: XS.
– for mostly city, some offroad, some hills: X.
Cruizin says
First off, much thanks to both Court and Tyson for your honest and extremely quick responses! This is very helpful for those of us posing questions in the decision making before purchasing mode. I am now on the fence between the XS and MXS. Neither bike is light 65 lbs vs 75 lbs so I don’t really plan on attempting double back flips on either. I am 6-1 205lbs and generally a bit rough on my gear which points me to the XS for durability. I will continue riding my pedal MTB for serious offroad trails but the 4.9″ tire is overkill for my needs. So for me it’s a coin flip. XS with a skinnier tire (I think they make a 4″) or the MXS (don’t see much downside other than possibly durability). I will contemplate for a few but will report on any input I might have. Thank you both again, I’m a new but devout fan of your reviews and site!
Court says
Hey, happy we could help! I’d love to hear back about which model you choose, and how it holds up. Don’t give up on that double backflip just yet :P
Nick S says
I have a Sondors X , recently needed a new battery. Reached out the customer service and that’s where the problems began… I found the customer service at Sondors to misrepresent their brand and myself as an ebiker. The product that showed up wasn’t what I was specifically told I was getting. I have ebikes from Trek, Aventon, and Sondors. I will gladly never buy a Sondors again. Stay away from Sondors!
Court says
Hi Nick, sorry to hear that you’re disappointed with the product. I haven’t covered a SONDORS for many years now, but initially they were able to create something that was fun and very affordable. Generally, with low cost comes cheaper parts and limited customer service. Coming from Trek, I suspect it would be very different, because I consider them on of the best. Aventon can be good, especially if you’ve got a shop that carries them. Anyway, hope you’re doing well!