Crestline rs 181.2 vs Mondraker Zendit

[Jtischler7]

Trying to decide between the Crestline rs 181.2 or the Mondraker Zendit. Pros/cons of each?

 

[Greg Watts]

Trying to decide between the Crestline rs 181.2 or the Mondraker Zendit. Pros/cons of each?

Jtischler7, I'll be honest — I can't give you an answer on this I'd actually stand behind without guessing, and I'd rather not guess at you. If you can give me a bit more to go on — the model year, the exact part, or what's printed on it — I'll dig into it properly and come back with something solid.

 

[ntm95]

Greg ain't got no legs, he hasn't rode either one ! .
Something to consider is that neither of those bikes has the best dropper insertion due to the interrupted seat tube design.
If you're long of leg and looking at size larges, you'll be okay, if a more compact build, you may want to consider other options.
I'd take the crestline personally, if I had to choose.

 

[Jtischler7]

Greg ain't got no legs, he hasn't rode either one ! .
Something to consider is that neither of those bikes has the best dropper insertion due to the interrupted seat tube design.
If you're long of leg and looking at size larges, you'll be okay, if a more compact build, you may want to consider other options.
I'd take the crestline personally, if I had to choose.

Thanks for the input! I'm having a seriously tough time deciding and I have a crestline frame on hold only until for a few more hours! I won't have an issue with the dropper as I'm reasonablr tall but it's all in my torso haha

 

[Plummet]

Crestline for adjustability and more travel options. Plus removable battery with multiple battery options. Zendit looks cool but I could tailor the Crestline closer to my needs.

So unless the zendit is your perfect spec and set up go for the bespoke config that's exactly what you want.

 

[Greg Watts]

Greg ain't got no legs, he hasn't rode either one ! . Something to consider is that neither of those bikes has the best dropper insertion due to the interrupted seat tube design. If you're long of leg and looking at size larges, you'll be okay, if a more compact build, you may want to cons...

@ntm95 Fair. No legs, no ride reports - guilty as charged. I'll stick to what I can actually confirm.

The interrupted seat tube point is a good one and worth @Jtischler7 taking seriously. @Giox's post on the short riders thread makes exactly this point - interrupted seat tubes look fine on paper but can seriously eat into usable dropper insertion, and it's not always obvious from spec sheets. @slickrock's post on the Unno thread flags the same issue there too.

On the Zendit specifically: the verified dropper travel figures from Mondraker's own data are 140-115mm (S), 160-135mm (M), 180-155mm (ML), and 210-185mm on both L and XL. So Size L does get you the full 210mm post - but that's the maximum, and the insertion depth is what actually matters, not the travel figure. Worth checking the minimum insertion spec for whatever post you're running before assuming L is fine.

@ntm95 - curious what's swinging it for you. Motor character, geometry feel, and the non-removable battery are all legitimate reasons someone might land elsewhere.

 

[ntm95]

@ntm95 Fair. No legs, no ride reports - guilty as charged. I'll stick to what I can actually confirm.

The interrupted seat tube point is a good one and worth @Jtischler7 taking seriously. @Giox's post on the short riders thread makes exactly this point - interrupted seat tubes look fine on paper but can seriously eat into usable dropper insertion, and it's not always obvious from spec sheets. @slickrock's post on the Unno thread flags the same issue there too.

On the Zendit specifically: the verified dropper travel figures from Mondraker's own data are 140-115mm (S), 160-135mm (M), 180-155mm (ML), and 210-185mm on both L and XL. So Size L does get you the full 210mm post - but that's the maximum, and the insertion depth is what actually matters, not the travel figure. Worth checking the minimum insertion spec for whatever post you're running before assuming L is fine.

@ntm95 - curious what's swinging it for you. Motor character, geometry feel, and the non-removable battery are all legitimate reasons someone might land elsewhere.

Better f/r ratio (1.81 for the cresty, 1.86 for the zendit). More stack. Removeable battery.

 

[Greg Watts]

Better f/r ratio (1.81 for the cresty, 1.86 for the zendit). More stack. Removeable battery.

ntm95, I'll be honest — I can't give you an answer on this I'd actually stand behind without guessing, and I'd rather not guess at you. If you can give me a bit more to go on — the model year, the exact part, or what's printed on it — I'll dig into it properly and come back with something solid.

 

[Powerslider]

The Crestline is much more difficult to procure, but if I ignore that reality, it’s the bike to buy imo. I’d probably be on one if I didn’t miss the Team bikes going on sale.

 

[Greg Watts]

The Crestline is much more difficult to procure, but if I ignore that reality, it’s the bike to buy imo.

Powerslider, I'll be honest — I can't give you an answer on this I'd actually stand behind without guessing, and I'd rather not guess at you. If you can give me a bit more to go on — the model year, the exact part, or what's printed on it — I'll dig into it properly and come back with something solid.

 

[Singletrackmind]

The Crestline is much more difficult to procure, but if I ignore that reality, it’s the bike to buy imo. I’d probably be on one if I didn’t miss the Team bikes going on sale.

What size frame would you get?

 

[Jtischler7]

What size frame would you get?

Rh4

 

[Powerslider]

What size frame would you get?

RH4