Hey fellow adventure seekers! If you’re into electric bikes that pack a serious punch without drawing unwanted attention from the authorities, buckle up. I recently dove into the world of the Bonnell 775 MX, a full-suspension electric mountain bike that’s being hailed as the most powerful in its class. This isn’t your average e-bike—it’s a stealthy beast disguised as a standard pedal bike, delivering 6,000 watts of raw power while staying (mostly) under the radar. In this post, I’ll break down what makes it tick, how it performs on the trails, and why it might just be the ultimate “cheat code” for riders tired of e-moto crackdowns.
Based on an in-depth review from Sur Ronster (uploaded May 31, 2025), this bike is a response to the growing restrictions on high-power e-motos like Sur-Rons, EI Pros, and Talarias in places like the US, UK, and Australia. It’s lightweight, street-legal, and built for those who want Sur-Ron-level thrills on a mountain bike frame. Let’s gear up and explore.
Why the Bonnell 775 MX Stands Out
In a sea of e-bikes capped at 750 watts to stay legal, the Bonnell 775 MX sneaks in 6,000 watts—eight times the limit—without screaming “illegal.” It’s designed for trails, jumps, and hills, blending the agility of a mountain bike with moto-like acceleration. Priced around $5,500 (comparable to a Sur-Ron Light Bee S), it’s not cheap, but the build quality screams premium. No skimping here: carbon fiber accents, high-end components, and a focus on durability.
Available in colors like Texas Gray and Purple Amethyst, you can snag one from ronsterrides.com with priority shipping and top-notch customer service. It’s positioned as the best full-suspension eMTB for downhill, trails, and even street-legal cruising—no license required.
Unboxing the Beast: Key Features and Specs
Assembly is a breeze, and right out of the box, you’re greeted with pro-level parts that feel built to last. Here’s a quick rundown of what powers this electric monster:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | CYC mid-drive motor with copper windings; dual-chain drive (no gears) for torque or speed via adjustable sprocket. |
| Battery | 65V 20Ah integrated into the frame—fills it up but keeps the weight down. |
| Suspension | Triple-crown forks (aggressive downhill setup) and rear shock with linkage (open/middle/locked modes). |
| Brakes | Magura MT5 with floating rotors—battle-tested from Sur-Ron mods. |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion for grip on dirt and trails. |
| Controls | Full twist throttle (dirt bike style), sensitive pedal assist (3 modes: eco, trail, turbo), dropper post, and a display with heart rate monitoring. |
| Weight | Around 30 lbs—five times lighter than a Sur-Ron with similar power. |
| Top Speed | Capped at 30 mph (Class 3 legal), but tunable for more if you’re off-road. |
| Extras | Fold-down pegs for throttle-only riding; mode selector for discreet power blending. |
The frame is a medium-sized 775 MX model with real carbon fiber underbelly, making it nimble enough to toss over logs or obstacles like a traditional MTB. One quirky feature? A lever system for the pegs that lets you spin the wheel without pedaling—genius for wheelies, but exhausting if you forget to throttle.
Hitting the Trails: Real-World Performance
The real magic happens when you hit the dirt. Sur Ronster took it for a spin with X Games dirt bike champ Tim, and the results were eye-opening. Starting in “bicycle mode” (no assist), it pushes like any MTB. Flip the power on (hold the battery button 2-3 seconds), and you’re in assist heaven—pedal once, and it surges forward. The twist throttle feels “trippy” on a bike setup, delivering instant torque that blends seamlessly for passing slower riders without raising eyebrows.
- Uphill Climbs and Power Delivery: This thing chews up hills at 30 mph, matching pedal bikes in eco mode but blasting past in turbo. No more futile pedaling—throttle it and go. Battery held at 83% after a solid session, with cruise control working flawlessly even at 45%.
- Jumps and Handling: Lightweight design shines here. Effortless airs over jumps, easy wheelies (especially with the high seat for balance), and nimble cornering. It feels like a Sur-Ron with 90% of the bulk shaved off—perfect for throwing around singletrack.
- Drag Race Showdown: Pitted against an RTR (8 kW, 50+ mph), the Bonnell launched harder off the line but hit its speed cap first. Still, for trail-focused riders, it’s the winner.
Police encounters? Zero issues—it just looks like a regular e-bike. Cruising back from a flat tire (yeah, that happened) was a breeze, no pedaling required.
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
No bike is perfect, but the Bonnell 775 MX nails the thrill-to-legal ratio. Here’s the balanced scoop:
Pros:
- Discreet Powerhouse: 6 kW in a 30-lb frame—fun without the fines.
- Trail-Ready: Full suspension eats rough terrain; adjustable for torque/speed.
- Versatile Controls: Throttle + assist modes for blending in or going full send.
- High-End Build: Durable brakes, suspension, and display that tracks everything from speed to heart rate.
Cons:
- Sensitive Assist: Pedal assist kicks in too eagerly—great for trails, annoying at stops (no pure throttle-only mode).
- Not for Long Hauls: Upright MTB posture isn’t comfy for hours; it’s a dirt beast, not a commuter.
- Pricey Name: $5,500 feels steep, and “Bonnell” doesn’t roll off the tongue like Sur-Ron.
- Gear Ratio Quirks: Pedaling steep stuff is pointless—embrace the throttle.
This e-bike carves its own niche: not a replacement for motos or basic bikes, but a hybrid for riders who want Sur-Ron power on forbidden trails. If you’re into mountain biking with a nitro boost, or dodging e-moto bans, it’s a top-three contender in my book.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?
The Bonnell 775 MX isn’t just powerful—it’s clever. In an era of e-bike regulations, it lets you ride like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, hitting jumps and hills without the hassle. Whether you’re a downhill daredevil or a trail cruiser, it delivers grins per mile that few can match. Head over to ronsterrides.com to check availability—they’re moving fast.
What’s your take? Have you ridden a high-power eMTB? Drop a comment below, and if you’re hunting for more e-bike reviews, subscribe for updates. Ride safe, and see you on the trails!
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