Raymon Durok

The Raymon Durok sits between an agile trail bike and a stable enduro bike. With 150 millimeters of travel at the front and rear, it has plenty of reserve for roots, rock gardens, and fast descents. At the same time, the travel remains moderate enough to ride efficiently on longer tours and varying terrain.

If you mainly ride flowy home trails, forest roads, and mid-mountain tours, the Durok offers more reserve than a classic touring e-MTB. The suspension absorbs harder impacts and gives you extra room on technical descents. On easy trails, however, you have to account for more weight and more suspension movement than with an e-hardtail.

For alpine day tours, the concept is particularly well suited. The 800-Wh battery provides a large energy reserve, while the Avinox drive also provides powerful assistance on steep ramps. The sturdy aluminum chassis is designed for regular off-road riding. Luggage, a full backpack, and long descents therefore suit the character of the Durok better than a lightweight e-trail bike with a small battery.

Occasional bike park days are also possible. However, the Durok is not a pure downhill or freeride bike. Those planning mainly jump lines, very rough enduro trails, or racing use will find a more downhill-oriented alternative in the Raymon Tarok, with its carbon frame, mullet wheel setup, and more suspension travel.

The hydroformed AL61-T6 aluminum frame is seamlessly welded and designed for durability. This is especially relevant when the bike is frequently used in wet, dirty, or rocky conditions. An elaborate lightweight frame may save weight, but often requires more attention in demanding everyday use.

The wheel setup supports the respective frame size. The 27.5-inch setup in size S is easier for smaller riders to control and requires less effort when changing direction. The 29-inch wheels on sizes M to XL roll more smoothly over roots and rocks. They hold their line more stably at higher speeds and suit larger frame proportions.

If predictable handling, a large battery, and a durable frame platform are more important to you than the lowest possible weight, the Durok is right for you. For mostly flat bike paths or short commutes, however, the suspension is more extensive than necessary.

The Raymon Durok series uses two versions of the DJI Avinox mid-drive motor. The Durok Comp features the Avinox M2 with 125 Newton meters of torque. In the Durok Pro and Ultra, the Avinox M2S operates with 150 Newton meters. The motor variants are based on the same compact drive platform but differ in maximum torque and peak power.

The motor, weighing around 2.6 kilograms, is located in the bottom bracket area. This keeps the center of gravity low and centered. This makes control easier in corners and on steep sections. For the M2S, DJI states a sound pressure level of under 45 dB.

Several sensors detect, among other things, pedal pressure, cadence, and riding conditions. The system calculates the required assistance from this data. During a technical ascent, the power should kick in quickly without suddenly overloading the rear wheel. On loose ground, however, proper riding technique remains important. Even a motor with sensitive control cannot compensate for a lack of tire grip.

The Avinox M2S is the more powerful motor variant in the Raymon Durok Pro and Ultra. Its high peak values are particularly relevant for steep climbs, frequent elevation gain, and difficult starts. The maximum power is only reached in driving situations designed for it and should not be confused with continuous power output.

The more powerful M2S version is particularly worthwhile for riders who regularly ride steep routes, carry a higher system weight, or want as much assistance as possible for long uphills. On moderate tours, however, the maximum torque is rarely needed.

• The motor provides up to 150 Newton meters of torque. This makes it easier to start on steep ramps and reduces the effort required on long climbs.
• In boost mode, the manufacturer states that a peak power of up to 1,500 watts is temporarily available. This reserve is intended for particularly steep sections and is not for continuous use on every route.
• The assistance can reach up to 800 percent of the rider's input power. This makes the motor highly responsive to pedal pressure, but requires controlled weight shifting on loose surfaces.
• The sensors modulate the assistance when starting. This allows for a more controlled start on steep sections than if the full torque were to apply abruptly.
• The compact design keeps the center of gravity close to the bottom bracket. Despite the high motor power, the bike remains controllable in corners and during slow, technical maneuvers.

The Avinox M2 is by no means a weak entry-level solution. With 125 Newton meters of torque and a peak power of up to 1,100 watts, it already significantly exceeds the performance level of many classic e-bike mid-drive motors. For normal all-mountain tours and steep forest roads, this version is usually sufficient.

The M2S increases the power reserve. The difference is particularly noticeable when rider weight, terrain, and gradient all place high demands at the same time. If you frequently ride on dry, moderate trails, you don't automatically need 150 Newton meters. If you ride steep alpine routes or need to accelerate quickly after tight corners, you can benefit from the more powerful version.

The Raymon Durok has 150 millimeters of travel. This applies to both the suspension fork and the rear suspension. This places the bike in the all-mountain category. The suspension offers more reserve than a touring full-suspension bike with 120 or 130 millimeters, but remains more versatile than a heavy enduro bike with 170 millimeters or more.

On rooty sections, the suspension keeps the wheels in contact with the ground longer. This improves traction when braking and accelerating. On steps and larger rocks, there is enough travel available so that every impact is not transmitted directly to the handlebars and saddle. On fast descents, the suspension stabilizes the bike when several obstacles follow one after another in quick succession.

The setup should match the rider's weight and riding style. The air pressure determines how far the suspension sags under the rider's weight. The pressure recommended by the suspension manufacturer is a good starting point. After that, the so-called negative travel is checked. The suspension should already use part of its travel while stationary, without bottoming out too quickly during normal impacts.

Rebound damping controls how quickly the fork and shock return to their extended position after an impact. If it is too open, the bike will feel unsettled and may continue to bob after obstacles. If it is too closed, the suspension will not return quickly enough to its starting position between successive impacts. For the initial setup, a medium setting is recommended, which can then be adjusted on a familiar trail.

1. For the initial setup, a consistent order has proven effective: set the air pressure according to rider weight and manufacturer specifications, check the negative spring travel while wearing full riding gear, start with a medium rebound setting, ride a short test section with roots, corners, and more severe impacts, and then change only one setting at a time and record the number of clicks.

A correctly set up 150-millimeter suspension provides traction and reserve travel without feeling mushy. Riders who mostly ride on smooth trails can opt for a slightly firmer setup. On rocky trails, the suspension can be set to react more sensitively, as long as there is enough travel remaining for harder impacts.

The Raymon Durok Comp makes sense if you want to take advantage of the frame platform, the large battery, and the 150-millimeter suspension, but don't need maximum motor power. The Avinox M2 offers enough power for steep climbs. The mechanical Shimano Deore gears are designed for easy operation and robust performance.

The Raymon Durok Pro is aimed at riders who frequently tackle technical trails and long climbs. Switching to the Avinox M2S brings 25 Newton meters of additional maximum torque and extra peak power. The Shimano XT gears offer sportier shifting performance. The RockShox suspension is a good fit for riders who want to fine-tune their settings to suit the trail and riding style.

The Durok Ultra combines the M2S with electronic SRAM S1000 AXS shifting and a FOX suspension. The wireless shifting reduces mechanical cables on the frame and executes gear changes electronically. The Ultra is especially worth it if you ride off-road regularly and actually make use of the higher level of equipment.

If the focus is on touring and occasional trail rides, the Comp is the sensible choice. For frequent steep climbs and sportier speeds, the Pro is a better fit. The Ultra is aimed at riders who prefer electronic shifting and the higher-end suspension.

The Avinox system connects the motor control unit, display and smartphone. The Durok can be paired with the Avinox app via Bluetooth. There, riding data can be analyzed and supported drive functions configured. The exact range of functions depends on the display, app version and connected components. Comp and Pro use the DPC100 display, while Ultra uses the DP100 with LTE, Bluetooth and ANT+.

If storing the battery for an extended period, extreme states of charge and high temperatures should be avoided. For an imminent long tour, however, the battery can be fully charged.

With a fast charger, the RS800 battery can also be quickly recharged during a longer break. The removable battery can be charged directly on the bike or separately. For riders without an electrical outlet at their stopover, this is a major advantage.

• Smart Heart Rate Control can adjust the motor assistance to a set heart rate range. A compatible heart rate sensor is required for this. The function is suitable for longer training rides where the exertion level should remain as consistent as possible.
• Hill Start Assist helps when starting on inclines and reduces rolling back. This is useful on tight switchbacks and after an unplanned stop.
• Walk Mode provides assistance of up to 6 kilometers per hour. It makes pushing easier on steep ramps, stair sections, or loose terrain.
• On the Durok Ultra, the DP100 display can send an alert via LTE if the bike is moved unusually. The Comp and Pro models with the DPC100 can be tracked using Apple “Find.” These digital features are no substitute for a sturdy bike lock.