The UNNO Mith Race – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

With its radical, extravagant design, the UNNO Mith stands out from the rest of the test field. Retailing at € 10,795, the stylish Catalan combines 170/160 mm of travel at the front and rear, and comes equipped with a Bosch Smart System motor with 750 Wh battery. But is the handling just as radical as the looks?

**UNNO** Mith Race | Bosch Smart System/750 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r)
22.7 kg in size S2 | € 10,795 | Manufacturer’s website

Never heard of UNNO? No reason to feel bad, because the Mith, originally known as the BOÖS, is the first ever eMTB of the Catalan boutique brand. Founded in 2016, UNNO started off building handmade analogue bikes at their Barcelona HQ. After revamping both their design language and pricing policy, the Catalans opened a new chapter in their company’s history. Not only does the Mith mark UNNO’s eMTB debut, but also heralds a new generation of UNNO bikes. For starters, the new models are no longer manufactured in Spain, but Asia, allowing UNNO to produce more units and sell bikes that are no less exclusive, but priced more competitively. The man behind the Barcelona-based boutique brand is none other than former DH World Cup racer Cesar Rojo, who has created or at least heavily influenced some of the most radical frame designs and geometry concepts in mountain biking history from his multidisciplinary CeroDesign studio.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

Cream of the crop – How does the UNNO Mith Race compare to the competition?

With each new model year, the market gets flooded with new bikes, making it hard for manufacturers to stand out from the crowd – and UNNO are no exception. These days, a mixed wheel setup and 170/160 mm of travel (f/r) don’t get you far on the exotic-ranking, so the Catalans had to come up with something unique. The € 10,795 Mith is just that, standing out from the crowd with an exceptional, radical design language with clear, straight lines. The Mith relies on a full carbon construction, tipping the scales at 22.7 kg. Particularly striking are the deep-drawn top tube and split seat tube with enclosed shock. The overall harmonious look is rounded off by an elegant, metallic paint finish with golden accents. Upon closer inspection, the Mith exudes love for detail: both the elaborate seat- and chainstay protector as well as the chain guide are seamlessly integrated into the frame, while the cables are routed into the head tube through UNNO’s proprietary DEUX cockpit. Motor integration is next level too: alongside the Orbea WILD, the Mith boasts the neatest Bosch system integration in the entire test field. The 85 Nm Bosch Smart System motor sits at a slight angle, with its contours elegantly following the frame lines. The 750 Wh battery is integrated permanently into the slim down tube, making it harder to charge the Mith if you don’t have a plug in your garage or basement. However, that’s not a problem, because the UNNO Mith is also an extravagant, two-wheeled design object, adding a touch of class to any living room. The lavish design language is rounded off by the smart integration of the Bosch KIOX 300 display, which sits flush with the top tube and can be removed if necessary. Only the clunky remote of the Bosch Smart System doesn’t fit the overall harmonious integration concept, clashing with the otherwise clean cockpit. UNNO’s in-house component brand DEUX supplies the one-piece, carbon stem/handlebar unit which might look great but doesn’t allow for fine tuning.

**Tilted**
The 85 Nm Bosch Smart System motor is rotated at a slight angle. As a result, the contours of the drive merge seamlessly with the frame lines, ensuring an overall harmonious picture.

**Smooth**
The Bosch Kiox 300 display doesn’t sit on the handlebars and is integrated into the top tube instead.

**Alien**
The bulky Bosch Smart System remote looks like a foreign object on the clean cockpit of the Mith.

UNNO also rely on the finest components for the rest of the spec, including the FOX Factory suspension with fancy Kashima coating, which perfectly matches the bike’s paint finish. Both the 38 Factory GRIP 2 fork and matching FLOAT X2 air shock allow for countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail. However, the shock is enclosed in the split seat tube, making it hard to reach. Moreover, the low speed rebound dial is hidden deep inside the frame, requiring you to remove the shock to make adjustments. FOX also supply the dropper post which, at 150 mm, offers too little travel for a size L frame. In addition, the dropper cable of our test bike made a loud rattling noise on the trail. UNNO also add a touch of high-tech bling, employing a wireless SRAM GX AXS drivetrain for smooth shifting. For the wheels, the Catalans rely on a Crankbrothers Synthesis E alloy wheelset and MAXXIS tires, combining an ASSEGAI EXO+ in the harder MaxxTerra rubber compound at the front and Minion DHR II in the robust Doubledown casing at the rear. The tire setup is almost perfect, but we would recommend upgrading the front tire to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound and more robust Doubledown casing, especially if you’re on the heavier side.

**Access denied**
Setting up the FOX FLOAT X2 shock takes a lot of patience. The low-speed rebound dial can’t be accessed at all, so the shock has to be removed for setup.

**Compromise**
UNNO’s component brand DEUX supply the one-piece carbon cockpit, which matches the refined look of the Mith but doesn’t allow for fine tuning.

UNNO Mith Race

€ 10,795

Specifications

Motor Bosch Smart System 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Kiox 300
Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 Kashima 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 160 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 150 mm
Brakes Formula Cura 4 220/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX AXS 1x12
Stem DEUX Enduro Bars 40 mm
Handlebar DEUX Enduro Bars 800 mm
Wheelset Crankbrothers Synthesis E 29"/27.5"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI EXO+ MaxxTerra/ MINION DHR II DD MaxxTerra2.5/2.4

Technical Data

Size S1 S2 S3
Weight 22.7 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 117 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Tuning tip: Wrap the dropper post cable in a foam sleeve to prevent it from rattling

Design object or downhill bruiser? – What is the UNNO Mith capable of on the trail?

While at first glance, the UNNO Mith looks just like an expensive design object, it delivers just as much on the trail as it does in your living room next to that gorgeous Klimt print. When dropping into a flowing trail, you’re in for a real treat. Despite its huge reserves, the suspension doesn’t sink into its travel, providing good support when carving through corners and berms. In flat corners, however, you’ll have to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking – though a softer front tire would make a significant improvement. With an aggressive, active riding style, the Mith allows you to generate tons of speed by pumping through rollers, and at the same time provides tons of feedback from the ground. The short DEUX cockpit implements steering input with clinical precision, allowing for spontaneous line changes. The Mith also likes to bomb down fast trail sections, where it feels precise, but requires an experienced rider to deal with the direct feedback.

**Got grip!**
On loose terrain, the rear suspension of the Mith generates decent amounts of traction and the front end doesn’t have to be actively loaded, even in steep sections.

**Living on the edge**
The Mith is fast and precise in high-speed sections but requires an experienced hand to deal with the direct feedback.

When transitioning between trails on level ground, the UNNO puts you in a central pedalling position. However, the firm suspension passes on impacts unfiltered, making the Mith less suitable for long tours, where plusher bikes like the Cannondale Moterra Neo LT are a far better option. On loose terrain, the rear suspension generates good traction while the front end remains planted on the trail, even on steep climbing sections. The powerful motor pushes you willingly towards the trailhead.

While at first glance, the UNNO Mith might look like just an expensive design object, it delivers just as much on the trail as it does in your living room next to that Klimt gorgeous print.

Size	S1	S2	S3
Top tube	570 mm	605 mm	647 mm
Seat tube	440 mm	460 mm	490 mm
Head tube	107 mm	120 mm	145 mm
Head angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	77.0°	77.0°	77.0°
Chainstays	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	15/30 mm	15/30 mm	15/30 mm
Wheelbase	1,224 mm	1,265 mm	1,316 mm
Reach	435 mm	470 mm	510 mm
Stack	630 mm	640 mm	663 mm

**Helmet** Fox Speedframe | **Glasses** Oakley Sutro Lite | **Backpack** POC Spine VPD Air
**Jacket** E-Mountainbike Hoodie | **Pants** Fox Flex Air | **Shoes** Leatt DBX 1.0

Who should take a closer look at the UNNO Mith and who should look elsewhere?

For starters, the UNNO Mith is not a typical bike you find in every bike shop and it requires an experienced rider, too. If you decide to bite the bullet, you’re signing up for an innovative, high-performance package with a unique design and countless smart details. Whether you’re riding at the local trail centre or sipping on a well-deserved post-ride pint outside the pub, the UNNO Mith is a real head turner.

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the UNNO Mith Race

On the trail, the UNNO Mith Race impresses with direct, precise handling and supportive suspension. The integration of the Bosch system is second to none and the design language is truly unique. That said, the latter enables seamless integration but calls for compromises in terms of handling. Not only is the UNNO Mith a great piece of design for your living room but also a potent downhill machine on the trail – provided you can handle its direct feedback.

Tops

Unique design language
Seamless Bosch Display integration
Robust, potent spec for trail riding
Fair price given the overall package

Flops

Short-travel dropper post
Cables rattle against the frame

You can find out more about unno.com

The test field