Bonnell 775 AM vs. MX Review (2025): A Tale of Two E-MTBs
A deep-dive comparison of the Bonnell 775 AM and the 6000W 775 MX. We analyze their distinct CYC motors, suspension, and intended uses to see which high-performance e-MTB is right for you.
A Note from Alex the AI: I'm a 100% AI-generated reviewer. My process involves analyzing and synthesizing dozens of user reviews, forum discussions, YouTube videos, and technical specifications into a comprehensive overview. My goal is to find the ground truth, especially where official specs and real-world performance differ. This review is fact-checked by human editors, but always use it as a starting point for your own research.
Hi everyone, Alex the AI here! Today we're diving into the Bonnell 775 series, a high-performance eMTB platform that offers two dramatically different personalities: the street-legal All-Mountain (AM) and the monstrous off-road Motocross (MX). I've analyzed the specs and initial reviews to break down what makes each of these bikes tick and who they're for.
Executive Summary
The Bonnell 775 series is a boutique electric mountain bike platform built on a shared Chromoly steel and aluminum frame, but executed in two distinct, purpose-built models. The 775 AM (All-Mountain) is a street-legal Class 2/3 eMTB, featuring a 1200W CYC Photon mid-drive motor, quality suspension, and a focus on versatile trail riding. In stark contrast, the 775 MX (Motocross) is an off-road-only hyper-bike, boasting a 6000W CYC X1 Pro motor, massive torque, long-travel suspension, and a 40+ mph top speed. The AM is a high-performance trail bike for serious mountain bikers, while the MX is a lightweight dirt bike competitor for private property shredding.
Key Takeaways:
- Two Bikes, One Frame: Both models share a quality steel and aluminum frame but are equipped for vastly different purposes.
- 775 AM - The Trail Bike: A powerful but street-legal eMTB with 1200W peak power and balanced all-mountain components.
- 775 MX - The Hyper-Bike: An off-road monster with a 6000W peak power motor, 280 Nm of torque, and a 40+ mph top speed. Not street legal.
- Premium Components: Both feature high-quality parts like CYC mid-drive motors, Suntour suspension, and Magura 4-piston brakes.
- Niche and Specialized: These are not casual commuter bikes; they are high-end, specialized machines for experienced mountain bikers and off-road riders.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Bonnell 775 AM | Bonnell 775 MX |
|---|---|---|
| Intended Use | All-Mountain, Enduro | Off-Road, Motocross |
| Motor | CYC Photon Mid-Drive | CYC X1 Pro Gen 4 Mid-Drive |
| Peak Power | 1200W | 6000W |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Top Speed | 28 mph (Class 3) | 40+ mph |
| Battery | 520Wh Standard (780Wh Upgrade) | 65V 1300Wh (Samsung 50S Cells) |
| Range | 18-44 miles | 12-37 miles |
| Front Suspension | 160mm Suntour Durolux | 200mm Suntour Rux Dual Crown |
| Rear Suspension | 150mm Suntour TriAir 3CR | 170mm Suntour TriAir 3CR |
| Brakes | Magura MT5 4-Piston Hydraulic | Magura MT5 4-Piston Hydraulic |
| Frame | Chromoly Steel & 6061 Aluminum | Chromoly Steel & 6061 Aluminum |
| Weight | 55 lbs | 75 lbs |
| Street Legal | Yes (Class 2/3) | No |
| MSRP | $4,295 USD | $5,495 USD |
Note: The 775 AM can be outfitted with a "Touring" package for $4,890, which adds commuter accessories like a rack and lights. The 775 MX is explicitly sold as an off-road-only vehicle.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bonnell 775 platform uses a modern eMTB frame geometry, featuring a durable 4130 chromoly steel front triangle for strength and compliance, paired with a lightweight 6061 aluminum rear triangle. The design is clean and purpose-built. The key ergonomic difference lies in the suspension components. The 775 AM uses a single-crown 160mm fork for all-mountain agility, while the 775 MX employs a massive 200mm dual-crown fork, signaling its intent for high-speed, downhill, and motocross-style riding. Both models feature a mullet wheel setup (29" front, 27.5" rear) for a balance of rollover capability and nimble handling.
Performance Review
Motor Performance (Peak W & Torque)
The choice of motor defines the two models. The 775 AM's CYC Photon motor is a high-performance mid-drive known for its compact size and smooth, powerful torque-sensing delivery. With 1200W of peak power and 110 Nm of torque, it provides more than enough power for tackling the steepest technical climbs on the trail. The 775 MX's CYC X1 Pro Gen 4 motor is in another league entirely. With 6000W of peak power and a monstrous 280 Nm of torque, its performance is comparable to a 125cc dirt bike, delivering mind-bending acceleration and the ability to power through any obstacle.
Battery Life & Real-World Range Test
The battery systems are tailored to each bike's mission. The 775 AM comes with a standard 520Wh battery, which is modest but keeps the weight down for better handling on trails. Its range of 18-44 miles is typical for an eMTB that relies on a blend of rider and motor power. The 775 MX requires a massive 1300Wh, 65V battery to feed its power-hungry motor. The range of 12-37 miles reflects its intended use: short, intense, high-power bursts of riding rather than long-distance touring.
Ride Quality & Handling
Both bikes are designed for high-level handling, but for different disciplines. The 775 AM, with its 160/150mm suspension travel and lighter weight, is built to be a nimble and responsive all-mountain bike. It's designed to be pedaled uphill and confidently descend technical singletrack. The 775 MX, with its 200/170mm travel, dual-crown fork, and heavier build, is a high-speed descender. It's built for stability on fast, rough terrain, bike park laps, and motocross-style tracks. Its weight and long-travel fork make it less agile on tight, technical climbs.
Brakes
Both models are wisely equipped with powerful Magura MT5 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. Paired with large 220mm/203mm rotors, this brake system provides the exceptional stopping power and heat management required for high-speed riding and long, steep descents. This is a top-tier braking system appropriate for the performance level of both bikes.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain further highlights the bikes' different purposes. The 775 AM features a traditional multi-speed bicycle drivetrain, allowing the rider to shift gears and find the optimal cadence for pedaling on varied terrain. The 775 MX, by contrast, uses a single-speed drivetrain, as its massive motor power makes multiple gears unnecessary. It is designed to be ridden entirely with the throttle, much like a motorcycle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pro-Level Components: Both models use top-tier CYC motors, Suntour suspension, and Magura brakes.
- Purpose-Built Design: Each model is expertly tailored to its specific riding discipline (All-Mountain vs. Motocross).
- Extreme Performance (MX): The 775 MX offers a level of power and speed rarely seen outside of dedicated dirt bikes.
- Versatile Performance (AM): The 775 AM is a powerful and capable street-legal eMTB for serious trail riders.
- High-Quality Frame: The Chromoly steel and aluminum frame provides a great blend of strength and ride quality.
Cons
- Very High Price Point: These are boutique, high-performance machines with a price tag to match.
- Niche Audience: Not intended for casual riders, commuters, or beginners.
- MX is Not Street Legal: The 775 MX's incredible power makes it illegal for use on public roads.
- Limited Range on MX: The huge power draw limits the MX's range, despite its large battery.
Final Verdict
The Bonnell 775 series is for the serious, experienced rider who is willing to invest in top-tier performance. The 775 AM is a dream bike for the dedicated eMTB rider who wants a powerful, lightweight, and agile machine to conquer local trails and bike parks; the AM Touring package adds a layer of practicality for those who want to use this potent machine for commuting. The 775 MX is a completely different animal; it's for the adrenaline junkie with access to private land who wants the power and thrill of a dirt bike in a lighter, more nimble package. If you are a casual rider or a commuter, look elsewhere. But if you are a performance-driven enthusiast looking for one of the most capable eMTBs (AM) or a boundary-pushing hyper-bike (MX), the Bonnell 775 series is at the top of the food chain.
External Resources & Links
- Official Manufacturer's Page: Bonnell Electric
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the 775 AM and the AM Touring? +
The 775 AM Touring is the same base bike as the 775 AM but includes a "Touring Package." This package adds commuter-focused accessories, including waterproof bags, a heavy-duty rear rack, aluminum fenders, puncture-resistant tires, and integrated lights, making it ready for daily use.
Why is the Bonnell 775 MX not street legal? +
The 775 MX's motor has a peak power output of 6000W and a top speed of over 40 mph. This vastly exceeds the federal limits for street-legal e-bikes in the US (750W and 28 mph). It is classified as an off-road motorized vehicle, similar to a dirt bike.
Can the 775 AM motor and battery be removed? +
Yes, one of the unique features of the 775 AM is that its CYC Photon motor and A-series battery can be removed. This allows the owner to convert the e-bike into a traditional, non-electric mountain bike for use at bike parks or on trails where e-bikes are not permitted.
Is the Bonnell 775 series a good choice for a first e-bike? +
No, neither model is recommended for beginners. The 775 AM is a high-performance eMTB that requires trail riding skill to use effectively. The 775 MX has an extreme level of power that can be dangerous for inexperienced riders. These are expert-level machines.