Monarch Marker Review: Two Batteries, Big Power, Huge Value

Monarc states that one of their goals is to replace car trips with bike trips. With that in mind, there’s no doubt that range is a key metric for this bike. Good range = more opportunities to grab your helmet and leave your car keys.

We tested the Marker’s range in two trials. One using “Boost”, and another using “Cruise”. This gives us a picture of the battery life when using both maximum and minimum power.

In Cruise, the Marker did 60.93 miles, which puts it slightly below the category average of 70.54 miles. The maximum power test saw the bike do 32.53 miles – also just slightly behind the class, which came in at an average distance of 35.2.

There’s a few context points here. First and foremost, Monarc’s claimed range is 60 miles, which is right in line with our results. Secondly, the average battery size in the category is about 820 Wh – In short, the slightly shorter range is due to a slightly smaller battery.

While the battery is a little smaller, 720 Wh is still a respectable size. We also calculated energy consumption by dividing watt hours by mileage, and found that the Marker was right in line with the average of similar bikes.

The other factor here is the included extra battery. Yes, if you bring it along, you’ve doubled your range; but that’s not the only benefit. Longevity is a key pro of the second powerpack. Splitting time between the hardware can reduce wear on each one, and it also enables the opportunity for more intentional charging. Riders could charge each battery up to 80% rather than maxing it out, which would increase the amount of cycles left in its life.

Generally speaking, the Marker definitely has the juice to replace car trips, as well as handle long days in the saddle. The fact that the range is marginally shorter than average (60 miles is still decent) is especially easy to forgive when considering the extra battery. Well done, Monarc.

There’s no delicate way to say this: The Marker crushed our hill test. We did our usual throttle-only test, then a run using max pedal assist power. In both trials, the Marker was well above average.

Starting with the throttle, the Marker completed the climb in 1:41 at 17.9 mph. The category average was 1:49 at 16.6 mph. As for the pedal test, the bike summited in 1:38 at 18.5 mph. The mean of similar bikes was 1:47 at 17.1 mph.

The most impressive part of this performance isn’t just that the Marker is above average. The Marker is a standout in a class of already good hill climbers. Every bike in the comparison class is equipped with a 750W motor or bigger, and many of them also post very solid times. The Marker is a star player amongst a lot of talent.

My own time on the bike aligned perfectly with this. The Marker is a powerhouse, and it’s not shy about it. Not only does it make quick work of inclines, it makes it easy. I was able to climb hills with minimal effort using the PAS system, and the throttle doesn’t struggle either.

The reason for this performance is pretty cut and dry. The Marker’s Bafang 750W motor peaks at 1638 watts, and features 85 nm of torque. In other words, this bike feels powerful – because it is. The grunt is genuinely impressive.

Such power is impressive on essentially any eBike, but when you consider the price point, these results are even more compelling. This segment is another win for the Marker.

Getting more for your money is one of the central pillars of the Marker, and the braking system follows this trend. The bike’s quad-piston Talon P4 brakes were developed by Star Union, and they’re paired with a 203 mm front rotor and a 180 mm rear rotor.

Four piston brakes are rarely seen on $2,000 bikes, which adds even more to the Marker’s value case. The argument becomes even stronger when you look at the performance; this bike recorded an average stopping distance of 19 feet 2 inches, while the category comparison came in at 22 feet 2 inches.

Just about any way you slice it, these are great results, and the reason for it is relatively simple. 4 piston brakes tend to have more power, better heat dissipation, and modulation than 2 piston options. Most of the bikes in this category come with 2 piston setups, and while that isn’t a bad thing, the Marker’s brakes just have more to give.

The staggered rotor sizes are also a factor here. The 203 mm front disc is very large, and since the front wheel handles the majority of the force under braking, this was a sound decision. By no means is the 180 mm rear rotor undersized – but the front hardware is better equipped to dissipate heat and provide reliable stopping power.

The power here isn’t just an on-paper stat. The Talon P4s feel strong, steady, and predictable. Even after repeated use, no fading or softness appeared, and I found the modulation to be very good. Frankly, to me, these felt on par with brakes from premium brands. Overall, the Marker posts re-“Markable” (pun intended) results in the brake test.

Monarc is clear that ride quality was a priority on this bike, and in some ways, that can be the hardest section to nail down. Good parts and specs can get a bike pretty far, but how it feels is equally paramount.

I’ll be honest – Personally, fat-tire eBikes aren’t usually my thing. I can understand wanting a burly frame and wide rubber, but I typically prefer lighter and more minimalist alternatives.

The Marker felt hell-bent on changing my mind, and I’ll grudgingly admit, it won me over very quickly. While it doesn’t have the nimbleness that I usually gravitate toward, it’s an extremely confidence-inspiring bike.

The Gneiss fork was developed in-house, and I was impressed with its performance. Relative to other options we see at this price point, it felt smooth and fluid. This, combined with the 26 x 4 inch Kenda tires, make for a genuinely steady and comfortable ride. There’s a lot of grip coming in and out of corners – on pavement, the bike feels like it’s glued to the surface.

Off the asphalt, the Marker keeps its composure and steadiness. I think most riders interested in fat-tire eBikes want exactly that – stability on and off the bike path. I’m happy to report that Monarc hit the bullseye here.

The sturdy and predictable ride manners are very easy to get along with, but there is a trade off. This bike is definitely on the hefty side, as our tested weight was 88.34 lbs. Monarc actually addresses this on their website: they say that the Marker is designed with adventure, durability, and stability in mind, and with that comes some extra weight. That’s a fair statement, although I still wouldn’t mind a little bit less bulk.

Motor engagement is another highlight on this bike. Regardless of the sensor choice, I noticed that the power is never very far away. The torque sensor is quick to respond to even slight effort, and cadence mode is very active as well.

While the value and performance are great, the Marker has even more to offer. Details matter too – and Monarc paid attention. The touch screen display is a perfect example. It’s extremely clean and intuitive, but riders can still dive into the nuts and bolts of ride tuning and customization. Owners will have lots of options for dialing in their bikes here. Currently, the display is the key to doing so, but Monarc is currently working on an app that will offer further features, like navigation and data tracking.

There’s also a few optional extras that may interest riders. Among them are tire pressure sensors, a radar monitoring system, and a smart helmet. The helmet is particularly interesting to me – For the launch of the Marker, it’s currently included at no extra cost, and it offers the ability to answer calls, listen to music, hear navigation cues, and pair with the radar system.

The big picture here is that Monarc got the ride quality right. However, there is one area for improvement.

I found the fit to be slightly limiting. Each frame option is limited to one size – at about 6’3″, I am towards the upper end of the range for both the high-step and step-through options. Interestingly, I was able to get proper leg extension on both (rare for me on unisize bikes, so kudos there), but the reach and general dimensions of the bike felt small. This wasn’t a massive stumbling block, but taller riders should be aware that the Marker runs on the smaller end of the spectrum.

Outside of that, there’s very little to complain about on this bike. Monarc’s focus on ride quality is apparent – the Marker has a very good ride quality, and it comes at great value.

Monarc is early in their story. The brand launched just a few months ago, and this is one of its first offerings.

If this is the beginning, I can’t wait to see what else they’ll do.

The performance is, across the board, outstanding. It has power for hill climbing, a very rewarding PAS system, and superb stopping power.

For $2,000, there’s a lot of bike here. Things like the extra battery, 4 piston brakes, and 9 speed drivetrain offer serious value. This is especially true especially considering they aren’t just afterthought add-ons – they’re quality components.

The focus on ride quality is also another strong point. It’s easy to tell that Monarc was deliberate in their design, and riders will feel this too. The choice in frame options helps broaden the audience for the Marker, as cruisers and adventurers alike will be taken care of.

The only critiques are on weight and sizing. It is a fat tire eBike, so some mass is expected, but we wouldn’t mind seeing the Marker shed a few pounds. As for the sizing, the reach is a tad short, and may not be perfect for taller riders. With that said, many could still make it work.

Overall, this fat-tire adventure machine packs power, comfort, versatility and value. It’s extremely easy to recommend this bike to anyone that’s interested in a bike for the pavement and the trail.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Monarc Marker down in our comments section.