The old model (2020)
The new model (2024)
This is new with the Mondraker Crafty
The Mondraker Crafty has a New frame platform get. The shock now works flat in the frame. Due to the new positioning of the shock, the centre of gravity is lower. Also new: the geometry can be adjusted a little flatter and a little steeper using a flip chip. The "flipping" is easy and can be done quickly on the trail. The "low setting" seemed more consistent to us, but we didn't feel a huge difference anyway.
The frame size M/L is new for the Mondraker Crafty. There are now a total of five frame sizes. Crafty fans should take a close look at the geometry table, because the previous frame sizes have changed, albeit only slightly. The already long chainstays of 455 millimetres (a horror for any manual fan, good for climbing fans!) grow to 465 millimetres in frame sizes L and XL - for a compensated position on the bike of the taller rider.
The non-removable battery on the Crafty's predecessor (model year 2020) was often criticised. And rightly so: in practice, not everyone has a socket where they park their bike. The Mondraker designers have responded to this. The battery can now be removed. A screw on the down tube has to be loosened for this.
The new Mondraker Crafty features the brand new Bosch CX motor. In short: The motor is slightly lighter (weight: 2.83 kg* measured by the BIKE lab) and has other advantages. The best thing, however, is that it no longer rattles. Overall, the new Crafty is extremely quiet. We like! Also top: The new batteries are now significantly lighter and offer a choice of 800 or 600 watt hours. The 800 Wh battery weighs around 3950 grams, which is around 400 grams less than the PowerTube 750 of the previous generation.
What the new Bosch Performance Line CX can do better than its predecessor
- No rattling from the gearbox thanks to patented freewheel
- Lighter and larger batteries, Powertube 800 is 400 g lighter than 750s
- Lower pedalling resistance, technology adopted from Perf. SX
- Motor almost 100 grams lighter
- Improved modulation
- Subtly quieter drive noise
- fresh automatic mode
The key data Mondraker Crafty
- Spring travel: 160/150 millimetres (front and rear) There is a version with a 170 millimetre fork (XR model)
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame material: Hybrid (aluminium rear triangle) and full carbon (from € 9499)
- Motor/battery: Bosch CX motor, 600- 800 Wh battery. Max. Torque: 85 Nm / extender optional for even more range
- Frame sizes: Reach: S: 380 mm / M: 420 mm / L: 450 mm / XL: 490 mm
- Weight: from 22.6 kilos
- Prices: from 7199 to 12,999 euros
- Availability: as of now
The equipment variants
The Mondraker Crafty starts at 7199 euros. The top model costs a record-breaking 12,999 euros (!). The frame is available as a hybrid with a carbon main frame and aluminium rear triangle, as well as a full carbon version. In terms of wheel sizes, only 29-inch wheels are available. We would have liked a mullet option. Mondraker designer Andres Climent says: "During development, we realised that the new Crafty works best with 29-inch wheels. That's why we deliberately left out other wheel options".
Mondraker Crafty Carbon R - 7199 Euro
Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR - 8499 Euro
Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR S - 9499 Euro
Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR - 10,499 euros
Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR SL - 12,999 euros
The geometry
Compared to its predecessor (model year 2020), there is now a medium size M/L. In a nutshell: Frame sizes / reach: S: 380 mm / M: 420 mm / L: 450 mm / XL: 490 mm. Otherwise, the chainstays in sizes L and XL have grown by 5 mm. The seat tube is steeper, the head angle slacker.
Our first practical impression of the Mondraker Crafty
The new Mondraker Crafty is a potent full assist E-MTB. The frame size M fitted us (tester height 1.78 metres) well. The equipment is well thought out, the Bosch Performance Line CX motor controls sensitively and releases thrust as soon as you need it. The Crafty steers precisely through nasty gravel, the long geometry calms the ride and the suspension with only 150/160 millimetres does a great job, harmonises front and rear and provides plenty of traction on the ground.
The rear suspension bobs slightly when pedalling in open mode - the platform keeps things calm. Uphills in the terrain go very well. Even trail uphill novices have an easy time of it. Overall, the bike is very well balanced. Also good: Our test bike was extremely quiet on descents. On up & down trails, you have a lot of bike between your legs, so you need to put more pressure on the rider in tight corners and adopt a more active riding style to maintain speed.
BIKE conclusion
The new Mondraker Crafty is a force both uphill and downhill. More power is hardly possible. The only thing it can't do so well is play. Manual inserts become a feat of strength and corners have to be ridden actively. - Laurin Lehner, BIKE tester
Who is the Mondraker Crafty for, and who isn't?
Stunt freeriders will have fun with the bike, just like moshers who like to let it run in rough terrain. Thanks to the long chainstays and the powerful motor, fans of uphill trials will have fun. Because the Crafty also does this very well.
However, bikers who like to play with their bike on up & down trails, love manual rides and like to change lanes with a bunny hop are wrong with the Crafty. The geometry is too long and trimmed for smoothness. At least with the tested Crafty Carbon RR, bunny hops are heavy at 24 kilos and require a lot of power in the legs and arms. Here is the Mondraker Dune probably the better choice. With a starting price of € 7199, Mondraker is targeting customers with a big wallet.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
