High-end model, not for everyone, uncompromising riding performance: these terms are constantly used when the new Mondraker Crafty Carbon is presented to us - not without pride. "The best e-mountainbike we have ever built," the Spanish company says in unison. The stand-out feature: the weight. According to Mondraker, the lightest version should check in at 19.3 kilos (frame size L). With 160 millimetres of travel at the front, 150 at the rear, 29er wheels and a weight allowance for the frame up to 150 kilos system weight, this is a clear statement. This makes the Crafty Carbon by far the lightest bike with the new Bosch motor that we have ever got our hands on. The Spaniards at Mondraker emphasise that no compromises have been made in terms of riding performance and that the bike is a fully-fledged E-Enduro. How is that possible? After all, comparable high-end bikes tend to weigh 22 kilos or more.
The construction of the Mondraker Crafty Carbon
For the chassis, Mondraker relies on a carbon main frame and rear triangle - clearly, it's all about unconditional lightweight construction. The point with which the Spaniards save the most grams is hidden behind the battery integration: the Bosch Powertube integrated in the down tube is used, which is nothing special so far. However, Mondraker pushes the energy carrier completely into the down tube from below and dispenses with a removable option. The battery is permanently installed and cannot be removed for charging or a quick battery change. An uncompromising move in favour of weight and riding characteristics, which can become a killer criterion for extra-long, remote tours or day-long trail orgies. It's also difficult if you don't have any charging facilities in your garage, cellar or bike room. According to Mondraker, however, this design offers a weight advantage of a good two kilos compared to the aluminium Crafty.
The facts about the Mondraker Crafty Carbon
- 160/150 millimetre spring travel
- 29-inch wheels
- Full carbon frame
- Weight from 19.3 kilograms
- Bosch Performance CX, Gen4
- Permanently installed Powertube battery, 625 (optionally 500) watt hours
- 3 models from 7499 euros
Models and prices
The newcomer marks the upper end of Mondraker's E-MTB range. The prices start at a correspondingly sporty 7499 euros, while the top model, which is super-light at 19.3 kilograms, costs a whopping 11999 euros. There will be a total of three equipment variants.
Upper class: Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR SL
The sub-20-kilo Crafty RR SL model has undergone additional dietary measures to achieve the record weight. The Spaniards have also broken their own credo of "uncompromising enduro", as the SL version comes with weak Maxxis Rekon tyres, which massively reduce the bike's qualities in demanding terrain. Such tyres have no place on an enduro bike. The lightest way for weight fetishists to ride is to opt for the 500 watt-hour battery. According to Mondraker, this results in the aforementioned 19.3 kilos. We were able to put a size M bike with tubeless construction and even thinner-walled and therefore slightly lighter EXO tyres (instead of the specified EXO+) on the scales. The result: 19.2 kg. With a 625 PowerTube, the more logical variant, the bike should land at 19.9 kilos. Compromises had to be made in order to crack the marketing-laden sub-20-kilo mark with the large energy source. In keeping with the exorbitant price, the equipment is compiled from the top shelves of component manufacturers: electronic Sram AXS drivetrain with AXS Reverb dropper post, Shimano XTR brakes with four pistons, Fox Factory suspension, high-quality DT Swiss wheels and carbon cranks and handlebars. However, we would swap the lightweight Lizard Skins grips for more ergonomic, better damping rubber for better riding comfort. The 20-kilo sound barrier has not been broken without compromise.
Upper middle class: Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR
The second equipment variant is a little less elegant, but really uncompromisingly designed for enduro use. For 8999 euros, you also get Fox Factory suspension, 12-speed gears from the Shimano XT range and four-piston brakes, also Shimano XT. And, thanks to Mondraker, a grippy Maxxis tyre combination of DHR II and DHF, each with a solid casing (EXO+). The DT Swiss H 1501 aluminium wheels are also high-quality and functional. A 500 Wh option is only available on the top model; the RR and R bikes come with a large 625 PowerTube as standard. The EMTB scale for this model remained at a very good, but no longer record-breaking 21.4 kilos (size M, tubeless).
Lower middle class: Mondraker Crafty Carbon R
The carbon fibre fun starts at 7499 euros. However, you have to make do with mediocre equipment compared to the price. Fox performance suspension, Sram GX/NX gears and G2 brakes. Plus in-house Onoff components. However, at 21.9 kilos, the weight is still well below the usual values of the Bosch competition.
The geometry of the Mondraker Crafty Carbon
As usual with Mondraker, the characteristic Forward Geometry is used. This means that the main frame is extremely long, while the stem is very short. Four sizes from S to XL are available. The reach is between 450 (Small) and 510 millimetres (XLarge). The chainstays are not excessively short at 455 millimetres. Mondraker hopes that this will result in balanced handling behaviour. The geometry of the Crafty Carbon is identical to that of its aluminium counterpart.
EMTB riding impression Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR SL
The geometry and chassis of the carbon Crafty are the same as the aluminium version, which has been completely redesigned for 2020 around the fourth-generation Bosch motor. The aluminium Crafty RR has already impressed us in our big enduro comparison test (EMTB 4/2019). It goes without saying that its noble carbon brother did not disappoint on the trails in Lousa, Portugal. The riding characteristics are very balanced in two respects: The bike can score points both uphill and downhill and feels comfortable in challenging terrain without appearing too sedate on shallow trails. At the presentation of the bike, we were able to test the € 12,000 top version - however, Mondraker had knowingly swapped the specified Rekon tyres from Maxxis for a much grippier DHF/DHR II combination. A logical tuning, because the original tyres would have severely limited the off-road characteristics of the bike - not only in the extremely wet conditions on our test days.
Thanks to the long main frame, you sit on the Crafty in a pleasantly sporty position, but by no means stretched out. The steep seat angle positions the rider centrally above the bike. This means that even steep ramps can be conquered with confidence. The moderately long chainstays keep the front wheel on the ground and provide plenty of control on climbs. In addition, the rear suspension is stable in its travel and works very actively. The Crafty can definitely climb! Going downhill, the first thing you notice is the unagitated handling. On the one hand, the long bike provides a lot of security, but can also be manoeuvred nimbly around corners. The agility is not least due to the low weight of the bike and the light carbon wheels. However, if you want to move the bike onto the rear wheel to surf through obstacles or bumps, you need to apply a lot of force. Nevertheless, jumping is exactly the Crafty's taste, as the sporty, firm rear end gives the bike plenty of pop.
The rear suspension also swallows larger obstacles willingly. However, not without leaving the rider in the dark about the surface. More comfortable rear suspension is available here. Sporty and experienced riders will be happy about this. The strong end progression always has reserves for really hard hits. With the classic setup (around 30 per cent sag), the full suspension travel is only used when things get really bumpy. The large 29er wheels provide additional stability on rough terrain.
Pleasing: The background noise of the Mondraker Crafty Carbon is quiet compared to other bikes with the new Bosch motor. Both the motor noise and the rattling of the gears were much more discreet than on some Bosch competitors. Overall, we even found the bike to be pleasantly quiet.
CONCLUSION: The EMTB magazine on the Mondraker Crafty Carbon
With the permanently integrated battery in the Crafty Carbon, Mondraker has taken a bold step in favour of an extremely low weight. This narrows down the potential group of buyers from the outset. For those who make a conscious decision in favour of this, the carbon Crafty is probably the lightest E-MTB with a Bosch motor currently available and is a universal riding machine with superb handling. Despite the record weight, the bike is not the ultimate in playfulness - but it is impressive both downhill and on extreme climbs. The downside is that you have to dig deep into your pocket for this carbon bullet.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
