Mondraker Crafty with Bosch CX-R: Fox upside-down fork, new motor and lighter

In autumn 2024, the the Spaniards from Mondraker are putting their successful Crafty e-bike on a new footing. In addition to the new Bosch motor, the powerful all-mountain bike has also been given a completely new frame with new kinematics. Now Mondraker is following up with a major facelift of the three top models. The reason: Brand new components from Bosch and Fox.

However, anyone looking for an affordable e-mountainbike will not benefit from this update. This is because the new parts can only be fitted to the three top-of-the-range Crafty models with full carbon frames. In other words, the Crafty RR SL, Crafty XR and Crafty RR S. Cost: 12,999, 11,999 and 9999 euros respectively (>> available here). All three models will come with the Bosch CX-R, which was introduced in spring. Compared to the "normal" Bosch CX, the R (formerly for "Race") model is slightly lighter. Bosch claims around 100 grams. The technical improvements also include ceramic bearings and titanium axles, which together should ensure greater efficiency and durability.

>> What can the new Bosch Performance CX-R do? To the big test!

A highlight of the CX-R is the exclusive Race mode, which is only available on this engine. The thrust is released here in a particularly concise and aggressive manner and remains at full power right up to the switch-off limit. The focus here is on maximum speed for racing. A special feature is the very long and precise overrun. Now that Bosch has developed the EMTB+ mode for the classic CX, the advantages of the Race mode are manageable. This makes sense for racing, but the other modes are probably the better choice for classic E-MTB use.

In terms of performance, the CX-R is really powerful with 100 Newton metres and 750 watts of peak power. However, the classic CX also delivers the same performance values after the last update.

>> This is how it works: Update Bosch CX to 100 Nm!

The Kiox 400C, on the other hand, offers a tangible advantage. The new display sits slim and well protected in the top tube. It is also crisp, easy to read and provides a lot of information. A navigation view is also included. If you want to charge a mobile phone or GPS while riding, you can do so via the hidden USB-C socket on the display. All three Craftys mentioned above also receive this update ex works.

Talk-of-town: Fox Podium upside-down suspension fork

The exclusive Fox Podium suspension fork is available for the two downhill-orientated models Crafty XR and RR S from Mondraker. On the XR even with 170 instead of 160 mm travel. The super-expensive upside-down fork has already convinced us in the test.