The Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

Combining 170/150 mm of travel front and rear, the Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD presents itself with a distinctly radical look. To do justice to its wild temperament, Mondraker have upgraded the 2023 model to a Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor. Did we manage to tame the hot-blooded € 11,999 e-bruiser?

**Mondraker** Crafty Carbon XR LTD | Bosch Performance Line CX-R/750 Wh | 170/150 mm (f/r)
23.4 kg in size L | € 11,999 | Manufacturer’s website

With its elegant yet aggressive frame silhouette, the Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD looks brutally fast even when stationary, resembling the graceful power of a Spanish race horse. In our 2023 eMTB test, Mondraker enter the race with a limited edition of their e-stallion, which comes with a brand-new Bosch Performance Line CX Race motor and updated spec. However, the latest descendant of the Crafty dynasty relies on the same elegant square-edged carbon frame as its predecessor, which took part in our 2021 group test. We put the Mondraker through the wringer in its homeland to find out how it fares against the hottest bikes of the season.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

Classic looks and tons of power – what is the Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD capable of?

With the 2023 Crafty Carbon XR LTD, Mondraker remain true to themselves, relying on the same distinctive, modern design language that has set them apart from the crowd for almost a decade. The elegant paint finish with golden shimmer is rounded off by flashy, yellow decals on the down tube, which ensure a bold look even when stationary.

**Clean and tidy**
By routing the cables through the headset directly into the frame, Mondraker can dispose of the cable ports. This ensures a tidy look but makes servicing the bike more difficult.

**Confident appearance**
The designers of Mondraker have definitely not held back and given the Crafty XR LTD a confident and radical look.

**Packs a punch!**
The Bosch Performance Line CX-R motor is like a V8 engine among eMTBs.

**Shut it!**
Mondraker’s proprietary charging port provides good haptic feedback and closes securely.

At the heart of Mondraker’s new racehorse lies Bosch’s brand-new Performance Line CX Race motor, which churns out 85 Nm torque and can be only found in two more bikes in this test. Mondraker sacrificed the weakest Eco mode in favour of the super-direct Race support mode, but if you like to ride with as little assistance as possible, you’ll get on well with Bosch’s dynamic and progressive Tour+ mode. The motor is combined with a Bosch System Controller integrated in the top tube and a minimalist yet intuitive mini-remote on the handlebars – all topped off with a Kiox 300 display. However, the latter sits right in front of the cockpit, where it’s exposed to impacts in the event of a crash – sometimes less is more in our opinion! The 750 Wh battery is permanently integrated into the down tube and cannot be removed for charging, which is a pain if you live in a flat without a garage or basement. Mondraker’s proprietary charging port is easy and intuitive to use, and has finally been repositioned from its awkward position at the bottom of the down tube to the transition between the head tube and down tube.

**Straight, straighter, Mondraker**
In typical Mondraker fashion, the Crafty XR LTD relies on a straight-lined frame silhouette.

**Racehorse or unicorn?**
The Kiox 300 display sits right at the front of the cockpit, where it’s dangerously exposed to impacts in the event of a crash.

**Consequent**
The rear brake mount is hidden in the very distinctive bend at the transition from seat stay and chain stay. Mondraker pulls its straightforward and striking design language through to the very last corner of the bike.

Without doubt, the highlight of the spec is the bling Öhlins suspension, which can only be found on one other bike in this test field, the Forestal Siryon. Both the fork and shock offer countless adjustment options, putting a massive grin on the faces of suspension nerds and racers. The rest of the spec is fairly consistent, except for the MAXXIS tires, which come in the thin EXO+ casing and hard MaxxTerra rubber compound, both front and rear. While these might be a good option for light riders with a clean, precise riding style, heavier and rowdier shredders should consider upgrading to more robust tires with a tougher casing. We would also recommend running a softer rubber compound at the front to improve traction.

Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD

€ 11,999

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX-R 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Kiox 300
Fork Öhlins RXF38 M.2 170 mm
Rear Shock Öhlins TTX Air 150 mm
Seatpost OnOff PIJA 170 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01/GX/NX 1x12
Stem ONOFF Krypton 30 mm
Handlebar ONOFF Krypton Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset Mavic E-Deemax S 29"
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra EXO+/MAXXIS Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ 2.6/2.6

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 23.4 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 126 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

Toolmount

Tuning tips: Front tire with softer MaxxGrip rubber compound | Other Kiox 300 holder, like the ACID holder or no display at all

How does the Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD fare on the trail?

The Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD knows exactly what it wants and what it’s good at: conquering steep climbs and descents, preferably in a straight line! But first things first: on flat transition trails, the Crafty isn’t the most comfortable bike out there, feeling awkwardly long and placing you in a stretched pedalling position, which makes it one of the least comfortable candidates on long tours. As the gradient increases, the Mondraker’s forward geometry comes into its own, especially when negotiating steep climbs, where the interplay between the stretched pedalling position, long chainstays and powerful motor works a treat. Even on steep climbs, the front wheel remains planted on the ground, allowing you to sit upright for far longer than most other bikes in this test. The powerful race motor delivers its power directly, while its long overrun overlooks small gaps in the pedal stroke, allowing you to negotiate nasty ledges without breaking a sweat. Overall, the Mondraker is a competent climber, making its way towards the trailhead alongside the FLYER Uproc, provided you’re riding in a straight line. On winding uphill trails, however, the super-long Crafty Carbon XR LTD lacks agility, making you feel as if you were trying to turn a container-ship around in a bathtub.

**Fasten your seat belts!**
The Crafty knows no speed limit on straight trails.

**Hold the reins.**
When the trail gets windy, the Mondraker still wants to go straight! To prevent this, you’ll have to ride the bike very actively.

When you point the Crafty’s muzzle downhill, you better shred your way back down into the valley in a straight line. On moderate, flat trails, the Mondraker feels sluggish and underchallenged, requiring a great deal of physical effort to make it do what you want it to. In other words, it’s like trying to make a racehorse perform like a trick pony. On fast, technical trails, on the other hand, it’s a completely different beast. Here it gallops away confidently and inspires huge amounts of confidence, providing huge reserves while at the same time offering plenty of feedback from the ground. The Crafty Carbon XR LTD knows no speed limits, as long as you smash your way down the mountain in a straight line. When the trail gets tight and twisty, the geometry shows its dark side, making it hard to swing the super-long Crafty around corners. Other bikes with the same level of composure, like the Transition Repeater and Santa Cruz Heckler, are far more agile in this respect. Especially in flat corners, you have to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking, and the hard rubber compound doesn’t help either! Although spontaneous line changes require great physical effort, the Crafty implements them willingly and with great precision. Simply put, the Crafty Carbon XR LTD does full justice to its appearance, refusing to be normal or average, instead presenting itself as a radical and unique specimen – which it is!

The Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD is a bike of contrasts: extremely fast on straight trails, very demanding on tight, winding trails.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	615 mm	635 mm	660 mm	680 mm
Seat tube	380 mm	420 mm	450 mm	480 mm
Head tube	110 mm	110 mm	130 mm	130 mm
Head angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
Seat angle	75.0°	75.0°	75.0°	75.0°
Chainstays	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm
BB Drop	17 mm	17 mm	17 mm	17 mm
Wheelbase	1,235 mm	1,255 mm	1,280 mm	1,300 mm
Reach	440 mm	460 mm	480 mm	500 mm
Stack	632 mm	632 mm	650 mm	650 mm

**Helmet** SMITH Forefront | **Glasses** Melon Optics Kingpin | **Hip Pack** CAMELBAK Flow 4 | **Jersey** DHaRCO Driftwood | **Pants** DHaRCO Gravity Pants | **Shoes** Crankbrothers Mallet BOA | **Socks** Stance

Who should take a closer look at the Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD and who should look elsewhere?

The Mondraker Crafty XR LTD isn’t and doesn’t want to be your average bike, looking down on the other horses in the stable and their weekend-riders while impatiently waiting for an experienced jockey. However, the jockey needs to have the right skills to deal with the abrupt race mode and keep the front wheel planted in corners. Inexperienced riders should steer clear of the spirited Spaniard or limit themselves to taking it grazing on straight, open trails.

Uphill, the long chainstays help Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD to keep the front wheel planted on the ground when the powerful CX Race motor pushes strongly.

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the Mondraker Crafty Carbon XR LTD

With the Mondraker Crafty XR LTD, the Spanish manufacturer has delivered a consistent overall package. The coherent spec, race motor and radical handling make it truly special – and the elegant Öhlins suspension is just the cherry on top! However, the Crafty doesn’t want to be average, and neither is it a bike for the masses. Instead, it’s aimed at riders who know what they want and have the right skills to tame its wild character on the trail. If you know what you’re doing, the Crafty XR LTD allows you to reach speeds previously unthought of – until you hit the first corner!

Tops

Distinctive, aggressive look
Strong climber in a straight line
Very composed

Flops

Display is exposed in the event of a crash
Lack of agility on narrow trails
Battery can’t be removed for charging

You can find out more about at mondraker.com

The test field