Mondraker release all-new sub-20 kg Crafty Carbon RR SL eMTB for 2020
Mondraker have just announced an all-new lineup of Crafty Carbon eMTBs featuring 160/150 mm travel, 29” wheels, Bosch Performance CX motors and 625 Wh integrated batteries as well as impressively low weight and much more! Read all the most important information right here!
The Crafty Carbon is Mondraker’s top of the line enduro all-rounder. All models share the same 160/150 mm suspension travel, roll on 29” wheels and are powered by the Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 motor and an integrated, non-removable 625 Wh battery. The Crafty RR SL will also be available with the smaller 500 Wh battery, for those who care more about riding performance than extended range.
Features of the new Mondraker Crafty Carbon
The new Crafty Carbon lineup has a host of new features, starting with the new carbon frame. All the new carbon frames are constructed from Mondraker’s premium Stealth Air Carbon, which the brand claim has allowed them to achieve the lightest possible weight without compromising on reliability whilst still reaching optimum stiffness in all areas of the frame. Mondraker have succeeded in reaching a very low frame weight, with the Crafty Carbon RR SL weighing in at just 19.3kg in size Medium with a 500 Wh Powertube battery.
For 2020, Mondraker have also optimised their Zero Suspension System (a virtual pivot with two moving links) for eMTB use. Refinements are claimed to include less chain growth and less brake-jack, as well as increased initial suppleness and end-stroke progression. All Crafty Carbon models come specced with FOX DPS metric sized and Trunnion mounted shocks that have been specifically tuned for the new Zero E-Bike Optimised system.
The three Crafty Carbon models are specced with the popular Bosch Performance CX Gen 4 motor (Click here to see how the new Bosch eMTB motor compares against the competition). The 625 Wh Powertube powering it is sleekly integrated, however, it is not removable meaning you will have to bring your Crafty Carbon inside and attach the charger directly to the bike when charging the battery. It also means that you cannot ride with a spare battery to further extend the Crafty’s range. As mentioned, the flagship Crafty Carbon RR SL is also available with an integrated and non-removable 500 Wh Powertube, for those chasing the lowest weight possible.
Mondraker have engineered a cooling airflow system into the frame, which should help to dissipate heat and keep the Bosch system performing at its best. The air enters through the cooling grills at the headtube and travels down past the battery, and is then expelled through an opening at the opposite end of the battery. We can’t comment on the cooling system’s effectiveness just yet, however, the intake ports look to be visibly smaller than those found on the Merida eONE-SIXTY.
Crafty Carbon R and RR models also benefit from Mondraker’s Hidden Housing Guide technology for their gear cable, rear brake hose and internal dropper cables. The Crafty Carbon RR SL comes specced with SRAM’s wireless AXS dropper and shifting, therefore only the rear brake cable is routed through the frame. All models come as standard with an Acros Internal Cable Routing headset which should keep the cockpit neat and tidy.
Finishing touches include the use of Enduro MAX bearings in the suspension links, an integrated dropout speed sensor and an oversized 1.5” headtube and steerer. The new chainstay and motor covers have also been designed to finish the Crafty Carbon frame with style.
Geometry of the Mondraker Crafty Carbon
The Crafty Carbon gets treated to Mondraker’s Forward Geometry concept, which has also been slightly refined for their 2020 bikes. Mondraker are eager to stress that they believe they have found the sweet spot for eMTB geometry, however, we will have to test the Crafty Carbon before we can confirm or deny these claims. The Crafty Carbon’s head angle sits at a relatively slack 65.5°, paired with the 160 mm travel FOX 36 with a 44 mm offset. The seat tube angle comes in at 76°, and the chainstays are 455 mm long on all models.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 380 mm | 420 mm | 450 mm | 480 mm |
| Top tube | 605 mm | 625 mm | 650 mm | 670 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 110 mm | 130 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° |
| Seat angle | 76° | 76° | 76° | 76° |
| Chainstay | 455 mm | 455 mm | 455 mm | 455 mm |
| BB Height | 350 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1225 mm | 1245 mm | 1270 mm | 1290 mm |
| Reach | 450 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm | 510 mm |
| Stack | 622 mm | 622 mm | 640 mm | 640 mm |
The Mondraker Crafty Carbon lineup
The all-new Mondraker Crafty Carbon lineup consists of three models: the flagship Crafty Carbon RR SL (11.999 €), the Crafty Carbon RR (8.999 €) and the Crafty Carbon R (7.499 €). The Crafty Carbon RR SL and RR models will be available to purchase from the beginning of December 2019, and the Crafty R will hit the market in March 2020.
Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR SL
The Crafty Carbon RR SL is the flagship model in Mondraker’s new eMTB lineup. Its spec is than drool-worthy, however, at the not so modest price of 11,999 €, we would expect nothing less. Highlights include its FOX Factory suspension, wireless SRAM Eagle XO1 AXS drivetrain and RockShox Reverb AXS dropper and Shimano XTR 4-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors front and rear. The Crafty Carbon RR SL rolls on DT Swiss HXC1200 Carbon wheels fitted with MAXXIS Rekon 29×2.6” tires in their EXO+ casing.
Fork FOX 36 Factory Fit4 160 mm
Rear shock FOX DPS Factory 150 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR M9120 4-piston 203 mm rotor (f/r)
Drivetrain SRAM Eagle XO1 AXS
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth AXS
Stem Onoff Krypton FG 30 mm
Bars Onoff Krypton Carbon 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss HXC1200 Carbon Spline 29
Tires Maxxis Rekon 29×2.6″ 3C MAXX TERRA, EXO+ Protection
Weight 19.9 kg with 625 Wh Powertube / 19.3 kg with 500 Wh Powertube (Size Medium)
Price 11,999 €
Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR
The Crafty Carbon RR shares the same FOX Factory suspension as it’s flagship stablemate, however, it comes equipped with a full Shimano XT 12-speed groupset including Shimano’s XT M8120 4-piston stoppers and 203 mm rotors front and back. DT Swiss HX1501 wheels and MAXXIS Minion DHF/DHRII 29×2.6” tires finish off the solid build.
Fork FOX 36 Factory Fit4 160 mm
Rear shock FOX DPS Factory 150 mm
Brakes Shimano XT M8120 4-piston 203 mm rotor (f/r)
Drivetrain Shimano XT M8100 12-speed
Seatpost Onoff Pija Dropper
Stem Onoff Krypton FG 30 mm
Bars Onoff Krypton Carbon 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss HX1501 Spline One 29
Tires Maxxis Minion DHF/DHRII 29×2.6″ 3C MAXX TERRA, EXO+ Protection
Weight 21.3 kg with 625 Wh Powertube (Size Medium)
Price 8,999 €
Mondraker Crafty Carbon R
The “entry-level” build in the Crafty Carbon lineup is kitted out with workhorse componentry and comes in at 7,499 €. FOX takes care of the suspension with a budget-conscious spec. The FOX 36 Performance takes care of things up front, and a FOX DPS Performance shock controls the rear-wheel travel. SRAM provide their GX/NX Eagle drivetrain and G2 RSC brakes, paired with 200 mm rotors at both ends.
Fork FOX 36 Performance FIT GRIP 160 mm
Rear shock FOX DPS Performance 150 mm
Brakes SRAM G2 RSC 200 mm rotor (f/r)
Drivetrain SRAM GX/NX Eagle
Seatpost Onoff Pija Dropper
Stem Onoff Krypton FG 30 mm
Bars Onoff Krypton 1.0 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss H1900 Spline 29
Tires Maxxis Minion DHF/DHRII 29×2.6″ 3C MAXX TERRA, EXO+ Protection
Weight 21.8 kg with 625 Wh Powertube (Size Medium)
Price 7,499 €
Our first thought about the new Mondraker Crafty Carbon
The new Mondraker Crafty Carbon looks to be an exciting development in the Spanish brand’s eMTB lineup. The low weight looks promising but it has to be considered that the battery is not removable, meaning you can’t switch it during the ride and have to have a charging setup with space for the whole bike. Also, you will have to change the tires to unleash the bike’s full potential which will increase the overall weight. However, we are still looking forward to bringing you a full review soon, and finding out if its low weight, refined suspension and updated geometry let the Crafty Carbon fulfill Mondraker’s bold performance claims.
Never heard of Mondraker? Then don’t miss our review on the Mondraker Level RR to find out how Mondraker bikes fit in the eMTB market. For more information head to mondraker.com
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Words: Photos: Sebas Romero
