Mondraker Crafty+ Review

Both Crafty Plus models share the same frame made from Mondraker’s 6061 Stealth Evo Aluminium alloy. Like Mondraker’s regular full suspension mountain bikes, the Crafty features Forward Geometry. With a longer top tube, combined with a very short Stem, this makes the bike feel much more stable on steep sections, and at high speeds. Handling is also improved while climbing. This is because  the longer front end helps to keep the front wheel on the ground.

The Power Tube battery pack slots neatly into the downtube of the alloy frame which gives the bike its nice clean lines. There is even enough room inside the main frame for a bottle cage. This is a nice touch on an e bike even if it does need to be mounted under the Top Tube. This is because the Battery sits on, rather than under, the structural part of the Downtube.

The 150mm of rear wheel travel is delivered through Mondraker’s Zero Suspension system. This is a dual link design with the shock floating between the two-suspension links, so that it is compressed from both ends. This makes the rear suspension extremely sensitive on small bumps while still dishing up plenty of big hit potential. It’s called a Zero Suspension system because you get a very stable ride when pedalling, with no power loss. While this system eliminates pedal kick back when used with a 43t chainring, you do get a small amount with the very small chainring used with the Bosch motor.

Both models feature a Fox 36 Fork up front with a Fox DPX2 Rear Shock. While this setup might seem like overkill on a normal trail bike, it makes total sense on an e bike. This is because the extra weight of the drive unit puts extra strain on the suspension, so adding a little more support is just what you need on those rougher trails.

The Mondraker Crafty is fitted with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor and a 500Wh battery pack. With a maximum torque of 75Nm this isn’t the most powerful ebike motor available, but it is one of the most popular. This is thanks to the smooth power delivery, as well as a reputation for reliability. The PowerTube Battery pack sits neatly inside the down tube and can easily be charged both on and off the bike.

There are four different power modes that offer between 50% and 300% extra assistance to your natural pedalling power. eMTB mode is a new feature for Bosch and is one that most riders will embrace. This is because it automatically adjusts the amount of assistance depending on the amount of effort you put through the pedals, so you don’t need to change modes to get the most out of the motor. You also get a walk assist mode, so you can easily push back up the hill when sessioning trail sections with your mates.

Both bikes get a SRAM NX drivetrain with Race Face Aeffect ebike crankset. The difference between the two is that the Crafty RR+ gets the Eagle version with a 12 speed cassette while the R+ is 11 speed. While the range of the 11 speed Cassette is all you are likely to need when riding with other ebikers, the extra range of 12 speed means that you can easily ride at the same pace as your friends on regular bikes when the going gets steep.

Powerful brakes are important on an ebike, so it is good to see that both models have four Piston Callipers and large 200mm rotors front and rear. The Crafty R+ is fitted with Shimano MT520 brakes while the RR+ has the DH levels of stopping power offered by SRAM Codes. The OnOff finishing kit is good quality and both bikes are fitted with dropper Seatposts.

Both bikes are fitted with quality DT Swiss H1900 Spline wheels. The rims on these wheels are the wider versions with a 35mm inner rim width. This gives great support for the plus sized tyres, especially when running the lower tyre pressures that offer the most grip. The slight amount of extra weight added to the wheels isn’t an issue with an e MTB as you have the electric motor to get you up to speed.

Plus sized tyres make a lot of sense on an e bike. This is because the extra volume works well with the extra weight of the bike by offering extra grip and float. The 2.8” Maxxis Minion (front) and High Roller (rear) tyres offer plenty of grip even on the most challenging trails. The wheels and tyres are tubeless ready, so it is easy to get up and running with this puncture reducing technology.