Mondraker updates its Crusher enduro e-MTB
Like many of Mondraker's bikes, the e-Crusher was the world's first full-suspension, full-carbon e-MTB that came with an integrated battery. Since then, the bike's come a long way, pleasing pedal assist enduro enthusiasts along the way. Today, the brand has brought updates to its enduro e-MTB platform.
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Mondraker has built the Crusher around a frame that blends two of its technologies with the front triangle being constructed of Stealth Air Carbon fibre and the rear is Stealth Alloy. This decision was made to blend carbon's known weight-saving properties while offering the strength and durability associated with alloy.
It also follows a very similar aesthetic to the Crafty, Mondraker's Bosch equipped e-MTB, which allows a customer the choice of either Shimano or Bosch motors but without compromising on how the bike looks. And yes, this bike comes with Shimano's latest EP801 that offers 85Nm of torque and that's paired with a 720Wh battery.
Not only does the EP801 bring all of the updates we already know about, including a 2.7kg weight and a host of refinements, but the range-topping Crusher RR features Free Shift. Combined with the XT Di2 rear mech, this setup means that the rider can change gears without pedalling as the motor drives the chain without the rider turning the cranks.
Other features include 29-inch wheels and Mondraker's Zero suspension system with 150mm of squish at the rear and 160mm up front. Inside the front triangle are two bottle mounts and the Crusher can accommodate up to 2.6in tyres.
A hallmark of all Mondraker bikes is its innovative Forward Geometry concept which was introduced back in 2014. Since then, many bikes have adopted a similar geometry, making Mondraker's shapes look more normal, however, the Crusher's geometry remains firmly up to date.
On a large frame, the Crusher benefits from a 490mm reach with a 65-degree head tube angle and a 73.5-degree actual seat tube angle. There's then a 455mm chainstay and 1,285mm wheelbase.
There are three models available with the entry-level build getting a Fox 38 Float FIT GRIP EVOL fork, SRAM GX Eagle shifting and SRAM DB8 brakes. ONOFF handles the finishing kit and there's a set of Maxxis tyres.
Up the money and the mid-range crusher gets upgraded Ohlins suspensions and a SRAM XO1 drivetrain. Then the top of the range build gets a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain with the aforementioned Di2 mech and Free Shift technology.
The new Mondraker Crusher prices start at £6,300 with the mid-level build set at £7,500. Prices top out at £8,800.