I've got a crafty 2022 with the gen 4 and never going back to any other brand, no (getting used to the bike) period, just first time on it felt natural and works perfectly
It’s a really good looking bike. I’m liking the Shimano Steps style display of this new Gen 5 motor too. This is also a really well put together video with a nice amount of detail, which shows both the + ve’s and the -ve’s, so it’s seems nicely well balanced. Keep up the great work!
Complete review based on interesting rider feelings, love it!! You’re riding hard 💪🏼 And lots of video-poetry details which make your video more entertaining. Quality!!!! 👌🏼
I've got the previous model Crafty R and I love it. Great bike, very stable and confidence inspiring. I also have the new Stumpy 15 (not an ebike) and they are very different. The Crafty is super stable and can plow whereas the Stumpy is super sporty feeling and encourages you to flick your way down the trail, through the berms etc. I love both and they both have their pro's.
...................or you can re mortgage ur council flat just to get to italy and MAYBE hire one of these . Sigh as I look at my trusty '21 Vitus . Not knockin rob the production quality of this vid is top notch and he seems like a chill guy . Nice review guys!
I agree with Rob about chainstay length. I have a devinci Troy xl (1st gen) with 426mm chainstays and it’s tough to climb anything. My Scott eride ransom has 465mm (large) chainstays and it’s night a day the difference.
Great review Rob, looks a nice improvement on the current crafty. You’re bang on with the tyres, I put on Continental Argotal onto my crafty which has made a massive difference to my rides.
The problem with the new "natural"(meaning lazy) feel and not slipping as much as the gen4 is that it makes the motor less capable. Gen4 was prone to slipping but it was instant power when touching the pedals and you could keep the motor on while doing a full crank back swithing the foot. So for going fast in terrain and doing techy sections gen4 is still the only choice.
Best reviews on E-bikes ! Nice work Rob . So …. Here’s the million dollar question… THIS or the Orbea Wild/ Rise would you choose if you had to pick one bike ? 👍🏾
@@RobRidesEMTB Based on all the reviews I've watched gen5 has slower power meaning it's worse for tech. Including your own. If that is the case then yeah gen5 is worse. I haven't seen you riding anything technical so maybe try riding something you need to actually crank the pedals and rhythm the bike. It's pretty obvious when your bike isn't giving power with the first stroke like gen4.
curious to see that it doesn't appear to have the larger cut-out on the top tube (with partial blanking plate) that some of the other Bosch Gen 5 bikes seem to have
Exactly what I was thinking. This seems to be almost perfect, but the option to have a (presumably much better) display down the line would have been nice. It pretty much ticks every other box for me.
@@Mockle07apparently one of the new Ghost e-bikes show the new Bosch display screen in the top tube haven’t seen it myself but apparently it’s on Ghosts website 🤷♂️
Perhaps this bike has been in development for a while and they got the information about that upgrade from Bosch too late. Maybe for next year? I am making a complete guess though.
Great review…and you look faster any time you publish a new video! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 what’s the name of the technical uphill trail at minute 7, and in general, what are the most challenging eMTB uphill trails in Finale?
Thanks for this review ! It's becoming harder and harder to decide ! It would be interesting to do a Spanish confrontation with the orbea wild 2025! Do you think you will test it?
Great review. I just got an amazing deal on the 2024 Carbon RR. Some nice changes on this model. Did you change any of the spec? Looks like a different stem?
it's because that stupid UDH, without that, they could put 2 rear axle holes/options :/ however I prefer shorter chain stays for playfulness than long for climbing.
I love my 2022 Crafty RR. Been waiting for the replacement. Looks like they have made a lot of well thought out upgrades and improvements. I'm cross shopping the Crestline. How do they compare?
@robridesemtb Rob, do you know if there was any plan for other production bikes to come with the larger toptube display blanking plate like all the other manufacturers, as we all know there is going to be an updated toptube display module (like the dpi display) coming in the near future?
Is it possible to ride with just the bottle battery? What is the anti-squat and anti-rise of this suspension? Is it possible to retrofit with Shimano XT Di2? Can a double crown fork be used? What is the maximum insertion depth for the dropper seatpost? Are the motor covers compatible with the Bosch GPS hardware? How does the GX Transmission work without a battery? Where are the cables and adapters routed? Can the Bosch PowerTube 400 also be mounted?
Is it a funny bike to ride downhill? I feel it more planted and less playful than other bike. Seems to be a bike to go as fast as possible down but not much a jumper? Thanks for your answer
While the 2025 model brings some important and welcomed improvements like the geometry, cable routing, new motor, it also has some major drawbacks ☹ compared to the previous Crafty Carbon: 1. shock going through the seat tube, which results in a very limited dropper post insertion - no one wants or likes that in a modern bike. The previous design was way better in this regard, strange to see this decision, while Santa Cruz just dropper their VPP for this reason 2. big , fat, square downtube - I know Bosch is to blame here for the big 800 Wh battery , but it would have been a great idea to release the light versions with the 600 Wh battery having a slimmer downtube like the new Santa Cruz Vala 3. The slimmer headtube looks worse than the fatter previous carbon model, especially now with the fat downtube. Very disproportioned I’ll guess I’ll keep my current Carbon Crafty , maybe next generation goes back to a design that makes sense for the rider also.
That would be a great test. there's some differences between the Pinion motor in the lowest gears (very high torque) - the bosch is a bit smoother. The Mondraker has a longer chainstay, which definitely helps though.
Thanks Rob. I've been waiting for this for a couple of weeks, big decision was if pick up a 24 model goung cheap or wait wnd see these ones. I think overall I've seen enough to want one of these. Do you know the weight difference between thos current model and this one?
I was riding a dry creek bed and found I had to walk my bike up some tougher sections, I had the brilliant idea of popping my Levo up on its back wheel and pushing the walk button in order to stand behind the bike and usher it up these narrow nasty rocks. Do you know if as you say this bike has a sensor for incline angle if the walk button (assuming it has one?) still works when it is totally vertical?
Hi, what about putting a more common 40 or 45mm stem instead of the stock 30mm? Does this change too much what the forward geometry is supposed to be or is it fine? For an all around use, 30mm sounds too extreme to me(but i could be wrong) in the video it seems you already have changed the stem…i’m a M/L size
@@MrRobertsonAGSDT I'm also interested... He says: "Usually I'm riding XL frames". So I think he's riding an L. I'm 6"2, and I usually ride XL frames. If you check the size table @Mondraker the recommended frame based on the rider size is on the smaller side - same for the SLY. You are on the recommended end of M/L and in the beginning of L. If you like a more stable bike and a longer dropper, I'd go for L. But that's all riders' preference. The only solution: Go to a dealer and sit on the bike and test. Choose what feels best. I'll also check XL vs L and decide...
Funny how everyone but Bosch is calling the motor a Gen 5, they haven't even stated in any press that it's a Gen 5, and yet everyone is calling it the Gen 5, all Bosch say in their marketing is that new functions will be added in model year 2025.
Bosch need to get better at naming their new motors! Officially this new motor is called “BDU38” which is the least exciting name in the world. We are used to new models having numerical iterations to define the models (eg iPhone 16, PS5, GoPro 13 etc etc. No one will remember BDU38, so in search of a better name to describe the new motor, a lot of us chose Gen 5 (ie newer than the Gen 4) to make it easier to understand!
Why have Mondraker put their charging port near the bottom of the bike where it will pick up water and mud?? I’ve got the 24 Crafty Carbon and the port is at the top of the bike keeping it dry.
These bikes are all similar at each price point, the only one I would be interested in is the pinion mgu. The rest are all the same and don’t really offer much.
I've got a crafty 2022 with the gen 4 and never going back to any other brand, no (getting used to the bike) period, just first time on it felt natural and works perfectly
Same it’s practically perfect my fave bike overall
just a little long. for my crafty rr2021 will be best on shirter mullet
@@valec1986 mine was mulleted
It was horrid changed it back to 29
Umm I’m Looking between the new Santa Cruz vala n the pivot shuttle lt and this but I want to stick with 29r!! This does seem to tick all the boxes
Love the stability of long chainstays and the removeable battery is a huge win! Nice review and amazing emtb.
Removable battery, Mondraker back on my radar 👍
amen
It’s a really good looking bike. I’m liking the Shimano Steps style display of this new Gen 5 motor too. This is also a really well put together video with a nice amount of detail, which shows both the + ve’s and the -ve’s, so it’s seems nicely well balanced. Keep up the great work!
Complete review based on interesting rider feelings, love it!! You’re riding hard 💪🏼 And lots of video-poetry details which make your video more entertaining. Quality!!!! 👌🏼
The bike looks interesting, nice frame, and good integration of the rear shock.😀
I've got the previous model Crafty R and I love it. Great bike, very stable and confidence inspiring. I also have the new Stumpy 15 (not an ebike) and they are very different. The Crafty is super stable and can plow whereas the Stumpy is super sporty feeling and encourages you to flick your way down the trail, through the berms etc. I love both and they both have their pro's.
...................or you can re mortgage ur council flat just to get to italy and MAYBE hire one of these . Sigh as I look at my trusty '21 Vitus . Not knockin rob the production quality of this vid is top notch and he seems like a chill guy . Nice review guys!
I agree with Rob about chainstay length. I have a devinci Troy xl (1st gen) with 426mm chainstays and it’s tough to climb anything. My Scott eride ransom has 465mm (large) chainstays and it’s night a day the difference.
Great review Rob, looks a nice improvement on the current crafty. You’re bang on with the tyres, I put on Continental Argotal onto my crafty which has made a massive difference to my rides.
Long chainstay and a mullet will always be the goat
This rig in a mullet setup, killer.
nice to see bike with removable battery !! it's said it's so high ! (all the weight), comparing to Levo for example.
The problem with the new "natural"(meaning lazy) feel and not slipping as much as the gen4 is that it makes the motor less capable. Gen4 was prone to slipping but it was instant power when touching the pedals and you could keep the motor on while doing a full crank back swithing the foot. So for going fast in terrain and doing techy sections gen4 is still the only choice.
Have you tried the Gen 5? I dont feel that the Gen 4 is better in techy sections...
Best reviews on E-bikes ! Nice work Rob . So …. Here’s the million dollar question… THIS or the Orbea Wild/ Rise would you choose if you had to pick one bike ? 👍🏾
@@RobRidesEMTB Based on all the reviews I've watched gen5 has slower power meaning it's worse for tech. Including your own. If that is the case then yeah gen5 is worse.
I haven't seen you riding anything technical so maybe try riding something you need to actually crank the pedals and rhythm the bike. It's pretty obvious when your bike isn't giving power with the first stroke like gen4.
Removable battery and no cables through the headset. We're healing!
True dat, finally...
I’m thinking of getting this or the Orbea wild. I really love the removable battery and no headset cable routing.
Rob. When will we see the review of Amflow bike you built up please ???
curious to see that it doesn't appear to have the larger cut-out on the top tube (with partial blanking plate) that some of the other Bosch Gen 5 bikes seem to have
Exactly what I was thinking. This seems to be almost perfect, but the option to have a (presumably much better) display down the line would have been nice. It pretty much ticks every other box for me.
@@Mockle07apparently one of the new Ghost e-bikes show the new Bosch display screen in the top tube haven’t seen it myself but apparently it’s on Ghosts website 🤷♂️
Perhaps this bike has been in development for a while and they got the information about that upgrade from Bosch too late. Maybe for next year? I am making a complete guess though.
Great review…and you look faster any time you publish a new video! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 what’s the name of the technical uphill trail at minute 7, and in general, what are the most challenging eMTB uphill trails in Finale?
prefer the looks of the previous model 😮
Same here, have the past gen crafty RR and it looks so much slicker, especially the downtube
Thanks for this review ! It's becoming harder and harder to decide !
It would be interesting to do a Spanish confrontation with the orbea wild 2025! Do you think you will test it?
Great Review as allways Rob! Did I miss the weight of the bike?
Great review. I just got an amazing deal on the 2024 Carbon RR. Some nice changes on this model. Did you change any of the spec? Looks like a different stem?
Beautiful bike
The reason we all want an ebike is because the downhill trails are far more fun
Great review! How would you compare the Crafty to the Amflow PL, especially in terms of downhill capability?
Why havent you reviewed your Amflow yet Rob???
it's because that stupid UDH, without that, they could put 2 rear axle holes/options :/
however I prefer shorter chain stays for playfulness than long for climbing.
I love my 2022 Crafty RR. Been waiting for the replacement. Looks like they have made a lot of well thought out upgrades and improvements. I'm cross shopping the Crestline. How do they compare?
@robridesemtb Rob, do you know if there was any plan for other production bikes to come with the larger toptube display blanking plate like all the other manufacturers, as we all know there is going to be an updated toptube display module (like the dpi display) coming in the near future?
Only a few have it from what I have seen - the new Orbea wild for example. I’m really surprised that this doesn’t have that option.
Trek Rail +. When will we have review?
Is it possible to ride with just the bottle battery?
What is the anti-squat and anti-rise of this suspension?
Is it possible to retrofit with Shimano XT Di2?
Can a double crown fork be used?
What is the maximum insertion depth for the dropper seatpost?
Are the motor covers compatible with the Bosch GPS hardware?
How does the GX Transmission work without a battery? Where are the cables and adapters routed?
Can the Bosch PowerTube 400 also be mounted?
Rob, any chance you will be dropping a video soon of your testing and riding in Whistler this fall?
Yes 👍
Is it a funny bike to ride downhill? I feel it more planted and less playful than other bike. Seems to be a bike to go as fast as possible down but not much a jumper? Thanks for your answer
While the 2025 model brings some important and welcomed improvements like the geometry, cable routing, new motor, it also has some major drawbacks ☹ compared to the previous Crafty Carbon:
1. shock going through the seat tube, which results in a very limited dropper post insertion - no one wants or likes that in a modern bike. The previous design was way better in this regard, strange to see this decision, while Santa Cruz just dropper their VPP for this reason
2. big , fat, square downtube - I know Bosch is to blame here for the big 800 Wh battery , but it would have been a great idea to release the light versions with the 600 Wh battery having a slimmer downtube like the new Santa Cruz Vala
3. The slimmer headtube looks worse than the fatter previous carbon model, especially now with the fat downtube. Very disproportioned
I’ll guess I’ll keep my current Carbon Crafty , maybe next generation goes back to a design that makes sense for the rider also.
Even better climber than the now sadly no more - Pole Voima?
Rob, is it really a better climber than the pinion you loved so much?
That would be a great test. there's some differences between the Pinion motor in the lowest gears (very high torque) - the bosch is a bit smoother. The Mondraker has a longer chainstay, which definitely helps though.
Thanks Rob. I've been waiting for this for a couple of weeks, big decision was if pick up a 24 model goung cheap or wait wnd see these ones. I think overall I've seen enough to want one of these. Do you know the weight difference between thos current model and this one?
What travel insurance do you use when you go abroad? Does it cover you for all mountain bike activities?
I was riding a dry creek bed and found I had to walk my bike up some tougher sections, I had the brilliant idea of popping my Levo up on its back wheel and pushing the walk button in order to stand behind the bike and usher it up these narrow nasty rocks. Do you know if as you say this bike has a sensor for incline angle if the walk button (assuming it has one?) still works when it is totally vertical?
Hi, what about putting a more common 40 or 45mm stem instead of the stock 30mm? Does this change too much what the forward geometry is supposed to be or is it fine? For an all around use, 30mm sounds too extreme to me(but i could be wrong) in the video it seems you already have changed the stem…i’m a M/L size
how tall are you? great vid
Im 6"3
What frame size were you riding? This is the Mondraker I've been waiting for as I need a removable battery. I'm 6' not sure on ML or L any thoughts?
@@MrRobertsonAGSDT I'm also interested... He says: "Usually I'm riding XL frames". So I think he's riding an L. I'm 6"2, and I usually ride XL frames. If you check the size table @Mondraker the recommended frame based on the rider size is on the smaller side - same for the SLY.
You are on the recommended end of M/L and in the beginning of L. If you like a more stable bike and a longer dropper, I'd go for L. But that's all riders' preference.
The only solution: Go to a dealer and sit on the bike and test. Choose what feels best.
I'll also check XL vs L and decide...
Will next year's Bosch generation 6 fit the frame's bolt pattern and form factor?
Ransom eride that you haven't reviewed has same chainstay lenght. Btw why you never review scott bikes?
How is your Nicolai? Still waiting for a good review....
Funny how everyone but Bosch is calling the motor a Gen 5, they haven't even stated in any press that it's a Gen 5, and yet everyone is calling it the Gen 5, all Bosch say in their marketing is that new functions will be added in model year 2025.
Bosch need to get better at naming their new motors! Officially this new motor is called “BDU38” which is the least exciting name in the world. We are used to new models having numerical iterations to define the models (eg iPhone 16, PS5, GoPro 13 etc etc. No one will remember BDU38, so in search of a better name to describe the new motor, a lot of us chose Gen 5 (ie newer than the Gen 4) to make it easier to understand!
"probably best climbing ebike ever". Amflow would like a word.
rumours of a software update for the gen 5 ive read here and there, taking it upto over a 100nm
Without the long chain stays the amflo loops out.
@@tonym6633 no it dosent the Amflow has built in softwear to stop that happening.
@@dallasdrew2390 It either backs power off or loops out.
@@tonym6633 It reduces the power to the pedals it has a built in gyroscope that senses the bikes angle relative to the horizontal .
Why have Mondraker put their charging port near the bottom of the bike where it will pick up water and mud?? I’ve got the 24 Crafty Carbon and the port is at the top of the bike keeping it dry.
to connect the RE
I wonder about saddle height vis a vis the pierced seat tube. Frame tunnels strike me as a design choice best avoided by sacrificing a bottle mount.
Im interested 4 South Africa is how much?
These bikes are all similar at each price point, the only one I would be interested in is the pinion mgu. The rest are all the same and don’t really offer much.
Rearmags + chains are Obsolete- imagine the Crafty w Pinion MGU...=Perfect E Bike
It would be awesome if Bosch would update the current motor to be silent as well.
It’s a completely different mechanism, no chance it would be backward compatible.
Some of the internal components are now plastic which reduces the noise. doubt they’re interchangeable with gen4.
Uh I have a level r and hate it, great climber tho
Interesting
How much
Why is it sooo heavy?
Looks like a dune with a bigger motor
자전거 가격이 궁금합니다
Why would anyone spend that much money on a derailleur equipped bike. You could get a Pinion MGU bike for that sort of money.
seat stay looks high to me
This removable battery must be killer for riders who hits big rocks in mounaints. It will instantly boom with the fire.
what do you think?
No bike is worth $8000.00 The markup on these bikes is worse than the markup on jewelry or furniture but to each his own.