Motorsports and mountain biking are two things that regularly collide, but in recent years, more so than ever. Brembo brakes have been spotted on Specialized’s downhill bikes, Ohlins has established itself as a key MTB suspension brand, and local brand HEL has developed brakes for mountain bikes. Mondraker also has a history of celebrating motor racing with its limited-edition Gulf-themed NEAT, and now, it’s given its full-power Crafty the very same treatment.
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That NEAT was an incredible-looking bike, so it goes without saying that it’s pretty exciting to see Mondraker give its Crafty the Gulf treatment. But rather than the characteristic blue and orange colourway found on McLaren’s 2021 Monaco F1 contender, the 1966 Ford GT40 and the 1970 Porsche 917, the Crafty goes for an arguably subtler blue and silver approach, with an orange pinstripe, inspired by the Porsche Kremer K8.
Many of those iconic Gulf race cars were prototypes, or one-offs, and with that in mind, the brand has taken the same direction with the Crafty Gulf, as you would expect. It’s a limited-edition bike with only a few available for sale, although Mondraker hasn’t stated how many will hit the market. However, each will be numbered and delivered with a matching touch-up paint kit, as well as a commemorative book about the story of the Crafty Gulf’s inspiration, the Porsche Kremer K8. The bike will also be supplied with a certificate of authenticity signed by Miguel Pina, Mondraker’s CEO, and Luis Martínez, the brand’s Global Product Manager.
It’s not just about an incredible paint job. Mondraker has gone all in on the specification too, having adorned the Crafty’s Stealth Carbon frame with Trickstuff’s Maxima brakes, Ohlins suspension front and rear, as well as a full suite of wireless componentry from SRAM and RockShox, with an XX Eagle T-Type drivetrain and Reverb AXS dropper post. There’s also a pair of Maxxis-wrapped DT Swiss HXC 1200 carbon wheels.
The Crafty is a Bosch-equipped e-MTB, providing 100Nm of torque combined with a removable 800Wh battery. Of course, that capacity can be boosted with a 250Wh PowerMore range extender.
Yep, you’ve guessed it, this bike won’t come cheap: Mondraker is asking for £15,000.
