Raphaela Richter, a nine-time German National Enduro Champion, is gearing up for her eighth season of racing in the Enduro World Cups. Her journey to becoming a privateer again is a testament to her resilience and passion for the sport. After a successful surgery to address her shoulder issue, Rapha is ready to take on the 2026 season with renewed confidence and a fresh setup.
One of the key components of her race bike is the Crossworx DASH MLT, a linkage-driven single pivot with 160 mm of rear wheel travel. The bike features a 440 mm reach and 32 mm stem, and is paired with a Bike Ahead Composites handlebar in a 130 kg layup for e-Bikes. The handlebar has a 30 mm rise with 8.5 degree backsweep and 5 degree up, cut to 720 mm.
The drivetrain consists of a SRAM GX 11s mechanical derailleur, a 155 mm carbon crankset and 30T chainring from Hope, and a Garbaruk 11s cassette. Rapha is training on this setup but will upgrade to 12s with a SRAM XX1 derailleur for the races.
The Intend Carbonite fork weighs an impressive 2 kg, some 700 grams lighter than the Fox Podium. It is paired with an Intend Hover Monocoque shock in 230 mm x 65 mm, with a custom Cerakote finish that is said to be good at dissipating heat. The carbon wheelset is from True BC, laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs. The 29" wheel has a rim with their "HD" layup with a 32 mm internal width and 28 spokes. In the rear, the 27.5" wheel is of the heavier DH variety, but also with 28 spokes.
Raphaela runs Schwalbe Radial tires; it's a Magic Mary Gravity Ultrasoft out front, with a Tacky Chan Gravity Ultrasoft in the rear. She is able to go to pressures as low as 1,1 / 1,3 bar (or 16 / 19 PSI) in very wet, soft conditions.
The cockpit features Hope GR4 EVO brakes run at a very specific angle of 35 degrees, paired with Hope's 203 mm floating rotors. Providing additional protection are the Sendhit Nock V3 hand guards. Rapha opts for the 30 mm Ergon GDH grips, which are the slim option.
Hope Union TC Pedals, a 160 mm Bikeyoke Revive 3.0 dropper and an Ergon SM Women saddle complete the rig.
What makes this bike particularly fascinating is the fact that it is a privateer setup, meaning Raphaela has full control over the design and components. This allows her to tailor the bike to her specific needs and preferences, which is crucial in a sport where every second counts. In my opinion, this level of customization is what separates the top athletes from the rest.
One thing that immediately stands out is the use of locally produced components, which not only supports German manufacturing but also ensures that the bike is lightweight and responsive. The fact that Raphaela's boyfriend works for Crossworx and welded her frame adds a personal touch to the story, showcasing the close relationship between athletes and their sponsors.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the choice of tires. Schwalbe Radial tires are known for their grip and durability, which is essential in a sport where riders often encounter challenging terrain. The ability to run low pressures in wet conditions further enhances the bike's performance and safety.
What this really suggests is that Raphaela Richter is a force to be reckoned with in the Enduro World Cups. Her dedication to her craft, combined with a bike that is tailored to her needs, will undoubtedly make her a contender for the top spot. From my perspective, this bike is a testament to the power of customization and the importance of supporting local manufacturing.
In conclusion, Raphaela Richter's race bike is a masterpiece of engineering and design, showcasing the potential of a privateer setup. Her journey to becoming a privateer again is a reminder that sometimes, the best solutions come from within the community. As she prepares for the 2026 season, I'm sure she will be a source of inspiration for riders and fans alike.
