The world of enduro racing is about to get a little more exciting as Raphaela Richter, the nine-time German National Enduro Champion, prepares to take on the 2026 World Cup Enduro season. With a successful shoulder surgery behind her, Rapha is ready to reclaim her place on the podium. Her bike of choice for this season is the Crossworx DASH MLT, a linkage-driven single pivot with 160 mm of rear wheel travel. The bike is a testament to the craftsmanship of Crossworx, a German brand based in Thuringia, where they produce all of their aluminum frames. Raphaela's boyfriend, who works at Crossworx, welded her frame, adding a personal touch to the bike.
One of the standout features of the DASH MLT is its mixed wheels, which offer a unique blend of performance and versatility. The bike is equipped with a 440 mm reach and 32 mm stem, providing a stable and responsive ride. The handlebar, made by Bike Ahead Composites, comes in two layups: a 105 kg layup certified for ASTM 3, or a 130 kg layup for e-Bikes, certified for ASTM 5 riding. Raphaela opts for the latter, with a 30 mm rise, 8.5 degree backsweep, and 5 degree up, cut to 720 mm.
The drivetrain on the DASH MLT is a mix of locally produced components and European-made parts. The SRAM GX 11s mechanical derailleur is a reliable choice, and the 155 mm carbon crankset and 30T chainring from Hope provide a smooth and efficient power transfer. Raphaela will upgrade to 12s with a SRAM XX1 derailleur for the races, ensuring she has the best possible setup for the demanding Enduro World Cup.
The Intend Carbonite fork, weighing in at 2 kg, is a significant upgrade over the Fox Podium, which is made of 7000-series aluminum. The fork is paired with an Intend Hover Monocoque shock, featuring a custom Cerakote finish that dissipates heat effectively. The carbon wheelset, from True BC, is laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs, providing a lightweight and responsive ride.
Schwalbe Radial tires are a key component of Raphaela's setup, with a Magic Mary Gravity Ultrasoft in the front and a Tacky Chan Gravity Ultrasoft in the rear. These tires allow her to run low pressures of 1,1 / 1,3 bar (or 16 / 19 PSI) in wet and soft conditions, ensuring optimal traction and control.
The cockpit of the bike is equipped with Hope GR4 EVO brakes, running at a specific angle of 35 degrees, and paired with 203 mm floating rotors. The Sendhit Nock V3 hand guards provide additional protection, and Raphaela opts for the slim 30 mm Ergon GDH grips. Hope Union TC Pedals, a 160 mm Bikeyoke Revive 3.0 dropper, and an Ergon SM Women saddle complete the rig, ensuring a comfortable and efficient riding position.
In conclusion, Raphaela Richter's Crossworx DASH MLT is a well-rounded and high-performance bike, designed to excel in the demanding Enduro World Cup. With her exceptional skills and a bike that is tailored to her needs, Raphaela is poised to make a strong showing in the 2026 season, and I for one am excited to see her compete.
