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, as detailed in a recent video, showcases her resilience and passion for the sport. The off-season was a time of reflection and recovery, highlighting the mental health benefits of riding a bike. Richter's return to racing with her own setup is a testament to her confidence and the support system around her.
Richter's bike setup is a fascinating blend of local and international components. She rides the 2nd generation Crossworx DASH MLT with mixed wheels, a 440 mm reach, and a 32 mm stem. The handlebar, from Bike Ahead Composites, is a 130 kg layup certified for e-Bikes, offering a 30 mm rise with 8.5 degree backsweep and 5 degree up, cut to 720 mm. The SRAM GX 11s mechanical derailleur and other components are a mix of locally produced German parts and European imports.
The DASH frame, welded by Richter's boyfriend who works at Crossworx, is a linkage-driven single pivot delivering 160 mm of rear wheel travel. With a 170 mm travel Intend Carbonite fork and a 230 mm x 65 mm Intend Hover Monocoque shock, the bike has a 64 degree head angle and a 78 degree seat angle. The wheelbase is 1210 mm, and the chainstay makes up 444 mm of that. The BB sits at 340 mm.
The drivetrain includes a 155 mm carbon crankset and 30T chainring from Hope, and a Garbaruk 11s cassette. Richter trains 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, and is paired with a True BC carbon wheelset laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs.
Richter's tires are Schwalbe Radial, with a Magic Mary Gravity Ultrasoft out front and a Tacky Chan Gravity Ultrasoft in the rear. She can 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, paired with 203 mm floating rotors and Sendhit Nock V3 hand guards. Richter opts for the 30 mm Ergon GDH grips, and the rig is completed with Hope Union TC Pedals, a 160 mm Bikeyoke Revive 3.0 dropper, and an Ergon SM Women saddle.
Richter's bike setup is a testament to her commitment to the sport and her desire to push the boundaries of what's possible. Her choice of components, both local and international, reflects her understanding of the sport and her ability to make informed decisions. As she prepares for the 2026 World Cup Enduro season, her bike setup is a key part of her strategy for success.
