We won’t have to go without a crop new KTM bikes for 2019. Nearly a dozen brand new models have been in the Austrian manufacturer’s vast range of bicycles. At Eurobike we saw lighter than ever MTBs, gravel bikes, E-road bikes with integrated battery, and much more!
The early date of this year’s Eurobike exhibition was a timely opportunity for KTM to present its 2019 range, since the majority of the Austrian brand’s 2019 products are already available from early fall. So just like in previous years, KTM presented an incredible number of bike models covering all the segments of cycling.
There was only one model at the presentation — the new Revelator Alto Sonic Di2 — which could not be touched and admired, as it was behind a glass wall. It’s probably still in the development stage, nevertheless brand managers are optimistic that could be 100% ready for autumn. Even with its disc brakes the weight is under 7kg, just a hair above the UCI limit, a figure that is clearly outstanding. According to KTM, the frame is a feathery 790 grams and the fork weights 370 grams. In line with modern trends and requirements, it accepts thru-axle disc brake wheels and it’s fitted with an electronic Dura-Ace group set.
The top KTM XC bike for 2019 will be the Myroon Sonic and Scarp Sonic, available with the new 1×12 Shimano XTR group set from early next year. The hardtail Myroon weighs 9kg spot on with pedals, while the Scarp is still under 10kg.
The Prowler Sonic was introduced last year, the 2019 model will feature the new top-of-the-line XTR group set. As we have verified during our factory visit at KTM, it weights a hair over 12.5 kg, which is surprisingly low for a trail bike offering 150 mm suspension travel. Customers will be able to choose from several Prowler model variants, with both carbon-frame and aluminum versions, another progression for 2019.
KTM is strengthening its gravel bike range with the new X-Strada. So far the Austrian brand did not offer a model aimed primarily at the gravel cyclist, although it was possible to ride these roads on its excellent Canic model. The new aluminum frame X-Strada allows the rider to leave asphalt roads with confidence, and thanks to the luggage rack eyelets, it can also be loaded up for a multi-day, self -sustained bike tour. Its finish is also unique: it does bear the usual KTM black and orange color scheme, instead a unique green tone is added by the designers.
Bike lights were one of the key topics at the KTM booth, presenting a variety of solutions to install lighting for all their bikes. On some bikes you’ll find integrated solutions for a particular lighting unit, for others a console is needed to attach the lights. A good example for the former is the new Macina Scout, which has a fully integrated front light working as a system.
In the up-and-coming e-bike sector, KTM has been working hard on expanding its lineup in order to satisfy the ever-increasing customer demand. The development team feels they still have a lot of work to do, since the market is growing and expanding at such a quick pace. 2018 was the tipping point for e-bikes in Western Europe, when electrically assisted bike sales finally outnumbered convention pedal bikes.
One of the trends of this year’s Eurobike is the down tube battery integration found on e-bikes, especially in the e-road segment. The KTM did not want to be left behind concerning this market, so they made great stride to come up with the most aesthetically pleasing solution. In this regard they will likely to show the way for the market in 2019. A good example is the Macina Mezzo e-road model, which may not be the lightest e-road on the market, but still tips the scale at a mere 13.48kg, due partly to the light carbon frame and the Ultegra Di2 components. The heart of this e-road bicycle is the Fazua drive system delivering a massive 60nm torque to assist the rider up to the 25 km/h set limit, and ideal setup for riding uphill in the mountains.
There will also be quite a few new KTM e-MTBs for 2019, one of which is the full suspension Macina Chacana with 125mm travel. KTM offers this model with a variety of components, so wide is the spectrum that even a mudguard-equipped version will be available next year!
The other new eMTB model is the Macina Ride, which is a simple and affordable pedelec for cyclist at large. The battery essentially forms an single unit with the down tube, giving it a surprisingly clean appearance in this price category.
The Macina Scout model was not only found lined up among its siblings, but it was also on a podium at the front of the display area. It’s an interesting design with sturdy wheels and engine that allow off road riding. On the other hand its handlebar and light system suggest that it was designed as a trekking bike. So it’s a mule, conforming to the requirements of both applications.
And we are still not at the end of the list of the new KTM e-bikes! The Macina Cross is similar to the Ride model, but as its name suggests, it is intended for the “cross” market segment.
The Macina Sport utilizes the already mentioned integrated battery in the down tube, but as another variation on this theme, it is equipped with mudguards and luggage rack best suited to city or trekking bike application.
The Macina Mila is the true champion of comfortable cycling, equipped with a full-range urban equipment, in order to make it a perfect choice for those looking for e-bike for transport purposes.
Finally, the Macina Race is an unusual construction from a Hungarian perspective: it features mudguards and a luggage rack, while it’s clearly intended as an e-mtb! The Macina Mila is likely to be used as a city bike by its owners in Western Europe, as it is not unusual to see mudguards on race-oriented MTB for fast city riding in Austria.
You can find the 2019 KTM machines at www.ktm-bikes.at, and make an inquiry at www.ktmteam.hu or at your nearest KTM dealer.
