In an Austrian small town just north of Salzburg people are feeling the vibe! But since it’s only an hour of rolling from the Salzburg Lake District, no wonder that the KTM engineering team creates machines that can render these alpine meadows amd hillsides on the edge of the Alps pastures easily accessible by bike!
After the testing the bike, I looked up the KTM website, opened the hardtail MTB category and you could have knocked me down with a feather! At first glance, the manufacturer seems to be aiming for world domination. There is an “armada” of carbon XC machines, consisting of of 9 Myroons and 2 Area models, which are actually based on the previous generation Myroon frames. From mid-level RockShox XC30 and Deore components up to the compromise-free pinnacle of equipment, no version is missing from the Austrian manufacturer’s surprisingly broad range. Moreover, no one can question the legitimacy of any one of these carbon hardtail offerings: they are all spot on for a well-defined audience. By offering such a myriad of options, KTM deprives the potential buyer of possible further bike upgrades and modifications, since all demands can be met straight from the palette. Simply select the model that is closest to your heart and needs!
The Pro 22 is one of the “basic” Myroons, but it’s strange to talk about simplicity in this category. There are three types of KTM frames in the family: the Nano Premium, the Premium and the Performance. The shape is the same, but the raw material and the wall thicknesses – hence the weight – differ. The Performance option in case of the Pro “line” is somewhat heavier, but the difference is so minuscule, so the frame certainly couldn’t be held responsible for missing the podium!
The frame also possesses an impressive in its external design. There is a distinct momentum, and soon you’ll realise that this is not just a false promise! The rigidity of the structure is exceptionally good, making the the bottom bracket to head tube section twist or flex proves to be next to impossible. It cries for hard accelerations, especially uphill.
Based on the equipment, the Pro 22 mainly targets the amateur MTB-racing crowd. This model is not necessarily optimised for weight, its forte is a wide gear range and a relatively affordable price. Compromise can only be seen concerning bike weight – not stability or agility -, hence the Myroon climbs everywhere as if it was draw by a rope!
The frame constitutes the smaller part in the added pounds. On the other hand, the Rock Shox Judy fork with its the steel slider may take some blame, amounting to a burly 2.4 kilos. But this is about the only negative I can say about the otherwise excellent suspension fork: it’s sensitive, rigid enough for XC riding, and virtually eats a rock garden for breakfast. In addition to offering the modern Boost standard for wheel attachment, it leaves plenty of space for the tire, so you may even fit a “plus” size 2.8″ type into it. And of course the Judy name is close to my heart, I’m happy that Rock Shox brought back into its lineup.
The Shimano SLX-XT shifting setup is a reasonable choice for the intended use, since the 2×11 system with a 11-42T cassette offers a very wide gear range, and has smaller jumps between the gears than a single chainring setup. So you shouldn’t blame the gearing if you are unable to climb a hill, it’s just up your stamina and pedalling technique! Preferring the new trend of single chainring setups, you can choose the Myroon Pro 12 with a Sram GX Eagle set for a slightly higher price.
I can not praise the MT500 hydraulic disc brakes enough. Although Shimano classifies this non-series version the mid-range – more or less the Deore level -, every aspect of this model from the brake lever shape to the braking sensation and force is spot on. It’s everything you’ll ever need from a brake system designed for XC riding. It offers 180mm discs front and rear, so it’s not only for XC races but it can also handle alpine marathons with ease, and will still have enough performance after hundreds of meters of vertical descending.
The wheels are not especially outstanding, but they perform their job. The Centerlock Deore hub is laced to Mavic rims with 2mm DT spokes, complemented by fast-rolling Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires. The bike comes with an inner tube, but the rim can “officially” set up as tubeless.
This machine has truly grown to my heart. It’s a true XC Racing Machine, there is no trail bike blood in its veins, just pure XC. There are very few bikes these days sporting a steep 71° head tube, nevertheless the Myroon is not a dated design. The long head tube and wheelbase paired with a short stem makes it quite stable, and not just uphill, but on steep descends as well. The energy invested in the pedals passes through the rear wheel without any loss, aided by the stiff bottom bracket area, the short chainstays and the Boost rear axle. Show the Myroon Pro a climb, and by the time you you realise, you’re on the top of it. Steering while going uphill – even at low speeds – is very precise, technical climbs are handled without any hardship. No need to juggle the terrain: just pick the line and pedal it!
The outstanding stiffness has one drawback: the Myroon is not among the most comfortable carbon frames on the market. It’s a fair compromise, and more comfortable like most aluminium frame offerings. Nevertheless there are quite a few carbon frames that do a better job dampening the trail buzz, though they tend to have more flex and less stability…
The Myroon Pro 22 is ready for competition straight from the box. It’s not intended for touring or loose spins with buddies on the weekend: this machine wants to go fast, and you will not be able to restrain yourself in its saddle. Though the setup may not be the lightest, there is a huge potential in bike for future upgrades. Thanks to the double chainring system, I would fist of all recommend it to amateur marathon or XC competitors, the latter may choose the alternative 1×12 speed Myroon Pro 12 or a Glory 12.
I have absolutely no complaints about the price of the Pro 22. You can find similarly equipped bike at a comparable price from other manufacturers, but still – taking into account the frame technology – the Myroon represents top value for your hard-earned cash. It’s a perfect base fur the future, it’ll keep you satisfied for a long time to come. Hence this is the bike which evolves with you. The frame, the drivetrain, the shifting and the brakes are flawless. In time, you can replace the fork to save 7-800 grams right away, then you may take off the front derailer and install a wider range cassette in the back. It will accompany you from mid-distance marathons up to elite XCO racing, and it will be up to the task – if you are!
Frame: Myroon 29″ Performance Carbon Hardtail, Boost 148TA
Fork: RockShox Judy 29 “, Remte, SoloAir, 15 × 110 thruaxle, 100mm travel
Shifter: Shimano SLX M7000
Rear derailler: Shimano Deore XT M8000 shadow plus
Front derailler: Shimano SLX 78020-E Sideswing
Crankset: Shimano MT600-B2 36-26t
Bottom bearing: Shimano MT800-PA BB-Unit Pressfit
Cassette: Shimano M7000-11, 11-42t
Chain: Shimano HG600-11
Brakeset: Shimano MT500
Brake disc: Shimano RT54 CL, 180mm
Wheel set: KTM Line CC 29 ”
Rims: Mavic XC421
Front wheel hub: Shimano Deore M6010-B CL 15TA / 110 boost
Rear wheel hub: Shimano Deore M6010-B CL 12TA / 148 boost
Spokes: DT Champion 2.0 black
Tires: Schwalbe Rocket Ron, Perf. Folding, Addix – 57-622
Handlebar: KTM Team HB-FB21L 2X, flat 9 °, 720mm
Grips: KTM Team VLG-1691A silicon
Saddle: Selle Italia SL X3
Seat post: KTM Team SP-619K 27.2 / 400mm
Weight 11.94 kg (size L)
Reccomended retail price: 649 000 HUF
