KTM Scarp MT Prestige

The word scarp, indicating a steep decline, has been a synonym in KTM's lineup for fast race-dedicated full suspension bikes. For the 2020 season, the upper Austrians have gifted the Scarp with a massive update, also adding a second version with 115 mm of travel, next to a 95 mm option. Coupled with a fork with 120 mm of travel, the 29er Scarp MT - its abbreviation standing for marathon, by the way - is poised to deliver more safety, comfort and riding fun on long rides just as much as on a lap at the end of the work day. The MT shares the lightweight frame of the Scarp, which, with some small modifications, wants to make its home on challenging marathon courses and moderate trails. With a noble spec including Sram AXS and Magura MT8, we were already able to take a close look at the KTM Scarp MT Prestige.

The sportiest version of the Scarp has been updated from 90 to 95 mm of travel for 2020 and its entire carbon frame has been reworked. What remains is a voluminous steer tube, but its top tube has been slimmed down while the down tube has gained in diameter. At the point where it's nearing the bottom bracket, the down tube is curving in a bigger arch and can now fit up to two bottle cages inside the main triangle. The chainstays also have received some added volume and with that, added stiffness, the main pivot has moved slightly forward, together with a wider bearing placement. The new EVO2 carbon frame is said to weigh 1,600 grams in size M, saving about 10 % in weight compared to its predecessor, without sacrificing stiffness.

Why do we keep talking about the new Scarp when we’re supposed to tell about the Scarp MT? As mentioned before, it actually shares the same lightweight frame of the more race-oriented model. Both also share 29” wheels, but the MT features a shock with more stroke (at the same length) resulting in 20 mm of extra travel.

Even if KTM added some more travel to the Scarp MT - the distance between saddle and cockpit feels rather sporty. The seating position is stretched but certainly not overstretched and feels comfortable and efficient, even when devouring long distances or pushing hard in the flats. With a saddle height at 74.5 cm and a body size of 180 cm, you get the feeling that your body is always placed where you'd prefer to sit, in order to implement the best possible forward drive – without having to shift position just a few hundred meters later because of an aching back and cramped shoulders. Even boring basic workout sessions along the valley floor are executed with a gentle smile – while inviting for a playful detour into the wild in between. The only thing that might hamper the pleasure of pedaling somewhat is the uncomfortable bend of the bar. Additionally, big feet or shoes with wide heels might scuff at the rear end.

The Scarp MT can't and doesn't want to hide its race-oriented genes on the climbs. As already mentioned, you're sitting in a forward-driving position in the saddle that also performs on longer ascents. Adding to the sag step by step, towards 25 %, pushing the lockout-lever actually doesn't ever become a necessity. Even on asphalt, there is no real need to touch the controls. Only when going out of the saddle it's a somewhat useful option, but even in that case not a necessary one. With fully open platform on the shock, the rear end delivers sufficient compliance on rough fire roads and as much grip, as the fast-rolling Maxxis Ardent Race can deliver to wrap around roots and rocks. If the Scarp MT would have remained at the office for a longer period of time, we would have liberated fork, rear shock and cockpit from its somewhat messy cable clutter and abandoned the remote – no more finish line sprints for us to win, anyway. What would remain is a clean look with only the brake levers with cables and wireless shifters for dropper post and rear derailleur. Talking about derailleurs, the still new XX1 Eagle AXS is responsible for some contrasting views at the office. While everyone digs the wireless optics is and the precise shifting performance, some colleagues would hope for a quicker gear change. In this regard, the AXS can't fully keep up with its mechanic counterpart, when shifting across more gears at once. It's nice though, that to get that process going, you don't need to shift gear by gear with AXS but only have to hold down on the shifter. In the end, it probably comes down to personal preference. To me, the benefits of AXS definitely prevail, even if shifting to a higher gear requires a bit more feeling in the legs than when using Shimano's latest generation.

A price tag of 6,899 euros for the top model KTM Scarp MT Prestige may appear like quite a lump sum of money at first look. But with wireless Sram XX1 Eagle AXS with AXS dropper post, high-end Magura MT8 brakes and RockShox suspension, a heap of advanced technology is mounted to the lightweight carbon frame. Not even a direct-sales company like Canyon can keep up with that, price-wise. Other big retail sellers might even end up a few thousand euros on top of that. Only the Rose Thrill Hill (soon also available in a 120 mm trail trim) can offer something at a comparable price level. On top of that, you are presented with a 1,600 grams lightweight frame with details like two bottle cage positions inside the main triangle, which are proof of input from KTM's race team.

Even with 115 mm of travel there's hardly anyone that can mess with the Scarp MT on the uphill or in the flats. With the right setup, the concept delivers sublime forward drive with good comfort and traction. Activating the damper platform on daily rides is not really necessary. The sporty but comfortable sitting position animates to constantly try to raise the speed, the enjoyable handling invites for playful antics. On the way down, the bike is a lively companion with surprising reserves in its stability. Only at really high speeds does the chassis remind you that you're sitting on a race bike and suggests to take it a bit easier. Other bikes may be a bit better in this regard but not so on the climbs. Up until medium velocity, the performance of the rear end is absolutely satisfactory, although the fork can't really keep up with the rear. If I had a wish, I'd hope for ten or 20 mm more reach, then the bike would be perfect.

Phenomenal on the climbs and predictable on trails – that's how the Scarp MT Prestige recommends itself not only for sportive, but also trail bike use in moderately difficult terrain at adjusted speeds. At the end of the day, this is the first model from KTM that I would add to my personal stable. Cockpit, tires and eventually the fork might have to go. But that might just be the usual whining of the spoilt press talking.