KTM Bicycle Innovations 2021

The start of our photo series features the lightweight racing full-suspension bike Scarp, which just this model year went into the race as a complete redevelopment with an SLL rear-end, flexing (jointless) seat stays, and a more dynamic shape, thanks to which all frame sizes can accommodate two bottle holders. Apart from model care measures, there are two more innovations for 2021: Firstly, all MTB top models were given the name "Exonic" instead of "Sonic" for trademark reasons, and secondly, the MTB size spectrum across all categories was shifted by one size. What was considered Medium (M/48, 19 inch) in the 2020 model year is now classified as Large (L/48, 19 inch) from 2021 onwards. This change applies to full-suspensions, hardtails, and also E-MTBs across all model series.

The top model Scarp Exonic shown here in striking Fire-Orange for € 8,299,- has a main frame and rear-end made of carbon, which without the shock should weigh around 1,650 grams in size L and is equipped with a 1x12 Sram XX1 AXS groupset and DT Swiss carbon wheels. As with all Exonics, a FOX suspension fork (here: 32 Float SC 29" Factory 100 mm) dampens the front and a FOX shock absorber (here: Float DPS Factory remote 190x37.5) the rear - braking is done with Shimano's XTR. The wild mix of Sram, Shimano, and FOX is justified by KTM's product manager Gerhard Leingartner as offering the racer the absolute best package from all available components.

As a counterpoint to the Exonic, the equally chic Scarp Prime in Metallic-White was priced at €5,999, equipped with Shimano's XTR and suspension components from Rock Shox (front: RockShox SID SL Ultimate 29" 100 mm remote, rear: RockShox SID Luxe Ultimate remote 190x37.5). The production of the 2021 Scarps is expected to start soon, and the first bikes could be available in stores by the end of this summer.

Tech Specs

Geometry

Two years ago, when the Mattighofen-based company entered the top-tier aero road bike segment with the Revelator Lisse, they were treading on completely new ground. Now, with the new Lisse Pro model and its particularly attractive price point of 2,499 Euros, they aim to make it accessible to a wider audience. Equipped with a Shimano 105 mix and Shimano RS WH-RS171 wheels, the attractively painted frame designed for daily use offers the same aerodynamics package as its more expensive counterparts.

What remains the same are features such as the teardrop-shaped but "normally" formed saddle post at the top, the fully integrated cable routing, a stem that is easily adjustable in length and height with a standard handlebar, and the generous steering angle (a notch in the headset acts as a limiter to protect the frame from damage).

Tech Specs

Geometry

The top model among KTM's monster trucks is named in 2021 Macina Prowler Exonic and with 170 mm of travel at the front and 180 mm at the rear, it remains the most potent horse in the E-Enduro stable. The carbon main frame, completely redesigned last year, houses Bosch's latest Performance CX Gen4 motor along with a 625 watt-hour Powertube battery integrated into the downtube and operates with a 29-/27.5-inch mix of DT Swiss HXC 1200 Spline 30 carbon wheels. The biggest difference from last year's model is the wider front tire (Schwalbe Eddy Current Front Evo SuperTrail TLE in 65-622) and the FOX 38 Float 29" Factory e-bike 180 mm (kashima) FIT4 fork matched with the corresponding FOX DHX2 Factory 2Position shock.

In terms of equipment, KTM continues to spare no expense and installs Sram's complete electronic AXS shifting, the electronic Reverb AXS telescopic seatpost, an FSA carbon crank with 160 mm arm length, and many other components made of carbon. The compact Kiox onboard computer is mounted on the stem and is well positioned within the rider's field of vision. The list price is a proud 9,999 euros, and the weight lands at 24.0 kg in the "new" size L - without pedals.

Tech Specs

Geo

Absolute bestseller among the E-MTBs with a lot of suspension travel is still the Macina Kapoho - the moderate variant of the Macina Prowler. The Kapoho top model will be named Prestige again next year, comes with adapted equipment, a wider front tire, Shimano XTR 1x12, and FOX Float suspension elements for 7,599 euros.

The 29er E-MTB Fully Macina Chacana 291 was also sharpened and received, alongside new equipment details primarily wider Schwalbe Johnny Watts tires with a more aggressive profile, which offer higher safety margins on solid grounds and are supposed to roll well too. Equipped with Shimano XT 1x12, FOX 34 Float 29" Rhythm fork with 130 mm and FOX Float DPS Performance shock, it costs 5,199 euros.

The Macina Team 291 hardtail, priced at 3,999 euros, will shine next year in Fire Orange, received wider tires, a FOX 34 Float 29" Rhythm e-bike 120 mm suspension fork, and a Shimano mix of XT 1x12 and Deore.
Completely new are two 27.5 inch Plus variants for men and women - Team 272 and Team 272 Glorious with Shimano Deore 1x11 for 3,399 euros - as well as the Team LFC with lights, fenders, and a luggage rack for 3,599 euros.

KTM anticipates a large number of sales from the so-called "Casual MTBs", the currently fastest-growing E-MTB segment. Leading the way are the models Macina Aera 271 at 3,599 Euros and Macina Aera 271 LFC at 3,799 Euros, which with their robust equipment and ultra-wide 27.5-inch-plus tires are designed to make light work of tram rails and curb edges.

And the children's e-MTBs in 26 and 24 inches should not go unmentioned at this point. Equipped with a Bosch PERFORMANCE Gen.3 motor (limited to 20 km/h in the 24-inch version), they are still rather a niche product, but have been successfully included in the program for many years.
Which children or customer groups exactly benefit from the motor support and why, we do not know. But despite the relatively high purchase price of the Macina Mini Me 261 at 2,699 euros and the Macina Mini Me 241 at 2,399 euros, around 1,000 bikes per year find their buyers.