KTM Scarp Evo 3

Currently exist eleven models of KTM’s cross- and down country flagship, and this number won’t change in the future. While the current Scarp range mostly revolves around the XC model with 95/100 mm of travel and the marathon version with 115/120 mm, in the future, two aluminium derivatives named Scarp LT with a whopping 140 mm of travel at the front and rear will also join the family. The MT bikes with aluminium (one model) or carbon frame (5) come with 120 mm of travel each, while the classic Scarp (carbon only) will offer two specs packages, each boasting 100 mm of travel, as well as a top model offering 110 mm. Elf Modelle gibt’s aktuell von KTMs Aushängeschild in Sachen Cross- und Down Country, und elf wird’s auch künftig geben.

The flagship of the fleet is the 10.25 kg Scarp Exonic specced with Sram XX SL Eagle AXS including a power meter crank, Trickstuff Piccola Carbon brakes, RockShox SID/SID Luxe Flight Attendant suspension, integrated FSA KFX SIC cockpit, and KTM Exonic wheels made by Pancho Wheels and Tune hubs. KTM did not yet communicate prices at the new product program’s presentation at the Bike Festival in Riva. However, the more versatile, stiffer, and smarter race-ready full-suspension bike is expected to hit the market at the time of the Eurobike fair in July 2024 – including frame kits, some with special finishes (Erlkönig and Paris).

The race bike is more sportily designed than ever before. Both its noticeably more angular shape, especially the top and down tube, and the completely integrated cables that disappear in the frame at the headset, may contribute significantly to this impression.
However, the chassis also houses details that are not immediately visible. And this does not necessarily refer to the significantly increased volume and stiffness of the bottom bracket area. KTM increased vertical stiffness by 37% compared to the predecessor. The lateral value is said to have increased by 48%, not least due to the increase in cross-section of the drive-side chain stay.

The Upper Austrians are rather proud of seemingly small details that are supposed to positively influence the reliability and lifespan of the Scarp. For example, the main bearing is now sealed off from environmental influences by the Submarine Main Pivot – the name hinting at its water and dirt resistance. Inside are well-lubricated and sealed flange bearings that, as a notable side effect, also facilitate bearing replacement. On the outside, an additional cap made of fluoric rubber seals the bearing, while highest sealing values are also guaranteed towards the main frame. The main bearing screw on the latest Scarp generation is made of stainless steel and can be tightened with up to 40 Nm using a 10 mm hex key. For this purpose, specially shaped aluminium inserts were laminated into the carbon frame, which are equipped with robust steel threaded inserts.

The the Mattighofen-based bike manufacturers praise the new rocker as a true work of art. While this may be debatable, one thing is certain: the full-aluminium link is completely and elegantly CNC-milled and weighs only 49 grams.

Not far from the rocker another novelty of the Evo III is to be found. The top tube houses a concealed cable routing for the shock remote. This should be compatible with any shock on the market, regardless of various remote or rebound positions. KTM calls this feature MWYW Shock Mount. The abbreviation stands for “mount what you want” and is to make clear that any aftermarket shock can be mounted.

Right next to the MWYW sits the “Helpful Universal Tool”, or HUT for short. The acronym refers to a 73 g lightweight mini tool, which was developed in cooperation with Daysafer and can be mounted above the shock on the frame, hidden in its own holder – standard on some models, retrofittable on all. With this option, KTM offers solutions for two typical problem areas: the increasingly popular storage compartments in the frame come with disadvantages in terms of weight and stiffness. And classic saddlebags are not always compatible with dropper posts.

The tool offers 13 functions, including the most common Torx and hex keys, as well as chain breakers, spoke keys, valve core removers, and tire levers. Furthermore, optionally available are a toolbox that fits into one of the two bottle holders, as well as magnetic bar ends with tire plugs.

All these changes result in a slightly higher (+100 g) frame weight of 1,700 grams. The professionals who already pushed the new Scarp over the notoriously demanding trails of Cape Epic & Co. as well as the World Cup tracks in Brazil say that this extra weight was bearable considering the increased stiffness and better power transmission, especially since their Exonic top versions with 110 mm of travel respectively, were, including the mini tool, still lighter than the competition’s bikes. Furthermore, the pro riders enthuse about the better handling due to the changed kinematics and geometry, and appreciate the better climbing abilities, among other things.

To what extent we as hobby riders will confirm or doubt all this remains to be seen. What is certain is that we want to experience a bit of Olympic spirit and race atmosphere as soon as possible, which is why we have already ordered a test bike. Stay tuned for more!