After two successful years with the 29er fleet, KTM is upgrading further for 2013. With the "Scarp", the Austrians presented a 29er race bike made of carbon. As is usual for KTM, the 100-millimetre 29er relies on the PDS rear triangle with its floating shock and a very linear spring characteristic. The four Scarp models will be available with two different frame variants: a monocoque carbon frame and a carbon fibre main frame with aluminium rear triangle and aluminium rocker. KTM has not changed the geometry compared to the Phinx 29er. The frame weighs 2250 grams (without shock) and is therefore not one of the lightest in its class.
The head tube as a recognisable feature and design element
The solid steel tube section runs through all new models - whether aluminium or carbon. It gives the bikes a lot of rigidity and sets them apart from the competition in terms of design. Two thru axles provide rigidity for the wheels. In addition to a direct mount front derailleur, the Scarp also features the new direct mount rear derailleur from Shimano. The four Scarp models cost between 3300 and 6500 euros.
Lycan 650B
KTM has given its successful touring bike, the Lycan, larger wheels. The 125 millimetre rear wheels are now available in three 650B models. The aluminium frame weighs almost three kilos for all three models and 12.5 kilos for the "Lycan 651" model with the highest quality equipment. The entry-level models up to 2000 euros continue to roll on 26-inch wheels. The three 650B models are available between 2400 and 3500 euros. All three come with the Revelation fork from Rock Shox with 130 millimetres of travel at the front. The geometry has also been changed slightly compared to the 26-inch model: the steering angle has been flattened to 69 degrees, while the seat angle is now 74 degrees. A 720 mm handlebar gives the Lycan 650B a lot of handling control.
Own Panasonic drive in the rear wheel
As successful as the sporty ebike market has been for KTM in recent years, it is set to continue. To this end, KTM has developed a new rear wheel motor in close collaboration with Panasonic. It weighs 2.7 kilos and is significantly smaller in the rear wheel hub than the Bionx drive. It is also compatible with Shimano Octalink cranks and has an energy recovery mode. It was developed for sporty ebike use and should be a good deal more temperature-resistant than the Bionx system. It is scheduled for completion in January 2013 and will then be used in the "eRace" hardtail. There will also be a 650B hardtail with the new Panasonic drive.
