The Mattighofen-based company is going full throttle. For 2016, almost no model in the KTM range will remain as it is on the bikes in the current season. The Austrians are not limiting themselves to cosmetic corrections. Completely new rear suspension kinematics have been developed for the full-suspension models.
KTM Scarp with completely new rear suspension system
The Scarp has been redesigned from the ground up. In particular, KTM has opted for a completely new kinematics for the rear triangle. The shock is no longer positioned in front of the seat tube, but horizontally under the top tube. The shock is articulated via the so-called Straight-Line-Link. This is intended to transfer the forces more directly into the shock. KTM hopes that this will result in a finer response behaviour as well as better usable suspension travel on bigger hits. The SLL system also saves some bearings on the rear triangle, which is particularly noticeable in terms of weight. Double-sealed and larger ball bearings on the shock mount should also be more durable than on the previous model. The 29er Race-Fully offers 100 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and 90 at the rear. Depending on the price range, the frame is made entirely of carbon, only the main frame is made of carbon or the entire frame is made of aluminium. Prices range from 2299 euros to 6899 euros.
KTM Myroon: fast cross-country file
The fastest bike in the KTM stable is still the Myroon. However, the cross-country hardtail has a few new features for the coming season. The head tube has been shortened slightly. This makes the Myroon even more sporty than before. At the same time, thanks to the steeper seat angle, the rider is positioned even more centrally above the bottom bracket, which should generate even more propulsion. KTM has also introduced the new Boost technology. The 148 millimetre wide rear triangle, combined with 13 millimetre shorter chainstays, should be 21 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. Also new: if a model with a double crank is chosen, the front derailleur sits as an eType model on a beautifully integrated bracket on the seat tube. The Myroon will be available in four sizes and a total of ten different equipment variants. Prices start at 2599 euros and range up to 6799 euros for the model with XTR Di2, which weighs just 8.9 kilos.
KTM Lycan
The new Lycan is based on the same frame as the Scarp. However, with 130 millimetres at the front and 125 at the rear, it offers slightly more suspension travel than the Marathon version and also rolls on 27.5-inch wheels. The various carbon and aluminium versions are also available here, naturally with customised equipment.
KTM Kapoho: Lycan with Plus tyres
KTM is following the trend towards plus-size tyres with the Kapoho Tribute. The trail bike is essentially based on the Lycan aluminium frame and also offers 130 and 125 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear respectively. For the coming season, there will only be a version of the Kapoho with 3.0 inch wide tyres. This comes with the new 11-speed XT groupset from Shimano, in three frame sizes, at a price of 3899 euros.
Stefan Frey
Editor
