The Kent looks discreetly elegant even at first glance. Its matt grey lacquered aluminium tubes are shaped to withstand the load and form a frame of traditional geometry with neat welded seams. It is the small details that reveal the care and expertise of the makers on closer inspection: The transverse oval top tube merges visually flush into the seat stays at the head tube. The gear cable and rear brake line run all the way to the bottom bracket in the down tube.
The dropouts are dynamically angled upwards, sliding axle pieces for belt tensioning and lower carrier struts are mounted on the inside of the frame. At the top, a stable U-shaped strut connects both the strutless mudguard and the Racktime luggage rack, which is suitable for everyday use and touring, to the rear triangle. This creates a clean, clear silhouette which, together with the paired wheels, characterises the look of this speedy tourer.
The KTM Kent in a practical test
You sit relaxed and sporty on the bike, the curved handlebars position your hands and wrists in an ergonomically favourable position, which pleasantly relieves the strain on your arms and shoulders. The KTM reacts sensitively to powerful acceleration and moves forwards willingly, the affordable tyres run surprisingly smoothly. When cornering, the KTM behaves in a well-behaved and predictable manner, even at higher speeds there is no uncertainty. The eleven gears of the Alfine hub gear system can be operated crisply and precisely using the Rapidfire push button. If you press it all the way down, the two-stage button releases two gears in succession for acceleration. The Alfine even shifts into lighter gears under (moderate) load, which is quite an achievement for a hub gear system.
In terms of gear range, the first gears are very long, so that the first gear just barely fits uphill (approx. 15%) with a load. On the other hand, when starting off, pedalling on flat terrain and downhill, there are numerous, well-graded gears for a brisk pace. The total range of 409 per cent is sufficient for many landscape profiles, but the Alfine offers too few small gears for mountainous terrain. The belt tension cannot be optimally adjusted due to the lack of an adjusting screw on the left-hand side: It is difficult to set both axle pieces exactly the same and parallel just by manually aligning the rear wheel. If they tilt, the belt runs at an angle, which leads to sluggish running and earlier wear.
If you have parked the KTM, the left crank tends to hit the centre stand when manoeuvring. It's also annoying when you have to lift the rear wheel to stop the cranks jamming. The Kent can take a load of up to around twelve kilos on the pannier rack without complaint. However, the centre stand can't support the bike securely when hanging and unhooking the panniers, and the loaded bike also tips over easily when parked. The CDN drivetrain with plastic pulley at the front, Cro-Mo sprocket and ethylene elastomer belt is designed for a medium load profile and service life. With moderate everyday use, however, the KTM should achieve an impressive kilometre performance even with the first set.
The most important details at a glance
- Model: KTM Kent
- Price: 1649 Euro
- Frame sizes: 51, 56, 60 cm
- Test bike weight: 15.1 kg
- permissible total weight: 134 kg
- Frame: Aluminium, welded
- Fork: Aluminium, Disc
- Circuit: Shimano Alfine 11, Rapidfire, Gates CDN
- Translation: 46/22 teeth, 409 %
- Belt tension: Slider axle pieces, adjusting screw right
- Brakes/ø: Shimano MT200 Disc/160 mm
- Tyres: Impac Streetpac 42-622
- Lighting system: Shimano DH-3D37, Trelock Bike iVelo LS233, Duo Flat LS613
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Sophisticated styling, successful ergonomics, sporty character
- Minus: Slider axle with adjusting screw on one side only; centre stand hinders manoeuvring and loading
Conclusion on the KTM Kent
With its sporty smoothness, everyday features and pleasant ergonomics, the visually appealing Kent is also a convincing choice. In moderate everyday and touring use, the low-maintenance hub gears and belt drive also come into their own.
