Endurance test performance: 4,150 km |45,500 altitude metres
Any bike that gets up and down the Brauneck unscathed deserves my appreciation. This season, I set off on the steep ramps and bumpy single trails of my local mountain on the aluminium 29er from KTM. For those unfamiliar with the area: the Brauneck is one of the steepest that the foothills of the Alps have to offer for bikers, with 35 per cent gradients. Downhill, some single trails, which are mainly known to locals, sweeten the exertions of the six-kilometre ascent. On the size XL 29er, I felt comfortable even on the steepest gravel ramps of the Brauneck. The triple crankset with 24 teeth on the smallest chainring turned out to be a blessing for my legs. Thanks to my long levers, I was able to pedal well with the 24-36 tooth gear ratio.
Even during the cold winter months, when road salt took its toll on the bike, I regularly called the KTM in for a service. It was only in very icy temperatures that the reset function of the right-hand gearstick lever was not working properly. The sparsely greased industrial bearings on the rear triangle only acknowledged the harsh winter towards the end of the test distance with rough running and creaking noises. I wish they had been better greased at the factory during assembly. All in all, however, I was more than satisfied with the long-term suitability of the agile KTM fullys. Of course, the brake pads, chain, cassette and other parts did wear out over time. But that's all normal wear and tear. After all, the car has to be taken to the workshop every few thousand kilometres.
ConclusionWith the Phinx aluminium 29er from KTM, you get a durable bike at a fair price. All defects - apart from the poorly greased industrial bearings - were purely signs of wear.
TUNING
- 80 km Pedals / grips: Ergon models fitted instead of the standard grips. Clipless pedals replaced by the usual flat pedals.
- 1200 km chain / cassette: Tough winter conditions: Chain and cassette changed.
- 1850 km Brake pads: After many rides in the rain and mud, the brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced.
- 3050 km chainrings: The middle and small chainrings consist of shark teeth and need to be replaced.
- 3920 km Damper leaks: Air pressure has to be pumped into the damper after every ride. It loses oil and the rebound can no longer be adjusted.
Functionality ****
Shelf life *****
(max. 6 stars)
