Light eMTB test duel: KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime vs Fantic DC 1.4 Rampage Race
When it came to this duel, we were not quite in agreement in the editorial team: is this a duel between light, moderate touring fullys or between fast down-country bikes? The suspension travel clearly points in the direction of touring: 140 millimetres is not usually found on representatives of the still young, very sporty down-country category. The Scott Lumen and the Red Deer R.X275 are the most prominent representatives of this still young category. They have 130 and 120 millimetres
rear suspension travel, are tightly tuned and aim to combine maximum propulsion with minimum weight. The high-end versions of the very expensive specialists even crack the 16-kilo mark.
The KTM and Fantic aren't quite as light, but they don't cost 15,999 euros like the lightweight Lumen top model from Scott. However, the KTM doesn't look like a touring bike or even an all-mountain bike: the downward sloping stem, the minimalist knobbly tyres, the low-travel dropper post - all of this is typical of a race bike. The suspension travel, on the other hand, is rather atypical: 140 millimetres front and rear, plus a high-quality Grip2 cartridge in the Fox fork of the Macina Scarp SX. A hybrid of race file and touring bike? Actually clever, because thanks to the motor it doesn't need a stiff efficiency suspension.
With the Fantic, it's also the name that's confusing: Rampage? Isn't that the competition in Utah where death-defying freeriders fall off cliffs? The 140-millimetre Fully would clearly be out of place there. With its steep head angle, very slack seat angle and short rear end, it's hard to grip. Which category does the bike belong to? If we also look at the tyres and dropper post here, then probably in the CC genre. The mini-stroke of the dropper is clearly inspired by racing.
In the end, we agreed on the term "down country" for this duel. In other words, lightweight e-bikes that impress with their fast-rolling tyres, small motors and batteries on moderate terrain with natural, easy handling, thus bridging the gap to classic, sporty mountain bikes. In this respect, the two candidates are very similar. In other areas, however, we found drastic differences.
Fact check: A comparison of the DC duellists
Fantic DC 1.4 Rampage Race
- Weight: 17.9 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, without pedals, size L)
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Motor: TQ HPR 50 (max. 300 watts, 50 Nm according to the manufacturer)
- Battery: 360 Wh
- Price: 6690 Euro
- Permissible total weight: 120 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 878 (+73)hm / 9.9 km/h
KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
- Weight: 17.4 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, without pedals, size L)
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Motor: Bosch Perf. SX (max. 600 watts, 55 Nm according to the manufacturer)
- Battery: 400 Wh
- Price: 8399 Euro
- Permissible total weight: 118 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1121 (+0)hm / 11.7 km/h
The e-drive: TQ vs. Bosch
The most noticeable difference is the motor and battery. While KTM has opted for the lively Bosch Performance SX (to the test of the Bosch SX light motor) relies on one of the most powerful light motors, Fantic relies on the quietest, smallest and most unobtrusive thrust of the TQ HPR 50 (to the test of the TQ HPR 50 light motor). This distinguishes the two bikes in their basic design. The KTM also makes bikers happy who are looking for a bit of uphill flow and powerful e-bike punch. In return, the look is a little more reminiscent of classic e-MTBs. With the super compact HPR 50, Fantic has a bike that is not only visually appealing to those who are looking for an alternative to a classic bike rather than a power e-bike.
The battery concept is in the same vein. On the Fantic, the small 360 battery can only be removed with great effort, while the Compact Tube 400 can be pulled out of the KTM in seconds. The Rampage therefore favours minimalism, while the Macina Scarp also focuses on everyday handling and the option of a second battery. If you want, you can pimp the KTM to 800 watt hours with a second battery and thus achieve the range dimensions of a real power eMTB.
Both offer the option of a range extender: 250 Wh for the Bosch SX in the KTM, 160 for the HPR 50 in the Fantic. With the standard battery alone, the difference in range in our standardised range altitude test is clearly in favour of the Bosch package in the KTM. In the highest support mode, 1121 metres of altitude are recorded on the clock at an average speed of 11.7 km/h. The Fantic with TQ clocks up 878 vertical metres at 9.9 km/h, plus 73 vertical metres with significantly reduced power when the battery is low.
Down-country e-bikes in comparison: off-road
The difference between the two engines is also a defining feature when you get into the saddle of the two duelists. The different characteristics, discreet on the Fantic with TQ and lively on the KTM with Bosch, are immediately noticeable. The very sporty orientation is similar. Compared to classic e-MTBs in the 140 mm class, you sit more stretched out on both bikes. The front is lower, the handlebars are narrower and the stem extends far forwards. This puts more pressure on the front both uphill and downhill. Anyone coming from a non-motorised marathon bike will feel at home here.
However, the chassis is completely different. Don't be fooled by the race look of the Macina Scarp SX. The rear suspension is very sensitive and surprisingly comfortable. In contrast, the rear of the Fantic is harsh. It is optimised for propulsion and is actually more reminiscent of a firm race bike of a marathon or XC pro. On slippery terrain, however, the KTM's shock can sometimes be used with the platform lever to reduce unwanted bobbing.
What is already apparent uphill and on the flat is confirmed on the descent. If you turn off the forest track or flow trail onto rooty paths, the KTM is much safer on the road. Above all, the more forgiving suspension makes the rider's job easier. Both the fork and rear suspension work much more confidently than on the Fantic. However, the Italian must be given credit for its lower price. It is around 1700 euros cheaper than the KTM, which is of course also reflected in the equipment. However, we do not assume that the more expensive version of the DC 1.4 will fundamentally change the character of the Suntour suspension. The following applies to both candidates: With the riding safety of classic 140 mm E-Fullys, such as a Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 (to the test of the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 SLX) or Canyon Neuron:On CF (to the test of the Neuron:On CF 7), the racy DC bikes can't keep up. On the other hand, they are more lively on the flat and significantly lighter.
The review: KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime vs Fanatic DC 1.4 Rampage Race
Conclusion of the test: KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime vs Fanatic DC 1.4 Rampage Race
Light e-bikes weighing less than 18 kilos are still a rarity. Both duelists easily crack the mark. Considering the price, the Fantic is surprising, as it costs significantly less than the KTM. In terms of performance, the KTM is the clear favourite: fluffy suspension and low weight, paired with sporty geo. That's fun! The Fantic didn't really convince us off-road. You shouldn't be fooled by the 140 mm suspension travel on either bike: The bikes are not built for rough terrain. - Christian Schleker, Editor EMTB
To the tests: KTM Machina Scarp SX Prime & Fantic DC 1.4 Rampage Race
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
