Last Updated on July 12, 2022
Are you on the market for a new mountain bike and looking for something different? KTM mountain bikes might be the perfect option for you then!
Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, more commonly known by their abbreviation, KTM, is a popular brand for motorcycles and sports cars. That’s why many people who come across their line of mountain bikes are left confused and think that maybe it’s just a brand that is taking advantage of their success in another industry.
However, the truth is that KTM mountain bikes exist, and they’re really good! All the chatter about these bikes is true, and they belong to the same category as top brands like Trek, Specialized, and Santa Cruz.
So if you’re looking for a good mountain bike with all the bells and whistles and delivers superb performance, KTM could be a brand to consider.
You won’t even have to browse any bike magazine or explore a different site of other top brands to know if it’s the case, this review is all you need.
This article will tell you everything to learn about KTM mountain bikes. In addition, we’ll explore the price range and overall build of KBM MTBs, so if you’re interested, keep on reading!
Brief History of KTM Bicycles
KTM is widely popular in Europe and has a rich history behind its brand. At first, the company rose to prominence for its motorcycles—motorcycle production started in 1954.
Ten years later, in 1964, they ventured towards bicycle production, kickstarting their entry into the biking world. Twenty-five years later, in 1989, KTM managed to log and produce around a million bikes, showing consistent growth and popularity for the brand.
By 2001, KTM had already become the largest bicycle manufacturer in its home continent. They would produce more innovative and unique bike designs in the following years.
But despite its impressive history and good reputation, KTM was still a relatively unknown brand outside of Europe. In fact, it wasn’t until 2014 that the bike brand established distribution in the USA.
Today, KTM is now a global bicycle brand that rivals other top brands. It’s available in over 80 countries with more than 2,50 distributors worldwide.
How Long Has KTM Been Producing Bicycles?
As mentioned earlier, KTM started bicycle production in 1964. This means it has been producing bicycles for 58 years, which means it has a longer tenure than some of the top brands in the bicycle industry.
It’s also been venturing towards different bicycle technology over the years. For example, in 2010, KTM became the first company to produce an electric-powered mountain bike, or “e-mountain bike.”
The KTM Bionx system e-race laid the foundation for e-bikes that are now skyrocketing in popularity and demand. KTM’s longevity and commitment to the bicycle industry is just one indication that their bicycles are of good quality—otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to stay in business for so long.
Apart from e-bikes, the company is also venturing towards other variants, such as fat bikes that feature all-terrain wheels. This is likely a sign that the company will continue to innovate and produce newer lines of bicycles, which is great news.
Where Are KTM Bicycles Manufactured?
KTM bicycles are manufactured exclusively in Austria. The main production facility in Mattighofen is where they create the frames, forks, and other core components.
Their HQ has a full assembly line, a wheel building, and a powder coating department. They also have a large testing facility that ensures a bicycle is produced to the highest quality before it’s shipped.
Even commonly found items like handlebars, grips, saddles, and pedals are produced in Austria. While materials for KTM’s high-end parts, such as their carbon fiber rims, are sourced in other places, they are mainly assembled in their Mattighofen HQ.
KTM Mountain Bikes Build Quality
KTM is known in the motorcycle industry for its exceptional build quality, so it’s no surprise that its bicycles boast the same quality. It’s also why KTM bikes are always featured in your favorite bike magazine.
Design
KTM mountain bikes, in particular, are designed to be lightweight and durable. Due to KTM’s keen attention to detail, the overall bike design can reduce weight without sacrificing strength or durability.
In fact, many KTM mountain bikes are on the lighter end compared to similar models from other brands. This is especially beneficial for cross-country riding, where every ounce counts.
Aesthetics
In terms of aesthetics, KTM mountain bikes have a more understated look. The designs are clean and simple, without any flashy graphics or colors. This “function over form” philosophy is evident in all KTM bicycles.
While some people may prefer the more flashy designs of other brands, the clean look of KTM mountain bikes has its own appeal. Despite its simple and minimalistic design, KTM mountain bikes are gorgeous and will turn heads almost anywhere you go.
Frame
KTM mountain bikes boast a premium look and feel, thanks to their frames. KTM frames are made with lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber, both of which are known for being strong and durable materials.
KTM’s carbon fiber frames are some of the best in the business and are often compared to those from contemporary top brands like Trek and Specialized.
Geometry
Over the last few years, the geometry of KTM MTBs has improved drastically. They are now longer, lower, and slacker, making them stabler and better to control at high-speed trails.
However, KTM bikes shine in the cross-country category, where they are most commonly used. This is likely since KTM mountain bikes are on the lighter side and have nimble handling, which are key factors in cross-country riding.
But suppose you’re looking for a mountain bike for biking categories like all-mountain, racing, enduro, or even downhill. In that case, you might want to look into other brands that offer bike models specifically designed for those disciplines.
This is because KTM mountain bikes, while good bikes, don’t always excel in those categories compared to other brands. However, they are making strides in improving their geometry to suit a wider range of riding styles.
Components
KTM wants nothing but value for its mountain bikes. That’s why it partners with only the best brands in the biking industry.
While pricing for their bikes is quite affordable, KTM mountain bikes are not meant to be budget bikes. That’s why only brands like Rock Shock, Shimano, SRAM, and Fox are good enough for KTM bikes.
These are all high-end brands that offer premium products that are known for being durable and long-lasting. So if you’re looking for a mountain bike built to last, KTM is definitely a brand worth considering.
KTM Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes
KTM mountain bikes are available in both full-suspension and hardtail models. While KTM offers a wide range of full-suspension bikes, they are most commonly used for cross-country riding.
KTM’s full-suspension MTBs are some of the lightest on the market, thanks to their quality frames and components from brands like Shimano. If you’re looking for a KTM mountain bike to use for other biking categories, you might want to consider one of their hardtail models.
KTM Hardtail Mountain Bikes
On the hardtail lineup, KTM mountain bikes are available in aluminum and carbon fiber frames. These hardtail models are a great option for those looking for a lighter and more affordable KTM mountain bike for racing, cross-country, and other purposes.
KTM’s hardtail mountain bikes are available at a wide range of prices, so there’s one to fit your budget. There are also variants such as fat bikes that feature large wheels. And because they’re hardtails, they’re also easier to maintain than full-suspension MTBs.
Price Range
You can check your favorite bike magazine for a list of KTM’s popular MTBs. Here’s a complete breakdown of KTM’s mountain bikes and their corresponding price range:
Full Suspension MTB
- SCARP series $2,800 – $11,160
- PROWLER series $3,600 – $10,000
Hardtail MTB
- ULTRA series – $1,160 – $2,560
- MYROOM series $2,560 – $10,000
As of the moment, the price range for KTM mountain bikes starts at $1,160 and can go all the way up to $11,000. So price-wise, KTM bikes are more on the expensive side.
But before you turn to its competitors, it’s important to remember that KTM mountain bikes are made of the highest standards. Unlike its competitors, KTM doesn’t source from Taiwanese companies. Instead, they produce them in their HQ, which is not cheap.
The brand does this to ensure the utmost standards in all its products. So while most people might review KTM mountain bikes as overpriced, the reality is that the price is quite justifiable considering the quality of their bike.
Top 3 Best KTM Mountain Bikes
KTM mountain bikes are best for Enduro, All-mountain, Marathon, and Cross Country. This list features three of the best-performing KTM Bikes that fit those categories:
SCARP 29 – $8,495.00
The SCARP 29 is KTM’s top-of-the-line cross-country race bike. It’s made with a lightweight carbon fiber frame and top-of-the-line SRAM components. This makes it one of the lightest and most responsive cross-country bikes on the market.
PROWLER 27.5 – $5,670
The PROWLER 27.5 is an all-mountain bike that’s built for those who like to go fast. It has a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with Fox Float suspension. This makes it a great choice for those who want a durable and responsive all-mountain bike.
MYROON 27.5 – $2188
The MYROON 27.5 is KTM’s entry-level hardtail mountain bike. It has an aluminum frame and is equipped with Shimano components. This makes it a great choice for those who are just starting out in mountain biking or on a budget.
Are KTM Mountain Bikes Worth It?
So, is a KTM mountain bike worth it? Absolutely! KTM mountain bikes are worth it, and you should consider this bike brand if you’re looking for a mountain bike built with quality and durability in mind.
KTM mountain bikes are perfect for various trails and can hold up well in any situation—the best are the cross-country KTM mountain bikes that perform well without breaking the bank. All KTM MTBs have great components and premium-grade frames manufactured in-house from Austria.
While many customers tend to label KTM bikes as overpriced, they also overlook important factors as to why this is the case. The company sources, produces, and assembles all its bikes in Austria, which does come with a hefty price tag.
But at the end of the day, you are getting a great bike that’s well-equipped and built to last. In fact, you can browse any bike magazine and see KTM’s line of mountain bikes as one of the best.
All the chatter about these bikes is true and they truly belong to the same category as top brands like Trek, Specialized, and Santa Cruz.
So if you have the budget for it, we say go ahead and get yourself a KTM MTB.
