E-Mountainbike Review | KTM Macina eGnition 27.5 11 CX5

An imposing look, aggressive concept, and a name that screams high performance. But can the KTM Macina eGnition 27.5 11 CX5 live up to expectations? Originally designed as a 45 km/h speed Pedelec, KTM have now launched the Macina eGnition 27.5 11 CX5 for 2016 as a 25 km/h version that doesn’t need a number plate or registration. However, what has remained is the exceptionally roomy frame with a 1.5″ head tube, the extremely rigid rear end design, and the bike’s subsequent 22.3 kg of weight.

This review is part of our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

UPDATE 26th of June 2016: After having published this review, KTM sent us an updated version of the Macina eGnition 27.5 11 CX5 with a new suspension fork and a slightly different spec that resolved most of the criticism of the review below. The updated version of the bike feels a lot more balanced and stable resulting in better confidence on rough trails. Further, the bike’s handling has improved significantly: The shorter stem in combination with the updated fork makes the front end really precise offering a sharp but predictable handling. Thanks to the stiff chassis, the long chain stays and the effective suspension this bike handles well g-outs and high speed sections: the faster you ride this bike, the better it will be. The only criticism: There is still no dropper post!

Massiv gebaut –trotzdem ist an eine aggressive Fahrweise nicht zu denken. — Heavily built – but there is still no thought on aggressive riding.

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Retailing at € 4,599, the bike features a solid spec with 1×11 Shimano XT shifters and brakes with 203/180 mm rotors. The Austria-based KTM (who, incidentally, are unrelated to the motorbike company) kitted the Macina out with 150 mm of front suspension and 160 mm at the rear, both courtesy of FOX. But a second glance confirms your suspicions: there’s a distinct absence of a dropper post. For a bike of this size and purpose, a dropper should be mandatory.
Despite the compact and central riding position on the Macina eGnition, it doesn’t dish up a balanced sensation. In contrast to the stiff rear end, the front suffers from poor handling largely due to the less-than-harmonious situation between the Ritchey Cockpit with an 80 mm stem and 750 mm bars and the somewhat wimpy fork. We headed to the workshop to check that our Macina was kitted out with the right fork model – the answer was affirmative, but the travel was too short: 135 mm instead of the promised 150 mm. We then approached KTM, who explained that it’s still a prototype and could vary from the production model. To say we were disappointed is an understatement.

Das KTM lässt sich nur ungern schnell bewegen. — Riding position is compact and central.

Given the bike in its current state, it’s unable to reach its full potential – although the incredibly rigid frame and extremely willing rear suspension do create the perfect foundation for any mountain biker who likes to attack. The KTM would shred down trails with precision – if only it weren’t for the weaker front end. With the long wheelbase and super-long 494 mm chainstays, the bike is set to be a maestro of high-speed sections, with sinuous trails and successive tight corners potentially making it sweat.
As the KTM’s steering isn’t overly precise either – independent of the incorrect travel in the fork – we’re convinced that this issue would resolve itself with the addition of a more compact cockpit with a shorter stem, as well as a more potent fork (such as a FOX 36 with 160 mm travel). The rear would definitely benefit from a more aggressive tire: the Schwalbe Rock Razor in 2.4″ and PaceStar compound lack the grip to keep the bike planted on loose ground and steep climbs, so don’t be surprised to hear your back wheel spin.

Auch in den Kurven merkt man die schwache Front. — The weak front end brakes the bike significantly.

Details

Der extrem steife Rahmen und der schluckfreudige Hinterbau liefern eine gute Basis für aggressive Fahrer. — **Good basis:** The super-rigid frame and responsive rear are two essentials for any aggressive rider.

Die Federgabel unseres Prototypen-Testbikes stellte 15 mm Federweg weniger zur Verfügung, als sie eigentlich sollte – und verursachte so ein unausgewogenes Fahrverhalten. In Serie sollte das Bike sein ganzes Potenzial entfalten können. — **Wrong Model:** Our prototype test bike’s fork model gave us 15 mm less travel than advertised, which resulted in a volatile ride. The production bike will have more travel, and therefore should match its potential.

Das ehemals für 45 km/h ausgelegte Macina eGnition ist zwar super steif und solide ausgestattet, für eine aggressive Fahrweise wurde aber an den falschen Stellen gespart - zum Beispiel an einer Teleskopsattelstütze. — **Philosophy:** Once designated as a 45 km/h bike, the Macina eGnition is rigid and has a solid spec. But KTM have been too sparing on certain features, which renders it less than ideal for aggressive riding.

Specification: KTM Macina eGnition 27,5 11 CX5 2016

Fork: FOX 34 Float Factory
Damper: Fox Float DPS
Motor: Bosch Performance CX
Battery: Bosch Power Pack 500
Brakes: Shimano XT 200/180
Drivetrain: Shimano XT
Seatpost: Ritchey WCS Trail
Stem: Ritchey WCS Trail 80mm
Handlebar: Ritchey WCS Trail Rizer 750mm
Tires: Schwalbe Hans Dampf/ Rock Razor
Wheels: KTM Team Trail/ DT Swiss XM442
Weight/Size: 22,3 kg / Größe M
Prize: € 4,599

Conclusion

Although the test bike came with a fork with too little travel, the rigid frame and responsive rear end do present the perfect fundamentals for an incredibly fun ride. In the correct production spec, the bike has the potential to offer more stability and balance. And with just a few customisations (such as a dropper post, a more potent 160 mm fork, and a more aggressive rear tyre), the KTM Macina eGnition 27.5 11 CX5 could be transformed into reality: a serious monster for aggressive mountain bikers!

Strenghts:

stiff, precision-boosting frame
Great foundation for an aggressive bike
Very good performance at the rear

Weaknesses:

Loud chain rattling
Weak spec that limited its performance

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More amazing bikes can be found in our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

Words: Christoph Bayer Photos: Noah Haxel

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