KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX Review

Boasting the most cryptic model name in the test fleet, we’re keen to know exactly what’s hidden within the KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX and all its abbreviations. Will they translate into performance on the trails?

This bike is part of our Group Test: Four entry-level E-MTBs under € 3,499.

KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX | Gewicht: 21,23 kg kg | Preis: 3.399€ | Federweg: 120/125mm — KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX | Weight: 21.23 kg | Price: € 3,399 | Travel: 120/125 mm

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KTM have e-bikes pretty high in their sights – and not just exclusively in prime position on their website. An Austrian company with a lengthy history, KTM are going full-gas into the world of E-MTBs and are launching a whole host of new models for 2016. The new line-up includes our 3,399 € test bike, which doubles as the entry-level model into their range of fullys.

We suss out that the “4” in the model name represents the 400 Wh battery – a relief that means you’re still benefitting from powerful Bosch Performance CX motor. Similarly, the 10S SLX stands for 10-speed Shimano SLX transmission, which shifts in the fast and precise manner of an SLX groupset. Thanks to the derailleur’s clutch mechanism, the chain is kept secure even when the trail gets a dose of gnar. While the RockShox Monarch RL with 125 mm travel at the rear successfully keeps in tune with the terrain, the RockShox Recon Silver fork with 120 mm travel is out of its depth even with medium-sized hits, and it transfers impacts straight to the rider. The combination of the short frame, compact chainstays, and steep head angle lend the MACINA Lycan a super-agile handling package, but it comes at the cost of smoothness – and what some might even call nervous handling. The narrow 720 mm bars and long 90 mm stem might work well for long, leisurely rides on fire roads, but they’re a menace on trails and a surefire way to reduce control. The narrow Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres (2.25″ width), with their mellow profile, underline once more that the KTM MACINA Lycan isn’t necessarily fit for serious trail riding, and is best kept to fire roads.

Details

Überfordert: Die günstige RockShox Recon Silver-Federgabel ist mit dem Gesamtgewicht des KTM MACINA Lycan überfordert. Der spürbare Flex führt zu einem indirekten Fahrverhalten. Außerdem gelingt es ihr nicht, größere Unebenheiten souverän aufzunehmen, was zu einem spürbaren Traktionsverlust führt. — **Overwhelmed:** The budget RockShox Recon Silver fork can’t handle the overall weight of the KTM MACINA Lycan, and the palpable flex makes for undefined handling. Moreover, the fork struggles to overcome big hits, which leads to a distinctive loss of traction.

Massiv: KTM setzt bei den Laufrädern auf massive, durchgängig 2,0 mm dicke Speichen. Sie sollen den Kräften des Antriebs besser standhalten und so die Haltbarkeit der Laufräder erhöhen. — **Massive:** KTM went for 2.0 mm spokes across the board, allowing them to better handle the force exerted by the motor and increase the durability of the wheels.

Markant: Die Rahmenform des KTM MACINA Lycan wird geprägt vom markanten Umlenkhebel. Der Hinterbau stellt 125 mm Federweg zur Verfügung, die von einem RockShox Monarch RL souverän in Zaum gehalten werden. — **Distinctive:** The KTM MACINA Lycan’s frame catches your attention with its striking rocker arm. The rear offers 125 mm of travel, kept soundly in check by the RockShox Monarch RL.

Kraftvoll: Die günstigen Shimano Deore-Bremsen überzeugen mit guter Dosierbarkeit und ausreichend Bremspower. Schwere Fahrer sollten jedoch große 200-mm-Bremsscheiben nachrüsten, um die Hitzestabilität weiter zu verbessern. — **Powerful:** Despite their low price-point, the Shimano Deore brakes deliver great modulation and adequate braking power. Heavier riders should consider upgrading to bigger 200 mm rotors to reduce heat build-up.

Geometry of the KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX

Specification of the KTM MACINA Lycan 27.5 10 CX4 10S SLX

Fork: RockShox Recon Silver 120 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch RL
Motor: Bosch Performance CX
Battery: Bosch Power Pack 400Wh
Brakes: Shimano Deore
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/SLX
Seatpost: KTM Comp SP-619K
Stem: KTM Team VLG 90 mm
Bar: KTM Comp 720 mm
Tyres: Schwalbe Rocket Ron TL easy
Wheels: Naben: Shimano Deore / KTM Line CC
Weight/Size: 21.23 kg / Size L
Price: € 3,399

Conclusion

The agile KTM MACINA Lycan is the perfect workhorse for riders looking for a playful and lively bike to whip along wide fire roads with the odd dip onto swooping flow trails. The budget spec reaches its limits quite rapidly on technical terrain, so the usage zone is fairly narrow for this bike.

Strenghts:

Super-agile
Powerful motor
Modern frame design

Weaknesses:

Fork overwhelmed by the trails
Tyres too small
Narrow and long cockpit

For more information visit the KTM website

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This bike is part of our Group Test: Four entry-level E-MTBs under € 3,499.

Don’t miss the other reviews of this group test: Bergamont E-Line Contrail 6.0 400 | CUBE Stereo Hybrid 140 Pro | Giant Full-E+ 2

Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer

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