mountain bikes: Test: KTM Prowler Master 12: Adventurous all-rounder

Test: The Austrians from KTM had already shown the first prototype parts of their new adventure bike Prowler at the Eurobike Media Days in 2017. The 150mm fully came onto the market last season and is entering the 2019 model year largely unchanged. KTM calls their Prowler the "Columbus of the Alps", a real explorer with excellent all-rounder qualities; the perfect bike for a trail-heavy alpine cross.

KTM Prowler Master 12: Frame and Geometry

Technically and visually, the frame follows the other fullies in the portfolio of the traditional manufacturer from Mattighofen. The so-called straight-line link plays a central role here: The continuous line from the rear wheel axle via the seat stays and the damper to the top tube not only gives the bike its own visual character, but also has a decisive influence on the handling and the rear structure. In combination with the Horst-Link bearing, the classic four-bar linkage offers balanced kinematics with high anti-squat for high pedaling efficiency. The KTM Prowler is available with both an aluminum and carbon frame. Our test model, the Prowler Master 12, relies on the carbon fiber frame, which saves a few grams compared to its aluminum counterpart.

All cables run completely within the frame, but they cannot be clamped separately at the entrances and exits. Great care is required during assembly here, otherwise you might have to struggle with rattling cables inside. The ability to mount two bottle cages at the same time is extremely positive for a trail touring all-rounder like the Prowler. In addition to the classic mounting position in the frame triangle, the bike also has corresponding holes under the down tube. Yes, the bottle won't stay clean there, but which other bike in this travel class offers two bottle cages? As an additional option always positive.

The geometry of the KTM Prowler is modern, but also shows very clearly that the bike doesn't want to be just another 29er Enduro, but should also give pleasure to touring fans. The steering angle is relatively steep at 67°, while the reach and top tube are rather short. This way you always have enough pressure on the front wheel, even on the steepest uphill ramps. In addition, the bike should also be lively and agile on flat trails. A bit of a shame: With only three frame sizes, one or the other might have to make compromises here.

KTM Prowler Master 12: Equipment

At just under 5.000 euros, the KTM Prowler Master is almost in the affordable range of powerful carbon fullies. The 29er bike comes with consistently solid equipment. The Fox 36 Float Performance at the front "only" has the slightly cheaper Grip damping cartridge on board, but it can still shine with creamy response and the difference to the much more expensive Factory version is marginal in trail practice. With the Performance Elite damper at the rear, the difference is even smaller: Here the Factory variant only has the Kashima coating ahead. When it comes to shifting, KTM relies entirely on the Srams Eagle drive. While the rear derailleur and shifter come from the X01 group, the crank and cassette have been cut back and parts from the X1 and GX series have been installed. Insignificant for the performance, but this increases the weight by a few grams.

Also robust, but not necessarily lightweight: The DT Swiss M1900 Spline wheels. However, the toothed disc freewheel on the rear wheel ensures excellent durability while at the same time requiring minimal maintenance. To ensure that the Prowler comes to a stop in time on the trail, KTM installs the new MT520 4-piston brake caliper from Shimano at the front, and the MT501 and its two pistons save some weight at the rear. The 180 discs front and rear should be sufficient for most drivers; However, anyone who weighs a few kilos more or likes to tackle long descents should perhaps consider a larger disc at the front. The Hans Dampf tires at the front and rear are excellent trail all-rounders and, despite their manageable rolling resistance, can also cope with difficult terrain.

KTM Prowler Master 12: On the trail

The Prowler is advertised by KTM as the perfect bike for a trail-heavy alpine crossing, so the expectations for climbing behavior are high. The Prowler lives up to its promises, that's for sure. On the way up, it's clearly in the top group, which is also due to the steep seat tube angle. You never get the feeling that the front wheel wants to lift off, the bike just wants to go forward. The damper wobbles a bit in open mode, which can be easily adjusted, but it doesn't sag in the suspension travel and offers good support when storming a summit. The 30 chainring with the 50 sprocket of the 12-speed cassette also fit perfectly.

If the trail inclines towards the valley, the potent climber has to let a few of his competitors pass, whom he left standing on the climb. The KTM is more agile than smooth-running. This is probably less due to the wheelbase or the lowered bottom bracket and more to do with the compact chainstay and the not necessarily slack head angle. The chassis doesn't show any weaknesses, it can be described as inconspicuous in the best sense of the word. Easy to adjust and with a smooth function, it gives the KTM rider a comfortable descent. Good rollover behavior was attested to as well as a certain front-heaviness, at least compared to the "enduro-like" candidates in the test field. Maybe it was also the rattling noises from the frame, probably the cables inside, that didn't inspire as much confidence on the descent as the front runners. All in all, it's nice to sit "in the bike" and all testers got along well. Spring elements, tires and brakes also gave no reason for complaints on any descent.

The KTM is coherent in all equipment details. The Sram 12-speed XO group, the 150mm Fox chassis, the Shimano brakes, everything is perfect. Crisp, clean gear changes, a quick, adjustable, predictable chassis and more than sufficient braking power are guaranteed. You can build in more "bling-bling", but you simply don't need it. The DT Swiss wheels with Schwalbe tires in a soft rubber compound are also very good. The in-house parts exude less sex appeal than purchased branded parts, but that says nothing about the function. The dropper post, for example, works very well, but we would have preferred the lever as a trigger, under the handlebars. The handlebars and the stem stand out ergonomically from the crowd, and together with the Ergon grips, they appeal to all riders. The great Ergon saddle and the option to mount a second bottle holder under the down tube ensure that the tour can be longer. All in all, one can only say: KTM wanted an alpine crosser for trail-heavy adventures and they did almost everything right.