Test: E-Bikes: With the KTM Macina Ultimate Pro from Austria, Zweirad Stadler offers a well-equipped all-rounder that has everything you need for everyday use, touring and leisure - plus the brand-typical sportiness of the E-MTB pioneer.
More than 25 years of e-bikes - very few manufacturers can claim that. One who can afford it is KTM. As early as 1994, the Austrians put a touring bike with additional drive on the wheels, which was then manufactured for the Austrian automobile club ÖAMTC. A few years later, the first production pedelec followed, then contemporary with a front motor; In 2009, the always sporty brand KTM was one of the first to focus on e-mountain bikes. Unmistakable features of the eRace were the strong BioX rear motor and a large battery in the frame triangle.
A lot has happened since then. Like the entire industry, KTM has made the move to the mid-engine; Off-road bikes and everyday bikes are now based on the proven and ubiquitous Bosch drive. And while the model range of e-bikes has constantly expanded, the units from the electronics manufacturer are a unifying element that combines long-travel fullys with touring bikes suitable for everyday use. And that means predictable drive characteristics across the entire model range - reliable performance instead of uncertain function. A bike like the KTM Macina Ultimate Pro can therefore be bought practically sight-seeing, as long as the size is right and the other equipment is satisfactory.
Powerful and long-range
In any case, the price is attractive: the Ultimate costs less than 3.500 euros at Zweirad Stadler, and in view of the motorization and completion that is quite tempting. On board is the most powerful Bosch motor, the Performance CX, plus the largest single battery with 625 watt hours - almost "unmatched" in terms of range. In the highest support level, the drive offers almost 3,5 times the driver's performance, which means extreme thrust when starting and ensures a permanently brisk pace on the mountain - if desired with minimal personal effort, although you should of course pay attention to the range . Thanks to the high torque, you can reach 25 km/h in a matter of seconds on the flat; if the engine then hardly noticeable down, it is still light-footed ahead. The current generation of Bosch drives have all been significantly revised and are not only more compact, but also much less friction. In short: The KTM Macina Ultimate Pro is currently fitted with what is probably the most sophisticated e-bike motor.
KTM Macina Ultimate Pro features
Can the other equipment keep up? A ten-speed gearshift might not be the latest craze, even if it offers a fairly wide range of 11-36 teeth. However, smaller gear steps, as you would wish for on a conventional bicycle, do not necessarily bring much in view of the powerful additional motor - an optimal pedaling frequency is not important here, and easier mountain gears do not have to be either. Solid, long-lasting material, on the other hand, is a popular choice - installed on the KTM, for example, in the form of the Shimano XT rear derailleur.
An important feature of the e-trekking bike is the suspension fork, and the KTM does a good job here too: Suntour, of course, with the 63 mm spring travel that is typical of its class - but the lockable fork uses air as a medium, which is reflected in a superior sensitive response. The fork can easily be adjusted to the driver's weight. Incidentally, you hardly need the lockout on an e-bike - it is not necessary to get out of the saddle on steep sections or when starting out.
Another look at the other equipment: The 70-lux spotlight is top notch, which allows the best view of the road even in total darkness. The Shimano disc brakes pack a powerful punch; a suspension seat post does a good job of absorbing heavy bumps in the road. After all, the sitting position on the e-trekking bike is comparatively upright. A rather sporty feature is the compact Kiox display on the stem, whose colored display is easy to read despite its small dimensions.
Intuitive driving characteristics
Like the drive, the KTM's handling characteristics are predictable in a positive sense. Balanced seating position and neutral steering behavior caters to both beginners and experienced riders; the frame rigidity is on the safe side anyway - whether you choose the version with a diamond frame or a trapezoidal or monotube frame. The latter in particular – we never tire of emphasizing it – is now considered a flawless unisex model and can also be ridden by “him” without losing face. All three frame shapes have the fully integrated battery, and with this construction feature, the Macina Ultimate Pro finally stands out as a state-of-the-art e-trekking bike.
