Test KTM X-Strada 720: It stands out and is unique, drives well and doesn't cost the earth - the KTM X-Strada 720 should inspire many Gravel fans. And even if it showed weaknesses here and there in the test, it left a very pleasant overall impression.
Racing bikes, mountain bikes, E-MTBs - when it comes to sporty bikes, KTM has a lot to offer. So far, however, there has not been a crosser that could have served as the basis for a gravel bike. When designing the X-Strada, the designers started with a blank slate, so to speak.
Unusual design of the KTM X-Strada 720
The frame of the off-roader is correspondingly unusual in some places: the rear end with the low-set struts running horizontally into the seat tube seems to be based on an aero racing bike, and the massive fork with its bridge under the fork crown gives the impression that one could too (short-stroke) suspension fork can be installed. The fork is around 5 cm higher than a conventional rigid fork; not a very far-fetched thought.
In addition to these special features, there is much that is good about the orange-red aluminum frame: cables and lines are routed completely internally; the front derailleur cable only comes to light just below the changer, and you can hardly see anything from the rear shifter cable either. This is by no means usual with aluminum frames and in this price range. The seat tube is widened towards the bottom, the down tube at the bottom bracket has an oval shape – you can’t get more frame rigidity. There is also a crankcase for integrated press-fit bearings, and of course both wheels are attached with quick-release axles, which are screwed in with a 6 mm Allen key.
Cut like a cyclocross bike
Our 55 test bike has a balanced, sporty cut; in terms of stack and reach, it could definitely pass as a cyclocross bike. The only 90 mm short stem ensures a rather compact stance, sporty riders achieve a comfortable stretch with a slightly longer example. The steep seat tube positions the rider over the bottom bracket rather than behind it, which allows you to put a lot of pressure on the pedals.
All of these are properties that are also reflected in the steering geometry. The handling is neutral, yet very agile - a bike that is neither stubborn when turning in nor tends to tip over when pedaling out of the saddle and thus always follows the driver's steering commands exactly. A slightly longer stem should calm this character down a bit without changing it too much - so even sporty people can make friends with the KTM X-Strada 720. They will also quickly come to terms with the fact that the KTM hits hard – the flat fork and aluminum seat post have nothing to do with shock absorption.
The completion: cheap, but functional
At 1.699 euros, the KTM is priced quite cheaply, which is also reflected in the equipment. The simplest Shimano GRX is assembled, the RX 400, plus conventional 32-spoke wheels and unspectacular components. The functional disadvantages are manageable: you have to make do with 2×10 gears, which shift a bit sluggishly under load. Switching to the small chain ring is particularly critical when you have just entered a steep section, so it is important to shift gears with foresight. On the other hand, the range of gear ratios is huge: 46/30 at the front and 11 to 36 at the rear offer everything from reduction to overdrive with great development. The fact that no gear step is smaller than two teeth is also not noticeable in the field.
The brakes are very pleasant, they can be dosed well and do not decelerate too abruptly when the brakes are applied harder. The ergonomics of the 400 STIs are very good, especially in combination with the noticeably but not excessively flared handlebars.
All of this sounds like a lot of driving fun at a low price, but one negative characteristic of the KTM X-Strada 720 is its high weight. At a whopping 11,33 kilos without pedals, it weighs one to one and a half kilos more than other gravel bikes in this price range, and you can clearly feel that when you ride it. When accelerating and pedaling out of the saddle, the bike seems sluggish; once you have reached your travel speed, the weight disadvantage at least recedes into the background. The responsibility for this is distributed evenly among the individual components: The ready-to-drive wheel set weighs more than 4,2 kilos, but a few hundred grams less at this point would not make a big difference. The massive fork with aluminum shank has to show its colors, as does the frame, which is very solid in detail and promises maximum stability - interesting for bikepackers, for example, who can attach "Anything Cage" brackets to the fork as well as a rear carrier.
Despite the high weight, the KTM is also fun to simply drive off-road in a sporty manner. The 40 Schwalbe G-One Bite are unbeatable on rather dry surfaces, offer reliable traction from driving straight ahead to leaning and roll very easily on asphalt; the steering characteristics already described ensure a good mood, especially on winding courses. Despite the generous 23,5 mm internal width of the Ryde rims, the Schwalbe tires remain below the nominal size at 38 mm; if you want, you can switch to tubeless, especially since the G-One is mounted in the 470 gram light TLE version. So the X-Strada rolls even easier, but still doesn't weigh much less, because KTM has specified high-quality 115 gram tubes.
In the end, what remains is the memory of a very pleasant, brisk test lap, exemplary handling and satisfactory functionality - and the feeling that all of this would be even more fun with a kilo less on your ribs. Nevertheless, if you don't want to spend much more than 1.500 euros, you should Take a closer look at the KTM X-Strada 720.