KTM Scarp 27 Master (2014)

Cross country with all the kit

Pros

- No weak points in the spec
- Race ready out of the box
- 27.5" wheels offer best of both worlds

Cons

- Perhaps not the lightest, fastest XC bike for short track racing

Review

It's called 'Master' for a reason. The name of KTM is very well known in the Motocross world, and it seems the legends of two wheeled fun have nailed their recent dabble in the mountain bike playground. The KTM Scarp 27 Master took our fancy, especially with the recent proliferation of 27.5" wheelsets.

POINT. SHOOT. REPEAT.

Cross country bikes are usually very specific in their design, made for one style of riding, and one style only. The KTM Scarp 27 Master shows no interest in this approach, and instead has the gear to turn your ride into whatever you want!

Featuring a lightweight carbon fiber main frame and rear triangle, this weapon will be squirting out of berms faster than a greyhound chasing Peter Rabbit. The Fox Float CTD suspension platform is the first feature we noticed on this model, allowing you to flick between preset suspension settings mid-ride (Climb, Trail or Descend). The rear Fox Float also comes fitted with a remote, meaning you don't have to reach between your legs to adjust settings.

The full complement of Ritchey components is another step in the right direction, with all the usual bling from this very respected company. Ritchey World Cup Series stem, handlebars, headset and grips make for a very highly spec'd cockpit - a small detail is the 720mm wide handlebars, wide enough to handle a larger wheel, but narrow enough to squeeze through tree chutes and gaps.

Shimano have again come to town, throwing their typically high standards at this bike. Shimano 180mm rotors front and rear provide the stopping power, along with the Shimano XT Hydraulic disc brake calipers. This all points towards the fact that this bike is made to be ridden hard. Anything else is just a tease.

A full Shimano drivetrain of shifting components and gearing allow for flawless riding long after the chain lubricant gets coated in dust; and in case you really do want to ride non-stop, the lads at KTM have fitted their beast with tubeless ready rims, meaning you're a 15 minute conversion away from riding with no tubes. Racing specifications at their finest!

The last shining detail that some would fail to appreciate, is the dual thread through axles - instead of quick release wheels. These dual oversized axles have an incredible effect on the bikes' handling, increasing the direct feel into the bike as well as magnifying the responsive feel.

If you want to hit the trails, and fancy a bit of an aggressive shred session, we wholeheartedly recommend this bike. It ticks all the right boxes in the sense of offering a Cross Country race weapon, along with the bike having severe split personality issues. It seems controlled and well behaved when you need it, but the bike is truly dying to be set loose - to rail berms and slam through the rough stuff.

The only question that remains unanswered... where will YOU take it?