E-mountain bikes: Comparison test: KTM Macina Kapoho 271 vs. KTM Macina Kapoho 274

Test: The e-bike market is booming, as a look at the KTM website shows. KTM Bikes Industries offers a wide range of e-bikes and the focus is currently clearly on motorized bikes. Eleven different models in the e-bike fully range alone, but how should the biker know his way around here and which bike is intended for which purpose? Velomotion took a closer look at the KTM Macina Kapoho 271 and the KTM Macina Kapoho 274 in a comparison test and clarified.  

Let's start at the beginning: KTM Bikes is a clear brand, but it's interesting to know that the Austrian bicycle manufacturer KTM has little to do with KTM motorcycles, and the two manufacturers operate largely independently of each other. MACINA is the name KTM gives to all its e-mountain bikes, and KAPOHO describes the model. In this case, these are two full-suspension e-bikes with 160 mm of travel. The number 271 stands for the model variant, and 271 is the top model for 5.999,- Euro, 274 is the entry-level model for 3.999,- euros.

frame/geometry

If you look at the geometries of the 160 fully, you will notice that the Macina Kapoho has a relatively short main frame and the chain stays are relatively long, at least when you compare them to other modern bikes in this travel class. The steering angle, on the other hand, is within the normal range at 66°. With this, KTM wants to enable a comfortable and upright seating position and accommodate touring riders. KTM compensates for the short main frame with a longer stem so that you don't automatically end up too far back on the bike going downhill. The KTM Macina Kapoho is available in four different frame sizes from XS-L. The frame and rear end are made of aluminum and are slim for an e-bike thanks to battery integration.

Equipment

The KTM Macina Kapoho is the all-mountain E-MTB with 160 mm spring travel from the Austrians, the jack of all trades, so to speak. In the 2018 models, the battery has been nicely integrated into the frame and offers 500 Wh. The already well-known Bosch Performance Line CX motor is used in both models. In terms of equipment, the two equipment variants we tested differ enormously. Most striking: While the orange/black top model is equipped with a mix of 29 inch and 27,5+ inch wheels, the entry-level version only uses the wide Plus tires.

KTM Macina Kapoho 271

Shimano Zee brakes with 200/180 mm brake discs are designed to bring the top model Macina Kapoho 271 to a standstill. In our opinion, a large disc would also make sense on the rear wheel, after all an E-MTB always needs a little more braking power due to the high system weight. Well thought out: Both models come with a device for a side stand from the factory.

The SRAM EX1 has been specially designed for the e-mountain bike sector. The 8-speed cassette takes a little getting used to because of the large gear steps and therefore expects a bit of skill from the driver uphill. The combination of 29 inches at the front and 27,5+ at the back raises questions at first glance, but on closer inspection the mix makes perfect sense. The large front wheel should ensure good rollover characteristics and precise handling, you hit the desired line better than with a spongy wide tire. The wide tire at the back provides traction on the trail and increases comfort when it really rumbles.

The cockpit looks a bit untidy with the Bosch controls and their numerous cables. Therefore, the remote lever for the seat post does not find a suitable place and was quickly placed next to the control element. Unfortunately, it is difficult to operate the lever while driving. Here we would wish for a better solution. The Macina Kapoho 160 offers 271 mm of travel at the front and rear. The rear end with the FOX DPX2 absorbs bumps sensitively.

KTM Macina Kapoho 274

The Macina Kapoho 274 is the entry-level model of the fully integrated frame variant. In return you get an SR Suntour Coil suspension fork and a RockShox Monach RL damper. Beginners will consider themselves lucky with the SR Suntour, as it can be easily adjusted without tools or a damper pump. Rebound, lockout and spring preload can be adjusted with rotary knobs.

A Shimano SLX 11-speed gear system on the Macina Kapoho 274 offers good shifting performance and is also very low-maintenance and forgives the occasional quick gear change. Unlike the Macina Kapoho 271, the Kapoho 274 uses 27,5 plus tires at the front and rear. A good choice for the entry-level model, as less experienced drivers will appreciate the extra traction. If it does get faster, the wide tire at the front can get a bit spongy.

In both models, the damper is protected from dirt and stones by a plastic cover. Both models also have a dropper seat post with 125 mm travel. Due to the special rear wheel suspension, it is not really possible to mount an internally routed seat post. But it can be removed more easily and quickly from the seat tube.

On the trail

After we had dealt intensively with the two wheels and had a closer look at the different equipment variants, it was time to let the two models loose on the trail. What purpose are the Macina Kapoho models intended for? All-mountain, forest paths or for rough terrain? We found out.

Uphill, the two models hardly differ. The sitting position on the Macina Kapoho is upright and compact. Due to the short main frame, there is a lot of pressure on the buttocks when riding. This is especially good for less sporty riders who ride a lot on flat terrain and only ride moderate climbs. However, on really steep climbs, there is a lack of pressure at the front, the shock sags deep in the suspension travel and there is a lack of grip and control on the front wheel. The 27,5 plus Schwalbe Noby Nic 2.8 rear tires offer plenty of grip uphill and push the Macina Kapoho and the driver confidently uphill through stony uphill passages.

KTM Macina Kapoho 274

When going downhill, you quickly notice the differences between the two models. The KTM Macina Kapoho 274 entry-level model is more intended for simple forest paths or flowing single trails. The Kapoho feels very comfortable here. The spring elements offer plenty of comfort in connection with the 2,8 Nobby Nic tires. If you leave the Macina Kapoho free on rougher terrain, the suspension fork quickly reaches its limits. As soon as the ground gets heavier, the Macina Kapoho 274 gets nervous. The slightly too narrow handlebars with a length of 720 mm convey less security than we would like from a 160 mm bike and are suitable for a touring bike. The rear end absorbs bumps very willingly, but then quickly rushes through the entire suspension travel and hardly gives any feedback. With larger obstacles, it is difficult to stay on track with the bike. The short main frame gives the bike good agility. The KTM handles quick changes of direction surprisingly light-footed despite its very long rear end.

KTM Macina Kapoho 271

The Kapoho 271 scores points on the descents thanks to its good spring elements. The rear end with the FOX DPX2 absorbs bumps sensitively, but requires significantly more air pressure during setup than we are used to from other bikes. This could be a problem for heavier riders as they reach the shock's maximum air pressure more quickly. The compact geometry of the Kapoho also makes the 271 manoeuvrable. Fast cornering is much easier than the length of the tail would suggest. Due to the narrow cockpit, the Kapoho 271 also reaches its limits on faster descents. As a result, the handling is not quite as safe and the bike cannot fully exploit the supposed advantages of the mixed wheel size.

Conclusion

To be honest, at first we were a bit irritated by our two Kapoho test bikes. In view of the technical data with 160mm travel and, in the case of the Kapoho 271, the noble Fox chassis, we had expected a potent enduro with race DNA. The fact that both bikes ride a little more comfortably overall is not a negative thing - it's just different. The KTM Macina Kapoho is an extremely comfortable tourer with almost unlimited off-road reserves, should these be needed.

The cheaper Kapoho 274, with its Plus tires and the extremely comfortable chassis, should be a lot of fun for trail beginners in particular, whereas the Kapoho 2.000, which is almost 271 euros more expensive, also knows how to deal with significantly heavier terrain. Both have in common the mentioned, comfortable seating position and the extremely good touring suitability, which shows its strengths especially during longer uphill passages.

Website

www.ktm-bikes.at