A good bike is essential during a long cycle tour. Eurobike does not rely on just any old bike. No! We provide our customers with the best. That’s why every Eurobike guests cycles through Austria, Germany and the rest of Europe with a KTM bike. Bikes made in Austria, so to speak!
We asked cycling expert and professional mountain biker Matthias Grick from KTM what KTM bikes can really do, and what you should pay attention to when buying your own bike.
He is not just a true professional when it comes to the development, design and technology of KTM bikes. Matthias Grick is also responsible for marketing, project management and all test reports at KTM. He also competes successfully in races and is part of the in-house team.
Matthias Grick:
Basically, you should ask yourself what you’ll be using the bike for and what your price-range is. Overall, I think it doesn’t always have to be the high-end model. There are different models of KTM bike in every segment, which are graduated in price.
The current trend when buying a bike is moving towards comfort. That means more and more full suspension bikes are being sold. Of course, weight also plays an important role.
With some bike parts, such as the tires, it is often wiser to accept a few grams more. Why? Quite simple, the main focus should always be on puncture resistance.
Top rules when buying a bike:
When training employees, KTM places great importance on training and cooperation with the individual dealers.
Would you like more tips on how to buy the right bike for you? The Eurobike team knows what to look out for!
Matthias Grick: Here too, the specialist dealer is usually the best person to ask. A frame that is too large makes cycling cumbersome and the bike is no longer agile.
Additional tip: Your gut feeling is usually right. First and foremost, you have to feel comfortable on the bike, no matter what measurements the computer spits out during a bike fitting.
As a rule of thumb, if you have your hands on the handlebars, your elbows should be angled slightly and not stretched. If you place your heel on the pedal in a vertical crank position and the knee is at a slight angle, the seat height is correct.
I personally prefer a saddle that tilts down slightly.
But there are no exact instructions on how a saddle should be. Everyone has to find the right saddle for themselves. A soft saddle is not always comfortable. The main thing is the shape. A lot has happened in the points of contact between the body and bike in recent years. There is a large selection of ergonomic handles and saddles, especially for women. Also read our recommendations for finding the right bike saddle.
Extra tip: under no circumstances should you scrimp on cycling shorts. A high-quality seat cushion is essential if you want to feel good while cycling!
Do you already have a good idea of what you should be looking for in a saddle? Then get some extra tips for the correct bike saddle!
Matthias Grick: People often work on a new bike concept for over two years before the release. At KTM, the entire development department is located directly in Mattighofen. How long it takes for the sketch on paper to become a finished KTM bike varies greatly.
Testing is done with prototypes. The shape of the wheels are reproduced and assessed one-to-one using a 3D printer. The feedback on the demonstration items comes from many experts, also outside of the company. It’s a little more complicated with the race bikes. Through permanent exchange of knowledge with professionals, the optimal material, naturally made in Austria, can be te
In addition, there has been an enormous e-bike boom and pressure to be innovative in recent years. At the moment, design and development often have to be very quick. The lead times are getting shorter. New frameworks have to be implemented in just one year to keep up with the competition.
When the blank frame arrives in Mattighofen from Asia, it’s quick. Up to 1,000 bikes per day are painted and assembled in a newly opened production hall. This is our promise of quality to the customer: always be up to date!
Matthias Grick: As a well-known manufacturer, you cannot afford a lack of quality. The fact that all production operations are carried out on site guarantees KTM bikes are of the highest quality, and made in Austria.
Additionally, each individual bike has to be checked during a final inspection before it is dispatched. Our complete development team is in-house so we can also offer customers the usual standard.
By the way: The bikes are tested on the test bench and off-road. The end customer is often the most important source of feedback. In addition, the field service is available to dealers around the clock. If there is any feedback, it will be passed on directly to quality assurance.
Matthias Grick: KTM is a brand with a long tradition and our customers appreciate that!
My tip to all mountain bike lovers: The best idea is to always compare and do a test ride with different bikes before you buy. (Laughs) I promise you will choose a KTM bike.
