KTM Gravelator

The KTM Gravelator is a versatile gravel bike series for asphalt, gravel roads, and longer tours. The 2027 model range extends from an affordably priced aluminum bike to a lightweight carbon gravel bike with electronic shifting, a power meter, and carbon wheels. This makes KTM appealing to beginners, commuters, bikepacking enthusiasts, and performance-oriented gravel bikers.

Within the series, the models differ primarily in frame material, drivetrain, and wheelset. There are also special LFC versions with lights, mudguards, and a luggage rack. Someone looking for a KTM gravel bike for the daily commute to work therefore needs a different setup than someone who rides fast training laps or long tours with lots of elevation gain.

The Gravelator range takes over the role of the former X-Strada models and covers a wide price spectrum. The aluminum variants start with the Gravelator 30 FIT model. At the top end is the Gravelator Exonic AXS PM with a premium carbon frame and SRAM Red XPLR AXS.

The aluminum range includes the Gravelator 30, 25, 15, 10 and 20 LFC. In addition, there is the Gravelator 30 FIT with flat handlebars and the Gravelator 10 FIT Q’AUTO with electronic shifting. These bikes are aimed primarily at beginners, everyday riders and gravel bikers looking for a durable frame at an affordable price.

The carbon models start with the Gravelator Pro. These are followed by the Elite, Master, Prime, Prestige, Supreme and Exonic levels. Within these model levels, different drivetrain concepts are available to choose from. The designations 2x, Di2, AXS and PM indicate two chainrings, electronic Shimano shifting, wireless SRAM shifting and a power meter.

Those looking to get into gravel riding as affordably as possible will find suitable options in the Gravelator 30 or 30 FIT. The Gravelator 15 already features a Shimano GRX drivetrain with a large 10-51 cassette. For predominantly long distances on asphalt and hard-packed trails, the Gravelator 10, Pro 2x, or Elite 2x are interesting options thanks to their closely spaced double drivetrains.

The carbon models significantly reduce the weight. According to the manufacturer's specifications, the KTM Gravelator Exonic weighs approx. 7.8 kg (depending on frame size). The actual weight difference compared to the Pro model (approx. 10.7 kg) is therefore approx. 2.9 kg. This difference is noticeable when accelerating, on longer climbs, and when carrying the bike. For relaxed tours, the lower weight is pleasant, but not strictly necessary. A solid aluminum model can be the more economical choice for everyday use and bikepacking.

A 1x drivetrain has only one chainring. This eliminates the front derailleur and left shifter used for changing chainrings. It is easy to operate, and the chain stays securely guided on rough terrain. This is practical on forest trails, coarse gravel, and more technical sections.

The Gravelator 25 features a Shimano CUES drivetrain with a 42-tooth chainring and an 11-50 cassette. The Gravelator 15 and several carbon models use 1x12 drivetrains with a 10-51 cassette. This range provides easy climbing gears for steep ascents. However, the gaps between individual gears are larger than with a two-chainring setup.

If you frequently ride on mixed terrain and want to shift less, a 1x model is a good fit. For steep gravel climbs, the Gravelator 15, Pro, or Elite are interesting options. Electronic versions such as the Elite Di2, Master AXS, and Prime AXS shift precisely at the touch of a button and require fewer mechanical cables.

The 2x models feature two chainrings and offer smaller gear jumps. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent cadence on asphalt. At the same time, an appropriately easy gear remains available for climbs. The Gravelator 10 uses a Shimano GRX 2x12-speed drivetrain with a 46/30-tooth crankset and an 11-36 cassette.

The Gravelator Elite 2x and Pro 2x use a similar concept. The Prestige Di2 combines an electronic Shimano GRX drivetrain with two chainrings. If you are planning long distances, fast group rides, or tours with a high proportion of road riding, a 2x drivetrain is usually the better choice. On rough terrain, it requires a little more shifting effort.

The 2027 model year Gravelator models use disc brakes. The more affordable versions feature Shimano CUES or Shimano MT components, respectively. GRX models use compatible hydraulic road bike brakes, while the SRAM variants are equipped with the braking systems of the respective AXS groupset. While mechanical disc brakes are operated via a cable, hydraulic disc brakes use a closed system with brake fluid. 

Although mechanical brakes are often easier to repair, they require more operating force and offer less braking power. Hydraulic disc brakes, on the other hand, require little hand force and can be modulated much more precisely and controllably. This helps on long descents, in wet conditions, and when carrying additional luggage. Most models feature 160 mm rotors front and rear. This size is suitable for sporty gravel biking while also providing reliable braking performance for everyday use.

The more affordable models use aluminum. The frame designations refer to the AL6061 alloy. The Gravelator 30 uses a simpler aluminum frame with quick-release skewers. From the Gravelator 25 onwards, more sophisticated frame designs with a UDH derailleur hanger and thru-axles are used. A carbon fork is already standard equipment on the aluminum variants.

Thru-axles measuring 12 x 100 mm at the front and 12 x 142 mm at the rear connect the wheels and frame rigidly and precisely. This makes it easier to maintain consistent brake rotor alignment. The Gravelator 30 has a simpler design with quick-release skewers. This is sufficient for leisure riding, while thru-axles offer advantages for frequent wheel changes and sporty riding.

With the Gravelator Pro, KTM opts for a carbon frame. Carbon reduces weight and makes it possible to precisely tune stiffness and compliance in different areas of the frame. As a result, despite having comparable drivetrains, the Gravelator Pro weighs approximately 1.3 kg less than the aluminum Gravelator 15. Even lighter premium carbon constructions are used for the Supreme and Exonic.

The Maxxis Rambler is a versatile choice for mixed terrain. The Maxxis Reaver has a tread pattern more focused on speed. The Schwalbe G-One Overland 365 is aimed at riders who use the bike year-round and in changing weather conditions. In contrast, the G-One-RS tires on the higher-end models prioritize low rolling resistance.

Rims with a 25 mm internal width provide good support for a 45 mm tire. This improves handling and allows for lower tire pressure. Lower pressure increases comfort and grip on loose surfaces. The appropriate pressure depends on the rider's weight, terrain, luggage, and tire construction.

Aluminium wheels are durable and usually cheaper to replace. Carbon wheels save weight and respond more directly when accelerating. For bikepacking and everyday use, a high-quality set of aluminium wheels is often the more sensible choice. Those who prioritise speed and low weight will benefit more from the carbon wheels on the Elite, Prestige, Supreme and Exonic models.

The KTM Gravelator is generally suitable for day trips and bikepacking. Numerous fork designations indicate mounting options. Depending on the model, bottle cages, cargo cages or lightweight bags can be attached. Before purchasing a carrier, you should check which threads the chosen frame and respective fork actually have.

For a minimalist bikepacking setup, a large saddle bag, a frame bag and a handlebar bag are usually sufficient. This setup puts less strain on the bike than a classic luggage rack and is well suited to the sporty Pro, Elite and Master models. The carbon models also feature integrated downtube storage, where tools, spare inner tubes or small pieces of luggage can be stored compactly and protected from the weather. The Gravelator 15 and 25 are more affordable alternatives for tours with light luggage.

For the daily commute, the LFC models are the simpler solution. LFC stands for equipment with lights, mudguards and a luggage rack. The Gravelator 20 LFC has a Racktime Spica luggage rack, a dynamo-powered lighting system and aluminum mudguards. The Schwalbe G-One Overland 365 tires are suitable for year-round use.

The Gravelator Pro 2x LFC combines a carbon frame with the same basic concept. It is equipped with Shimano GRX 2x12, a luggage rack, lights, and mudguards. At approx. 12.7 kg, it remains significantly lighter than the aluminum LFC model at approx. 14.1 kg. For sporty commuters who go on longer rides at the weekend, this combination is particularly interesting.

If you mainly ride with bikepacking bags, a model without permanent everyday equipment offers more freedom and less weight. If the bike is to be ready to ride every morning, an LFC version saves you the hassle of buying and installing mudguards, lights, and a luggage rack later on.

For long trips, the drivetrain is also relevant. A 1x12 drivetrain offers easy operation and light climbing gears. A 2x12 drivetrain provides finer gear steps and is more comfortable on long stretches of asphalt. When carrying heavy luggage, robust wheels and well-controllable hydraulic disc brakes should also take priority over the lowest possible overall weight.