We asked them to tell us about the KTM X-Strada (and some technical choices), directly from Nicolas Samparisi, just before the CX race in Val di Sole, where he finished in fourteenth place overall: first of the Italians.
The geometry with the most open front end, a solution borrowed from gravel is advantageous for handling and stability. Let's go into detail.
The setting for Vermiglio
It is thelatest version of the X-Strada, a versatile bicycle that is also offered in various gravel configurations. Samparisi's is a large size, with KS 0 offset seatpost and saddle F30 by Selle SMPThere is the Sram Rival AXS transmission with the double front plateau (46-38) and with the power meter. The rear rocker arm is from the Force AXS series.
Moving on to the cockpit, there is a short KS stem and a Pro bend. The wheels are the Alchemist full carbon with tubular predisposition. The tires are the Challenge Limus 33, red Team Edition version.
What kind of feeling do you have with the track this year?
Very different path from last year, with more powdery and icy snow, but the surface was completely different. He was treated differently, you see more grass and dirt, factors that affect the behavior of the tires. This year it was more like sand and immediately comparable to the conditions that had developed towards the end of 2021.
In terms of tires, what were the factors that determined your choice?
It was necessary to have some grip and therefore, in my opinion, mud tires could have been the ones that offered the optimal compromise, even if the snow became softer.
Instead, what differences do you find with the new X-Strada, compared to the previous version?
The geometries are completely different and the frame is longer for the same sizeI shortened the stem and on the new version I use the 0 offset seatpost. The factor that has been improved exponentially is theopening of the front angle and this affects the driving precision, but also on the sections where speed is needed without suffering the defects of the terrain.
So is the gravel solution an advantage for you?
Certainly yes, This bike works well in cross country as well as in hard gravel.It also has the advantage of having ample tire clearance, front and rear, which is a plus for clearing mud. It's not a featherweight bike, but it's solid, and a few grams of difference in cross-country riding won't make a big difference. The new KTM X-Strada is also stiffer and more responsive.
A stiffer bike means different tire pressure management?
With the same configuration the setting remained the same.
We see that on the new one you use the double front chainring, why?
I changed last year and I feel better with the double chainring, it offers more possibilities than the single. With the 46 front, regardless of the sprocket scale I can be fast, much more than with the single front chainring. On the toughest sections I use the 38 which saves my leg and doesn't weigh me down.
Drivetrain based on Rival AXS and Force rear derailleur, why?
The Rival is very accurate, while the Force has that extra half click of self-adjustment, which, when designed with an off-road perspective, is not trivial. However, the Rival is a great product even in terms of ergonomics, considering that it is not a top-of-the-range product.
Ergonomics?
Personally, I'm more comfortable with the Rival's shifters., rather than those of the Force, because they are narrower and less large.
