The KTM Gravelator 15 offers an attractive package: a sturdy aluminium frame, a carbon fork, a stylish gravel cockpit and a complete Shimano GRX 12-speed groupset. All this at a real bargain price. Is there a catch?

​Our verdict on the KTM Gravelator 15

The KTM Gravelator 15 is a versatile and robust all-rounder. For €1,399, it offers a modern frame, a robust 1x12 GRX groupset and wide tyres for any terrain. It’s hard to find a more affordable way to get started with sporty gravel biking. Is there a catch? Weighing in at twelve kilos, the Gravelator 15 is not exactly a lightweight bike.

The Gravelator 15 is aimed at cyclists looking for a gravel bike with a wide range of uses on a tight budget. With a robust aluminium frame, a carbon fork featuring bolt-on mounts for luggage, and a Shimano GRX groupset with a simple 1x12 gear system, the manufacturer positions the bike as an uncomplicated companion for commuting, longer rides and bikepacking. This is also confirmed by the geometry data.

Frame

The Gravelator 15’s frame is made from 6061 aluminium and is designated ‘Gravelator 15 AL6061 TB/R5070/UDH’. The design is engineered for durability and versatility. This is complemented by the numerous mounting options for luggage, as well as the compatible carbon fork with additional mounting points.

KTM fits all models in the aluminium range – with the exception of the Gravelator 30, which is priced at 899 euros – with thru-axles. This increases wheel stiffness and ensures more controlled handling, particularly on loose terrain. A luggage rack can also be retrofitted using a dedicated mounting point. This means the Gravelator 15 isn’t limited to sporty after-work rides, but is equally suited to longer tours with panniers and for commuting.

Geometry: comfortable for long rides

The geometry of the Gravelator 15 is clearly designed with comfort in mind. The 75-millimetre bottom bracket drop is balanced by a comparatively stable frame design: with a stack of 612.4 millimetres and a reach of 404.4 millimetres in frame size 55, the riding position isn’t particularly sporty – so you won’t be tearing down gravel tracks in an aggressive riding position, but can tackle even longer rides in a relaxed manner. The bike is long enough to ensure a smooth ride without feeling sluggish on winding gravel sections. This suits a gravel bike that’s designed to perform even on rough trails and when carrying luggage. The handlebars (400 mm), with their flat drop and pronounced flare, also contribute to comfort and control.

Features: No glamour, but solid

Gearbox and brakes

At the heart of the drivetrain is the 1x12 groupset from Shimano’s GRX range. The GRX RX822-12 rear derailleur is paired with a 10–51-tooth cassette from the Deore M6100 series. Up front is a GRX RX610 crankset with a 40-tooth chainring. This combination offers a decent range of gears. The lowest gear has a sufficiently short gear ratio for steeper climbs and loose terrain. The absence of a front derailleur simplifies the shifting logic and reduces the number of components. Braking is hydraulic, with RX610/410 shift-brake levers, and there is a 160-millimetre brake disc at both the front and rear. Whilst larger discs might be a viable option for long descents with a full bikepacking load, the specification is well-suited to the intended range of use.

Training wheels

KTM pairs the wheels with Maxxis Rambler tyres in size 45-622. The tyre width provides extra grip on coarse gravel and improves comfort compared with narrower 40- or 42-millimetre tyres. At the same time, the bike remains sufficiently responsive on tarmac. The Alexrims GRX25P rims have an internal width of 25 millimetres. Together with the 45-millimetre tyres, this creates a voluminous setup that can be ridden with reduced tyre pressure.

Key facts about the KTM Gravelator 15

• Price: 1,399 euros >> available here
• Weight: 12.0 kg
• Frame/Fork: Aluminium frame, carbon fork with mount
• Drive: Shimano GRX RX822-12, GRX RX610/RX410, GRX-RX610 crankset with 40 teeth, 10- to 51-tooth cassette
• Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, 160 millimetres at the front and rear
• Wheels and tyres: Alexrims GRX25P, Maxxis Rambler EXO 45-622
• Cockpit: KTM COMP II Road, KTM COMP 7°

Gravelator 15 or Gravelator Pro 2X?

Who would benefit from upgrading to the most affordable carbon gravel bike in the KTM range? At €1,899, the Gravelator Pro 2X costs exactly €500 more than the Gravelator 15. The frame geometries are identical. There are two key differences: Thanks to its carbon frame, the Gravelator Pro 2X weighs 9.9 kilos – around two kilos lighter. For sporty, ambitious gravel cyclists, this alone should make it an option. Perhaps even more decisive is the gear-shifting philosophy. The Shimano GRX 2x12groupset, featuring a 46/30-tooth crankset and an 11–36-tooth cassette, offers finer gear spacing – you’ll particularly appreciate this finer gear spacing when riding at a brisk pace in groups with other cyclists. Inexperienced riders, however, will prefer the simpler shifting logic of the single-chainring setup on the Gravelator 15.