For €2,499, the KTM Macina Gravelator HX offers an astonishing amount of e-gravel bike: a carbon bike-packing fork at the front, a Bosch Hub Line hub motor at the rear, and Shimano CUES in between. Anyone familiar with the trade-offs will find this an exciting option for beginners.

​Conclusion: The price argument holds water – provided you’re aware of the trade-offs

The KTM Macina Gravelator HX is an e-gravel bike that, on paper, gets a lot right: carbon fork, hydraulic brakes, Bosch drive system, integrated battery – all for 2,499 euros. In this price range, the package is indeed remarkable. However, anyone who thinks they’re getting a gravel e-bike without any noticeable compromises should adjust their expectations. The hub motor is a compromise, the weight isn’t a unique selling point, and the gear system is entry-level. The Gravelator HX isn’t a flawless offering – but it’s an exciting one. — Sebastian Brust, Test & Technology Editor

Bosch Hub Line in gravel riding: bold or pragmatic?

The fact that Bosch is now unveiling a rear hub motor after years of mid-motor dominance sends a clear message. With 45 Nm of torque and a rated power output of 400 W, the new Hub Line is positioned well below the 75–100 Nm and above that are typical of some mid-motors. But even the Bosch SX’s just under 50 Nm is often more than enough for a gravel bike.

KTM is using the affordable Bosch hub motor in a gravel bike concept – and that’s a bold move. Whether it’s a wise one depends heavily on how the bike is used. The system works well on flat to undulating gravel routes. However, anyone who regularly tackles steep climbs on loose ground will quickly reach the limits of the Hub Line. The motor isn’t a powerhouse – it’s a helper for moderate terrain. It’s important to bear this in mind before buying.

The discreet battery housing in the rear wheel hub has its own appeal: the frame remains slim, and the bike’s appearance is close to that of a classic gravel bike. The integrated 400 Wh Bosch Compacttube battery can be removed from the top – which is handy for everyday use.

Whilst 400 Wh isn’t a particularly generous battery capacity, it’s at least a decent one for an energy-efficient e-bike motor used on gravel. For ambitious day trips and bikepacking stages, the capacity could become a limiting factor. On challenging terrain, the need to use higher assistance levels more frequently further reduces the range. Three-figure mileage figures could still be achievable, however.

Frame & Fork: What to expect – and what not to expect

The frame is made of AL6061 aluminium. It’s well-crafted; the welds are neat, though unpolished, and the paint finish is durable. Anyone expecting a carbon frame in this price range is looking in the wrong place. As the KTM Gravelator 15 Even without a motor, the electric version is equipped with through-axles.

The realm of genuinely lightweight e-bikes begins at under 15 kilograms; at 17.5 kilograms, the Gravelator HX remains well above that mark. As a measure of lightweight construction, therefore, this figure is just as meaningless as any glimmer of hope for effortless pedalling above the 25 km/h limit. This is important for correctly understanding the bike’s positioning: it is not a lightweight gravel bike with electric assistance, but a reasonably lightweight e-bike with gravel ambitions. That is a difference.

The carbon gravel fork is the standout feature of the suspension setup. A carbon fork in this price range is by no means a given. The mounting points for bikepacking bags or mudguards are practical for everyday use.

Regarding the system weight: a maximum authorised mass of 128 kilograms is rather restrictive in this category. After deducting the vehicle’s unladen weight, this leaves a maximum payload of just over 110 kilos. Anyone who is large in stature, carries a heavy load, or both, will quickly approach this limit. For a gravel bike that is also marketed for bikepacking, this is not really a selling point.

Circuit: Entry level – no more, no less

Shimano’s CUES groupset, designated U4000, performs reliably as a bicycle groupset. It offers nine gears; paired with the 11–46 cassette, this provides sufficient gear range for flat to undulating gravel terrain, and is easy to maintain. However, the 4000-series CUES sits at the bottom end of Shimano’s new CUES range. Features such as the Shadow Plus rear derailleur damper are only available on the 6000-series. For a bike in this price range, that’s perfectly reasonable.

That said, the affordable Shimano gear system is considered particularly durable. Of particular interest to frequent cyclists: when used in conjunction with the hub motor, the chain is subjected to significantly less mechanical stress than with mid-drive systems, which noticeably extends the service life of the drivetrain.

Brakes: The standout feature in this price range

A hydraulic twin-piston disc brake, such as those found on the CUES range, is the minimum a motorised gravel bike should be equipped with. Although the in-house GRX brake is even more responsive, the CUES’s bite point and modulation are just right, and its stability is sufficient for moderate gravel terrain.

Anyone who frequently rides with luggage, in alpine terrain or on long descents will find themselves missing larger brake discs. For typical low-mountain terrain, however, the combination works well – and is a real selling point for the Gravelator HX compared to competitors with mechanical brakes in this price range.

The price: the strongest argument

E-gravel bikes start at 2,499 euros. That’s the essence of this bike. For that price, the KTM Macina Gravelator HX comes with a carbon fork, hydraulic Shimano brakes, the new Bosch hub motor, a removable 400 Wh battery and a reliable nine-speed gearbox.

Anyone looking for an e-gravel bike with a mid-drive motor, more torque or a larger battery will have to dig much deeper into their pockets – often 1,000 euros or more. The Gravelator HX isn’t a perfect gravel bike. But it’s a fair option for newcomers to the segment, occasional riders and anyone looking for an e-gravel bike suitable for everyday use without breaking the bank.

Technical Specifications