KTM Chicago Disc 271 27.5T - Review

by Simon Ananda Raj May 19, 2025 1 min read

KTM is a renowned Austrian brand that has been producing high-quality Motor Bikes and Bicycles for over 5 years. KTM is already a popular brand amongst the youth in India for their range of Motor Bikes. The brand's dedication to quality, performance, and innovation has earned it a loyal following of Cyclists worldwide. KTM offers a diverse range of Bicycles, including Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Electric Bikes, and City Bikes. Each Bicycle is built with precision and attention to detail, using top-of-the-line materials and components. KTM Bicycles have been recently launched in India. We got the opportunity to test ride the KTM Chicago 271 27.5T Hardtail MTB and here is what we thought.Weight: 15.1kgsUsage: Trail/Fitness

The KTM Chicago 271 27.5T is a strong yet lightweight Hardtail All-rounder MTB with performance packed components ready to handle rough trails and harsh urban roads.

Simon Ananda Raj

KTM Chicago Disc 271 27.5T

Snapshot

4.1

Product Rating Out of 5

Performance 4.2

Design 4.2

Features 4.1

Value for Money 3.9
THINGS WE LIKE

✔ Lightweight Alloy frame

✔ Powerful Hydraulic Disc brakes

✔ Schwalbe 27.5” x 2.25” tires

THINGS WE DON'T LIKE

✖ No Acera RD at this price

✖ N/A

✖ N/A
Frame

Alloy 6061 M1100

The slanting top tube makes the ride geometry aggressive and comfortable as well.
Fork

Suntour Suspension Fork 80mm Travel

The manual suspension lock-out helped make the fork rigid and thus ride faster on flatter surfaces.
Gearing

Shimano Altus 3x9-Speed

These derailleurs had quick gear shifts and an efficient range to get up to speed and to climb trails easily.
Breaks

Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes

These brakes were safe and balanced even on the most slippery and roughest of trails.
Tires

Schwalbe Smart Sam 27.5"

These tires performed well on trails, mainly because of its thick tread patterns with hard compounds and the 2.25” width.
Battery

N/A

N/A

: The KTM Chicago 271 27.5T is built using KTM's M11 Tech 661 Alloy frame. This frame has a tapered head tube and smooth welded edges to keep the most of the material at places in the frame which is capable of taking in vibrations of the trails. The slanting top tube makes the ride geometry aggressive and comfortable as well.The SR Suntour front suspension fork comes with a massive 8mm travel which worked really well on the roughest of trails. The manual suspension lock-out helped make the fork rigid and thus ride faster on flatter surfaces.

This Alloy frame is strong and can take in a lot of hitting and the 8mm suspension fork worked smoothly
: A performance focused MTB like the KTM Chicago requires precise gearing. This Bicycle is equipped with a Shimano Altus 3-Speed front derailleur and a Shimano Altus 9-Speed rear derailleur. This Altus rear derailleur is the latest version of this derailleur and worked seamlessly during the test ride. The Shimano Altus rapid fire shifters were smooth in shifting with an efficient spring action.

These derailleurs had quick gear shifts and an efficient range to get up to speed and to climb trails easily
: The Chicago 271 27.5T which we test rode came in a full Orange frame with Black as the secondary colour and internal cable routing for the gear cables. The gloss finish paint job was of superior quality. This Bicycle has information stickers all over which tells specific technical aspects that add a nice touch to the Bicycle. The wide MTB tires with big threads help the Bicycle look rugged.

The KTM Chicago 271 27.5T comes in a single colour variant; Fire Orange with Black graphics
: The KTM Chicago 271 27.5T is equipped with Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes. These brakes are the best you can find on a Hardtail MTB with 16mm rotors. These brakes were safe and balanced even on the most slippery and roughest of trails. The Alloy brake levers were easy to engage with just 2 or 3 fingers. The KTM Line Rizer MTB handlebar was wide in length. This wide handlebar made sure the rider has full control and great handling capabilities.

The Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes were powerful and safe to use
: As in the name of this Bicycle, the KTM Chicago 271 27.5T rolls on a pair of Schwalbe Smart Sam 27.5” x 2.25” tires. These tires performed well on trails, mainly because of its thick tread patterns with hard compounds and the 2.25” width. These tires will keep you safe on the trails with maximum traction.The stock KTM Comp MTB saddle was ergonomic and keeps you comfortable on fast trail rides.

The Schwalbe Smart Sam 27.5” x 2.25” MTB tires definitely takes the trail riding experience to the next level

: Provide the answer to the question here.

Quote
: This is a 27.5” Hardtail meant for the rough trails and urban roads. With smooth gear shifting and powerful Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes this Bicycle will leave you feeling confident on the most challenging of trails. The heavily treaded 27.5” Schwalbe tires are capable of handling both wet and dry surfaces and even rocky trails. Priced at Rs.74,116 (as on 2th July 223) the KTM Chicago 271 27.5T is an ideal choice for anyone looking to buy a Performance MTB for riding on the roughest of trails.Prices and Specifications/Components are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.

KTM Chicago Disc 271 27.5T

Technical Specifications

Frame

Aluminum/Alloy

Fork

Front Suspension with Lockout

Front Derailleur

Shimano Altus 3-Speed

Rear Derailleur

Shimano Altus 9-Speed
Shifters

Shimano Altus 3x9-Speed

Brakes

Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Brake Levers

N/A

Tires

Schwalbe Smart Sam 27.5"
Rims

KTM Rocky 22

Handlebar

KTM Line Rizer

Stem

KTM Line

Seatpost

N/A
Saddle

KTM Comp

Pedals

N/A

Hubs

Shimano

Cassette

9-Speed
Chain

N/A

Crankset

Shimano

Bottom Bracket

Fully Sealed Cartridge

No of Gears

27-Speed
Riding Purpose

Leisure/Fitness