Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/241252
terference it causes. Without the interference from the linkage, the PDS by contrast, is better for slower speed riding. The PDS provides more feedback because the energy from the terrain transmits directly to the shock with no interference from linkage. The PDS also stays rooted to ground and allows for better traction when riding at a slower clip. The plush suspension on the XC-W butters the gnarl. takes a little experimenting to find it. Once the set up is ironed out, the XC-W is true enduro specialist. Linkage or PDS? We won't wade too deeply into this debate as preferences generally boil down to style and terrain. Both systems can be tuned to handle any off-road scenario, as proven by the days before KTM transitioned the XC line to linkage. Anyway, here are the basics as I've experienced them. The linkage bikes soak up the hard hits better than the PDS making it more appropriate for an aggressive rider or cross-country racing where high speed hits are common. The linkage is less sensitive to changing conditions, likely because of the in- 12 Trail Rider Turning and Cornering Another key difference between the bikes is that the XC-W comes fitted with triple clamps in the 20mm offset position, while the XC is fitted with 22mm triple clamps. The 20mm triple clamp offset, in concert with the higher back end, make the XC-W a quicker turner and a little sharper than the XC in the tight and/or twisty single track. Basically, The XC-W just gets it done more efficiently in the tight, twisty stuff. The trade off is that it's a little twitchier at speed. The XC by contrast settles into the high speed corners better and is more comfortable at speed. Conclusion If you were to log on to the KTM web site and pull up a side by side comparison of each bike, you wouldn't see much beyond the linkage and the PDS suspension systems and a minor difference in shock travel and overall weight. The reality is that despite the appearance, there are more differences than similarities in terms of performance. The great thing about these two bikes is that they can easily be tuned to imitate the other. You'll need some help in the suspension department from your revalve specialist as they are valved differently, but the handling, motor, and gearing differences are easily adjusted. Much like the PDS vs. linkage debate, the preferences for each bike generally boils down to style and terrain. www.TrailRider.com