Deep in the Upper Palatinate, in Waldsassen near the Czech border, Ghost bikes have been manufactured since 1993. When Uwe Kalliwoda and Klaus Möhwald founded the company over 20 years ago, they had no idea how big their baby would one day become. Ghost is now part of the Accell Group (including Haibike and Lapierre) and up to 160 people work in development and assembly at the Ghost headquarters, depending on the season.
At the beginning of July, the curtain was lifted on the 2015 mountain bike range, and if you leaf through the dealer folder, you will notice the bright colours and the wide variety of models. We have picked out what we consider to be the most exciting models here.
More suspension travel for the All Mountain Riot
Riot LT is the name of the derivative of the Riot All Mountain, which was first presented in 2014. LT stands for long travel, meaning more suspension travel. However, this only affects the fork; instead of a 130 mm fork, there is a 150 mm fork in the head tube, while the familiar Riot Link suspension system (Float Link) with 130 millimetres of travel remains at the rear. However, the longer fork changes the angle by about one degree (slacker), and the top model features the new Cane Creek DB Inline shock, which is characterised by its versatile adjustment. The fork always has a levelling adjustment, according to Ghost this creates a good balance, the long suspension travel should help especially downhill. Nothing has changed on the carbon frame.
Inexpensive touring motorbike: Kato FS replaces the ASX
The ASX full-suspension bikes were only launched last season and now they are already trading under a new name. Kato FS is the name of the touring bikes with 130/120 millimetre suspension travel, aluminium chassis and aggressive price positioning. There are seven models, the Kato FS 7 with Shimano XT equipment, for example, is priced at 1900 euros and weighs around 13 kilos. There is also a model with the electronic E:i Shock suspension (2499 euros) - high tech at a favourable price. Incidentally, all-mountain hardtails with a 120 mm fork are available in the catalogue under the name Kato.
AMR range is changing - 26 inches disappears
Ghost is relaunching its popular AMR full-suspension bikes for 2015. The previous 29er AMR with 110 millimetres of suspension travel is now called AMR LC with a carbon frame (LC stands for light carbon) and 100 millimetre suspension. There is also the AMR LT model series (long travel) with 29er wheels and 130/120 millimetres of suspension travel.
The AMR Plus bikes with 26-inch wheels (150 mm travel) will be replaced by the Riot LT for the time being, albeit only incompletely. This is because the discontinuation of the 26-inch classic leaves a gap in the 150-millimetre bike segment. Although the Cagua with 160/155 millimetres of travel is still available, it is aimed more at enduro riders than all-mountain use. Ghost is making no secret of the fact that this gap will be filled, also with the Riot concept. There are currently only functional models on show, Marcus Klausmann, for example, is already riding one of these prototypes.
Great offer for women
By girls for girls is the motto at Ghost - two female developers take care of the lady bikes in-house. Lawu, Lanao and Lanao FS are the names of the three series with special equipment, geometry and specifications, which start at €999 for the full-suspension (130/120 mm).
Fatbikes? Not a chance. But 28 e-bikes
Contrary to the trend towards another niche product, Ghost does not currently have any fat bikes in its programme. However, Ghost continues to step on the gas in the e-bike segment and offers 28 different models, including an e-hardtail with a carbon frame and a weight of just 17.5 kilos.
