Long suspension travel is less and less of an obstacle when it comes to sporty riding. 150-millimetre full-suspension bikes are more suitable for touring and lighter than ever, which is why Ghost has adapted its AMR Plus to the changing times. You can already feel this in the suspension set-up. The shock requires significantly less air pressure, is much more sensitive than before and offers a sensible adjustment range thanks to the new platform logic of the Fox RP23, perfectly matching the Talas RLC fork model. The suspension works from buttery soft to firm, depending on how you set it up. We rode best with platform position one. Level three is only needed on long tarmac climbs. Just as you can feel the steep 74° seat angle (positively) when climbing, the 66.5° slack angle is noticeable when steering. The rather sluggish steering behaviour is unusual for an all-mountain bike, but it provides a lot of composure at high speeds. The bike does not lack this:
The mighty aluminium frame is not only rock-solid on our test bench (84 Nm/degree), but it also rides like it. Steering precision at the highest level, thanks to the 1.5-inch head tube and thru axles. This makes the bike extremely suitable for tall and/or strong riders. However, the scales show a weight of 3.7 kilos for the frame with shock, which is no way to earn a medal in 2012. But otherwise we liked the bike all round: The tyre width suits the range of use, and the same applies to the telescopic seat post with handlebar remote. Shimano's XT groupset will probably outstrip the XTR, and the feel and look earn the verdict: great.
The suspension offers a wide range of set-up options and has improved significantly compared to the previous model. If the AMR Plus 7500 rolls onto the market in this configuration for around 2800 euros (the price had not yet been finalised at the time of testing), it deserves a purchase tip and will put a lot of pressure on the competition.
ConclusionNo one needs more all-mountain. The 2012 AMR Plus is versatile and effective, reasonably equipped, but a little heavy.
PLUS Suspension function, good, complete equipment, rigid frame
MINUS Relatively heavy
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