We've said it many times before: All-mountain bikes with 150 millimetres of travel are the bikes with the widest range of use and serve the largest target group. Anyone who hasn't tried them out for themselves has no idea how much fun these bikes can be. They are not really suitable for anything, unless you want to go to the bike park or chase marathon placings. Two bikes from Ghost and Giant compete in a duel that take the word "plus" in the category name seriously. Fat tyres, powerful brakes and dropper seat posts are the most important accessories for riding fun in difficult terrain. But the basis of both models is fundamentally different.
Ghost relies on a carbon main frame with an aluminium rear triangle for the top model in the AMR Plus line, while Giant sticks with classic aluminium, wrapped in a visually appealing package using hydroforming technology. In the laboratory, they deliver similar measured values at first glance despite the different material. In terms of frame weight, they only differ by ten grams (2800 to 2790 grams). The Ghost does not translate the carbon advantage into a dramatic lead, but the Giant test frame is one size smaller. On the stiffness test bench, the Ghost clearly outperforms its opponent (78 to 68 Nm/degree), and Ghost also has thru-axles front and rear - a plus point in terms of handling and steering precision. In terms of suspension travel, the bikes are similar except for a few millimetres, but on the trail the rivals reveal different characters.
With its Maestro system, Giant offers a drive-neutral suspension. Ghost's works very sensitively thanks to the new bearing (needle bearing in the shock rocker), responds finely, but sometimes feels unstable. If this movement bothers you, you can use the platform lever on the shock or the rebound damping to calm things down a bit. The Giant can be ridden constantly with the shock open, the rear end remains so composed. On steep uphill ramps, you'll be pleased with the lowering function on the fork of both bikes. The Fox-Talas fork's two-stage level adjustment (from 150 to 120 (previously 150-130-110 millimetres) proves to be more practical, as less is more. In fact, with these all-mountain bikes you get used to certain manoeuvres: lower the fork on the uphill, fully extend the dropper post. Before descending, extend the fork, lower the dropper post, open the platform on the shock. You don't need a degree to do this.
When it really rumbles on the trail, the Giant Reign has the studs in front. It sits more planted, irons everything flat, makes the most of the travel and the sticky Kenda tyres, which we cursed on the climb, are a hit. The 2.4 inch thick Schwalbe Fat Albert tyres on the Ghost can't keep up - but they roll better uphill and help the AMR Plus to win the climbing category. A look at the equipment confirms that the product managers had a lucky hand; both bikes were equipped appropriately for their intended use.
Apart from the frame material, the Ghost cannot convincingly justify the price difference of 600 euros, because the Giant lacks nothing. Ghost supplies the Fox Talas top model with a more versatile adjustment function, while Giant has a telescopic dropper post with handlebar remote control. So both bikes have advantages and disadvantages. However, the decision to buy depends more on your personal riding style.
ConclusionOnce again it's clear how versatile bikes with 150 millimetres of travel are today. The Ghost AMR Plus climbs a little better than the Giant, it pedals easier and rolls better. The Giant Reign is a tad more fun and confidence-inspiring downhill. It is smoother and more stable, and the suspension instils you with even more confidence. If you look at the price, you've already made your decision. Within the All Mountain Plus category, both bikes are downhill-orientated and will definitely appeal to riders who don't shy away from the climb and then reward themselves with a fat trail.
