To earn the title of "all-mountain hardtail", the most classic of all bike designs needs at least grippy tyres, a wide cockpit, a suspension fork with more than the usual 100 millimetres of travel and a dropper seatpost. Ghost has given its new Asket all of these attributes for the tough terrain, but is taking the "all-mountain" theme even further for 2016. For 2499 euros, you get a 1250 gram lightweight, stiff carbon frame with short geometry, a Fox fork in a massive 34 mm format and 130 mm travel, plus 765 mm handlebars. Ready to ride, the bike weighs less than twelve kilos. As soon as you sit on it, you realise that the Asket is much more of a dirt bike than a touring bike. You sit compactly on it, the wheelbase, reach and stem are short and conjure up very agile, playful handling on the trail: jumping over kickers, making hooks like a rabbit, actively working on and with the bike. The fork follows the steering command immediately and precisely, its 130 millimetres of travel literally soaking up obstacles. But as soon as the rear wheel hits the obstacle, reality catches up with you. The fork makes a promise that a hardtail cannot logically keep. Bang, it hits the small of your back. The rear end feels rock-hard and, despite all the fun the concept brings, limits the speed on bumpy surfaces.
Test summary of the Ghost Asket
A very stylish bike with extremely agile handling: Ghost takes the "all-mountain hardtail" concept one step further. It is perfect for chasing bends on winding single trails. Good equipment.
PLUS Very stiff frame, powerful fork, coherent equipment, telescopic support
MINUS You bump your knees on the angular top tube
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