You could almost confuse them: Only the thicker down tube distinguishes the new Ghost Path Riot from its motorless sibling, the brand new Riot Carbon. Even the geometry of the two bikes is completely identical. The key data: 29 inches, 140 millimetres of travel at the rear, full carbon chassis. The down tube of the Path Riot contains Fazuas Ride 60 with 60 Newton metres of torque, up to 450 watts of assistance and 430 watt hours in the permanently installed battery.
The facts about the Ghost Path Riot:
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60 (max. 60 Nm torque, 450 watts peak power)
- Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh, permanently installed
- Range extender (optional): 210 watt hours
- Suspension travel: 160 / 140 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Carbon frame
- 17.46 kilos (Ltd model, size M, EMTB measured value), 19.79 kilos (Full Party model, size M, EMTB measured value)
- Three models for 7,000 euros, 8,500 euros and 10,000 euros
Ghost Path Riot with aggressive geometry: mini enduro for full-throttle fans
But the new Ghost Path Riot doesn't want to be a light eMTB like any other: in keeping with its name - Riot means uprising or unrest - the Path Riot is designed to be a riot in every detail. In return, it offers maximum playfulness and light-footed handling at the rear. Aggressive tyre choice, extreme geometry with a wheelbase of over 1300 millimetres in size L in combination with a Fox 38 with 160 millimetres of travel make the Path Riot a mini enduro bike despite only 140 millimetres at the rear. A Ghost light bike for all those who want to let it fly downhill even with less suspension travel.
Ghost has reworked the VPP rear triangle, known as the "Traction Link" from the Alu-Riot and E-Riot. It should now respond even more sensitively and offer more reserves. In terms of geometry, in addition to the extreme reach of 492 millimetres in size L and a super-slack head angle of 63.5 degrees, Ghost has also opted for longer chainstays. The special feature: the chainstays grow with the frame sizes. They measure 446 millimetres in frame sizes S and M and 455 millimetres in sizes L and XL. A very low bottom bracket by E-MTB standards and a slightly higher stack should integrate the rider well into the bike.
Fazua Ride 60: Powerful support, low background noise
The Ghost Path Riot is supported uphill by the new Fazua Ride 60, which provides more than just a slight tailwind with up to 450 watts of peak power and 60 Newton metres. Unlike the Haibike the Ghost engineers installed the motor horizontally in the down tube, while the 430 watt-hour battery is permanently installed in the frame. Thanks to this, the extensive chainstay protection and the low drive noise of the Fazua, the bike should be particularly quiet both uphill and downhill. If you need more range, you can opt for an optional Fazua range extender with a further 210 watt hours, which will be presented soon.
Ghost's first Light-E-MTB: Three models from 7000 euros
The Ghost Path Riot will be available in three models. The Advanced comes for 7000 euros with a Fox 38 and Float X2 in the Performance version. Shifting is provided by a mix of SLX and XT components, while deceleration is provided by the Cura 4 four-piston brake from Formula, which, according to our last brake test, is hard to beat in terms of both ergonomics and braking performance. The Eightpins seatpost is also included in this model and offers as much adjustment travel as the seatpost extension.
With XTR components, Eightpins seatpost, Formula brakes, Fox Factory suspension and lightweight Syntace aluminium wheels, the secret top model Full Party for € 8500 leaves hardly anything to be desired. Like the Advanced model, the Ghost Path Riot Full Party also relies on aggressive tyres. A Maxxis Dissector in the puncture-proof double-down version rotates around the rear rim, while an Assegai Exo+ in the grippy MaxxGrip rubber compound spins at the front.
The most expensive model, the Path Riot LTD, is designed with touring in mind and is fully focussed on lightweight construction. Instead of the 38, the front is fitted with the lighter Fox 36 Factory Fit4 with only 150 millimetres of travel instead of 160. The bike rolls on super-light EXC-1200-Spline carbon wheels from DT Swiss and lightweight Maxxis Forekaster tyres. XTR components, lightweight Syntace parts and Cura 4 brakes round off the € 10,000 equipment.
First contact: The Path Riot on the trail
We were able to get a quick first impression of the new Path Riot Full Party on the flatter trails around the editorial office. Uphill, the new Ghost with Fazua drive can hardly deny its extreme suspension. The steering is noticeably sensitive, and the low bottom bracket and long 175 mm cranks make it easy for the pedals to touch down even on moderate terrain. On the other hand, the Ghost with its neutral rear end and long cranks is pleasant to pedal uphill on even climbs. The Fazua drive is only slightly audible and still provides a powerful boost. A detailed ride report on the new Fazua motor is available here >>here<<.
Downhill, the Ghost Path Riot integrates the rider well into the bike, the long wheelbase and the grippy tyres combined with the sensitive suspension ensure a lot of riding safety. At least if you put enough pressure on the front despite the long reach and slack head angle. The bike takes a little getting used to, but then rewards the rider with a smooth ride and still feels lively due to the weight and limited stroke. As expected, however, a little more effort is required from the rider in tight corners. Unfortunately, our bike rattled from the down tube, possibly due to a loose battery, and was therefore only able to fulfil its promise of low noise on the climbs. We look forward to seeing how the Path Riot light e-MTB performs in a more detailed test and on rough terrain.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
