During the entire test, I didn't use a single shuttle or lift (despite visiting the park). Sure, I had help from the motor, but that's exactly why I wanted the E-Ghost: as a freerider with which I'm really free. Although the bike only has 140 millimetres of rear travel, the sensitive steel rear suspension and the high weight make it super stable and really suitable for rough terrain. The entire engine technology has never once tweaked, although bike care is a foreign word to me. Even the classic add-on parts still work without complaint.
With the Cane Creek Inline shock, I had to tinker for a long time until I found a good compromise. With the Yari fork, the compromise was rather poor: with a cheap cartridge and lots of seals in the dual-position system, it works woodenly and often needs oil under the wiper rings so that it works sensitively, at least for a tour. An Anyrace tuning cartridge will soon be fitted. You can read what it does to the Yari here. The Magura MT-5 ate up three sets of pads - perhaps also because of the bike's higher weight. But it was stable, pressure point stable and squeak-free. Job done!
The DT Swiss wheelset has convinced me. I also like to chip my e-bike through the neighbourhood and often end up sideways. But both rims run smoothly and all the spokes are still tight. Unfortunately, the Block-Lock headset didn't stay completely tight. The upper bearing shell twisted during a heavy fall. I later had to press it out with special tools and reinstall it. Nothing could be done on the tour itself, and I was allowed to ride down the trail with a completely limited steering angle on one side. Fail.
Conclusion: The Ghost is a reliable freerider with uphill support. It also copes with bike park use and violent aerial manoeuvres without any problems. The components can withstand the high weight without major wear and tear. One thing is certain for me: my next freerider will also be an e-bike.
Technical data: Ghost Hybride SLAMR XS 5.7 + LC
Spring travel: 160 / 140 mm
Frame sizeMedium
Reach: 430 mm
ForkRockshox Yari RC Dual Position
DamperCane Creek DB Inline Coil
Weight: 21,2 Kilo
Price: 5499 €
Info: www.ghost-bikes.com
