If you looked closely at the last Cross Country World Cups, you could see the riders of the Ghost Factory Racing Team on a black and white chequered bike. This was the prototype of the new Ghost Lector, which the Upper Palatinate team presented to us at the World Cup in Albstadt. However, the World Cup version is only the spearhead of the new Lector; there will be eight 29-inch race hardtail models.
Rebirth after 22 years
In 1993, the Lector was the first top-of-the-range model in the Upper Palatinate bike manufacturer's manageable model range. The two Ghost founders Klaus Möhwald and Uwe Kalliwoda put all their passion into the development of this bike. Ghost is reviving the Lector for 2016. The new hardtail is the first bike in the Ghost range to bear the Lector name for 22 years.
Lector World Cup: the top model
The lightest version (Lector ULC) of the Lector carbon frame, which is used on the three highest-quality models, weighs 950 grams. With continuous liners, all cables, including the rear brake in the head tube, disappear inside the frame. A removable flap on the down tube provides easy access to the cables. The Ghost Lector is also prepared for a dropper post: The Upper Palatinate company firmly believes that dropper posts will soon be seen in the World Cup. Hence the seat post diameter of 31.6 millimetres, as you have a free choice of dropper posts in this diameter. Compared to the predecessor hardtail, the HTX, the chainstays have shrunk slightly. Shorter head tubes (95 millimetres in size S) and chainstays ensure even more agile and direct handling. The reduced standover height also provides more freedom in difficult passages. The top tube has been lengthened slightly, resulting in a longer reach. The steering angle has been adjusted by half a degree to 69.5 degrees. As the World Cup version is the same bike that the Ghost Factory Racing Team rides in the Cross Country World Cup, only the lightest carbon parts are bolted on: AX Lightness wheels, Tune hubs and AX Lightness add-on parts.
Lightest bike in the World Cup
At just 8.1 kilos, the Lector World Cup is the lightest production bike in the Formula 1 of MTB racing. The integrated rear brake mount, which has already proven itself on the Ghost Riot, has been optimised once again. The rear brake on the Lector ULC models is directly connected to the X12 thru-axle system and protects the frame from thermal and mechanical loads. In addition, the derailleur hanger is attached to the X12 axle on the drive side. This allows the drive and braking forces to flow into the X12 thru-axle instead of into the carbon frame. The chainstay is protected from damage by a specially moulded plastic. The cover on the underside of the bottom bracket area protects the frame in the event of impact.
Ghost Lector 2016: seven more models
Ghost offers seven other models of the Lector below the fully developed World Cup version. Starting with the two entry-level Lector 3 models with 2x11 Shimano XT groupset and the slightly heavier LC carbon frame. From two Lector 6 models with a green-green colour alternative to the 1x11 Team Replica with Sram X01 and Rock Shox SID fork. There will also be a model with Shimano XTR Di2 - the Lector 10. Prices for the 29er race hardtails from Ghost have not yet been finalised. All models of the Ghost Lector for 2016 can already be seen on the Ghost website.
