Our verdict: the bargain hunt is on – and the Ghost Path Riot is a real gem
Now is the perfect time to hunt for bargains: full stock levels, new model releases and the end of the season are driving prices down significantly. The Ghost Path Riot LC Full Party not only offers up to 50 per cent off, but also boasts top-class spec, a lightweight design and a strong focus on trail riding. If you’re looking for an agile, lightweight e-MTB and are flexible on frame size, now is the time to snap one up.
The mountain bike market is currently experiencing an unprecedented wave of discounts – if you act now, you can secure top-of-the-range technology at unbeatable prices. The combination of the end of the season, overflowing warehouses and the upcoming model change (including for the motors) is putting massive pressure on prices. Retailers urgently need to free up space and are offering discounts, some of which are quite substantial.
The situation surrounding the Accell Group is particularly intriguing: the financial crisis at the parent company has put top brands such as Ghost and Haibike under severe pressure. Although rescue measures mean the signs clearly point to a fresh start and a secure supply of spare parts, many of these bikes have flooded the market at heavily discounted prices.
What’s more, entire category trends are beginning to shift: for example, light e-MTBs are currently receiving less attention than fully-motorised all-rounders. However, this by no means suggests that they are any good – quite the opposite! For riders looking for a natural riding feel, lower weight or agile trail performance, light e-mountain bikes are an excellent choice.
There’s also a huge advantage for anyone looking for sizes outside the usual range. Whilst M and L sizes often sell out quickly, there’s still a disproportionately large number of frames in sizes S, XL or XXL in stock. So if you’re on the shorter or taller side, you’ll get double the benefit with the maximum discount. It’s rarely been quicker or cheaper to get your dream bike!
We’ve scoured the bike market to identify which high-quality models are heavily discounted because they combine several of the factors mentioned above. Our bargain pick this time: the Ghost Path Riot LC Full Party, a lightweight e-MTB with 160 millimetres of front suspension travel and 140 millimetres at the rear.
The Ghost Path Riot LC Full Party is, after the LTD (11,000 euros), the top-of-the-range model in Ghost’s Light e-MTB series. We found the 2024 model with Fox Factory suspension available from various online retailers for between 4,299 euros (size S) and 4,899 euros (sizes M and L), depending on the size. Given that the manufacturer’s RRP was previously 9,000 euros, this represents a discount of 46 to 52 per cent on a brand-new bike.
What sets the Ghost Path Riot LC Full Party apart
- The drive unit (Fazua Ride 60): The very slim Fazua Ride 60-A motor with 60 Nm of torque and a 430 Wh battery. The system provides powerful assistance, yet operates extremely quietly and delivers a noticeable boost without compromising the natural Bio-Bike riding experience.
- "Full Party" high-end features: At Ghost, ‘Full Party’ refers to the most lavish specification variant after the Limited Edition. This means:
- Chassis: Top-of-the-range Fox Factory components (Fox 38 Float Factory fork with 160 mm travel and Fox Float X2 Factory shock with 140 mm rear travel).
- Gearbox & Brakes: High-end Shimano XTR 12-speed derailleur combined with reliable Formula Cura 4-piston brakes.
- A particular highlight: Integrated Eightpins-Vario seatpost, which is anchored directly to the frame and allows for an extremely long range of adjustment.
- Frame & Weight: Full-carbon frame (Light Carbon) with progressive, downhill-oriented geometry. Despite the electric assistance, the bike weighs in at just around 19 kilos.
Who is this bike ideal for?
- Active and sporty drivers: You still want to put in the effort on the uphill sections, but you appreciate the built-in tailwind that lets you complete twice as many laps on your home trail in the same amount of time.
- Trail and bike park enthusiasts: If you’re looking for a nimble, playful bike that’s easy to ride on the descent, you’ll find the perfect balance here.
- Component enthusiasts: For under 5,000 euros, you get a chassis and components that you’d normally only find on standard full-power e-bikes costing 8,000–10,000 euros.
The battery (430 Wh) is not designed for pure touring cyclists looking for maximum range for all-day Alpine crossings in turbo mode. For sporty trail riders, however, this overall package is an extremely tempting offer at this price.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief