Ghost Asket Essential EQ

The "Asket Essential EQ" model from Ghost, launched in 2023, is a versatile and robust bicycle that is suitable for both everyday use and longer rides. Priced at 1,999 EUR, it offers a balanced combination of high-quality components and a well-thought-out design.

The frame of the Asket Essential EQ is made of aluminium (ALUMINIUM ASKET AL), giving the bike excellent stability whilst keeping its weight down to a moderate 12 kg. The fork is made of carbon, which further reduces weight and ensures precise handling.

The braking system comprises Shimano GRX BRRX400 160 mm disc brakes and Shimano GRX STRX400 brake levers, which ensure reliable and powerful braking performance. The front brake discs are Shimano SMRT70 models with a diameter of 160 mm. The drivetrain consists of a Shimano GRX RDRX400 10-speed rear derailleur and a Shimano GRX FDRX400 front derailleur, which together offer a total of 20 gears. The crankset is a Shimano GRX FCRX600 with 46/30 teeth, whilst the cassette is a Shimano CSHG5010 11-36. The drivetrain is completed by a KMC X10 chain.

Lighting is provided by the Lezyne Hecto Pro 65 front and rear lights, which ensure good visibility in low-light conditions. The pedals are FPD NW91K, and the bottom bracket is a Shimano BSA.

The handlebars on the Asket Essential EQ are Gravel Bar RA120A, the width of which varies depending on frame size (420 mm for XS, 440 mm for S, 460 mm for M, 480 mm for L and 500 mm for XL). The grips are Fizik Tempo Bondcrush, and the stem has a diameter of 31.8 mm and a length of 60 mm. The headset is by Acros.

The rims are WTB ST i25 at both the front and rear, and they are fitted with Maxxis Ravager Exo TR 40-622 tyres. The hubs are Shimano HBRS470 (12x100 mm) at the front and Shimano FHMT400 (12x142 mm) at the rear. The spokes are DT Swiss 2.0.

The saddle is a Selle Royal SRX, mounted on a GND 51 seatpost with a diameter of 27.2 mm and a GHOST seat clamp with a diameter of 31.8 mm. For added comfort and functionality, Curana Apollo 55 mudguards and a Racktime Light IT 2.0 luggage rack have been fitted.

The bike’s geometry is well thought out: It has a reach of 373 mm, a stack of 558 mm, a seat tube length of 410 mm, a top tube length of 535 mm, a head tube angle of 70 degrees and a seat tube angle of 74 degrees. The head tube is 100 mm long, the chainstay length is 440 mm, the bottom bracket drop is 72 mm, the top tube height is 680 mm, the crank length is 170 mm and the wheelbase measures 1049 mm.

Overall, the Ghost Asket Essential EQ offers excellent value for money with solid specifications and well-thought-out details, making it a reliable companion on a wide variety of trails.