Ghost Kato 29 AL

The "Kato 29 AL" model from Ghost, released in 2023, is a versatile mountain bike that stands out for its robust construction and well-designed components. Priced at 629 EUR, this bike offers good value for money for both beginners and more experienced riders.

The Kato 29 AL’s frame is made of aluminium, contributing to the bike’s lightness and stability. The maximum load capacity is 120 kg, whilst the bike itself weighs 15 kg. The brakes are Shimano BRMT200 160 mm discs, which, in combination with the Shimano BLMT200 brake levers and the Shimano SMRT10 160 mm front brake disc, ensure reliable braking performance.

The gear system consists of a Shimano Tourney RDTY300 7-speed rear derailleur and a Shimano Tourney FDTY300 front derailleur, offering a total of 21 gears. The fork is an SR Suntour XCE28 DS with 100 mm of travel, which effectively absorbs bumps on rough terrain. The bottom bracket is a BBThun, whilst the crankset is a Shimano FCTY301 423424. The sprocket is a Shimano CSHG2007 1232 and the drivetrain uses a KMC Z51 chain.

The handlebars on the Kato 29 AL are Ground Fiftyone with a diameter of 31.8 mm and are available in various widths depending on frame size: 700 mm (XS), 720 mm (S), 740 mm (ML) and 760 mm (XL). The grips are classic MTB grips, and the stem is also a Ground Fiftyone, with a length of 50 mm and an angle of 9 degrees. The headset is model 14106.

The wheelsets consist of Schürmann Yak Disc 25 rims, laced with Sapim 2.0 spokes. The tyres are Mitas Ocelot in size 29x2.10, both front and rear. The hubs are a Shimano HBTX505 QR 100 mm at the front and a Shimano FHTX505 QR 135 mm at the rear.

The saddle is a Selle Italia XBase, mounted on a GHOST SP DC1 seatpost with a diameter of 30.9 mm. The seatpost clamp is a GHOST XC 68 with a diameter of 34.9 mm.

The bike’s geometry comprises a reach of 409 mm, a stack of 622 mm, a seat tube length of 440 mm and a top tube length of 595 mm. The head tube angle is 68 degrees and the seat tube angle is 74 degrees. The head tube length is 115 mm, the chainstay length is 450 mm and the bottom bracket drop is 60 mm. The standover height is 735 mm and the crank length is specified as 170 mm. The bike’s overall wheelbase is 1133 mm.

In summary, the 2023 Ghost Kato 29 AL offers a balanced combination of stability, comfort and performance at an attractive price. It is ideal for riders who want to ride on both trails and paved paths.