Ghost Kato FS Essential AL U

The "Kato FS Essential AL U" model from the Ghost brand, released in 2021, is a mountain bike that stands out for its solid spec and attractive value for money. Priced at 1,399 EUR, this bike offers a wide range of high-quality components suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.

The bike’s frame is made from KATO FS AL, ensuring a robust and durable construction. The brakes are Shimano BR-MT401 180 mm disc brakes, which, together with the Shimano BL-MT401 brake levers and the Shimano SM-RT10 180 mm front brake disc, ensure reliable braking performance. The drivetrain consists of a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed system, which enables precise and smooth gear changes. This is complemented by the SRAM SX Eagle shifter, which also ensures easy handling.

For suspension, the bike is fitted with an SR Suntour XCR34 AIR fork, which offers 120 mm of travel. The rear shock, an SR Suntour RS20 Raidon LO, also has 120 mm of travel, providing additional comfort and control on uneven terrain. The fork has 130 mm of travel and the rear shock also has 130 mm, making the bike particularly versatile.

The bike’s pedals are VPE-506, and the bottom bracket is an SRAM Power Spline 118/68. The crankset consists of a SRAM Stylo 6K with 32 teeth, whilst the cassette is a SRAM PG-1230 with an 11–50 tooth range. The drivetrain is powered by a SRAM SX Eagle system.

The handlebars are GHOST Low Rizer MTB, with a width of 760 mm, a rise of 15 mm and a diameter of 31.8 mm. The grips are Velo Grip, which provide extra comfort. The stem is also by GHOST and has a diameter of 31.8 mm.

The rims are Rodi Tryp 25 – 584x25 mm with 32 spokes, and the tyres are WTB Ranger 27.5x2.3, which provide good grip and stability. The front hub is a Fastace DA210-F 15x110 mm and the rear hub is a Fastace DA619 QR 135 mm.

The saddle is a DDK D2373A, mounted on a Limotec Alpha 1 seatpost with a diameter of 31.6 mm. The seatpost has a travel of 125 mm for sizes S/M and 150 mm for sizes L/XL. The saddle is clamped using a GHOST XC 68 with a diameter of 34.9 mm.

Overall, the Ghost Kato FS Essential AL U offers a well-thought-out specification that is suitable for a variety of mountain biking applications. With its high-quality components and fair price, this model is an attractive choice for many cyclists.