Ghost Riot AM Essential

The "Riot AM Essential" model from Ghost, released in 2023, is a versatile and robust mountain bike designed for challenging trails. Priced at 3,499 EUR, it offers impressive features and high-quality components that are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

The bike’s frame is made of aluminium and is available in two wheel sizes: 27.5-inch for size S and 29-inch for sizes M to XL. This ensures an optimal fit for different body sizes and riding styles. The frame is fitted with a Fox 36 Float Rhythm fork, offering 160 mm of travel, and a Fox Float X Performance rear shock with 150 mm of travel. This combination ensures excellent suspension performance and control on uneven terrain.

For the brakes, Ghost has opted for Shimano BRMT520 disc brakes with a diameter of 203 mm. The brake levers are Shimano BLMT501 models, which together ensure reliable and powerful braking performance. The drivetrain consists of a Shimano XT RDM8100 12-speed system, which enables precise and smooth gear changes. The crankset is a Shimano SLX FCM7100 with 32 teeth, and the bottom bracket is a Shimano BBMT801.

The bike features Ground Fiftyone handlebars with a diameter of 31.8 mm and a width of 780 mm in sizes M to XL. The handlebars have a 25 mm rise, providing a comfortable and controlled riding position. The stem is 45 mm long and has a 6-degree angle. The grips are WTB Waffle, which provide good grip and comfort.

The wheelsets consist of WTB ST i30 rims, fitted with Maxxis Minion tyres at the front and rear. The front tyres are Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ in size 2.5 (27.5" for S, 29" for MXL), whilst the rear tyres are Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ in size 2.4. The hubs are Shimano HBMT400B at the front and Shimano FHMT410B at the rear.

The saddle is a WTB Volt, mounted on a Ghost Alpha 1 seatpost with a diameter of 34.9 mm. The seatpost comes in different lengths depending on frame size: 125 mm for S, 150 mm for M and 170 mm for L/XL. The seatpost clamp has a diameter of 38.0 mm.

The frame geometry is designed for an aggressive riding style, with a reach of 502 mm, a stack of 660 mm and a seat tube length of 465 mm. The head tube angle is 64 degrees, the seat tube angle 77 degrees and the chainstay length 455 mm. The bottom bracket drop is 41 mm, the standover height 752 mm and the wheelbase 1310 mm. The crank length is 170 mm.

Overall, the Ghost Riot AM Essential offers a well-thought-out combination of high-quality components and carefully engineered geometry, making it a reliable companion on challenging trails.