Ghost makes no compromises with its two new E-MTB full-suspension bikes, which the Upper Palatinate company is presenting at the FSA BIKE Festival Garda Trentino 2018 to the public for the first time. With the Hybrid SL AMR and the Hybrid SL AMR X presents Ghost Ghost is presenting two models that not only put a grin on the rider's face on the downhill, but are also designed to be one bike length ahead of the competition on demanding uphill terrain. What was still on show last year as the Kato FS prototype at the Ghost stand in Riva is now ready for series production. Ghost spent a long time experimenting and optimising during development. From the frame design and motor integration to the geometry and the final equipment components, Ghost is pursuing a clear goal: sporty, trail-orientated e-mountain biking in technical terrain.
Ghost Hybride SL AMR (X): The facts
This starts with the low bottom bracket: This means that you quickly have one foot on the ground in tricky situations and the centre of gravity is low. To avoid constant pedal bob, Ghost relies on particularly short cranks. And because no manufacturer could supply them, Ghost manufactures the short cranks itself, which are specially made for E-MTBs: super-short cranks with 155 mm (!) are fitted to the SL AMR X models and 160 mm cranks are fitted to the Hybrid SL AMR frame.
As Ghost combines a 29-inch front wheel with a 27.5 Plus rear wheel, the front is not exactly low. Ghost uses the 29-inch wheel at the front for good rollover behaviour and cornering traction, while the plus tyres at the rear provide grip and stability. To ensure that the bike doesn't throw its rider off even on extreme climbs, all Hybrid SL AMR models are equipped with steep seat angles (75.2 degrees or 76.1 degrees) and forks that can be lowered throughout. Another somewhat unconventional common feature of the new Ghost E-MTBs made of carbon: the steel spring damper at the rear. It is said to be less maintenance-intensive than an air spring damper and is also used because of its better response behaviour. To prevent the suspension from bottoming out on steep sections, the installed shocks (Rock Shox Super Deluxe Coil and Cane Creek DB Coil) each have a lockout/platform mode. During our first ride impressions with the new Ghost Hybride SL AMR X, we were impressed by the bike's uphill qualities: no bobbing, no crank bob and super-sensitive traction.
As Ghost wanted to launch an e-MTB that was as light as possible, integrating the battery into the frame was out of the question. This is because the semi-integrated battery allows for a lighter frame construction, is easier to change and has better heat management.
The details at a glance
- Carbon frame
- Lowerable suspension forks: 160 mm/140 mm at the rear (SL AMR X) and 140/140 mm (SL AMR)
- Shimano Steps E8000 motor with 500Wh battery
- Short cranks: 155 mm (SL AMR X) / 160 mm (SL AMR)
- 29 inch front wheel / 27.5'' Plus rear wheel
- Steel spring damper
The models of the Ghost Hybride SL AMR (X)
Ghost will be launching three models of the Hybride SL AMR between 4800 and 6500 euros. The entry-level model is the Hybrid SL AMR S4.7+ with SR Suntour Aion fork, Magura MT5 and Shimano SLX/XT mix. The mid-range model - the SL AMR S6.7+ - costs 5700 euros and comes with Rock Shox suspension (Revelation), Magura MT7 stoppers and a 1x11 Shimano XT. The top model for 6500 euros has an XT Di2 shifting through the gears, brakes with a Saint and a Rock Shox Pike RC at the front.
The choice of hybrid SL AMR X models is limited to two models. The top model - SL AMR X S7.7+ - costs 6,500 euros and comes with Lyrik RCT3, Sram EX1 and the Sram Code R four-piston brake. The SL AMR X S5.7+ comes in at 5500 euros with a slight reduction in equipment.
