Trail hardtails are on the rise. No wonder, as these uncomplicated fun machines usually combine robust technology with slightly longer suspension travel and slightly wider tyres than their racing-oriented brothers from the cross-country and marathon camps. There are also Vario seat posts and a more downhill-orientated geometry. Both increase the fun factor even more. It hardly needs mentioning that hardtails are also the perfect winter bikes due to their low maintenance requirements and the need for a cleaner riding style.
Just in time for the start of the cold season, the developers at Ghost are therefore relaunching their interpretation of the trail hardtail. And fortunately, the mountain bike, which still bears the name "Asket", is more of a reduction to the essentials than an uncomfortable, Spartan torture device. In fact, comfort has even been increased for 2018: tyres up to 2.4 inches wide now fit in the 29-inch frame, and up to 2.6 inches are even planned for the 27.5-inch version. And then there is still at least seven millimetres of tyre clearance on all sides to prevent mud from causing unwanted friction.
The features of the new Ghost Asket AL
Also new is an ISCG 05 chain guide mount for all those who want to really let it rip with the bike. However, the option for the front derailleur has been dropped: the Asket is now only available with one chainring. However, if you opt for the better model of the two options, you will hardly have to accept any losses in terms of gear spread, as the GX-Eagle groupset with 1x12 gears is already used here, while the cheaper model has the solid 1x11 NX groupset. There are no more carbon frames of the Asket, and there will probably be no XL frames.
However, if you're not exactly 1.90 metres tall, both bikes come with decent packages in terms of functionality. The top models - Asket 8.9 (29 inch) and Asket 8.7 (27.5 inch) - come with Suntour Auron forks, Kindshock LEV Integra dropper posts and M1900 Spline wheels from DT Swiss in addition to the GX Eagle drivetrain. The bikes cost 2199 euros. And the wheels can also be found in the cheaper models - Asket 4.9 and Asket 4.7 - for 1599 euros. The brake systems are also similar: all bikes feature a Magura combination with a massive four-piston brake at the front and a two-piston brake at the rear. 200/180 mm discs should provide more braking power than you will ever need in everyday use. The combination on the top models is slightly higher quality, but the functionality should be at a similar level. The cheaper models save on the fork (SR Suntour Aion) and the dropper post (JD Dropper Post), but the money has to be recouped somewhere. The bikes all weigh between 12.8 and 12.9 kilograms, with only the Asket 8.7 being slightly lighter at 12.65 kilograms. Not a record value, but for stable aluminium bikes with wide tyres and rims, it's perfectly acceptable.
Geometry: compromise between smoothness and playfulness
In terms of geometry, Ghost has found a good compromise between composure and agility at first glance. The head angle of the 29-inch Asket is 66 degrees, while the 27.5-inch bike should be the slightly more playful option at 66.5 degrees. The chainstays are similar - 430 millimetres for the 29-inch, 420 millimetres for the 27.5-inch - while the reach of the 29er is 443 millimetres (size L), while the 27.5-inch in the same size is 450 millimetres. The seat angle of the 27.5-inch bike is 74 degrees and that of the 29er is 73.4 degrees.
How does the bike compare to the other new launches of the last few weeks (Commencal Meta HT, Alutech Cheaptrick)? A first test will show, we are already curious. The new Ghost Askets can already be ordered now, all information can be found on the Website of Ghost.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
