The e-trail bike category is likely to be the most interesting for most users: The bikes are still sporty and can master long climbs with ease, but can almost keep up with enduro bikes on the downhill. The Ghost Hybrid Kato FS fits perfectly into this class: the suspension offers 140 millimetres of travel and the geometry is modern. The e-MTB from Ghost is powered by a Shimano Steps motor.
We have the 4500 Euro expensive Kato 6.7+ AL tested. This model comes with a Rock Shox Yari suspension fork and Deluxe shock. Ghost mounts a 2.6-inch wide tyre on the DT Swiss wheels at the front and a 2.8-inch Maxxis Minion at the rear. The eleven gears are shifted by the Shimano SLX drivetrain and stopped by the powerful Magura MT5 brakes with 200 mm discs at the front and rear. The adjustable JD seat post offers 150 millimetres of drop.
Even before the first ride, the tester's heart was happy about the external battery. Not that we don't appreciate system integration, but the external battery saves a lot of weight and lowers the centre of gravity. This leaves the scales at a respectable 21.9 kilos - a good figure for a bike in this E-MTB category. The sporty geometry is pleasing from the very first time you sit on the bike: in combination with the sensitive rear triangle and the grippy Maxxis tyres, even the most demanding uphill sections can be mastered with ease. The Shimano Steps motor in our bike only gets going late and only offers full power from around 80 rpm - so the Kato feels very much like a "normal" mountain bike.
Downhill, the Kato's modern geometry is completely convincing: the slack steering angle conveys a lot of confidence, even at high speeds. The Yari is somewhat insensitive on fast hits and can't quite keep up with the rear triangle. The low weight is also noticeable downhill: The Ghost Hybride Kato FS can be pulled off every edge and moves playfully through the terrain.
Test summary: Ghost Hybride Kato FS
With the Kato, Ghost has launched a very good trail bike: the sporty riding position is pleasing, the low weight and the agile, but at the same time smooth handling inspire downhill riding.
