Heard of them or have they snuck under your radar? These bikes are for those who want something a little different from the norm but still want a top-quality bike.
Ghost bikes have been on the market for a while now (more on that later) and they have an impressive line-up of bikes...but are they any good and what would suit you?
For me, they have a lot of appeal. I've ridden more bikes than I can count, yet I can tell the difference when I ride a quality bike. The components work together to deliver you outstanding performance.
Now I love my Bianchi Infinito CV, it's a work of art and a joy to ride but Ghost has that small business feel about it, everything is crafted with thought and love.
In this Ghost bikes Review, we'll be looking at different models and series of these bikes to share our experience with these bikes from mountain bikes to entry-level road bikes, and how they fair in price too!
It's an interesting brand for cyclists of all levels so I'd keep reading!
Table of Contents
Ghost bikes had an interesting start so I feel it's only right to let you in on the background.
It began in a small German town, Waldsassen in 1993. Two friends Uwe Kalliwoda and Klaus Möhald opened their first bike shop in 1992, mainly servicing other college colleagues' bicycles. Then in 1993, Ghost bikes were created.
The first Ghost models were a huge success, weighing in at 9.9kg and selling at a competitive price.
It wasn't long before the two buddies kept growing their business, they even opened their own aluminum and carbon companies. This allowed the frames to be made in-house.
As the friends had more control over the manufacturing process, the quality increased sizably - which served to increase the appeal of the brand further.
One unusual but hugely positive thing about Ghost is that more than 70% of the manufacturing is still done in Waldsassen. The rest of the production is carried out in Taiwan, China, the Netherlands, Spain, and Korea.
Ghost has an impressive range of bikes; full suspension, hardtail, lanes, and e-bikes. They actually make over 40 different models and each does genuinely have its own features.
When it comes to the price point, Ghost set themselves in the middle of the market. Having said that many riders from the cycling world will be happy with a bike from Ghost as they do offer a choice of entry-level and high-quality carbon bicycles too.
So whatever type of cyclist you are, you have plenty of choice!
| Preview | Bike Model | Type | Frame | No. of Gears | Wheel Size | Weight (kg) | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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SL AMR | Full-SuspensiMountain Bike | Aluminum | 12 | 29” | 15 | Check Price |
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Kato FS Universal | Full-SuspensiMountain Bike | Aluminum | 12 | 27.5” | 15 | Check Price |
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Lector FS World Cup | Full-SuspensiMountain Bike | Carbon Fiber | 12 | 29” | - | Check Price |
 |
Kato Pro | Hardtail Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 12 | 27.5”/29” | 14.3/14.9 | Check Price |
 |
Nirvana Tour Universal | Hardtail Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 12 | 27.5”/29” | 14.4 | Check Price |
 |
Lector Base | Hardtail Racing MTB | Carbon Fiber | 12 | 29” | 12 | Check Price |
 |
Road Rage Essential | Gravel | Aluminum | 11 | 29” | - | Check Price |
Ghost makes some fantastic full suspension bikes and with 6 in their current range, there should be something for every type of rider.
Starting with the entry-level types such as the Kato FS Base and then going up to the higher range.
The SL AMR range is one of the Ghosts' well-known classes of bikes - though this has reduced in 2021 to only one bike, the Ghost SL AMR 29".
As the name suggests, it comes with 29-inch wheels, which gives you an impressive 150mm of travel. This works with the whole concept of the full-suspension bike - it's all about collecting the miles...the perfect all-rounder if you like.
If you are a fan of trail riding that is varied then the SL AMR could be a solid option, it provides the specifications to provide excellent climbing and a great downhill experience.
The SL AMR also comes equipped with an aluminum frame so despite it being a full-sus bike, it only weighs 15kg.
Stopping power should be plentiful as the SL AMR comes with Shimano BR-M6100 180 mm Disc brakes
For those riders who are looking for full-suspension bikes for a varied mountain biking experience then the SL AMR range is a solid option.
It's almost the 'go to' model when you start looking a the Ghost range. Traction is fantastic, stopping power is brilliant, and the 29" tires make most terrain a joy to explore.
The downside to this series is that the derailleur cable is exposed and does have the potential to end up damaged - how real a possibility that is, it's difficult to say without knowing the type of riding you do but certainly something to keep in mind!
However, overall, for the price range, it's a cracking machine that looks pretty striking too!
If you're just getting in mountain biking then the Kato full-suspension series is well worth a look...in fact the new 2021 Series offers something for all levels of cyclists.
Taking into account that Ghost made its name by creating quality, good value, bikes, the Kato has stayed true to that.
In the Kato Full Suspension Series, the current line up is:
As you would expect, the base model is the lower model - though I have to say, it still a well-kitted out mountain bike!
They describe this full-suspension bike series as being the 'absolutely carefree mountain bike'. Nothing about this model is meant to be complicated and there's something really quite charming about that.
The bearings are low maintenance, the geometry is very balanced, and gives a beginner rider the confidence they need to take on more challenging trails.
With all of these models the frame is aluminum, this helps to keep the price affordable yet keeps the bike durable and relatively lightweight.
As you can see as you work your way up the models, you start getting better components - are they worth it?
That's entirely up to you! The Universal series will certainly see you through many years as your skills develop and you do get better travel with the suspension shocks and the cassette is better quality. However, the full Kato FS series offers superb value and you can't really go wrong with any of the models.
The Lector Full-Suspension series is designed to take on the world's toughest trails. The Lector models were designed and built with Ghosts' Cross Country Team so this range of bikes is really designed with skilled riders in mind.
With this series, the geometry is key and they've developed SuperFit geometry. The concept is that every rider should find the perfect fitting frame...speaking of frames, the full range is carbon, as you'd expect with this high spec bike
[For more information on SuperFit, you can watch this video]
Maximizing efficiency has also been thought about and developed with the Lector bikes. The chassis using a TractionLink system and it helps to smoothen the trails out so you don't lose speed. This actually has the added benefit of making everything more fun too!
The Lector series is actually where Ghost Bikes all started, it's the bike that came to the market first so it's quite dear to their hearts as you'd imagine.
Now there are 5 models in this lineup:
As you'd expect as you go up the range, the components get higher in quality, and with that, naturally, the money required goes up.
The Kato bikes are the everyday hardtail bikes that are fast, agile, and take you up hills with little effort.
For 2021 the frames have had a new makeup, being completely redesigned. Even going as far as to route the cables internally.
Yet, there is one thing that has stayed the same since the first release of the Kato and that's its fun element!
There are many versions of the Kato series now but as far as hardtail bikes go, it's the perfect starter bike for riders wanting to dip their toes into mountain biking.
Depending on the model you opt for, you can have either a single, double, or triple drive. You also can choose between wheel sizes too; 27.5 or 29 inches.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Ghost bicycle if you didn't get a great choice of colors too!
There are 5 models of this hardtail series;
These mountain bikes are the brands' entry-level bikes, with a price point to match. To keep the price reasonable, all of the Kato models come with an aluminum alloy frame.
For a beginner, who's new to cycling, they're going to find that the ideal set up for their first hardtail bike.
All models are available with either 27.5" wheels or 29ers option.
Which should you choose?
It somewhat depends on your expectations. 29ers do give you a smoother ride as they soak up the bumps more easily. However, you don't get the same level of control.
If you're all about the climbs, then 27.5" may be the perfect option for you. If you like to travel far when you're cycling, you may benefit from the 29ers.
The jump between quality in drivetrain parts isn't huge between these hardtails but could potentially be noticeable.
The Nirvana Tour series is another way into the MTB cycling world...but with a difference.
These bikes suit cyclists who are beginner riders but want their bike to be a sort of hybrid. Good for the trails (and this is very good) but also a great way to commute too.
Frame sizes dictate what wheel sizes you get. XS and S frames are kitted out with the nifty 27.5" wheels and M - XL frames run 29" wheels.
Ghost bikes have released 3 models of the Nirvana Tour series for 2021:
There is a change in drivetrain manufacturer, groupset, and parts as you go up the models. Again, depending on your level, skill and budget will impact which features are important to you.
The Lector series is all racing, races are in this bike's DNA.
This product was designed for the competition. Whether that's in the sport of races or trying to beat your own PB - this bicycle is going to push athletes to success.
The specification, components, and parts of this bicycle are built for cross country and marathons. Changing gears needs to be quick on this bike and it comes with a 1x drivetrain to make sure they always will be.
As you can see from the appearance of this bike, it looks the part. You can see that it's built for racing. With plenty of angular shapes and a clean look - speed is what this bike is about.
Currently, there is 1 bike in this range:
The frame on these Ghost bikes is constructed from ultralight carbon, which is how the manufacturer has managed to get the total weight in at an impressive 12kg, despite all the high-quality components.
With this bike, there is the option to go for a Di2 drivetrain system for an extra bit of money. Electronic shifting is a luxury, it generally requires less maintenance and overall it's less work!
These road bikes are designed short burst, fast workout in woodlands, a bike park but equally ready for a leisurely multi-day tour. The equipment and components on these bikes gives you the full package...what more could you want?
Gravel bikes are taking the world by storm and this series of bikes is 1 of the best on the market.
This bike is stiff, fast, and incredibly efficient. The geometry works well on the trails and the lanes.
The tires on this bike series are wide, meaning that they roll over gravel and mud easily. Potholes and roots? No issue.
Disc brakes come as stand on all of the rage models so wet muddy conditions can be tackled...perhaps even relished!
In the 2021 line up, there are 3 models in the Rage Series:
The Fire Advanced comes with carbon frames too so it's a lightweight model from the manufacturer. SRAM components feature heavily the further you go up the list, though the Essential is well spec'd with decent components and the drivetrain is good on all models.
For an entry-level, the Base is fairly decent and for the price, you certainly can't complain. I think the Rage is another good example of how these bikes strike a good balance between value for money and quality with their models and series.
Alright so you've read our Ghost bikes review so you'll know at as brand, they have a lot to offer - plenty of models too!
Their bikes offer something not a lot of other manufacturers do...value with quality components. Sure, some of the entry models aren't brilliantly spec'd out but you'd be unfair to expect that.
For those wanting to get into mountain biking, frankly, I'm astounded at some of the options. There is truly something for what niche of the sport you want to get into and at whatever price point too.
I can't deny that Phantom bikes are sharp and have a certain look about them that may appeal to some cyclists.
However, in terms of practicality, they don't win big on the reviews. You do also have to keep in mind the laws surrounding e-bikes in your country.
The answer to this question will vary from cyclist to cyclist depending on what type of cycling you like to do.
For me, as a roadie, I love the Road Rage Fire Advanced series. Carbon frames are worth the price in my opinion.
Now:
If you're more about mountain biking, then that's clearly going to be the wrong bike for you!
Consider where you like riding and your budget. Then you can't really go wrong with any of the Ghost frames! Clearly, the larger budget you have, the better components you will get but whether that is important to you will depend on what you'll be using your bike for.
Ghost are certainly up there as 1 of the best bikes on the market for a lot of riders, especially when you look at some of the reviews.
However, if your mind still isn't made up, you might want to check out more of our posts and reviews. 🙂
Whatever cycling activity you're into, there's a Ghost bike out there for you...for that I am certain.
There are so many series and models that it can seem a little daunting to get your head around the bikes but we've broken things down and hopefully made it clearer!
Which models interest you the most?
