"In times of sensory overload and excess, it's a good idea to focus on the essentials." Ghost is not wrong about that. The Asket is therefore aimed at purists and after-work bikers who are happy to forgo the forgiving excess suspension travel or setup problems before an after-work ride. Thanks to its good price-performance ratio, it is also interesting as a second bike and, at 1,599 and 2,199 euros for the 4 and 5 models, should also make beginners happy.

For this money, you get a robust aluminum frame with a slack head angle, short rear triangle and steep seat angle. It offers an optimum balance between smoothness, agility and good climbing characteristics and provides plenty of freedom of movement. All models are equipped with long-stroke variable seatposts from Kind Shock or JD in the more affordable 4.9 and 4.7 versions.

The simplicity of the Asket also comes across in the drivetrains. All model variants come with 1x drivetrains: Sram's Eagle GX with twelve sprockets is used on the Asket 8.9 and 8.7 models, and the Sram NX ensures gear changes on eleven sprockets on the 4.9 and 4.7 versions. The more expensive 29-inch and 27.5-inch 8.9 and 8.7 models are fitted with Auron forks from SR Suntour, while the more affordable 4.7 models are fitted with Aion forks from the same company. All models have 130 millimetres of suspension travel.

In terms of rolling stock, Ghost specifies its trail hardtails with M1900 spline wheels from DT Swiss. These carry grippy Maxxis tires in 2.4 and 2.5 inch widths on their 30 millimeter wide rims. This combination ensures a good mix of comfort and control.

www.ghost-bikes.com