Back Issue | Group Test: Ghost AMR Lector 2990 E:i Review
One unique feature of the Ghost AMR Lector 2990 E:i in this test is the E:i Shock offered exclusively by brands of the Accell Group and featuring suspension components from RockShox. It uses a system of sensors to automatically adjust the chassis to the trail conditions, which should ensure the most efficient and active suspension.
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite
Such technology has a cost: the fire-red Lector costs € 5,799, a price which measured by the high-end parts is absolutely acceptable.
The bike is fitted, for example, with a complete Shimano XTR groupset and Ritchey WCS finishing kit. Only the Easton EA70 XCT wheelset didn’t win us over. The rear wheel freehub has a slow pick-up, and this can be felt at the cranks with a gap in power delivery. This can especially be felt on technical climbs and rapid accelerations.
The rider has a central and comfortable position aboard the AMR 29, the top model in Ghost’s range. After a few turns of the pedals a buzz from the rear shock announces that it has been automatically shut off for the uphill. This doesn’t change after we reach the technically challenging section of the climb after a few meters. Even on hard impacts, the rear end remains rigid, meaning the rear wheel is not able to track the ground and gets stuck on sharp edges. Here there is still some need to optimize the system.
Thanks to a steep 74° seat tube angle, the front wheel stays firmly planted even on steep climbs. The rider can remain relaxed whilst pedaling with no need to move forward on the saddle.
For maximum downhill performance, we set the E:i Shock System to “Open“ and put the saddle down. The Ghost is balanced on the trail and can be navigated with precision. In spite of 30% sag, the rear end isn’t plush enough over small impacts and noticeably hardens over bigger bumps or after repetitive impacts. Especially in the mid-travel range, the rear shock feels strongly over-damped and unresponsive, which at high speeds creates nervousness. The entry-level Fox 32 Float Evolution suspension fork fitted to our test bike is not the production spec. The bike is normally equipped with a Fox 32 Float with Factory cartridge and Kashima coating.
With regards to handling, the Ghost manages a good mix of stability and agility. It can easily be navigated through tight sections and responds quickly to steering inputs.
Over-damped – The RockShox Monarch shock with E:i Shock Technology fitted to the rear of the Ghost AMR Lector 2990 feels strongly over-damped. The cable routing could have been executed with a little more attention to detail.
Poor engagement
The freehub engagement on the Easton EA70 XC rear wheel is too slow, resulting in a gap in power delivery at the cranks. This becomes a problem on technical trails when trying to get over obstacles or when trying to move off on steep climbs.
Well protected
In contrast to the display of the E:i Shock Systems, the adjustment unit on the bars is well protected against damage. The high-end XTR shifters do their job rapidly and with precision.
Under-valued
On our test bike Ghost fitted the cheaper Fox Evolution suspension fork, which was often not able to respond quickly enough to track the ground. The standard spec,however, is a high-end Fox model with Factory cartridge and Kashima stanchion coating.
Conclusion:
with a comfortable riding position, the Ghost AMR Lector 2990 E:i is especially suited to all-round riders on moderate trails. For challenging terrain and high speeds, the suspension system still needs some optimizing.
Weight: 12.1 kg
Price: € 5.799
Specifications
- Fork: FOX 32 Float Evolution (Serie Kashima)
- Rear Shock: Rock Shox Monarch E:i Shock
- Drivetrain: Shimano XTR
- Brakes: Shimano XTR
- Handelbars: Ritchey WCS Carbon 710 mm
- Stem: Ritchey WCS 70mm
- Tires: Schwalbe Rocket Ron 2.25″
- Wheels: Easton EA 70 XCT
- Seatpost: Ritchey WCS Carbon
Geometry
Size: 17,5″ | Top Tube Horizontal: 590mm | Seat Tube Angle: 74° | Chainstay Length: 440mm | Head Tube Angle: 69,5° | Wheelbase: 1.110 mm | Reach: 415 mm | Stack: 610mm | Wheelsize 29″:
This Test is part of a group test of six fast Cross Country Trail Bikes. Click here for the Main Article. Bikes in this Group test: Canyon Lux 9.9 SL | Ghost AMT Lector 2990 | GT Helion CRB Team | Rose Thrill Hill 3 | Scott Spark 900 RC | Specialized Epic FSR Elite