Long-term Review: Ghost Cagua 6590
The Ghost Cagua 6590 had to withstand our test rides for seven entire months so far – and it did well at that. Whether it was after-work rides on home-based trails, alpine speeding, six races at the Specialized SRAM Enduro Series, or nearby trails in the Black or Palatinate Forest – the Cagua turned into a do-it-all-bike for daily riding.
Before we hit the trails, the heavy and, for enduro, over-powered Saint brakes were replaced by lighter Shimano XTR units with 180mm rotors at front and rear. The drivetrain, consisting of SRAM X0 in combination with a switchable chain guide, does indeed make sense, but had to accept a subordinate role to the wish for 1×10 (and was replaced accordingly). Derailleur, gear lever, and small chainring gave way to a single chainring and guide by e-thirteen.
From our point of view, on the trail the Cagua definitely lives up to the concept of “enduro.” Downhill-oriented geometry adds to this image as much as the sensible and pedal-neutral rear suspension with 155mm of travel, regulated via a FOX Float CTD shock. The performance of the fitted Fox 34 TALAS fork could not live up to the potent rear suspension – a factor observed in all the other test bikes too.
But still, both in the air and on the ground,riding the Ghost was loads of fun. It also proved to be extremely low-maintenance and within normal expectations regarding damage. The only downer remains the relatively high weight: despite the initially fitted lighter Nobby Nic tires, the overall original weight of the Cagua was 14.2 kg.
You can read an in-depth feature about the long-term test and our conclusions in the previous ENDURO issue! As usual it’s free & only digital for iPad, Android-Tablets and Online-Viewer: Issue #007
Text: Daniel Häberle | Fotos: Fabian Rapp