GHOST HYBRIDE SL AMR X S 7.7+ LC Review

The GHOST HYBRID SL AMR XS 7.7+ LC is an absolutely uncompromising machine. Similar to a Porsche GT3, it is designed for maximum performance, but it needs an experienced rider to unleash its full potential.

For more information on the group test head to: The best eMTB you can buy

**GHOST** HYBRIDE SL AMR X S 7.7+ LC | 21.29 kg | € 6,499

With the HYBRIDE SL AMR XS 7.7+ LC, the GHOST team dug deep into their bag of tricks to get the most performance out of the bike. They’ve specified a carbon front triangle, but not an integrated battery – the external battery is lighter and allows for a lower centre of gravity. The German manufacturer also equipped it with a dual-position RockShox Lyrik fork, mixed wheel sizes for plenty of traction and extra short 155 mm cranks for maximum ground clearance. The rest of the spec also aims at maximum trail performance.

Push your limits! The GHOST expands your riding horizon!

A SRAM EX1 8-speed drivetrain with a large gear range, powerful SRAM CODE R brakes and a RockShox Super Deluxe coil shock for extra responsive rear suspension. The € 6,499 top-end model we reviewed comes with 160 mm of travel at the front and 140 mm at the rear and is powered by a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor with a 504 Wh battery.

GHOST HYBRIDE SL AMR X in Detail

Fork RockShox Lyrik RCT3 Dual Position 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe Coil RCT 140 mm
Motor/Battery Shimano Steps E8000 504 Wh
Drivetrain SRAM EX1 8-speed
Brakes SRAM Code R 200/200 mm
Seat post KindShock LEV Integra 170 mm
Stem Ground Fiftyone Team 45 mm
Handlebar Ground Fiftyone Carbon 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss H 1700 Spline
Tires Maxxis Shorty 29×2.5″/Minion DHRII 27.5×2.8″

**Super plush**
The rear end of the GHOST HYBRID SL AMR X simply sticks to the ground, but without isolating the rider too much from the trail – thumbs up!

**Big jumps**
Although the SRAM EX1 drivetrain has a very large gear range, the gear jumps are very large due to the low number of gears (8 gears). You often have the feeling that you’re in the wrong gear, especially when riding in a group.

**Semi-integrated**
Usually, the advantage of carbon frames is to be able to fully integrate the battery. GHOST has deliberately decided not to because of the heavier weight and the higher centre of gravity of an integrated system – a good decision!

**Distinctive**
With its design, GHOST have managed to give the HYBRIDE SL AMR models a futuristic and unique look.

Geometry of the GHOST HYBRIDE SL AMR X

Size	S	K	L	XL
Seat tube	390 mm	430 mm	460 mm	500 mm
Top tube	574 mm	596 mm	636 mm	670 mm
Head tube	90 mm	100 mm	120 mm	140 mm
Head angle	65.6°	65.6°	65.7°	65.7°
Seat angle	75.2°	75.2°	75.3°	75.3°
Chainstay	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm	455 mm
BB Height	23 mm	23 mm	23 mm	23 mm
Wheelbase	1,186 mm	1,209 mm	1,253 mm	1,290 mm
Reach	411 mm	430 mm	466 mm	495 mm
Stack	616 mm	625 mm	644 mm	663 mm

GHOST HYBRIDE SL AMR X in Review

**Helmet** MET Roam | **Glasses** 100% Speedcraft | **Jersey** Mons Royale Raglan 3/4 Tee | **Shorts** ION Bikeshort Scrub Amp | **Shoes** ION Rascal

After only a few meters onboard the GHOST HYBRID SL AMR XS 7.7+ LC it’s immediately clear – this bike is not designed for relaxed cruises on forest service roads. With its short cranks, the bike requires a higher pedalling cadence and the steep seat tube angle puts a lot of weight on the hands. The GHOST only really comes to life on demanding climbs. Here your sitting position is comparatively relaxed and comfortably upright. When things get really steep, you can lower the fork, which, in combination with the short cranks, will enable you to climb even the most technically demanding trails. If you want to explore your own limits on steep ascents, this is the right tool for the job.

**Tuning tip:** If necessary use a more robust rear tire. For hard surfaces, swap the front tire for a MAXXIS Minion DHF

The HYBRID SL AMR X behaves similarly on the downhills. Only when you actively work the bike does it start to reveal its full potential. With an active riding style, your input is then translated directly and precisely to what you want to do. On steep descents, the bike instils you with confidence thanks to the low slung frame and the tall front end. However, when the trail flattens out and your speed decreases, the bike requires a lot of manoeuvring and effort to maintain enough grip on both wheels. If you are not careful, the bike will understeer and you will overshoot the corners. The suspension performs sensitively and swallows all kinds of impacts with ease. The front and rear work in unison despite the two centimetres difference in travel, offering adequate support on all terrain. This makes for an agile bike that’s easy to manoeuvre through tight sections if you’re willing to ride it actively. Sadly, if you ride to the bike’s full potential on rough, high-speed terrain, the thin-walled tires will quickly puncture.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Technical Data

Size: S M L XL
Weight: 21.29 kg
Perm. total weight: 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment): 118 kg
Motor torque: 70 Nm
Battery Capacity: 504 Wh
Travel (f/r): 160/140 mm
Wheel Size: MX (29" front, 27.5" rear)
Price: € 6,499

Rider type

Touring Rider 1

Trail rider 2

Extreme rider 3

Conclusion

The GHOST HYBRID SL AMR XS 7.7+ LC is one of the most radical eMTBs on the market. The engineers were uncompromising in designing a bike that would offer maximum performance on the trail, whether you’re going uphill or down. For riders who know how to get the most out of it, it promises to be outstanding eMTB for the roughest terrain. However, if you prefer taking things slower, this bike can feel a bit overwhelming.

Tops

pushes the limits of what's rideable on a climb
excellent suspension
built for the most demanding trails

Flops

overkill on easy trails
short cranks are not ideal for relaxed riding
large gear jumps on the SRAM EX1 drivetrain

For more information head to: ghost-bikes.com