Ghost PathRiot LC 10 Review

“I can’t, I’m not allowed, I shouldn’t…” – seriously, this is old news. The change is too risky, the route too hard, the political correctness too correct. For issue #18 we threw all those concerns overboard and got hold of the absolute sickest bikes money can (not) buy. We at ENDURO are convinced: Dreams can come true!

This article is part of our magazine feature: Dreams Come True – 7 Incredible Bike Builds.

Ghost PathRiot LC 10

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Light weight? What counts is performance, baby! Over the years frames and parts have evolved by dropping weight, largely thanks to the introduction of carbon. But a few extra grams in the right places wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing, potentially even boosting the fun factor –a theory that Ghost have proven with their latest model, the PathRIOT.

Over two years in the R&D phase, GHOST have finally launched the brand new PathRIOT. With 150 mm rear travel, the Waldsassen-based company has dubbed their new flagship bike as a ‘RIOT on steroids,’ as they refused to compromise in the slightest on its downhill performance. With 425 mm chainstays and top tube length of 605 mm (medium frame), the wheelbase rounds off at 1,184 mm, rendering the PathRIOT not overly long but giving it modern, confidence-inspiring geometry.

And it shows! The new Cane Creek Double Barrel coilover shock at the rear isn’t the lightest around, but it unites with GHOST’s patented RIOT-Link rear to create a superb performance; we’re talking buttery-soft sensitivity, and notable end progression in the final 20% of travel thanks to the RIOT-link. In short, the extra weight is welcome. Despite the 20 mm travel difference when compared to the front’s Fox 36 Float Factory, the suspension works brilliantly. The moderate 66.5° head angle can be slackened off with the stock Cane Creek angleset to generate an even more stable ride. On the whole though, the bike is agile, and compared to other bikes of its caliber, it even verges on playful. The 800 mm bars respond snappily and responsively to your steering input.

If the heavier shock leads you to presume that the bike would be a tortuous climber, think again. With the presence of the Climb Switch lever, created by the American shock specialists, the shock can be completely locked-out to prevent the frequent irritating loss of traction. Plus, the riding position on the PathRIOT is comfy and effective enough to alleviate the torture of those climbs.

A really well thought out specification means the bikes as a whole works very well.

Specification: Ghost PathRiot LC 10

Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory Kashima 170 mm
Rear Shock: Cane Creek Double Barrel Coil CS 150 mm
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1
Brakes: SRAM Guide RSC
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: RaceFace Atlas 35
Handlebar: RaceFace SIXC 800 mm
Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary / Rock Razor
Wheelsize: 27.5″
Rims: Ryde Edge 28 OS
Hubs: Tune King/Kong
Price: € 6,499

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Strengths

Playful handling.
Brilliantly responsive rear.
A spec that works.

Weaknesses

Overly short frame not ideal for racing.

Conclusion

GHOST have stamped their authority on the matter and proven undisputedly that a little extra weight in the right places can seriously increase the fun factor of riding. The top quality suspension teams with the middle-of-the-road geometry to leave any rider satisfied with this looker.

For more information on the Ghost PathRiot visit the Ghost bikes website.