One brand have given the image of their bikes a serious overhaul in the past twelve months, and the new generation of GHOST bikes from the team in Germany’s Waldsassen come complete with a new striking frame and identity. But what does that tell us about its performance on the trails? To answer that question, we’ve put the SL AMR 5 under the microscope.
It can’t be denied that the all-new GHOST SL AMR 5 looks stunning. So stunning, in fact, that it’s hard to believe its price tag is below 2,500 €. Its slick grey-black colourway and high-quality spec render it a serious object of desire, and the full Shimano XT groupset and FOX Performance suspension don’t leave any doubts as to performance.
With the AMR collection, GHOST have designed a bike that can be ridden with three different lengths of travel by turning the lower shock mount, giving 130, 145, or 160 mm. At the same time, the geometry is optimized for the intended use.
The 130 mm model that we tested is devised for long rides, and this is where it definitely shone. Lightly stretched out, yet comfy with the steep seat angle, the SL AMR is an easy ride on the flats and climbs with no influence on the bike from your pedaling. The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres deliver a successful mix of low rolling resistance and grip, complementing the image of the bike. On descents, the SL AMR 5 is that coveted companion that keeps you on your toes: wildly playful, it drives the rider to push the pace. The suspension is effective and willingly dishes up its travel. If downhills are your kind of thing, then you might not love the overly steep head angle – so we’d recommend mounting a shorter stem. Of course, this won’t change the head angle, but it will give the bike the sense of more direct handling and give a little more stability on technical terrain.
Details of the GHOST SL AMR 5
Comfy: The side-swing front mech has to be the best innovation within the world of 2x drivetrains. Thanks to the improved cable routing, it takes very little exertion on the rider’s behalf to easily and precisely shift gears on the front sprocket. If it’s got to be 2x, then side-swings only, please!
Aiming high: The decals on the toptube give it away already: the SL AMR 5 is made for long, lonely hours in the saddle as you head for the summits.
Fitting: It’d be wrong of us to criticize the 70 mm stem, as it slots well into the concept of the bike. However, riders who want to eke out better downhill performance might want to swap it for a shorter model.
Variable: By turning the lower shock mount and fitting a longer rear shock, the travel can be boosted from 130 mm up to 160 mm. However, then you’ll also need a fork with more travel too. This adjustability offers very little in the way of benefits to the customer.
Specification: GHOST SL AMR 5
- Fork: FOX 32 Float Performance 130 mm
- Shock: FOX Float DPS Performance (130 mm am Heck)
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT 2×11
- Brakes: Shimano Deore
- Seatpost: Kind Shock Cruxi
- Stem: Ghost AS GH4
- Handlebar: Ghost Low Rizer
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2,25
- Wheelsize: 27.5″
- Wheelset: Shimano Deore, Black Jack 25
- Weight: 13,67 kg
- Price: € 2.499
Conclusion for the GHOST SL AMR 5
The GHOST SL AMR 5 is destined to be a hit if you’ve already mapped out your next massive Alpine ride with your bag packed and waiting patiently. Here’s your bike in that case. It won us over with the incredibly comfy riding position and ability to climb like a true grimpeur, although its downhill speed is unlikely to break any records. A brilliantly designed bike with a clear concept!
Strengths
- Very comfortable
- Super climbing skills
- Consistent spec
- Excellent modern geometry
Weaknesses
- Weaker on the downhills
- Steep head angle
More information on the SL AMR 5 can be found on the Ghost-Website.
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This bike was part of our Group Test: Ten Trail & Enduro Bikes 2016 under €2599.
All bikes tested: Bergamont Trailster 6.0 | Canyon Spectral AL 7.0 EX | COMMENCAL Meta AM V4 | Focus SAM Ltd.| GIANT Trance 2 Ltd | Propain Tyee Comp | Radon Slide 150 8.0 HD | Rose Uncle Jimbo 1 | Solid Magix Comp
Text & Photos: Christoph Bayer
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