Ghost Kato FS Review
- Price: $1,841
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 27.5″ / 29″Aluminum
- Gear: 1 x 12
What we like about it: The frame and components are reliable and durable, and the price is reasonable, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of riders.
What we didn’t like about it: The absence of a dropper post design means you can’t adjust the riding position on the fly during off-road rides.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Ghost Kato FS features a robust frame with excellent geometry and high-quality components, making it an outstanding choice for beginners looking to explore the forests with ease.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Ghost Kato FS. In the latter part of this article, we’ve also compared it to several other bikes. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, stay tuned.
Riding Experience
When I got my hands on the Ghost Kato FS, I was impressed by its attractive and durable design. The reliable components make it a trustworthy choice for off-road adventures. I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin.
To test its capabilities, I headed to a nearby mountain biking park and booked accommodations through IHG in advance. The route involved riding from the base of the mountain to the starting point at the summit, followed by a thrilling descent. The downhill trail featured winding paths, rocky descents, and occasional small drop-offs, making it an ideal terrain for this full-suspension mountain bike.
Climbing
As I embarked on the uphill climb with the Ghost Kato FS, I locked the front and rear suspension. This eliminated any sensation of pedal bob, ensuring efficient power transfer. The bike felt cohesive, allowing me to ascend with speed, particularly on moderate slopes.
However, as the incline grew steeper, I could sense the effort required to pedal. But thanks to the SRAM SX 1×12-speed drivetrain, which offers an array of gear choices, I could find the right balance between ease of pedaling and speed. While my pace decreased, I could conserve energy effectively, maintaining a continuous ascent without significant effort.
Overall, the Ghost Kato FS, as a full-suspension mountain bike, excels in climbing without any noticeable drag. With the front and rear suspension locked out, the climbing experience can rival that of some hardtail mountain bikes.
Descending
The Ghost Kato FS proved to be a reliable companion during descents. The Suntour XCR 34 suspension fork and SR Suntour Raidon R rear shock offer 130mm of travel at both ends. When encountering small drop-offs and jumps, I experienced no hesitation, and the bike effortlessly soared over them. These suspension components proved to be dependable, effectively absorbing impacts upon landing, and ensuring stability.
As I navigated rough and rocky sections, the 29-inch wheels provided excellent traction and stability. They rolled over uneven terrain with ease, enhancing the overall downhill experience.
When I ventured onto twisty singletrack trails, the Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes, paired with 180mm rotors at the front and rear, delivered powerful braking performance. Coupled with the grip provided by the 2.3-inch knobby tires, my rides on these trails became both fast and enjoyable.
Overall, the Ghost Kato FS delivers an exceptional riding experience, well-suited for beginners looking to explore the forests and tackle various terrains. Its affordability makes it an accessible choice for a wide range of riders, leading us to award it a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension mountain bikes, we also provide reviews on a variety of bikes across different price ranges, making it an exciting journey for all. Feel free to explore our other reviews.
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Specifications
The Ghost Kato FS is available in 5 different sizes, ranging from XS to XL, suitable for riders with heights between 4’10” to 6’5″. Its versatile geometry accommodates riders of all sizes.
Equipped with the SR Suntour suspension system, it offers 130mm of front and rear suspension travel, making it suitable for handling rough riding conditions, and ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride.
Featuring SRAM SX drivetrain components, it provides a wide range of speeds with crisp and precise gear shifting, delivering quick and accurate responses.
The hydraulic disc brakes on this bike offer strong braking power, enabling rapid deceleration. They remain reliable even in adverse conditions, providing all-weather braking performance.
Video
What do we like about it?
- The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable performance in all weather conditions, providing all-weather braking capability.
- Internal cable routing contributes to a cleaner appearance and easier maintenance during daily cleaning.
- The availability of multiple frame sizes and wheelset options provides choices for a broader range of riders.
- SRAM’s drivetrain system offers crisp and precise gear shifting, with reliable durability.
- The SR Suntour front and rear suspension systems absorb all road vibrations, enhancing ride stability.
- External cable routing makes maintenance more accessible, making it suitable for beginners or entry-level riders.
What don’t we like about it?
- The lack of a dropper post design restricts the ability to adjust the riding position for off-road riding.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for novice riders?
Yes, it features a sturdy aluminum alloy frame and reliable components, and its affordable price makes it well-suited for novice riders or those on a tighter budget.
- What wheelset does this bike use?
The front wheelset is Shimano HB-MT400-B 15×110 mm, and the rear wheelset is Shimano FH-MT400-B 12×148 mm.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we have a sizing chart for you. Of course, it doesn’t always have to be followed, and the best way to find the perfect size is to take a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’10” – 5’3″ | XS |
| 5’1″ – 5’6″ | S |
| 5’4″ – 5’10” | M |
| 5’8″ – 6’1″ | L |
| 5’11” – 6’5″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | KATO FS ALColor: Grey Light Pearl |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCR34 Coil 130 mm |
| Rear Shock | SR Suntour Raidon R 130 mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM Power Spline 118/73 |
| Headset | Strummer semi-integrated |
| Stem | Ground Fiftyone Dia. 31.8 mm |
| Handlebar | Ground Fiftyone Dia. 31.8 mm 720mm (S) 740mm (M-L) 780mm (XL) |
| Saddle | Selle Italia X-Base |
| Seatpost | GND 51 31.6 mm |
| Pedals | VPE-506 |
| Grips | MTB Grip |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle 12-S |
| Crank | SRAM SX Eagle 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1210 11-50 |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-M275 180 mm Disc |
| Brake Levers | Tektro HD-M275 |
Wheels
| Rims | Schürmann Yak Disc 25 |
| Front Hub | Shimano HB-MT400-B 15×110 mm |
| Rear Hub | Shimano FH-MT400-B 12×148 mm |
| Tires | Rear: WTB Ranger 2.3 Comp (S 27,5″; M-XL 29″), Front: WTB Ranger 2.3 Comp (S 27,5″; M-XL 29″) |
| Disk Rotors | Tektro TR180-35 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Diamondback Atroz 2 | Click View | 100mm rear, 120mm front | Aluminum | Shimano MT200 | 1 × 9 |
| Liv Pique 29 | Click View | 100mm rear, 100mm front | Aluminum | Shimano MT410 | 1 × 12 |
| Ghost Kato FS Universal | Click View | 130mm rear, 130mm front | Aluminum | Shimano BR-MT500 | 1 × 12 |
| Trifox PIONEER | Click View | Click View | Carbon | SHIMANO MT200 | 1 × 12 |
Ghost Kato FS vs. Diamondback Atroz 2
Comparing these two bikes, the first one has longer front and rear suspension travel than the second one, allowing it to absorb more road vibrations and handle more intense and thrilling downhill rides.
Moving on to the drivetrain components, the first bike is equipped with SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain components, providing a wider range of speeds and giving it an advantage in climbing. SRAM’s gear shifting is crisper and more precise, whereas Shimano drivetrain components offer smoother operation.
Furthermore, both of these bikes utilize hydraulic disc brake components, ensuring reliable braking performance and instilling trust in their high-quality braking capabilities.
In conclusion, between these two full-suspension mountain bikes, I would highly recommend the Ghost Kato FS. It boasts superior component performance and offers stronger riding capabilities.
Learn More: Is Diamondback Atroz 2 Worth Buying? [2022 Diamondback Atroz 2]
Ghost Kato FS vs. Liv Pique 29
In terms of suspension, the first one has longer suspension travel, giving it an advantage in handling rough terrains and larger drops. However, the suspension components of the second one are more reliable and offer better durability.
Regarding the drivetrain components, the first bike equipped with SRAM components provides crisp and responsive braking. The second bike with Shimano components offers smoother gear shifting.
Lastly, the second bike features a dropper seat post, which helps maintain stability during both climbs and descents, ensuring a seamless riding experience.
So, both of these bikes are excellent options, and you can rely on either one for a dependable riding experience.
Learn More: Is Liv Pique 29 2 a Good Choice? -[Liv Pique 29 2 Review]
Ghost Kato FS vs. Ghost Kato FS Universal
They have the same suspension travel, but the second one boasts higher-end and more durable suspension components compared to the first one.
In terms of drivetrain components, the second bike features a mix of Shimano XT and Shimano SLX components, which are of a higher level than the SRAM SX components on the first bike, offering better performance.
Additionally, the second bike is equipped with Shimano MT500 hydraulic brakes, which provide superior braking performance compared to the Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic brakes on the first bike, making them more reliable.
In summary, the second bike offers slightly stronger performance with higher-grade components. However, it comes at a higher price, so I would recommend it if your budget allows.
Ghost Kato FS vs. Trifox PIONEER
The second one’s carbon fiber frame is lighter than the first one’s aluminum alloy frame, but the first one’s aluminum frame is more reliable and durable.
In terms of drivetrain components, the first one is equipped with SRAM SX components, providing crisp and responsive shifting. The second one, featuring Shimano Deore M6100 components, offers a smoother shifting experience, and both are reliable and smooth components.
When it comes to braking components, whether it’s the first one’s Tektro HD-M275 or the second one’s SHIMANO MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, both provide reliable and powerful braking performance, ensuring all-weather braking capabilities.
In the end, although the second one has a carbon fiber frame, at this price point, I would be more inclined to trust the first one.
Summary
The above is my review of the Ghost Kato FS. In our opinion, this is an excellent full-suspension mountain bike that can meet the needs of beginners for off-road riding and comes at an affordable price suitable for everyone. That’s why we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension mountain bikes, we also review a variety of bikes at different price points, and it’s all very exciting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
Finally, if you like our content, please share it with your friends. If you find our content helpful, you can subscribe by clicking the email subscription button below. Thanks for your support!
