(11-2014) www.mountainbike-magazin.de
RESULT:
“In the LT version, the cool,
technically outstanding Riot rocks
the trail even smoother and safer. It
shifts the range of use towards the
AM/Enduro.”
TESTED! RIOT LT 8 LC
In 2014, GHOST landed a big coup with the Riot. Now, the LT with long travel promises even more fun.
“Those who can afford it will get an outstanding 130
mm fully, which distinguishes itself through its
versatility and which attracts a lot of attention”. This
was MB’s enthusiastic verdict after testing the
spectacular GHOST Riot for the first time in 2014.
The MB editors were not alone in being very
impressed by the carbon fully (27.5”). Even the
Bavarian’s own professional riders preferred the Riot
over the in-house Enduros when they wanted a
relaxed lap of fun.
The only change: GHOST exchanged the 130 mm
fork for a 150 mm model – for more joy swallowing
up impacts, and for a flatter steering angle. And
since GHOST believes that all this worked just
perfectly, the Riot is now available as a “long travel
version” with a 150 mm fork (which can be adjusted
down to 120 mm) as well as 130 mm of travel in the
rear – thus a mix of tour, trail and all-mountain fully.
Speaking of travel in the rear: in contrast to its little
brother, the travel is provided by a (almost too)
complex, adjustable Cane-Creek (instead of a Fox)
fork and the floating four-bar linkage kinematics.
Enough of the preludes, on the saddle! The Riot LT
receives its rider with a pleasing geometry. The top
tube and reach are rather long – a shorter stem
would actually be a better fit for the concept and
slightly reduce the stretched seating position. On the
climb, you notice the longer fork immediately: The
weight of rider shifts more toward the rear wheel,
but a lowered fork brings power to the pedals. That’s
when the Riot LT climbs with great traction, little
pedal backlash, and amazing diligence.
But the rather chubby wheelset-tire-weight doesn’t
quite destine the Riot for the mountain award in the
all-mountain category.
It is obvious: the focus of the LT version lies on
gunning it downhill. That’s where the GHOST brings
the fun factor: running incredibly smoothly, yet never
too lazy to take on corners, ready to jump and
steadfast and safe, that’s how it goes downhill with
the front always supplying a little more reserves
than the superbly working rear suspension. Also, at
lower speeds, the higher front requires more
pressure from the rider. In short: the “regular” Riot is
a more harmonic bike for tours and trails, the LT is
the special weapon for skilled all-mountain riders
who prefer a rear with shorter travel in relation. And:
excellent parts, but a stiff price point.