Ghost is ‘back in gravity’ with the release of the Poacha, a 180mm-travel MTB designed to take on the gnarliest lines.
The release of the Poacha marks the brand's re-entry to the UK market, with a mountain bike built to appeal to riders looking for a long-travel bike designed to hit freeride lines, park laps and techy trails.
Three builds are available at launch, with the entry-level bike appearing to represent the good value Ghost has been associated with.
Prices start at £4,199 / €4,999 for the base model, with the top-of-the-range Poacha Full Party priced at £6,699 / €8,000.
Traction Link 3.0 suspension system
The Poacha employs the brand’s Traction Link 3.0 suspension system, a virtual pivot point linkage, to deliver its rear suspension with forks that match the 180mm suspension figure up front.
The VPP setup is said to have a sensitive early stroke and gives the suspension a rearward axle path.
In theory, this should take the sting out of blunt hits, enabling the rear wheel to swing back out of the way rather than taking the brunt of the force.
A low-mounted shock is said to drop the centre of gravity, giving the bike better agility in the corners and steep sections of track.
Carbon tubes, alloy links
The frame sees carbon tubes connected via alloy links and is Category 5 rated, meaning it's safe to use on freeride and downhill trails.
Adjustability is the name of the game when it comes to the Poacha's geometry, with flip chips and reach adjusters in the frame.
A new Acros headset enables the reach to be adjusted by 5mm either way, with reach measurements ranging from 440mm to 516mm through the sizes.
Ghost has given the Poacha fully replaceable hardware, with every aluminium piece tightening into itself, so there are no threads in the carbon to be damaged.
The bike is ‘double crown ready’, and Ghost says you can run up to a 200mm fork.
The rear suspension can also be increased to 190mm by using a shock with 70mm of stroke rather than 75mm, and it's coil-compatible with 35 per cent progression overall.
The rear end features an asymmetric design for increased strength, with the frame shifted slightly towards the non-driveside.
It seems Ghost has designed the bike for easy maintenance, with the frame bearings sealed on the inside and outside for better durability.
The bottom of the down tube gets a rubber protector to fend off rock strikes, and there are plenty of mounting points to attach spare tubes or multi-tools in the event of mishaps on the mountain.
Ghost Poacha spec and price details
Ghost Poacha
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Select, 180mm
- Shock: RockShox Vivid Select
- Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type
- Brakes: SRAM DB Maven Bronze
- Wheels: Shimano (hubs), WTB ST Tough TCS 2.0 (rims)
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal
- Price: £4,199 / €4,999
Ghost Poacha Pro
- Fork: Fox 38 Factory, 180mm
- Shock: Fox X2 Factory
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT
- Brakes: Tektro TRP DH-R EVO
- Wheels: DT Swiss F 1900
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal
- Price: £5,499 / €6,499
Ghost Poacha Full Party
- Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, 180mm
- Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle T-Type AXS
- Brakes: SRAM DB Maven Silver
- Wheels: DT Swiss FR 1500
- Tyres: Continental Kryptotal
- Price: £6,699 / €8,000
