German brand Ghost Bikes have been available in the UK for a couple of years since Hotlines UK started distributing them, and they’ve generally been well received.

The AMR Lector 8700 here has been updated for 2011, now boasting carbon seat and chainstays for a considerable weight loss in the region of 300g over the previous version. The carbon version is available on this model and the 9500 further up the range.

120mm travel is derived from the four-bar Horst Link suspension system housed inside a carbon fibre frameset. The front triangle and rocker linkage are moulded from carbon. The swingarm rotates on needle bearings for low stiction and details on the frame include a press-fit bottom bracket, a tapered head tube, post-mount rear brake fitting and E-type front mech setup.

Sitting somewhere in the middle to top-end of the range is this £2999.99 example, which gets you a Shimano XT groupset and brakes, Fox 32 RL FIT 120mm forks with a 15mm bolt-thru axle, Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25in tyres and Ritchey finishing kit. A nice touch is the continuous cable housings for the derailleurs.

Available from www.hotlines-uk.com and more details can be had at www.ghost-bikes.com

Watch out for a full review soon…