Wheels on Fire
Ghost Road Rage 6.9 LC
PRICE £2399 UPGRADES NONE MILES RIDDEN 525KM
The Fire Road Rage is badged as a gravel bike, but manages to be at once, both swifter and gnarlier than that. Look first to the 29x2inch mountain bike tyres, which put it at the rugged end of the gravel, and roll happily over most things in their way. They are equally at home on dirt tracks or rocky paths and they have made light work of cross-country trails more regularly ridden on a mountain bike. As easily as they soak up punishment for rougher tracks, back on the hard-packed stuff the wheels roll fast and simply eat up the miles.
What really sets this bike apart at its price point, however, is just how good the frame is for the money. Cutting-edge carbon, it is that elusive, no-compromise blend of responsiveness and comfort. The skinny seat-stays, (called ‘flexstays’ by Ghost) suck up vibration to provide the smoothest possible ride, yet when it’s extra speed you’re after there’s no noticeable flex to bring you down. Dabbing the pedals gives an instant surge of power - it’s like the bike is willing you to be fast and you won’t want to let it down.
The SRAM Apex brakes put a burly 180mm rotor up front, underlining the mountain bike heritage. It makes a real difference on more challenging terrain and especially if you’re carrying a heavy pack.
The rest of the standard setup is exactly what you’d expect for the price. Components that do an effective job but also provide the reasons you’re looking for to upgrade. The wheels, for all their easy-rolling size are clearly specified to a price point and going lighter would add more zip to better complement the responsive benefits of the frame.
The cranks are mountain bike cranks and heavy duty ones at that. They are probably the most incongruous part of the set up but on the plus side will be pretty much bombproof. The basic alloy bar, stem and seat post too are all worthy of an upgrade.
The inclusion of the SRAM X-Sync chainring is standout. It makes for quiet, efficient and smooth shifting meaning that combined with the astonishingly good frame and 29-inch wheels this will never be a dull bike even if you never upgrade a thing. But the frame is so good we’re betting you won’t be able to resist it.
The frame is that elusive, no-compromise blend of responsiveness and comfort RUSSELL BURTON