Both are hardtails but I'm really looking at the Ghost. Ghost seems to have better forks (Rockshox gold solo air compared to the specialized Suntour XCR air), better specs overall I believe. What do you guys think? I've been driving myself crazy over which bike to get. Thanks
Ghost Kato 7 or Specialized Pitch Expert??
Jblud1986
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Both are hardtails but I'm really looking at the Ghost. Ghost seems to have better forks (Rockshox gold solo air compared to the specialized Suntour XCR air), better specs overall I believe. What do you guys think? I've been driving myself crazy over which bike to get. Thanks
I would go for the Kato 7.
Not just because I am a fan of Ghost bikes in general, but because if you look at the specs (as you said), the Ghost comes out on top.
Drivetrain;
Ghost; Mixture of XT (Rear Derailleur) / SL (Shifters) and Deore (Front Deraulleur) (which will be more or less bomb proof)
Pitch; Mixture of Specialized stuff, Sun Race, SRAM and Shimano (talk about building to a price)
Brakes
Ghost; Shimano 359 disk 180fr/160rr
Pitch; Tektro Gemini Front and Rear
Gearing;
Ghost; Deore triple chain set (40/30/22) 11-36 Shimano cassette (this will climb anything, but a triple is a little less "fashionable" these days...)
Pitch; Specialized Stout Double Chain set (36/22) 11-36 Sun Race cassette. -_- Pressed steel chain rings = cheap and nasty.
Tyres;
Ghost; Schwalbe Smart Sam 2,25 (Not bad at all, not great, but not bad)
Pitch; Spec Ground Control Sport 2,1 (narrow and according to reviews not that grippy either)
To me, the Pitch is the bike you buy if you have no idea about cycling and want to have the safety that comes from buying a bike from a big brand (i.e. are going to get fleeced nut at least its a INSERT NAME HERE) It is the MTB equivalent of the Toyota Auris / Corolla.
The Ghost has better spec and to me is the bike you buy if you are new to MTB, but have done some research and know what makes a half way decent bike on a budget.
Oh, and the Kato 7 looks really nice in the Red/Dark red colour combo.
Not just because I am a fan of Ghost bikes in general, but because if you look at the specs (as you said), the Ghost comes out on top.
Drivetrain;
Ghost; Mixture of XT (Rear Derailleur) / SL (Shifters) and Deore (Front Deraulleur) (which will be more or less bomb proof)
Pitch; Mixture of Specialized stuff, Sun Race, SRAM and Shimano (talk about building to a price)
Brakes
Ghost; Shimano 359 disk 180fr/160rr
Pitch; Tektro Gemini Front and Rear
Gearing;
Ghost; Deore triple chain set (40/30/22) 11-36 Shimano cassette (this will climb anything, but a triple is a little less "fashionable" these days...)
Pitch; Specialized Stout Double Chain set (36/22) 11-36 Sun Race cassette. -_- Pressed steel chain rings = cheap and nasty.
Tyres;
Ghost; Schwalbe Smart Sam 2,25 (Not bad at all, not great, but not bad)
Pitch; Spec Ground Control Sport 2,1 (narrow and according to reviews not that grippy either)
To me, the Pitch is the bike you buy if you have no idea about cycling and want to have the safety that comes from buying a bike from a big brand (i.e. are going to get fleeced nut at least its a INSERT NAME HERE) It is the MTB equivalent of the Toyota Auris / Corolla.
The Ghost has better spec and to me is the bike you buy if you are new to MTB, but have done some research and know what makes a half way decent bike on a budget.
Oh, and the Kato 7 looks really nice in the Red/Dark red colour combo.
Thanks for your reply and your time to respond. I really do like the set up for the ghost and the color scheme but it's hard not to support my local bike shop and go with the specialized instead. Better bike set up with ghost or go with your local bike shop for the lower end specialized with Suntour forks 
i don't get the compulsion to support the LBS but if that is an important part of your decision then nothing wrong with that. is Ghost thru REI?
i don't know anything about either fork, but I would recommend getting the bike that fits you better with exception based on better fork. if it is a push on fit then get the better fork. My knee jerk reaction says Rockshox is better than Suntour but don't know anything about either of those forks.
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i don't know anything about either fork, but I would recommend getting the bike that fits you better with exception based on better fork. if it is a push on fit then get the better fork. My knee jerk reaction says Rockshox is better than Suntour but don't know anything about either of those forks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes, Ghost is through REI. I also like that it has the slacker head tube, 68 compared to 71. I think I've pretty much got my mind made up on the ghost. Only small thing, it's just over my budget and no room to spend on pedals, helmet, etc. Oh well I'm sure it'll be worth it. Thanks for the help and I'll post a picture on the bike I pulled the trigger on!
It does seem that the Kato 5 is more even (spec wise) with the Pitch Expert than the Kato 7. 200g heavier with 160mm discs and a suntour fork. Still has Shimano kit throughout, though and you can always upgrade the fork later (I see the fork as the only low point of the Kato 5).
Maybe going for the 5 will free up budget for essentials like pedals and helmet, then a year down the road BOOM! Carbon wheels and a nice fork...
Maybe going for the 5 will free up budget for essentials like pedals and helmet, then a year down the road BOOM! Carbon wheels and a nice fork...
at least where I live, which has 3 REI stores, the one store that I go to has a great bike service department. Now maybe REI doesn't have the Master Wheelbuilder that I know at another Independent LBS in the area, but they are not slouches either, they have a great aptitude and attitude so I don't think you lose any service quality unless your particular REI has subpar service. I think that would be an exception.
Got to finally pick up my new toy, the Ghost Kato 7!! Love it and can't wait to hit some trails with it tomorrow. In the first picture I've got it mounted to a locking fork mount that's bolted down in my truck bed so no one can run off with it while I'm in a store grabbing a quick drink. Thanks for the help with every thing guys.
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