Ghost Race Lector Comp 2012 Review
At £1,999.99 (correct at time of writing) the Lector Comp is certainly not the cheap option but a great frame, impressive wheel-set and responsive ride make this a great all-rounder.
The chassis is the real star of the show and features a 1-1/2in lower headset bearing at the front, a large press-fit bottom bracket shell and an oversized down tube. The parallel 73.5 degree head and seat angles and the wheelbase (just under a metre) offer excellent responsive controls.
The Race Lector Comp also offers a surprisingly smooth ride thanks to extra skinny rear stays and a slim top tube. Rough roads will not provide too much of a problem but there are smoother rides out there.
One of the Lector Compʼs major weaknesses is the all-alloy compact drop bar. It offers a very rigid and stable ride but the feedback off rougher road surfaces may well cause the dreaded tingling sensation on long rides. Upgrading to a carbon bar and stem would remove this problem though.
If the alloy drop bar causes you problems with long rides at least the gears should be highly reliable. The Lector Comp features Ultegra gearing which sports a 50/34-tooth compact chainset at the front and an 11-28-t cassette at the back. Anyone who thrives on long rides and tough climbs should be more than catered for here.
The wheelset is also a real plus, with the Lector Comp featuring Easton aero wheels and Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tyres. The Eastonʼs are perhaps a little on the heavy side for a bike at this price but their build quality cannot be questioned. The Schwalbe tyres are almost faultless though and will complement the excellent frame.
The Ghost Race Lector Comp is an excellent bike. For under £2,000 it offers some superb kit and is a great all-rounder. The bar and stem set is a little disappointing but the fantastic chassis, great drivetrain and fantastic tyres more than make up for it.
Ghost Race Lector Comp
Rating by Adam Samuel: stars ££-£££
Written by: Quatos