BEHIND POACHA
In the summer of 2024, at a cool 10°C and light drizzle in Klínovec, Tomas Slavik and Korbi Engstler put the POACHA prototype to the test. Follow along and read about exciting processes behind our POACHA.
Let's drop in.
A New Approach to Geometry and Kinematics
The completely new geometry and revised Traction Link 3.0 kinematics are the result of many months of development on the POACHA prototype.
From the very beginning, the goal wasn’t to create the next production model, but to answer one key question:
How should a bike be built to perform flawlessly in rough terrain – and still be fun to ride?
Fine-Tuning for the Perfect Suspension Setup
To achieve the perfect balance, the shock linkage on the prototype was adjusted multiple times and intensively tested.
No compromises were made on the rear suspension: three different linkage systems were tested in close collaboration between our R&D team, GHOST product management, and our two athletes, Tomas Slavik and Korbi Engstler – with one clear goal:
to find the ideal balance between performance and ride feel.
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Two Riders – Two Perspectives
Tomas Slavik, our urban DH racer, is the analytical type. Every tenth of a second counts for him – and so does every detail of his setup. He knows his settings down to the last click and tests relentlessly for maximum speed.
Korbi Engstler, on the other hand, brings a completely different perspective with his playful riding style. He relies less on numbers and more on how the bike feels – for him, the suspension must simply feel right.
The result: a rear suspension that delivers exactly what we at GHOST aim for – uncompromising performance with just the right amount of terrain sensitivity.
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What Does the Final POACHA Look Like?
During testing in Klínovec, the main focus was on rear-end length. Using different drop-outs, several variants were tested.
In the end, we settled on 439 mm for sizes S and M, and 444 mm for L and XL – a good compromise between agility and stability.
Another key change was the shock position. Unlike previous full-suspension models, we opted for a horizontal shock, which improves the center of gravity and opens up space in the frame design.
The head angle was also revised to achieve a more direct yet secure handling feel, especially at higher speeds.
Together with Acros, we developed a Reach Adjust System, allowing the reach to be adjusted by ±5 mm via the headset – shorter or longer, depending on rider preference.
With the integrated Flip Chip, the POACHA can also be tuned for different riding conditions. It ships in the High Setting – offering more ground clearance and a steeper seat angle. For technical and steep trails, it can be switched to Low, lowering the bottom bracket by 7 mm and slackening both the head and seat angles.
To ensure performance on even the toughest lines, the POACHA is coil- and dual-crown-compatible. With 180 mm of travel front and rear, there’s plenty of reserve – without sacrificing the bike’s playful character.
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