GHOST Brand Bicycles Available to U.S. Customers Exclusively at REI

SEATTLE – REI, the national outdoor gear and apparel retailer has partnered with a leading German manufacturer of high-performance bicycles to bring the GHOST brand to the United States. The full suspension mountain bike models Kato FS 7, Riot 7 LC, and other select models, are now available for purchase exclusively through REI.com.

Over the past two decades, GHOST bicycle designs have won a number of international awards and are considered to be among the best in the world. REI will offer 41 GHOST mountain, road and city bicycle models ranging in price from $649 at the entry level up to $7,999 at the premium level for discerning and advanced riders. GHOST bicycles will be sold on REI.com for direct-to-consumer delivery nationwide and free in-store pick up at REI stores. The Kato FS 3 will also be available in REI stores starting in March.

"We are incredibly proud to introduce GHOST to the U.S.," says Mark Harding, REI Merchandising Cycle Manager. "These bikes have the attention to detail you would expect from German engineering and a ride you’ll fall in love with."

Categories include:

• GHOST full suspension mountain bikes: Based on the trusted four-bar design concept, these bikes deliver incredible control and traction.
• GHOST hardtail mountain bikes: Recognized for their cutting-edge carbon fiber frame designs, they have been raced to Olympic Gold, World Cup victories, and a World Championship title.
• GHOST city bikes: Designed in Germany where bicycling is both basic transportation and a way of life, these bikes incorporate proven geometry for a comfortable ride and a range of features to make getting around town a breeze.
• GHOST road bikes: Inspired by the innovative thinking of the mountain and city designs, these bikes are built with premium materials to be light, responsive and comfortable for speed and distance.

Visit REI.com for more information about available styles and specs.

Access to urban and mountain trails

REI partners with national and local nonprofits to raise awareness of bicycle safety and build urban infrastructure and bicycle trails. The company’s national partnerships include PeopleForBikes, the Alliance for Biking and Walking, Rails to Trails, and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). Wherever REI has a presence, employees maintain relationships with local nonprofits creating access on behalf of the outdoor community. For example, Singletrack Advocates in Anchorage, Alaska is maintaining 25 miles of natural trails at Kincaid Park. In the southern US, cyclists, runners and day hikers are benefitting from the work by the Atlanta Beltline Partnership to redevelop a historic 22-mile railroad corridor that circles downtown into a network of public parks and multi-use trails.

REI’s bicycle services

Nearly all of REI’s retail locations feature a bike shop for expert assembly and repairs. All bicycles sold at REI include a free warranty tune-up. New bikes go through a normal break-in period, after which readjustment is important for longevity and performance. Customers may bring their new bike into their local REI for a free tune-up within 20 hours of use or six months from purchase, whichever comes first.

Hit the trail with confidence

Starting this spring, REI Outdoor School is expanding its mountain bike programming with a full range of in-depth mountain biking classes and outings. Through the company’s exclusive partnerships with GHOST, customers may use GHOST full-suspension mountain bikes in select cities as part of their classes with expert instructors.

About GHOST

Founded in 1993 in the Bavaria region of Germany, GHOST creates award winning bicycles using innovative technologies paired with unique design details. GHOST is part of Accell North America who is committed to leading in cycling innovation in product, brand and specialty business practices to grow bicycle retail in North America. Accell North America is the North American business entity of Accell Group, NV, Europe’s leading bicycle company. Accell North America, located in Kent, Wash., is completely focused on growing the specialty bike business by providing excellence in customer service, product innovation, profitability and brand marketing on the regional and national levels.

About the REI Co-op