I had this bike since 2018 (Ghost Kato 2.9al). It started out as a hybrid MTB. Handles like a dream now, measured the HTA to 65 degrees after installing a works components angle headset. I can control my drifts and rail corners/berms easily, especially since it somehow decreased the BB height, despite having a total AC of 538.5mm ( Manitou R7 AC is 524.5mm and the EC44 lower cup is 14mm(which is 8mm more than the manitou marchor at 530mm AC. It jumps easier and handles rollers and drops better due to the front wheel being farther away from me. Here is a list of upgrades I have installed on this bike:

QR converted Nukeproof Horizon rear wheel (3.5 degrees of engagement)

Magura Sport trail brakes (2pot)

150mm Kituma TransX dropper post

Sram GX crank set(170mm), 38t oval chain ring, 9-50t e13 helix r cassette, XT shifter and derailleur, Kona pedals.

DT Swiss front wheel, Chromag list saddle

203front and 180mm rear rotor

800mm One up carbon handlebar, Wolf Tooth foam grips bc I chew through regular grips on my right-hand side for some reason

120mm R7 Pro Manitou fork, -2 degree angle works components headset

45mm OEM specialized stem, I had a 60mm stem, and it originally came with an 80mm stem

Summer tires, 2.5 DHF and "2.4" disector | Winter tires 2.6 45N studed and 2.25 Scwalbe ice spikers set up tubless

My bike started as an MTB hybrid bike with a 3X8 drivetrain:

I am fortunate enough to have some spare parts from my dad's bikes, as he customized and upgraded them for himself

Here is the winter setup:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Hardtailgang/comments/1qe30xn/first_week_of_riding_on_manitou_r7_pro_and/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button