OneGhost Industries - Update

Sep 18, 2009
by Terry Howard  
Fresh Goods, Some Updates and a Quick Review; OneGhost Industries Bikes

Last update we left you with some glimpses of bikes in testing and some tasty hints at upcoming bikes. Inside, we have the goods on some very hot new frames. Lots of pictures, lots of info, and a quick review.

Check us out inside,
Katana LS
Last update we left you with some pictures of computer models, overall not very satisfying. The frames have now been on dirt for the past 6 months. While these are just proto types, the next generation should become available to the public in 2010 with some changes that will make the frame even more appealing.

1.5 Head tube
215 mm of rear travel
150 by 12 mm rear end
ISCG 05 Compatible
Short and Long frame sizes

While there are yet no pictures of the second generation, here are some first generation pics:

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Full Frame View

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Floating Shock

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Beefy Headtube Area

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Rear Drop Outs


Click here for more details on the Katana LS.

Tanto

The Tanto is a multipurpose bike. It is comfortable throwing down at the local dirt jumps, blasting down the 4 cross course, or shredding dual slalom.

1.5 Head tube
Single or Dual crown compatible
135 by 12 mm rear end
ISCG 05 compatible
Short or Long frame size

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Dave's bike

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Rider View

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Adjustable Drop Outs and Disc Mount


Find more details on the Tanto here.

Wazakashi

The Wazakashi is built to tackle the gnarliest slope style courses, but nimble enough to race 4 cross.

155 mm rear travel
1.5 Head tube
135 by 12 mm rear end
ISCG 05 compatible
Hammerschmidt compatible
Short or Long frame sizes

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2nd generation frame

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Concentric BB

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Adjustable rear drop outs


Check out more info here on the Wazakashi.

Genken

While the Katana is a DH specific race bike, the Genken (Japanese for War Dog) is an endurance DH specific frame with 6.5” of travel and dual chain ring capability. It is made specifically for races like the Megavalanche series and 12-hour DH races, and can double as a resort slaying machine.

photo

Click here for more details on the Ghenken.

Proletariat

Need a bike to run down to the pub for a night of festivities or to the local shop? The Proletariat lives up to its name. It is built to get the job done. It has a fully rigid alloy frame and fork, matched with 29 -ers and a Gates belt drive featuring 8 speed internal gearing.

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These are not the only bikes in the works. A 6 inch super D bike aptly called the Longbow is close to production, as well as a variety of others. Pretty much something for everyone. Check here for more bikes to get stoked on.

Now you may be wondering where you can see these bikes?

1. Interbike!
A Tanto will be displayed at THE/VSI Sports, a Katana frame at the Elka Suspension booth and a Proletariat commuting bike displayed at the Keen Footwear booth. Oneghost will have at least one Genken, Longbow and Wakazashi with them while they walk around the show floor.

2. Demo Day
The demo day is October 17 at Black Rock bike park in Salem, Oregon. They will have a Genken, Longbow, Wakazashi, Tanto and Katana available for a rip.

What bikes are currently available for order?
As of right now you can order the Tanto and Wazakashi in short and long sizes. They are taking deposits now, and the bikes will be able to ship by Feb. 2010. Black anodized, Pearl White powder coat paint, metallic baby blue powder coat paint, Golden Lager Brown (Wakazashi only) anodized are the colors they will be available in. The Genken and Longbow frames and build kits will be available after the first of the year and shipping by March.

Check Oneghost out here www.oneghost.com to learn more or you can contact them at info@oneghost.com or sales@oneghost.com.



*Editor's Note: Terry got herself a first generation One Ghost Katana and would like to share her experiences to date on it. This is by no means a bike/frame review, but merely her take on her frame so far.*

The Katana-

This past summer I had the opportunity to build up a first generation Katana. 10 Full inches of rear travel was a whole new experience compared to the previous bikes I have owned. Weight was a concern, and at just under 15 pounds, the frameset including DHX 5 (steel coil) and maxle is a beast. Despite that, my total build came in at 45 pounds, which I personally consider to be an acceptable weight for a DH shredding machine. But for those weight weenies concerned about the weight, it should be known that the next generation of frames will be a couple pounds lighter.

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My Ride


Specs on my Build
Frame: OneGhost Katana SL small w/ RockShox Maxle
Shock: DHX 5.0
Fork: Fox 40
Headset: FSA Headtube reducer and FSA DH Pig Pro headset
Seat: Selle Italia
Seat Post: Truvativ Team Double Clamp Seat Post
Seat Collar: Sinz
BB/Crankset: Shimano Saint M8
Ring: 38 Tooth Dangerboy
Pedals: Kona WahWahs
Chainguide: e13 LG1
Cassette: Shimano XT
Chain: SRAM standard
Derailleur: SRAM X7
Shifter: SRAM X9
Brakes: Juicy 7, front 8, rear 6
Wheelset: Hope Pro 2 hubs on Mavic 721 rims
Front Tire: UST Maxxis Minion 2.5
Rear: Maxxis High Roller 2.5
Stem: Truvativ Holzfeller Direct Mount
Handlebars: Race Face Atlas 31 inch

After carefully picking all the components to go on my bike, compromising between a small budget and strength of parts and weight, there was nothing left to do but ride it. It took a few weeks to tune in my Fox 40 and DHX 5, but after everything got sorted out it was time to hammer. The bike has two completely different characters. On the flat ground, the HT angle seems rather steep and it rides quite a bit like a much smaller trail bike. Pedaling efficiency is at a maximum, but at the compromise of some small bump sensitivity. As soon as the trail heads downhill though, the bike takes on a whole new character. As it sinks into its travel, the headtube angle slacks off, and the suspension soaks up everything on the trail even under hard braking. With its low BB height and shorter wheel base the bike rails around corners.

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While 10 inches is a lot of travel compared to most newer DH bikes, it is rarely a burden on the Katana. Trails like A Line at Whistler - it is a bit noticeable...but then, the second generation should take care of that and more - shrinking the frameset down to 8.5 inches. Overall I'm super stoked on this bike, and looking forward to the riding it even more in the off season.

-terri

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Author Info:
t3rry avatar

Member since Jun 29, 2005
8 articles

65 Comments
  • 16 3
 Wow, I am kind of shocked about so much negativity! It is like the groms of the world all were paid off by the big guys with free schwag or something! 6 months ago everyone was stoked on seeing a new bike company try something different and push the envelope of design to offer something not done yet. As soon as word got out about our patent pending Moto G*P Floating suspension, major manufacturers jumped on board (Trek, Mondraker, Opus, to name a few) validating our design and concept further.
We design and make bikes because after over 20 years riding and racing and working for other bike companies I have a pretty solid idea of what works and what needs to change so I wanted to bring something new to the next generation of riders, all of you.
I say ride what you like but don't fall for the hype of the large companies. If you don't like our rides, look to smaller guys like Canfield Bros. Don't believe the hype of the bigger guys, it is all marketing dollars being spent, not research and development.
We will continue to develop, design and build bikes and peruse our passion despite what critics may say or think. We watch, and listen to all feedback and criticism and take note of the valid ones and concerns. as we are small we can take the time to listen to riders out there much closer.
Now get off the computer and go ride!
  • 4 1
 kids suck in to the marketing hype and the bs
  • 5 1
 I'm not necessarily on the big companies' side but how can you say that a company like Specialized or Trek lacks in the R&D portions of there companies. The Session 88 pushed the envelope on lightweight race DH bikes and Specialized comes out with industry benchmark technologies every year.
  • 3 3
 I wouldn't necessarily agree with that last comment. Big companies lack an incentive to do any true innovation. Take the new SX-Trail, for example. It uses a "new" linkage that's the same concept that Knolly has been using for the past few years (a secondary linkage around the seattube). It's in the best interest for someone like the Big S to let someone else do the leg-work in proving that a design works before putting out their own version of it...if the risk doesn't pay off (i.e. fails), they don't lose out on anything...only the little guy does. It's the little companies that try the "daring" designs, which I'm sure anyone can offer examples of both the successes and failures.
  • 2 2
 Not that I'm discounting all of someone like Specialized's engineering...
  • 6 1
 I for one am very stoked to see the fruits of your labor finally transpire into something real. For those of you who don't know, this is a guy who is passionate about riding and gave up a bike shop to pursue building his own bikes. You've only gotten so many negative comments because it's mainly kids that comment, and they don't realize yet that you have poured your entire existence into this project and that it's alot more work than it looks like. Don't listen to any of them, do what you love if you can, and make it happen.
  • 3 0
 i would go ride but i broke my neck and can never ride again
  • 2 0
 I am really, really sorry to hear that. I was almost paralyzed once myself. I cut my spinal cord in 3 places as I got all twisted up on a single track in Moab a few years ago. I couldn't feel anything below my chest for a few hours and for days after that my legs and torso would go numb randomly. I still have pretty big issues from the scar tissue and damage done. Look to Tara llanes for inspiration, she may never walk again but she's riding off road wheelchairs now and is still staying active as an advocate for mountain biking! Stay strong pal, it isn't the end of anything.
  • 7 1
 When I look at the DH bike I see John Cleese in Monthy Python: "and now for something completely different"...



Imagine him saying that sentence and showing this bike just after U watch for 5 minutes Intense 951, Sam Hills Demo or Peaty's V10...
  • 8 2
 Its articles like this that make me just laugh at all the people on this site. Who cares what it looks like, if it rides well...
Would you say no to it if it took 15 seconds off your fastest run?
I would love to take one for a ride to see what it is like.
  • 7 1
 Paint it "Monster-green" and put Sam Hill's name on it; that'll make it "teh SEX" in the user-comments section...
  • 3 0
 Don't mean to nitpick but considering there is a Tanto and a Katana, wouldn't it stand to reason that it should be "Wakizashi"... not Wazakashi. Just that the whole edged weapon theme is thrown off there :p

Not that it matters... it's still my favourite frame of the bunch. Nice work OGI Smile
  • 2 1
 It actually is wakizashi. It's a mistake that we missed when publishing this.
  • 1 1
 No nitpicking needed, thanks for the keen eyes
  • 4 1
 You all suck. OGI is comprised of visionaries, and these bikes are the pinnacle of both technology and aesthetics. The OGI guys are basically Gods among men, and you would all do well not to forget that.
  • 5 0
 the rear triangle is like the v10s rear
  • 3 0
 Your right. its the exact same thing as a v 10 and an intense m6
  • 1 3
 except that it wasn't floating suspension design.
  • 1 0
 yeah but its the same basic concept haha
  • 1 2
 it's actually more similar to a fourbar than the old vpp.
  • 2 0
 Same basic concept as in the rear triangle is all one piece, like a Sunday, like a Turner, Like a Yeti.....
  • 1 0
 pretty much
  • 2 0
 i rode for oneghost this past season, and to this day the Tanto is the best dirtjumper i have ever ridden, its the lightest as well. i learned flips and 3's on it and thrashed the crap out of it and it still is going strong
  • 2 1
 From the average rider perspective : Aesthetically KAtana does not look pleasing for me, it rides very well i am sure about that! I cannot afford to buy frame every year so I have to stick to the bike which looks nice and ride nice; I have to make a choice. And my choice would be Wazakashi.I am more than happy to support small manufacture rather than big ones.Good luck OneGhost and I hope I can buy one of your products in future.
  • 2 1
 I'm lovin the Proletariat - looks uber clean and smooth perfect for the commute into work or coffee shop. But what's up with the Gates belt drive. What are the pros of a belt drive over a chain?
  • 1 1
 Belt drives last much longer than a chain drive, they don't stretch over time like a chain, as well as don't require the lubing/cleaning that a chain drive does.

The main reason that you don't see them on many bikes is the fact that you can't undo a belt drive. A frame has to specially be made with a slot in the dropouts so that you can slide it through into the rear triangle .
  • 1 1
 Yeah agreed. I would love to rip around town on that thing. As for the other frames.. not too sure? Only a test ride would tell. The tanto looks like an Evil Imperial on a diet, which is kind of a cool concept. The attention to detail on the wazakashi is insane, but some might say it's overkill?
  • 1 0
 beauty is in the eye of the beholder,would you write under a pic of a girl damn your ugly? these frames are class!
my tanto is the best bike i ever rode an i have rode a few! nothing is anywhere near as responsive!
  • 7 3
 ugly bike but it may ride good
  • 1 0
 hush piltz
  • 4 1
 Picture of built up Wazakashi here www.pinkbike.com/photo/4017031
  • 23 7
 Umm as for that Katana LS, one word BARF!
  • 8 11
 it's ugly as hell but has potential to be a good bike if they put more design into it.
  • 7 2
 The Wazakashi looks dope. The rest of them are ok. They look OVER designed IMO. Lots of attention to detail though...
  • 4 1
 that wazakashi is sick.
  • 4 2
 guys its not always about the look, if it rides well i'd buy it
  • 5 2
 I never said it was, but why buy an ugly bike?
  • 1 2
 if it rides really well, why not? its about the feel about the bike. yeah looks play a big role in someone's decision, but it shouldn't always be the deciding factor
  • 3 0
 at the races i have a bunch of friends with oneghost bikes... dh bikes pedal wayyyyy different then any bike i have ever ridden.. its like pedaling on a cloud haha the feeling is indescribable u just have to ride one. and the dj bikes are sick as hell. great bikes i would highly recommend them for future bikes
  • 2 1
 The Katana LS looks ugly because of those 2 huge side plate in the middle of the frame. I think.. If they resize that thing, it would look so much more dope.
  • 2 1
 Colin: there are plenty of bikes that ride very well. and knowing that this is a smaller name, this bike is probably pretty expensive. I agree that it shouldn't be the deciding factor though.
  • 1 0
 Agree. Pedaling on the big bike is way different than any other dh bike you have ever ridden. My opinion may be biased, but everyone who rides my bike says the same thing. Pedaling = amazing.
  • 2 0
 those bikes are real ugly but im sure they perform amazing just not too stoked on the look of the frames
  • 4 2
 TBH, they look good for their first frames...
  • 2 0
 Tanto looks like dc cocker
  • 2 0
 were those pot leaves i saw?
  • 1 1
 in Canada maybe Razz NO, they are Japanese Maple Leaves.
  • 3 1
 not gonna lie but the katana looks better than the m6 and v10...
  • 2 0
 Nice work. I'd like to point out that there is already an existing bike company out of Oregon (Springfield, I believe) called Proletariat - you might reconsider the name of that one.
  • 1 1
 www.theproletariatbicycleco.com
yeah. It is the name of their company, not a branded bike. I'll talk to them about it. Our other urban bike is going to be named after Malcolm X (as it will be an aggressive cyclo-X/commuter/29er and I want to keep the theme of the Proletariat names and like the "X" in it).
  • 2 1
 The Genken looks nice. But so similar to the new Giants that I'd be hard-pressed to pay a premium for the same bike...
  • 2 0
 It is a totally different suspension design and system. it's one of those things that photos won't do it justice.
  • 4 4
 All the frames except the Proletariat look uckin fugly... We dont need thousands of manufacturers!!!
  • 8 2
 I disagree. We absolutely need as many choices as possible. More choices just require the consumer to do more research when picking a new frame. Otherwise, you're just picking based on marketing hype. I'd rather see the number of manufacturers increase any day, rather than having to buy something from the "General Motors" of bikes (such as The Great Trek Bicycle-Making Company or the Big S).
  • 4 1
 me too, the more choices the better
  • 2 3
 Katana looks kinda OLD!I guess it is a matter of opinion. Personally I would not find cash to buy some new stuff because simply I do not like the design.
  • 3 1
 Foating shock is sexy
  • 4 4
 that DH frame is pretty ugly looking
  • 1 1
 glad to hear your productive criticism
  • 1 1
 anytime
  • 3 3
 I want a Wazakashi!!!!!
  • 2 2
 OneGhost Katana= UGLY
  • 5 8
 attention to detail looks top notch as well as the suspension tech, Dh bike looks better than a Demo........







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