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 LSLast 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:
Full Frame View
Floating Shock
Beefy Headtube Area
Rear Drop Outs
Click
here for more details on the Katana LS.
TantoThe 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
Dave's bike
Rider View
Adjustable Drop Outs and Disc Mount
Find more details on the Tanto
here.
WazakashiThe 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
2nd generation frame
Concentric BB
Adjustable rear drop outs
Check out more info
here on the Wazakashi.
GenkenWhile 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.
Click
here for more details on the Ghenken.
ProletariatNeed 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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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...
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.
Not that it matters... it's still my favourite frame of the bunch. Nice work OGI
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 .
my tanto is the best bike i ever rode an i have rode a few! nothing is anywhere near as responsive!
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).