Meet One Ghost Industries: The Rebirth Of American Muscle

Nov 16, 2008
by Terry Howard  
One Ghost Industries. We live for downhill racing and are here to bring the very best and cutting edge in mountain bike designs. All 100% USA fabricated, designed and built. As part of our commitment to you and Racing in the US, we will only bring you the highest quality bikes, home brewed to perfection with honor and integrity.

We are The Future of Downhill.Racers. Friends. Engineers. Designers. Bike Riders. 2-wheel Enthusiasts.

We are a collective of the above, home brewed with a dream to make the best USA made machines for downhill, free ride, 4X, super-d, slope style, and endurance. We are racers and believe in the need of a quality, reliable product we can turn to week after week, beat the crap out of, put away wet and crusty and know that that same bike will get us on the podium again next week. We make bikes in our own facility, we test our bikes at races and dirt jumps and any trail we can find. We ride them head to head with other bike brands and see what compares, what works, and what does not.

We support our sport, our earth, our friends and causes we know are bigger than any of this. We are conscious, active and organic. We walk the walk and talk the talk and most importantly, ride the trails.

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One Ghost is a relatively new company, founded by D. Meredith, his dog Ghost, his wife Stephanie and friend Ian Hanna in 2006. Originally they started out as a clothing company, making their products out of hemp and organic cotton. D.M. has 14 years experience in the bike industry and has spent the last 20 years racing on 2 wheels. They have 6 bikes in the works, with 2 expected to hit the markets in 2009, 4 by 2010 and 6 by 2011. The first limited run of bikes will be a mix of a little Taiwan fabrication and the rest done in their fabrication shop in the US as they get ready to go into fully American production.

Why did you found OneGhost?
"So I can spend more time with my dog on the trails and because I was fed up with the crap that is out there. We always dabbled in frames and that was when our first Tanto was made, originally called the Double Dutch and it was made for dirt jumping and it evolved to the DS/4X bike it is now. I have had the full floating suspension system in my mind for over 10 years and have cobbled different versions out of other bikes. In 2007 I met Gabe Plageman (Moto*GP) who drew up the Moto*GP link and it all made sense. Next thing we had the Brass Knuckle link and the Moto*GP link and our geometry dialed."

Tanto 4X:
The Tanto is a versatile bike that will feel at home on the 4X track, the dual slalom course, the dirt jumps or on the street. It comes with a beefy 1.5 headtube that can handle a single or dual crown fork and ISCG 05 mounts for those that find a chainguide important. It's expected to hit the market in limited numbers by Crankworx 09.

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First Generation Tanto in Testing

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First Generation Tanto in Testing


Wakazashi:
One Ghost is jumping into the slope style game offering a 5 inch travel beast that will be able to handle whatever you can dish out and more. With a concentric Bottom Bracket you can run this bike as a single speed or with gears, and the 1.5 headtube will assure a solid front end. It's expected to hit the markets in limited numbers by Crankworx 09.

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Head Tube view of the Wakazashi

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Concentric BB point - work in progress


Katana:
The Katana will step up to meet the challenge of even the burliest DH tracks with 240mm of rear travel through a Moto*GP link system. This bike features a 150mm maxle rear end, a 1.5 headtube and ISCG 05 guide tabs. The leverage ratio is 3.15:1. It is expected to hit the markets in limited numbers by September 09.

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Katana L.S. Profile

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Brass Knuckle Link

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More Pictures of the bikes and parts here:Bike Photos

One Ghost may be a new name in the industry, but that means nothing. This is a company run by riders who are constantly involved in an ever changing industry. Expect only the highest of quality.

Check here for updates on the One Ghost Blog
One Ghost's home page



For general inquiries: info@oneghost.com
For sales inquiries: sales@oneghost.com
Any phone inquiries: 503-775-3262

Posted In:
Press Releases


Author Info:
t3rry avatar

Member since Jun 29, 2005
8 articles

43 Comments
  • 4 0
 dont be fooled by marketing hype, what system works for a all day xc bike may not work for a world cup dh bike, most brands that buy in to vpp or dwlink have to run it as a complete range, they need to sell you in to it and they need to make the money to run the designs.. its not about believing in one idea or another, its getting the right feel etc.. that some times does not come from one design, many big brands come out with a design that they claim this or that, then spend the next few years trying to make it live up to the hype..very few brands are going to come up with a system that sets them aprt, we had the wack designs of the 90's, now most people know the few designs that wrk and go with one of them, as for OG brand, the guys seem cool and i hope they do well, how well the bikes ride will not be proven by anyone till we see some bike tests..
  • 0 0
 "many big brands come out with a design that they claim this or that, then spend the next few years trying to make it live up to the hype"

Exactly. Take Santa Cruz... the VPP works great, but they still make Single Pivot bikes for applications where the VPP doesn't make sense.
  • 0 0
 The only reason Santa Cruz makes the single pivot bikes is because it enables them to hit a specific price point, something they can't do with a more sophisticated VPP design. And because some people still want those bikes.
  • 0 0
 again another valid point for debate, intense has VPP bikes from 4 inch racing XC bikes to 10 inch DH bikes...VPP is not limited to a certain disciplin.
  • 0 0
 "The only reason Santa Cruz makes the single pivot bikes is because it enables them to hit a specific price point, something they can't do with a more sophisticated VPP design. And because some people still want those bikes."

Exactly... a low cost application.
  • 2 0
 Just so you all know, the leverage rate on the Katana is lower than on a V-10 bike and only slightly over that of an M6. We are making a single pivot frame for slope style because single pivots jump better, a multi link design holds the tire to the ground making it not a good design for slope style, plus we want to be able to run it as a single speed. We have been racing and working as part of the bike industry for the last 20 years and have a real strong clue about what is going on out there. Please feel free to contact us any time. Look for our bikes on the MSC and Fluidride Cup series and throughout B.C. as we refine and proove our racing pedigree and designs.
Thank you for all of your support. We are a true rider owned company and will always make products for you: other riders and that includes affordable and quality whips and a genuine customer service.
  • 2 0
 best of luck to you and your company, it takes a lot of balls to put yourself out on the line!
  • 1 0
 to one ghost, i have jus imported one of your tanto frames its cost me $200 it import it and its the best duel/4x frame i have ever seen never mind rode, its light but indestructable an i like distinckt bikes and individual ones and there aint any of these over here! ill tell everyone i meet how shithot my ride is, but you need to get a uk destributer.
  • 1 0
 "again another valid point for debate, intense has VPP bikes from 4 inch racing XC bikes to 10 inch DH bikes...VPP is not limited to a certain disciplin. "
as i posted, When a brand pays for a design like dwlink or vvp they have to make it pay by running it on the complete range like intense do, lets face facts, bikes like the intenses SS are in fact crap at slopestyle.
  • 1 0
 Did you not read the article? Yes we are having some things made in Taiwan. It is much more economical for us to make our prototypes and first generation/pre-production "test mules" there. The Wakazashi is that bike from Taiwan, I have a design for a bike with a concentric BB pivot and an eccentric upper shock pivot and this bike was exactly what we needed for our test bed. Our production bike will be all made in house and be significantly different because as you said (and as I am sure everyone can tell in the BB photo) the quality was sub par. Keep posted to the blog page, our web site and here as we fabricate changes to the bike and get it ready for production.
The only thing that hurts is when someone from China comes onto a public forum throwing liable remarks before researching the facts and contacting us directly (or even reading the article in full).
Next time someone has something negative to say, remember we are making these bikes for you as well as ourselves. I named the company after my dog because he makes me happy and I want to make bikes that make you all as happy as he makes me. We are not selling frames yet but will have hard tails and clothing for sale in 2009 early and I believe we should be able to have the kinks worked out of the Wakzashi and Katana as well making them ready for public consumption. We are spending the winter building our own production facility in the USA where we will have the full capability to produce a full spectrum of bikes.
If anyone has any questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to e-mail us at info@oneghost.com.
Thanks!
  • 0 0
 I think the point you missed here is that this is a public forum and as such people will make comments - some true... some false... some just plain stupid. You have explained the situation fully now - but it was perhaps better placed above in more detail in the actual press release. I wish you guys all the best of luck. One tiny point - maybe lose the use of the same font as Mountain Cycles...
  • 0 0
 That was easy wasn't it. If you want to start a company with a good rep best to be henest.
Its a good idea to be careful how you reply to comments too:
"The only thing that hurts is when someone from China comes onto a public forum throwing liable remarks before researching the facts and contacting us directly (or even reading the article in full)"
I read the article in full twice cheers. Why does it bother you so much I'm in China? (I'm actually British)

Anyway I honestly hope you do well, just remeber there's always going to be a smart arse like when you post on a public forum, and its best not to get hurt but rather learn from the experiance.
Oh, nice company name!
  • 0 0
 smart arse like me (its a bit early here in China)
  • 0 0
 he's right though british guy in china. you kinda jumped on him unjustly.
  • 0 0
 "All 100% USA fabricated, designed and built"
Sorry chaps but this is a bit of a lie! The Wakazashi frame is the same frame we've been testing for Preacher Bikes. It is not made in the U.S but actually in Taiwan. We tested for a few weeks and the back end wore out alarmingly quickly. I'm at work at the mo but once I get home I'll post pics. Also its too big for a SS bike (thats how we wanted to market it) its actually designed as an XC bike.
  • 0 0
 Don't get me wrong I hope your company does well, however I really don't think you should be claiming the bike are designed and build in the U.S when they're not. The Wakazashi is a cataloge bike from Taiwan so you can't even claim you designed. It's best to be honest from the start, there's nothing wrong with a Taiwanese frame so tell customers the truth.
  • 0 0
 The names are all based upon the weapons of the Samurai. I myself am a practicing Bushido and live by the code of the samurai. I wanted to share this with everyone. Also, my dog's name is Ghost and he is named after the legend of the Ghost Dog, a samurai/Bushido myth of the spiritual protector/retainer of the samurai. If a samurai dies before his time, his ghost dog takes his soul to heaven and protects him throughout his journey in both life and death. Plus the names are pretty cool I thought!
  • 0 0
 Really? I had no idea we were using the same font. are you talking about the one on the graphic with the car? it isn't an official font if that is what you are talking about, I just thought that one went with the image. Yes, I expect a public flogging, it is part of the job for sure.
Cheers!
  • 0 0
 ha ha - yes, all floggings will continue until we improve your morale Smile

Yep, it is the graphic up the top. it is a nice font though - we plan on using it for a team website later in the year too.
  • 0 0
 I remember seeing that blocky font now on a bike at Interbike in 2007, ah yes, it is all clear now. That's cool it isn't an official font. The official one we use is the rounded on at the top and as seen on the bike and on the main page oneghost.com. I have different fonts for each bike name shown there too.
thank you sir may I have another?!? :-)
  • 5 2
 wow that last frame looks soo legit
  • 1 0
 it looks a bit like the m6 or v-10 with the Virtual Pivot
  • 1 0
 to legit to quit
  • 2 1
 3.15:1 leverage ratio, that is not something to brag about, its downright embarassing

props to them though for trying something different
  • 2 3
 what are you talking about? are you a bike engineer? whats embarrasing about a 3.15:1 leverage ratio? Its pretty much what every other company uses and has fine success with. Maybe your all down with that foes 2:1 crap.thats all fine if you like being restricted to some rare crappy feeling shock that you can't get fixed anywhere. Otherwise,????
  • 1 0
 I think you need to do some research before go out and start talking like you're an expert. Aside from Foes, almost all manufacturers stick around the 3-3.5:1 ratio. Most of Specialized hovers around 3:1, I think the Giant Glory DH is a little higher, so on and so forth.

I'm really liking the look of their bikes, but if it's supposed to be the "rebirth of american muscle", why are the names asian?
  • 0 1
 are you talking to me or sir bike a lot?
because, just so you know. i am a bike expert.
  • 0 0
 sirbigs, you brought up valid points.
  • 0 0
 Hmmmm lets see what my research reveals, oh wait I'm RIGHT

Most of the best DH bikes tends to employ a ratio of 3:1 or lower, leverages higher than that tend to lead to reliability problems, damping inadequacies and oil overheating and expanding leading to shock lock. Lower ratios have distinct advantages


Ironhorse 2.6:1
Intense M6 2.7:1
Supreme DH 2.65:1
Gemini DH 2.6:1
Demo 8 2.9:1

do you want more examples or have I made my point? Yes I am an engineer, yes I am an expert and run a major bike company for Canada, yes I am a former Pro DH racer who has ridden examples of all kinds of bikes with all kinds of rations. and most of all YES i encourage everyone to voice their opinions and for new companies like One Ghost to introduce new bikes, i love their ideas and we need more and more great small companies to give us lots of diversity in the marketplace

so lets keep the discussion going, its great for the industry
  • 0 1
 it seems like if you pulled your nerdy engineer head out of you're ass you'd be a little more open minded and realize engineering isn't law. thats why there's real world feeback and product testing to smack you too smart little bitches back into your place.
What 3.15:1 is just way out of the ball park eh?, yeah, couldn't be any good. its WAY off base.
what about the V10? that bike functions fine with none off the problems you mentioned. hmmmm
i've spent enough time in the industry to know that there is no hard rule on this shit, otherwise there wouldn't be 15 different bikes of varying design, all capable of reaching the podium.
i'm sorry you're so RIGHT that you had to blurt out something ridiculous sounding on the internet to make yourself feel super smart.
what canadian bike company is that you engineer for?
hope you have some fantastic product testing going on. i've seen some pretty smart engineers make some pretty dumb shit happen
  • 2 0
 //is there any more full frame pics of the Wakazashi????
  • 4 3
 One ghost is a rad company, and the owner of it is pretty nice too! I fully support them and wish them great success!
  • 2 1
 that second frame Ws looking pretty fly
  • 1 0
 should have spell checked that, ha!
  • 5 8
 Another one of those companies that will use a different suspension design on each of their bikes, it shows that they really don't believe in any one design. If your going to bring out a new brand, you need to have something that sets you apart from everything else out there, and all I'm seeing is more of the same that you can already buy.
  • 3 6
 agreed, and with limited numbers i bet the manufacturing cost will be pretty high, and that will be passed onto the end consumer...paired with a leverage ratio of 3.15:1 im not overly impressed. i doubt any of the big names will be threatened by the so called 'future of downhill'.
smart looking bike tho...
  • 7 1
 they're avid cyclists that designed a really nice homemade suspension design, stop hating, you dont have to buy it
  • 2 1
 and I'm sure you know everything about designing a frame, starting a company, and doing it properly and on the cutting edge! rock on buddy.... jokes aside. looks pretty sick should be interesting to see how big of a ripple they can make.
  • 1 0
 I have been looking at the tanto because i got turned on to its overall sleek look and every one at my local bike shop said it was pretty narly. The bike shop has a tanto frame for 675 bucks and heavy duty headsets for 150 and this is going to be my newest project.
  • 0 0
 Ouch!! Thats gotta hurt...
  • 0 0
 looks really heavy but i guess that dont matter for DH.
  • 0 0
 hopefully they dont turn into another nemco







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