OneGhost Industries - Update

Posted: Sep 2, 2009

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:


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


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


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.


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.


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.

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*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.


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