GHOST  Kato 5 27.5/29 Bike - 2017

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Built to help you fly down singletrack, the Kato 5 bike from GHOST features a full Shimano drivetrain and plush front suspension. Sizes S/M roll on 27.5 in. wheels; L/XL are 29ers.

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Features

  • Hydroformed aluminum frame is stiff and strong for agility and durability
  • Steep seat tube angle creates an efficient riding position for climbs
  • Rock Shox 30 Silver TK SA suspension fork offers 100mm of travel
  • Full Shimano 2x10 speed drivetrain offers 20 capable gear combinations
  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful, controlled deceleration
  • Michelin Country Race'R 2.1"-wide tires offer great speed and control for any trail conditions
  • REI is proud to be the exclusive U.S. retailer of GHOST brand bikes
  • NOTE: Specs and images are subject to change based on component availability

Imported.

This bike comes with Coast to Coast Support, which includes:
  • 1 year of free adjustments (see more below)
  • In-store bike assembly
  • Pickup in store or curbside
  • Bike experts available at 170+ bike shops
REI Co-op Members get more:
  • 20% off shop services
  • Free tubes with purchase of flat tire repair (Co-op Cycles brand tubes only; tube must be installed at time of purchase)
More about our free adjustments:
New bikes go through a normal break-in period, after which they should be readjusted. All bicycles sold at REI include free adjustments for one year after purchase date—as many times as you need. Included: derailleur and brake adjustments, lateral wheel truing, hub and headset bearing adjustments, tire inflation and chain lubrication. Not included: replacement or installation of new components or accessories, any other services. Call your local REI Co-op Bike Shop for more information.

View the GHOST Kato Product LineView all GHOST

Technical Specs

Best Use

Mountain Biking

Mountain Bike Style

Cross-country

Frame

Kato alloy HT

Bike Suspension

Front Suspension

Fork

RockShox 30 Silver TK SA 100 mm

Fork Travel

100 millimeters

Crankset

Shimano Deore 36-22

Shifters

Shimano Deore

Front Derailleur

Shimano Deore

Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT 10-Speed

Rear Cogs

Shimano CS-HG50 11-36

Number of Gears

20

Brake Type

Hydraulic Disc Brake

Brakes

Shimano 315 hydraulic Disc 160 mm

Brake Levers

Shimano 315 hydraulic Disc

Rims

ALEX TD19

Front Hub

Shimano HB-RM 35 QR

Rear Hub

Shimano FH-RM 35 QR

Tires

Michelin Country Race'R 27.5/29x2.10

Tire Width

1 inch

Handlebar Shape

Riser Bar

Handlebar

GHOST Low Rizer 720 mm

Stem

GHOST AS GH2 31.8 mm

Seat Post

GHOST light DC1 31.6 mm

Saddle

GHOST VL-1353

Pedals

N/A

Chain

Shimano CN-HG54

Weight

29 lbs. 12 oz.

Bike Weight

Weight provided is that of the as-sold median size (or the average of two median sizes).

Gender

Unisex

Size Chart

GHOST Bikes (109721, 144024, 109590)
S (27.5 in)M (27.5 IN)L (29 in)XL (29 in)
Height Range5'1"-5'6"5'5"-5'11"5'10"-6'3"6'1-6'7"
Reach411423412420
Stack592600645655
Effective Top Tube585600610620
Seat Tube Center-Top420460500540
Standover Height695727760790
Head Tube Length110120130140
Head Tube Angle (degrees)69697070
Seat Tube Angle (degrees)74747373
Bottom Bracket Height-48-48-65-65
Wheelbase1100112011151125
Chainstay435435445445

Sizing Notes

All measurements are stated in millimeters or degrees unless otherwise indicated.

How we measure bikes

  1. Standover Height Standover Height is a measurement from the ground to the top of the top tube, measured at the midpoint of the top tube.
  2. Reach Reach is the horizontal distance from the center of the cranks to the center of the head tube, measured at head tube level.
  3. Stack Stack is the vertical distance from the center of the cranks to the center of the head tube, measured to the top of the head tube.
  4. Effective Top Tube Effective top tube is the distance from the center of the head tube to the center of the seat tube/seat post, measured parallel to the ground.
  5. Seat Tube Center to Top Seat Tube length is the measurement of the seat tube, from the center of the cranks to the top of the seat tube.
  6. Head Tube Length Head Tube Length is measured from the bottom to the top of the head tube.
  7. Head Tube Angle Head Tube Angle is the acute angle between the head tube and the ground (measured towards the rear of the bike)
  8. Seat Tube Angle Seat Tube Angle is the acute angle between the seat tube and the ground (measured towards the rear of the bike).
  9. Bottom Bracket Height Bottom Bracket Height is a measurement taken vertically from the ground up to the center of the cranks.
  10. Wheelbase Wheelbase is the measurement from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle.
  11. Chainstay Length Chainstay Length is the measurement from the center of the cranks to the center of the rear axle.
  12. Fork Offset Fork Offset, or rake, is the distance from the front axle to a line drawn parallel to the center of the head tube or steering axis.

Reviews
11 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

11 out of 11 (100%) reviewers recommend this product

Review this Product

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steve
Boulder County, CO, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Whoa! A great experience from the very first ride

8 years ago

I am an "older" fellow, former road racer and occasional mountain bike racer in New England. Bought a house in CO on retirement and needed a new ride for single track fun near my home. Thought I'd try a hardtail 29er, as I never enjoyed full suspension (my New England bike is such). Always thought the rear suspension was comfy but slightly inefficient, no matter how pumped. This Ghost is a superb machine, especially for the price. Felt big for about 10 minutes, then I was flowing on single track, absorbing bumps with legs, really powerful on uphills and nimble and predictable on banked switchbacks. I seldom write reviews of anything, since I hate commercialism, but this is a really fine choice for anyone who rides seriously but doesn't need a absurdly expensive bike.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Feldbrah
Robins, Iowa
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Roadie Converter.

8 years ago

This review is written by a 'Roadie' who wanted a mountain bike. Here we go. Buckle Up. Why did I buy this bicycle? I had a budget around $1000 since I knew I was going to use this bike, probably abuse it, and needed something that would take what I throw at it. I'm picky when it comes to components. I don't care if Apex shifts like Force, Force is carbon and sounds cooler. This ride has almost all Deore, and an XT RD. Solid build. Most lower end/beginner MTB's have SunTour or just plain 'Shimano' branded cranks that are probably triples (don't ride triples, drink them) and that's not coool. SO, why did I purchase this bike? Componentry, matched with a 200-250 dollar fork. I figure your moving parts are worth investing in, especially off road. Me. I'm 6' 3", 180, and clumsy AF. I knew this bike would be crashed from day one and so far four 2+ hour rides in going HAM, I have zero complaints. I smash my wheels into ruts, shift under loads ALL the time, and basically do everything you shouldn't do. The bike performs flawlessly. Even when I set it up out of the box I had minimal adjustments to set it up how I like. Cable tension, small spoke tensioning, remove reflectors... Ready to ride after slapping on some spds. Seriously though. Almost 3 hours in on the trails and I'm still comfortable if I hadn't sawed my legs off yet. I've endo'd twice and smashed into many trees, still shifts flawlessly. Should you buy this bicycle? Yes. It's awesome. I knew I shouldn't buy carbon because of how much I'll crash, but this bike isn't excessively heavy either. Just around 30 lbs. out of the box with pedals. I'm going to upgrade contact points (seat post, saddle, stem, bars, along with shifters, and xtr cassette) and I'm sure after upgrades I can take a couple pounds off. Planning on using the Shimano hubs that come with the bike and re-lacing them to some Stans hoops. Hubs are solid, but rims aren't tubeless ready. I've considered going ghetto tubeless, but might as well just re-lace. For the price, bike can't be beat. Only bad thing I have to say is the saddle has a weird rubbery coating on it so your butt really grips it. Not even that bad of a thing, but your legs will feel this. Other than that, great bang for your buck.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
TCollins
Highland, NY, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great bike at a great price

8 years ago

Purchased this bike because I needed a XL frame since I'm 6'7" and it fits me very well. I also like that the frame is made in Germany, not a stamped out version from Giant. I got the 29" in black and blue lettering. She rides great and the front shock soaks up the single track riding I do here in the Hudson valley. Happy with the 20 speed drive train. She climbs well for a big bike. If you're looking to get into mountain biking, the Ghost Kato should be on your list.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
ibdwipp
Auburn, CA, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Love it so much I bought another

8 years ago

I can't improve on the first review, but I can heartily agree. I bought mine for much the same reasons: price point, higher value components than competitors in same price range. I wasn't entirely sure I'd really take to MTB and so wanted something not too pricey but very forgiving. The Kato 5 (27.5 in Medium) was just the thing. Very stable, controllable, and a great climber. I recall a couple episodes in which I knew I had cut it too hard/late and thought "helmet field test time", only to find that the bike absorbed it easily and awaited my next command. Kato expertly introduced me to MTB. Mine was last year's model and had an entry-level front shock, my only complaint, but they clearly fixed that issue in this 2017 version. Full disclosure: not sure how to say this, but I got so excited about MTB that I've upgraded to the Ghost SLAMR. It wasn't you, Kato, it was me. I'm getting older now, and the full suspension, drop seat, components, becomes more important, you know? You're a great bike!! And we'll always have Lost Lake up at Tahoe.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
TJnCtown
Chandler, AZ
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent entry level bike

8 years ago

I have had the bike a few weeks now and have several rides on it. From urban trails, to single track to desert trails, it has performed flawlessly so far. Quality components out of the box make it a versatile ride.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Happy camper
Torrance, CA, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Solid Bike, Solid components!

7 years ago

I tried many models before, and while the brand isn't well known in the states, it is well known in Europe. The bike feels solid, and I have taken it out on a few rides so far, so I will try to give the best review possible. Frame, very light, lighter than my son's DB 20" mountain bike, yet so far I haven't noticed any bending or it feeling unstable when I have pushed it down a trail. The gearing is top notch, and I feel very confident going through the gears. The tires grip very well, and they so far haven't caused me to lose grip on tight turns. Brakes also feel good enough to stop me from crashing or falling. For the money it is a great value, was considering the FS Kato 5, but the type of riding I do that would have been overkill.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Dingo
Dallas, TX, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

BANG, BANG...Like the Theory...Right?

7 years ago

This is a solid scooter, and as much value as you are going to get in this class of bike. $802, really! The components are better than Giant, Specialized, GT, Trek, and Cannondale at the same price range. Brakes are good, lock out fork is a plus Rock Shox. All Shimano components, YAY! Ride is solid, but not as quick and nibble as Diamond Back Overdrive weaving through the trees. Overall a great bike from the Germans, who knew they made bicycles right? They are slicing into the Taiwanese market fo sure. This is a 29 to 30 lb. bike.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
tjboughtabike
Durham, NC, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Really solid and great ride

8 years ago

Have taken the bike out twice on bike trails and loved the handling and feel of the bike. I used a Specialized Pitch several times before but this one has a higher clearance and better suspension

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Richie
Chicago, IL, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

This thing was my baby

7 years ago

My dad bought me this bike as a graduation gift since we would always go riding through the trails around us. I rode it everywhere and every day. It was smooth as butter. The brakes were amazing and just everything about this bike felt perfect. The wheels seemed to hold up very nicely and really there wasn't anything I could really find at fault with the bike. Sadly, I only had this bike for less then a year before it was stolen from me. I loved that bike so much that I cried when I lost it. Now I gotta start saving up for a new one. RIP Midnight.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
A busy guy
Tarrant County, TX, United States
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Great Mountain Bike

7 years ago

I was looking for a quality bike to do some beginner/intermediate mountain biking. I have had several mountain bikes before but as the technology has improved I had not kept up with all the advancements. On a recent mountain biking trek, I damaged my former bike significantly which brought me to this purchase. I researched bikes, components etc. I decided on the Ghost Kato 5. Not the most well known bike, but very respectable. It is constructed with quality components and on my first ride I was dropping down inclines and climbing hills like I have never done before. Seriously, I could not have been happier. I am athletic but not a regular biker. I have plenty of room to grow on this bike and I don't see myself outgrowing this bike in ability for a long time, if ever. One thing that you may read as you research bikes is the difference between 29er to 27.5. I had been riding 26 inch rims. There is a noticable difference between the 29" and the 26". I did notice a more secure stable feel with the 29"s and you do roll over rocks, tree roots etc. 29"s are a little more challenging when you are zigzaging between trees. I guess it depends on your riding style. I absolutely love the way the bike feels and performs. I would give it a 5 if they just had a couple color options. Other than that, I changed out the grips and the pedals (I guess everyone changes out the pedals). I researched bikes and talked to a lot of people before I bought this one. I didn't have a lot of cash to spend on a bike so I wanted one that was a quality bike for a fair price. I am extremely happy with the bike. I hope this helps.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
1 - 10 of 11 Reviews

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