GHOST Kato FS 5 27.5 Bike - 2017
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The GHOST Kato FS 5 offers advanced full-suspension technology, speed and control at a price that's unmatched in the cycling industry.
Shop similar productsKey Details
- Hydroformed aluminum frame is stiff and strong; slack head tube angle allows good control on descents; steep seat tube angle creates an efficient riding position for climbs
- Fox 32 Float Performance suspension fork offers 130mm of plush travel, lock out control, and a QR15 thru-axle for added stiffness and precision
- Fox Float DPS Performance shock provides 130mm of tunable rear suspension for speed and comfort, and compression dampening for climbing efficiency
- Unique 4-bar-linkage rear suspension system ensures braking doesn't affect suspension performance, thereby improving climbing efficiency and downhill traction
- Shimano Deore XT double crankset is paired with an 11-speed, 11-42t cassette for a wide gear range capable of tackling any trail
- Shimano 506 hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm rotors deliver powerful, 1-finger braking and reliable performance
- Alex MD21 rims spin smoothly around Shimano Deore hubs and are wrapped with Michelin Wild GripR 2 TS Performance 27.5 x 2.25 tires for great traction
- 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
- 1 year of free adjustments (see more below)
- In-store bike assembly
- Pickup in store or curbside
- Bike experts available at 170+ bike shops
- 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)
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.
| Best Use | Mountain Biking |
|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Style | Trail |
| Frame | Alloy |
| Bike Suspension | Full Suspension |
| Fork | Fox 32 Float Performance QR15, 130mm travel |
| Fork Travel | 130 millimeters |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance 130mm |
| Crankset | Shimano Deore XT 38-24 |
| Shifters | Shimano XT (2x11) |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XT |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT 11-Speed Plus |
| Rear Cogs | Shimano CS-M7000 11-42 |
| Number of Gears | 22 |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Brakes | Shimano 506 hydraulic disc 180mm |
| Brake Levers | Shimano 506 hydraulic disc |
| Rims | Alex MD21 |
| Front Hub | Shimano Deore 15mm |
| Rear Hub | Shimano Deore QR |
| Wheel Size | 27.5 inches |
| Tires | Michelin Wild GripR2 TS Performance 27.5x2.25 |
| Tire Width | 2.25 inches |
| Handlebar Shape | Riser Bar |
| Handlebar | GHOST Low Rizer light 720 31.8mm |
| Stem | GHOST AS GH2 31.8mm |
| Seat Post | GHOST light DC 1 31.6mm |
| Saddle | GHOST VL-1353 |
| Pedals | Sold separately |
| Chain | Shimano CN-HG601-11 |
| Weight | 30 lbs. 3 oz. |
| Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 5'1"-5'6" | 5'5"-5'11" | 5'10"-6'3" | 6'1-6'7" |
| Reach | 418 | 440 | 462 | 475 |
| Stack | 587 | 597 | 606 | 615 |
| Effective Top Tube | 575 | 600 | 625 | 645 |
| Seat Tube Center-Top | 420 | 460 | 500 | 540 |
| Standover Height | 700 | 745 | 755 | 785 |
| Head Tube Length | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 |
| Head Tube Angle (degrees) | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 |
| Seat Tube Angle (degrees) | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Bottom Bracket Height | -15 | -15 | -15 | -15 |
| Wheelbase | 1114 | 1141 | 1166 | 1182 |
| Chainstay | 430 | 430 | 430 | 430 |
Sizing Notes
All measurements are stated in millimeters or degrees unless otherwise indicated.
How we measure bikes
- 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.
- Reach Reach is the horizontal distance from the center of the cranks to the center of the head tube, measured at head tube level.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Head Tube Length Head Tube Length is measured from the bottom to the top of the head tube.
- Head Tube Angle Head Tube Angle is the acute angle between the head tube and the ground (measured towards the rear of the bike)
- Seat Tube Angle Seat Tube Angle is the acute angle between the seat tube and the ground (measured towards the rear of the bike).
- Bottom Bracket Height Bottom Bracket Height is a measurement taken vertically from the ground up to the center of the cranks.
- Wheelbase Wheelbase is the measurement from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle.
- Chainstay Length Chainstay Length is the measurement from the center of the cranks to the center of the rear axle.
- 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.
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Customer Images
Outstanding Bike with Great Control
This is my second Ghost Kato 5 FS. The engineering and control is perfect for me on all around Arizona mountain trails. I ride a medium and fit into the bike well. The saddle is grippy and comfortable and makes for a good ride. The Fox shocks, front and back, hold up well with hard downhill pounding in the Arizona environment. This is the first go with the Michelin Grip R tires... love them and they are very comparable the Schwalbe Nobby Nics which I was used to on my previous bike... very good quality and feel more secure around tight corners. I prefer to carry my water on the frame of the bike, and with the right configuration, a side loading titanium cage and an 6 ounce Camelbak bottle I have no problem with the Fox shock not coming in contact during my ride. The only upgrade I am going to make on this bike is to swap out the stock Ghost grips with Ergon Cork Grips. Since I don't wear gloves while riding, I need a little more dampening on the palms of my hands. My hands won't slip on the cork style when they get wet. When hiking, I use a cork grip on my REI trekking pole and love it.
Best Bang for your Buck on the market.
I've been riding my Kato fs5 for over a year now and I have to say I've never been happier with a bike. Ive owned higher end Fishers and Specialized and always ended up upgrading the groupo at a minimum. I haven't touched this bike, I find it hard to improve. Kato comes out of the box with a full XT. kit, including hubs. Any other bike equipped thusly is roughly 2x the price. This bike is light, stiff yet forgiving, and most of all confident everywhere. It climbs like a goat, carves technical work like a scapel, and descends like a luge. I'd say it leans a bit more towards a xc bike but hardier.
Don't discount other bikes
Everything these reviewers say is true. The bike is great. I haven't had any issues with it and the quality of equipment you get with it for the price is phenomenal. That said, do your homework. Know which type of bike is right for you. I saw it had FS and just bought it instantly, which was a mistake. I later rode a friend's Diamondback Mission 2, and it was most definitely better suited for my style of riding. No, it did not climb as well. Yes, it crushes this bike on the descents. I, personally, prioritize the descents, so I ended up returning this bike and buying the Mission 2 for almost exactly $2,000. My opinions do not represent everyone else's, though, and what I prioritize may not be what you prioritize. Aside from doing much better on climbs, this bike is incredibly nimble. It's biggest strength is how well and how quickly it corners. Point is, again, do your homework. Don't buy a bike purely because of reviews, or price, or components, like I did. There are countless bicycle manufacturers and even more bicycles, and they all deserve at least a bit of your attention if you want to get the right bike the first time.
More fun than I have had in years!
Great bike and Great experience! After much comparison to other bikes and brands, I ordered my Ghost Kati FS 5. This is a lot of bike for the money! I was hoping to ride it before I started treatment that would limit my activities. When I contacted the store, they put another one (same model) together for me 2 days before my bike even arrived so I could ride it on my last free day! They set it up, fit me on it and away I went. Best day at Duthie park I've ever had. Other riders with higher end bikes were even asking to ride mine. I couldn't be more happy with my purchase and REI customer service.
Excellent Bike All the Way Around
I bought the bike and rode it yesterday and it rode like a champion! I rode a Santa Cruz 5010 $4500 bike before I bought the Kato and it rode just as smooth as that 5010 for half the price. Both front and rear shocks have different settings so you can adjust it as you ride. The shifting was so smooth and I like how the upshifting lever can be used as a pull with your index finger or push a push with your thumb. If you are looking for a great bike with great parts at a great price the Kato FS5 is your bike!
I love this bike
I just started riding mountain bikes four months ago. I started with a entry level hard tail that was entry level all the way. It was an ok bike, but the gear set, shocks, and tires were low quality. I started looking at the Full Suspension bikes for under 3000 dollars and the Kato FS 5 had the best gear set, shocks, and tires at this price point. Especially with the clearance price it's at now. I've used the Kato for a couple of months now and I love it. The shifts are always right away, the bike is light compared to my other bike. I had them put a tubeless kit on the tires, so they are lighter. I prefer the 27.5 inch tires because I feel like I have more control than the 29 inch tires. I rode my old bike and couldn't believe how tough it was to ride compared to this one. I couldn't of asked for a better bike!
Lively FS Trail Bike
I've been riding this for a couple of weeks now, and I'm SO happy. It feels even lighter than the spec'd 29.5 lbs. It has a lively, agile feel and acceleration is really good. Shifts are clean, even when pedaling pretty hard. The CTD rear shock is most welcome on climbs. The closed setting limits bouncing and keeps the back wheel from spinning when I stand on the pedals. Just remember to switch it back before you point downhill.
I love this bike!
Best bike ever! The shocks are so responsive, the tires grip to the dirt, the brakes and other components are quick and precise, the seat is soft, and the extra large frame is comfortable and perfect for 6’ tall individuals. If you don’t have this bike, get it.
A year with a Ghost
It's been a year since I purchased my Kato FS, and I haven't regretted it, ever. The bang for the buck on this bike is outstanding, the ride is confidence inspiring and I'm riding more than I have in years(BTW, I just turned 50).
Great bike for the trails!
Handles well, brakes are great. Love it on the trails.