Onguza Unveils the Rooster: A Custom Steel Hardtail Born in Africa's Wilderness

Onguza, the innovative bike manufacturer from Namibia, has once again pushed the boundaries of cycling with its latest creation, the Rooster hardtail mountain bike. Crafted with the rugged terrain of Africa in mind, these bikes embody the essence of reliability and versatility, showcasing a blend of craftsmanship rarely associated with the continent.

Specifications:

• Frame: Custom, fillet-brazed Columbus steel tubing
• Headtube: Straight machined 44mm
• Brakes: Post mount disc brakes
• Seatpost: 30.9mm, Boost thru-axle rear end
• Dropout: Stainless steel SRAM UDH
• Internal Routing: Fully guided for brake through downtube and chainstays; SRAM AXS drivetrain & dropper setup standard
• Extras: Optional mechanical drivetrain and dropper routing; custom bikepacking modifications

The Rooster is not just another mountain bike; it is a testament to Onguza's commitment to quality and innovation. Designed as an "open slate," it can serve as an XC race bike, a trail all-rounder, or the ultimate bikepacking adventure racer. Its design was proven in the harshest conditions, with an early prototype winning the grueling Desert Dash in Namibia.

Onguza's progressive approach extends to customizing each bike for its rider, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. This made-to-measure service, coupled with the bike's robust specifications, positions the Rooster as a unique offering in the mountain biking world.

Pricing, Options & Availability: Starting at $4100 USD, the Rooster comes as a comprehensive package including a frame, 120mm RockShox SID fork, stem, seatpost, and headset, all color-coordinated. The price reflects not just the bike but the promise of a machine tailored to the rider's needs and preferences. Given Onguza's boutique operation scale, potential buyers are advised to secure their build slot with a $1500 deposit to ensure they don't miss out on this exceptional biking experience.

ONGUZA was founded in 2020 by two-time Namibian Olympic Road Cyclist and professional rider Dan Craven (better known as @danfromnam). And is part owned by the company’s Namibian master framebuilders Sakaria Nkolo and Petrus Mufenge.

While the cycling industry is facing some monumental challenges at the moment, ONGUZA has been growing, mainly selling bikes in the USA. Despite this success, the brand is facing its own obstacles. “People often don’t know anything about Namibia. If people think of Namibia they’re thinking of landscapes and animals, but we are not famous for our craftsmanship. If you’re an Italian framebuilder, you benefit from what it means to be from Italy. But being from Namibia we have to be so good the ride speaks for itself.” says Craven.

As Craven says “our Goliath is not in the cycling industry, it’s how the world views African craftsmanship. Name a single, globally recognized luxury brand from Africa? It’s hard to do! But the quality is there.”

Creative Director, Collyn Ahart says, of the campaign process, “What’s the real benefit of riding a Namibian-made bicycle? Namibia might not have a grand tour. But if you want a bike that’s made by people who know what a bike really needs to do. Would you rather have a bike made in a faceless factory in the East? Or a bike handmade in the toughest place on earth? Namibia knows tough. Namibia knows what happens if your bikes breaks in the middle of nowhere. We’ve got lions!”

The campaign with Ingham takes a deep look at the dynamism of Namibian culture. And how it influences the ONGUZA brand, including motorsport, horse riding, dance, spirituality, and living in a powerful landscape.

ONGUZA collaborating with Ben Ingham makes a bold statement about where the brand is heading. Ingham has a vast portfolio of work for luxury brands including Rapha, Dunhill and Stella McCartney. As Ahart says “The best brands make you feel something. We need people to see and feel what it means to be made out here. Both in the sense of being made as a person on a bike. And being made in the toughest place on earth.” Made Out Here signs off the brand’s new work as a line.

“I’ve always believed we have to lean into what makes us different rather than play by the rules of our category. Cycling can be painfully self-referential, but we are unique, we just need to capture it. I don’t know many photographers who can capture that kind of truth in a place the way Ben can.” Both Ahart and Craven worked with Ingham while he was working for Rapha. “Ben is an outsider to Namibia, but sometimes you need an outsider to help reveal your inner strength.”