Submitted by
sforrest008
a Weekend Warrior
from Redding, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Whiskeytown
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Daves Bike Shop in W
Strengths:
Steel is real
Weaknesses:
came with V brakes
Similar Products Used:
first SS and 29er.... Ride Nomad and Superlight, Proflex 955, Proflex K2 4000
Bike Setup:
Stock except Avid Juicy 7 disk Brakes
Bottom Line:
I've been riding for 15 years now and I really cant remember when I had this much fun on a bike. This was my first experience with a SS and 29er. Climbed great! descended Great. I was really impressed with the Rigid format. I originally bought this to run around town during the day, but after riding a trail today, I'm going to be testing this out on different levels of trail riding and see where it takes me.
You cant beat the fun factor of this bike for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aniyn
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Forks, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: September 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Spooner Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$460.00
Purchased At:
Wildways
Strengths:
Unbeatable value. Some amazing components: Syncros handlebar, WTB tires, Cane Creek headset.
Weaknesses:
Very stiff. Makes off road riding very hard on the wists. No QR seatpost clamp.
Similar Products Used:
None. They were all too expensive.
Bike Setup:
Stock with Hayes hydros & 203mm discs, quick release seat clamp.
Bottom Line:
When i set out to find a nice rigid single speed bike I was blown away at how expensive most companies were for a bike without suspension or shifters. There was no way I was going to pay the $900 average I found, so I was overjoyed to find this killer deal. The only serious change I plan is the addition of a Dart3 fork. There's so much less flex in this bike than my previous rigid it makes off road riding pretty uncomfortable. Other than that I haven't noticed any of the other common problems reported in other reviews - I love the seat and grips. I changed the headset out right away since the shop was willing to do it for free and I had a spare kicking around anyway, but mine came with a cane creek headset, so maybe the problem has been addressed? I didn't feel like finding out the hard way in any case.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
linkiswickeddank
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Simple Living Cycles
Strengths:
Cheap
Strong
Fun
Weaknesses:
Headset
Brakes
Heavy-ish?
Similar Products Used:
None really, but 2001 GT - i Drive 3.0 is my main bike
Bike Setup:
Stock, until I replace the headset
Bottom Line:
I really really like this bike. Something about it just makes me have fun.
I am writing this review mainly to second everyone's comments on the headset. The headset on mine is pretty much busted, and I haven't done anything to it that would break it. That said, for the price I paid, and cool factor of having a three niche bike (SS, rigid, 29er), this thing still gets 5 value chilis. 4 overall because it is not super light (duh), the brakes are not that good, the headset was shot within 3 weeks of riding, but it's a really fun bike!
I hands down recommend this bike to anyone who bikes and wants a second bike, especially if you can get it for cheap (like most people seem to be able to do).
This could be a good primary bike if you know what you are getting into, and you plan on replacing the headset (although it might not happen, as some people seem to have no issues).
Thanks Redline!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slf78
a Cross Country Rider
from Pueblo, CO Date Reviewed: August 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Dirt cheap.
Great handling, very stable and well balanced feeling geometry.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side, but you really don't notice that when you're on the bike.
Stock saddle and grips were horrible! These were the first parts I swapped out.
This is a killer bike right out of the box. With a few key upgrades, it is an AMAZING bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonbyron
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, OH Date Reviewed: August 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hope/Seal
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
The Cycle Path
Strengths:
does what it does handsomely
Weaknesses:
if you buy it wanting a rigid framed, tough and beating ready single speed mountain bike nothing. i have heard the headset is a tad cheap but i havent had any problems with mine yet.
Similar Products Used:
none really. tested a bianchi s.a.s.s which was a great bike
Bike Setup:
bb7 discs, crank brothers candy pedals, the rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
if you want a single speed mountain bike, get this one. its cheap, plain (especially covered in electrical tape), tough, gives you a smack if ya mess up. its a blast to ride. if rigid ss is your fancy, go get her. if you want a plush ride who'll sprinkle baby powder on your little tushy...maybe ya should look a little bit further. ; ) enjoy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonbyron
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, OH Date Reviewed: August 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hope/Seal
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
The Cycle Path
Strengths:
does what it does handsomely
Weaknesses:
if you buy it wanting a rigid framed, tough and beating ready single speed mountain bike nothing. i have heard the headset is a tad cheap but i havent had any problems with mine yet.
Similar Products Used:
none really. tested a bianchi s.a.s.s which was a great bike
Bike Setup:
bb7 discs, crank brothers candy pedals, the rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
if you want a single speed mountain bike, get this one. its cheap, plain (especially covered in electrical tape), tough, gives you a smack if ya mess up. its a blast to ride. if rigid ss is your fancy, go get her. if you want a plush ride who'll sprinkle baby powder on your little tushy...maybe ya should look a little bit further. ; ) enjoy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
covi
a Weekend Warrior
from wilmington,nc Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
blue clay
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
two wheeler dealer
Strengths:
great price for a 29er
super strong frane
Weaknesses:
the headset is trash. replaced it within the first month with an fsa.
Bike Setup:
rock shox tora fork, avid bb5, avid speed dial levers, bash ring, 16 tooth cog, thompson seat post
Bottom Line:
great bike for the money, if u ride the trails alot u will wonna get disc brakes and a suspension fork....unless u like to be beat to death
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikomatic
a Cross Country Rider
from E Norriton, PA, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa, UT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line
Strengths:
Super stable geometry rendered in strong, supple steel. Comfortable ride, upright position with a roomy cockpit. 29" wheels let the bike float over rocks and roll over downed trees like nothing. Good price and value for the money.
Weaknesses:
Stock headset needed to be replaced within a week because it wouldn't stay tight no matter what. Bike shop replaced for free. Bottom bracket keeps working its way loose. I'm hoping the latest torquing with a breaker bar does the trick. It's also kind of heavy. Rear hub emits loud clank every now and then when pedaling. Hoping it doesn't break.
Similar Products Used:
Test rode a Gary Fisher Rig. Liked the 29er better, regardless of the price. It just had that steel mojo.
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock except for the replacement headset, bar ends, a new seat, a 16T cog out back and some Freddy Fenders
Bottom Line:
This bike is a tank. And I mean that in a good way. Looks all business with army-green paint and all black parts. Rolls over pretty much anything. It's bit heavy, but once you get it moving the momentum keeps you rolling along nicely. Unlike a tank, this bike provides a very comfortable ride. I use it mostly for cross country. Not much good for serious hill work, but that's not what this bike is about. It's hard to explain in rational terms why this bike is so enjoyable to ride but I frequently find myself riding it more than my others. Definitely a good, solid ride at a reasonable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bike_n_beer
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
annadel
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
simplicity, solid, excellent geometry, and PRICE of course.
Weaknesses:
I guess the brakes (although they are good for non-disc). Other components are of good quality for the price. Based on other reviews, I replaced the headset straight off- so I don't know if it was trash or not
Similar Products Used:
other 29ers that were over-priced
Bike Setup:
fetish rigid fork,
pro pig headset,
juicy 7's,
white industries eno crankset 32t,
Shimano UN-54 square taper bb 68mm/110mm,
20t cog (good for North Bay riding-not for flats),
weirwolf front, exiwolf rear,
forte shovel platform pedals
Bottom Line:
Very nice bike to get into 29er/ss. Upgrade as parts go out or as you learn your preferences. For sizing comparison, I'm just under 6' with ~31" inseam- I'm riding the 17" and it feels just right to me.
The bottom line for me is the price. I've ridden much more expensive bikes that just didn't impress me. I like this bike so much I also bought a 17" redline flight 29er, but I never ride it cuz this one just fits better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bike_n_beer
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Annadel
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
simplicity, solid design, excellent geometry, PRICE of course. For 2 years I've been doing about 80 miles of hard off-roading a week and I've never had to bail on a ride due to a part breaking.
Weaknesses:
I guess the brakes (although they are pretty darn good for non-disc). Other components are of good quality for the price. Based on other reviews, I replaced the headset straight off- so I don't know if it was trash or not
Similar Products Used:
other over-priced 29ers
Bike Setup:
fetish al rigid fork,
pro pig headset,
juicy 7's,
white industries eno crankset 32t,
Shimano UN-54 square taper bb 68mm/110mm,
20t cog (good for North Bay riding-not flats),
weirwolf up front, exiwolf in the rear,
forte shovel platform pedals
Bottom Line:
Very nice bike to get into 29er/ss, upgrade it as parts go out or as you learn your preferences. For sizing comparison, I am ~6' with ~32" inseam- I'm riding the 17" and it feels just right to me.
The bottom line for me is the price. I NEVER expected to get such a solid bike in this price range. Redline rules. I've ridden much more expensive bikes that just didn't impress me.
I like this bike so much I also bought a 17" redline flight 29er, but I never ride it cuz this one just fits better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C K
a Cross Country Rider
from NSB, FL Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Snow Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
GREAT VALUE! clean/strong frame, disc ready, sealed hubs.
Weaknesses:
O/S Riserbar on a rigid steel fork. UNSAFE stock Quick-release skewer. Weak stock headset.
Wow.. what value. The bike is fun and is a tank. Crawls great through my "must pedal to go downhill" trails in Florida. Solid ride and tons of room for upgrades w/out breaking the bank.
I have a BLAST on this bike and would recommend it to anyone. I replaced the things I did mostly out of want, not need. The QR comes loose on the front wheel and that was replaced for safety reasons... everything else was because I had money left in the budget after finding a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Gig Harbor, WA Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Skookum
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$469.00
Purchased At:
Yucaipa Bike Center
Strengths:
Durable, great climber, light weight (IMHO), Fun to ride
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Panaracer Rampage, Avid BB7 and Speed Dial with Jagwire Ripcord cables, WTB saddle, ODI Oury grips, cheap Price Point computer, under saddle bag for tools, Salsa QR seat post clamp, Schimano M520 pedals, Cane Creek headset
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review from Feb. 07. Bottomline for the money this bike rocks! The best bang-for-buck 29er out there. Just moved up from So Cal to Wash. Have taken this rigid SS, just about every where and still a lot of fun. Long steep climbs suck (I'm fat), but I jam up short steep sections and cruise everything else. I am the one waiting at the top when riding with buddies, but the most fun is on the way down. The rigid thing took some getting used to, but I love it now. This bike has made me a stronger better rider. Was going to set this up as a commuter, but SS doesn't work good as a long haul commuter (+10 miles). This bike was built for trails and eats them up. I have never regretted this purchase once. Panaracer tires really dig in and Avid disks keep me out of the blackberry bushes and boulder fields.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, OH Date Reviewed: May 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Olde World
Strengths:
See below
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel reinstallation takes a little work retensioning and realigning. Carrying a 9/16 wrench for rear axle nuts.
Similar Products Used:
several
Bike Setup:
see below
Bottom Line:
This is just a update. I mentioned below about the WTB tires not shedding mud. I was surprised the last two times out I didn'nt have the same problems. There might not be a tire out there that could have held up in the sticky mud/clay condition. It seems like popular demand is in favor of the solid axle among MTB users and various websights. I still don't like the solid axle. I just finished installing disc brakes and problably spent more time readjusting the rear wheel than anything else. If your thinking about getting one of these? Don't wait any longer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, OH Date Reviewed: April 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Olde World Cyclery
Strengths:
Steel frame, fork, wheelset, and price.
Weaknesses:
None, really. I read the reviews on MTBR and changed the components that were giving the most problems right away. WTB Exiwolf tires do not shed mud well. Rear wheel is not a quick release.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized single speed conversion. Several Cannondale's hardtail and full suspension. A few others.
This is my first 29er' and first "real" single speed. The 29 inch wheels do roll over roots, rocks, logs, etc. better than it's 26 inch little brother. The real kicker was I was able to climb my 220# arse up hills as good if not better than my geared bike!!!. The 32 x 20 gear ratio is great for trails. The WTB tires did not shed mud as well as I hoped. I may purchace some Kenda Klaws and disc brakes in the near future. IMHO this is a great bike for anyone wanting to try a 29er single speed on a budget. This is a well made and designed bike out of the box without the aforementioned upgrades that I made. I will update in the future if I have any other helpful advice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Sterling Heights, Michigan Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008
Great bike for a great price. This is my first 29er and I love it. I'm 6'7" and weigh 270 and this bike is unbreakable. If you want to get into the 29er game without breaking the bank this is the way to go. Buy it, Ride it and replace what you don't like.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln NE USA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
wagon train
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
cycleworks
Strengths:
Unbreakable, i dropped this thing from a moving car, accidently of course (also it wasn't my fault) and it was just a little scratched up
Cheap, it is better than any $8,000 piece of crap carbon bike
it's badass i got the '06 model and the paint is sweet
Weaknesses:
very minor things that i was going to replace anyway, it was geared too low,seat kinda sucked but hey with all of the money i saved on the bike i have replaced tons of parts and now it is even more amazing
An absolutely amazing bike at any price especially 400 sure it's heavy and sure the parts are not top of the line but i'd rather have it than any other bike ever Buy it if you actually ride and do not have the need to own the brightest shiniest lightest bike around don't buy it if you don't want to add on to it or if you are a wuss
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clue
a Cross Country Rider
from Beaverton , OR , USA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
I'll never tell
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Galley
Strengths:
Strong frame , Ok wheelset (disc ready)and it comes with a 32 X 20 stock gear set up that works great for a SS 29er.
Weaknesses:
Stock headset is crap and I think Redline could make a better system to achive proper hub adjustment. I would prefer a 27.2 seat post instead of the 26.8 The monocog comes with.
Good cheap fun !!!!!!!! This bike makes old trails come back to life. The 29" wheels do take a little more torque to get them up to speed but once you get them moving they will roll over just about anything. The Monocog has a really long seatpost wich works great for folks like myself with really long legs and the roomy cockpit allows me to make slowspeed technical manouvers without feeling like my handlebars are in my lap. As I stated above I'm really happy with the stock gear set up and the 175mm crank arm on my 17" frame give me plenty of leverage in the climbs.
Even if you just change the headset and ride this bike stock it is worth keeping around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron B
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Klondike Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Momentum Cycles
Strengths:
Inexpensive. Steel. Rugged. 29er. Upgradeable.
Weaknesses:
Generic components (But hey, the whole bike is only $450) You'll need to upgrade certain components like handgrips, pedals, saddle, and whatever else bugs you.
Similar Products Used:
1st 29er, but I've ridden a few different hard-tails
Bike Setup:
I upgraded mine in the following order: Pedals: Time ATAC Saddle: WTB Speed-V Fork: Bontrager Switchblade Carbon Tire: WTB Weirwolf 2.5 Handgrips: (something more cushy and durable) Brakes: Avid BB7 (front only for fork upgrade) Fork: RockShox Reba Race Headset: Cane Creek S2 Brake Levers: Avid Speed-dial cable
Bottom Line:
Great way to get into 29er SS. If you get into it, you'll either buy a new bike, or start upgrading this one once you figure out what you like and don't like. I got into the fully rigid thing for a while for XC riding. Now I'm experimenting with the suspension fork...tough choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
speedy
a Weekend Warrior
from Missoula, MT Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Hanger
Strengths:
Price. Value. This bike is fun. Makes it easy to get into a 29" bike.
Weaknesses:
The seat was uncomfortable(WTB Laser V on the way). Tall top tube makes it hard to mount up in jeans. Wouldn't want to dismount in a rock garden. Stock 32x20 gearing was a bit too low, unless you want a cruiser like slow ride or plan on riding this bike up long hills.
Bike Setup:
32x17 & 16 gears, Crank Bros Mallets, WTB Laser V and Stan's NoTubes on the way.
Bottom Line:
This is a great value for anyone looking to try out a 29" wheeled bike before dropping $$$$ on a FS 29er. Or anyone looking for a winter commuter or a pretty darn maintenance free bike. Make it 32x15 and get yourself in shape for pedaling your 30-40lb FS tank up the hills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Lehfeldt
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins, CO USA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Craigs list
Strengths:
Handling and Fit. I am 6' tall and this 19" bike fits and feels perfect! It corners unbeleivably well! Price was unbeatable.
Weaknesses:
For what it is I have not found any yet, but I have only put about 25 miles on it mostly trail riding. Grips seemed unconfortable after 18 miles straight, but could be I haven't ridden a rigid in a while.
Similar Products Used:
1st SS and 29er.
Bike Setup:
08 stock setup with 32/20 gearing for trail riding. Ordered mech. disc brakes for consistency in all weather riding conditions.
Bottom Line:
For the money I am absolutely impressed with this bike. I can't imagine a 29er cornering any better than this bike does, and the traction while standing and climbing is awesome. Obviously a 29" wheel is going to have more rubber on the ground than a 26" and maybe this is the traction difference. I also love the fit of this bike and like the simplicity and cost. I can honestly see myself riding this bike more than the others in my lineup due to not worrying about beeting it up and not haveing the maintenance that a normal drivetrain has. I might upgrade as I find stuff at the right price, but this bike works very well the way it is, for what it is! Save some money buying a "boutique" 29er unless you want to spend thousands more for 2-4lbs less weight that I don't think you notice unless you are planning on carrying the bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Culbertson
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas Date Reviewed: December 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Gonzo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$449.00
Purchased At:
Corvallis Cyclery Co.
Strengths:
First off, it's super affordable. If you want a great bike for the money, this is it. The frame, fork and hubs are all set up for disks. Made of steel (cro-mo) so you know its fo' real!
Weaknesses:
On the first ride a few things settled but that's to be expected. The wheels needed to be retensioned, and the headset needed to tightened (oh, if you are unsure of how the shop assembles bikes, pull that sucker apart and make sure it is packed with good grease. Do this because some shops think it's OK to use the "yak fat" grease the manufacture uses to keep them from rusting. Also grease the brake posts, this shop did all of that though, so I was in the clear.
Similar Products Used:
Voodoo Bokor set up as a 69er. Carbon fork was cool and flexy!
Bike Setup:
I built this bike at the shop where I work so I had to change a few things, you just can't have stock! So... I threw on a pair of shimano v-brakes and Crank Bros. Candies. The brakes are WAY better feeling than stock, though a set of Hope disks is going on the bike soon enough.
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that will last longer than your knees this is it. The bike is in the right price range, the components are decent and there is room to upgrade if need be without breaking the bank.
Buy it if- You like to really know what pain is while climbing. You like to drink beer at the top of a climb. You think it's fun to ride with dirt in your teeth, and refuse to clean it off when the ride ends. You want to get REALLY GOOD AT CLIMBING.
Don't buy it- You think that square taper is only for department store bikes (just make sure the crank bolts are greased and torqued to ~25-30 ft-lb). You don't like to be stared or pointed at. If you NEED suspension (trust me you don't). So you really have no excuse not to buy this bike.
Yesterday, she was calling to me from the bedroom. I moved my well used freeride bike and my dirt jumper and threw some air in the tires of the 29er. We spun around my favorite trail system for about an hour in the snow. No one around us, no unneeded noise, just pure bliss. On the way down the sun came out and revealed to me once more why I ride mountain bikes. As me and the faithful single speed sat there taking it all in, I knew that it was not going back behind the other bikes and against the wall. It was going to the front of the class.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim dixon
a Weekend Warrior
from pt mugu, CA Date Reviewed: November 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
backbone to overlook
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
Michael's Bicycles
Strengths:
this bike is magical! i rode it in the parking lot and i was 8yrs old again. then on the trail, it's the bomb! i sold one of my other bikes and i'm thinking of selling the kona hoss. did i mention it's the bomb?
Weaknesses:
low cost of parts but that's what makes it so inexpensive. so it's not REALLY a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
tested the kona unit 2-9 in the parking lot. might go to it later.
Bike Setup:
stock except for BB5s and a WTB silverado
Bottom Line:
the bomb. i love it. it sleeps between me and my wife at night. did i mention it's the bomb?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tao
a Cross Country Rider
from l.a. Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007
$
Overall Rating:
