I have a geared race bike that I am riding less and less because of this bike. It was supposed to be my utilitarian, bike park hopping, strength training bike, but is becoming my go to bike. Go my Monocog early last year for $500 bucks. I ended up getting some Stan's Arches running tubeless and disc brakes and egg beaters pedals for it. Still heavy at 28lbs, this thing rides like a dream. My buddies all have these superlight SS rigs / with front suspension and I can still ride with the best of them. Running low tire pressures give it that buttery feel and in Park City where I ride, I don't need suspension. The Monocog is definitely the Willy's Jeep of single speeds.
Strengths: BOMBPROOF frame and fork. LOW$$$$$ I got mine 325 or so plus tax
Weaknesses: Didn't get one sooner, shifts slow ;)
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this thing.... It is like driving a 2 wheeled monster truck. (but better handling) I plowed up some fairly steep inclines, bombed down a steep one on my first time out. It is great, the 29er makes a difference on riding over stuff (my first 29er). It truly brought back my childhood love of riding again. I felt like a kid while watching my kids ride.... Get one.... You won't regret it. I am stock and won't upgrade unless it breaks... just enjoy the simplicty....
Strengths: This bike is as simple as it gets, well built, cheap, pretty much worry free, handling is neutral, not for downhilling! A rigid bike doesn't bottom out when going over steep rocks and declines like bikes with suspension forks, so it inspires confidence to become a better rider. You can smash through rocks not worrying about ripping of a 250 dollar rear derailleur or busting shifters in a crash! Plus riding SS you can run cool stickers that say "I stand to shift" or "One freek'in Gear"
Weaknesses: It is heavy, stock rim brakes are the first thing to go. I swapped out the stockers for Shimano's push parallel designs,(just me, I like them) but you'll wanna get Avid BB7s at least, and the hubs and mounts are all ready for your upgrade of disc brakes which is a plus!
Bottom Line:
So, just in case your wondering I have a Trials/MX, Moto background, trail/stunt builder, clyde rider and put things through the test and expect them to hold up. I know the rewiew isn't about me, but you get the idea I'm not riding it on the bike path at the local shopping mall... LOL
I have ridden Redline Monocog SS 29ers since 2006 and Redline Monocog SS 26ers before that I don't get paid or work for Redline, just like the simple idea of the SS 29er Monocog. It will make you a stronger rider and if your board with the maintenance every week, send it to the shop, spend -o-matic to get full squish, double grape suspension, adjust your brains out tech, then this "IS" the bike for you! On this ride "you" will learn to be the "gears" "suspension"(although you can add a suspension fork) and "muscle bound animal" it takes to ride this bike into its full potential of trail fury!
Please take the time to learn to ride an SS bike. Don't go the steepest hill you can find and blow out your knees or back. Ride it on familiar medium difficulty terrain, you might have to walk hills you make on your gearie, but soon you'll become stronger and pass your gearie friends who sit & pee(sorry I meant sit & shift)... LOL
Another cool thing is; Others always comment "Dude a SINGLE SPEED" so you gain God like status riding it, and It will reward you many different ways, and save you extra cash to buy beer later, later at the local watering hole you will be over heard bragging like a Highland Scotsman: "I climbed that hill on my "RIGID SS"
Last but not least allow your friends to try it. I have done this and sold multitudes of Redlines sometimes to the fact that they sold off their gearie bikes and just have the 29er Rigid SSers now! They think single speeding is too hard, but they come back with a huge smile and ask how much was this? I'm getting one!
Duration Product Used: Rock & Log strewn singletrack!!!!!!!
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At: Cedar Bike Scranton
Similar Products Used: Redline Flight 29er SS
GT Karakorum 4.0
Bike Setup: Stock, except for a brake change, swap out brakes(personal choice) Other than that? No drama, just go ride!
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Submitted by
skeprico
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2012
Strengths: Solid bike that needs very little maintenance.
Weaknesses: Blutarsky's grade point average (0.0). For this price I can't come up with any weeknesses that this bike has.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to see what all the rage is about single speed and twenty niners. I was riding an intense 5.5 built up nice and light. After the first month of riding this bike the Intense got torn apart and sold. After a few rides I was getting pr's on every trail I ride with this heavy, inexpensive bike. I switched back and forth a couple of times and decided I hate suspension, hate 26 inch wheels, and for now I'm loving the single speed. I will probably go back to gears some day but never 26" wheels again.
Bike Setup: Stock except headset and bars. I put a Cane Creek sealed bearing headset and a cheap aluminum flat bar on it.
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Submitted by
chicagogarske
a Cross Country Rider
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2011
Strengths: Bomb proof frame, 1st steel 4130 I have owned
Weaknesses: Stock brakes were the first to go, wheels, headset and crank will be replaced shortly.
Bottom Line:
For the price that bike is amazing, this will be with me for a long time. Big wheels and steel are where it at. This bike will be around for a long time. If you haven't jumped on the RSS29ER train, your missing out IMO!
Bike Setup: Stock, upgraded brakes and levers (Cane Creek and BB7's)
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Submitted by
TheKraut
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2011
Strengths: The feel of steel. Great part spec for the $$. Good way to get into the 29er scene. You feel like a kid again since this bike feels like a BMX.
Weaknesses: Brake setup, bottom bracket, crankset, the saddle feels like a cinder block
Bottom Line:
If you want to get into 29ers, look no further. This bike will do everything you want it to and will surprise you on occasion. I ride this on gravel roads in winter, on midwest singletrack, and most recently took this bike out to the Inland NW and rode it on fireroads and singletrack. Do yourself and your arse a favor and throw the saddle in the trash. I also had problems keeping the crank arms torqued down enough and had the bottom bracket go out after about 6 months of riding. This bike is awesome and climbs like a champ. It also rolls over anything you put in its path. Highly recommended!
Bike Setup: Pretty much stock other than a better saddle and avid brake levers and avid mechanical brakes. Upgraded bottom bracket.
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Submitted by
kitsapken
a Weekend Warrior
from Gig Harbor, WA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2011
Strengths: Stiff in the climbs, yet just enough flex to absorb bumps, rocks roots. Frame is bomb proof IMO.
Weaknesses: Tektro brakes and BB, but for the price of a new bike you can afford to upgrade both.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to some of my earlier posts on this bike. I just competed in the 12 Hours of Capitol Forest event on my Monocog. Can't believe how well it handled 2 laps of Greenline 6 on Sat. It was the 4th time in less than 2 months I rode that trail and it continues to hold up. We did a 12 mile pre-ride on Friday also. I think I need to get the wheel trued, but the frame and everything else is still holding up. Would have liked a few gears on the way up Mima Porter 8.
I've had this bike for over 4 years now. Only failure was the stock Redline BB and cranks which I upgraded to Shimano hollowtech BB and Deore cranks before riding the McKenzie River Trail in Oregon this summer.
If you want a fun trail bike to have as a spare, this is a great value.
Favorite Trail: Capitol Forest, Banner, Black Diamond
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At: Yucaipa Bike Center
Similar Products Used: none
Bike Setup: Avid BB7 mechanical discs and Speed Dial 7 levers, Shimano BB and Deore cranks, Cane Creek headset, Crank Bros Candy pedals, Panaracer Rampage tires.
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Submitted by
Bicyclebob
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2011
Strengths: Cheap, strong, fun
Weaknesses: Seat
Bottom Line:
Been riding this thing for six years.....finally had to change the bottom bracket because I did not have any bearings in my box. Disc brakes are a must here in the PNW. Other than the usual maintenance items it has been as reliable as an anvil. Best bike i have ever owned. Downhill bikes are for p&ssies!
Bike Setup: Juicy Sevens, Time Pedals, ODI LockOns
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Submitted by
slo truck
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio Tx
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2011
Strengths: Almost everything is killer on this bike for the price. I love how it takes on any terrain that this Nub can throw at it.
Weaknesses: Crankset and Bottom bracket. Total junk. Decided to say screw the warranty and upgrade to a FSA BB and crank set.
Bottom Line:
Having a blast on this thing been on it every day since I bought it. I have now found a new hobby that I used to call lame. (bmxer in me) I really like charging the rocky single track trails around my house. Climbs are pretty fun on it. the big rollers make it easy to get over most things. On fast rocky descents you do get to bouncing around a little bit but hey its a rigid you are suppose to right?
Similar Products Used: This is my first non BMX 20" bike I have every owned. I love the single speed and 29" rollers.
Bike Setup: Stock other than BB and crankset
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Submitted by
RAAM RACER
a Cross Country Rider
from Dayton, MN
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2011
Strengths: price, fit for fun upgrades, durable, race ready
Weaknesses: replaced bottom bracket inside of 100 miles, v-brakes (get disc brakes when they fail), weight at times
Bottom Line:
for the money, you really cannot beat this bike...much less beat it up. its a beast. the weight factor only recently got my attention when i rode a superfly on some trails but you pay for the loss of weight and i had the same split times on my monocog. i have raced this bike on xc races and did rather well all things considered so yeah, I love this bike. i can count on many smiles and saved dollars every time i ride it.
Bike Setup: fit the stock bike with BB7s that I had already, purchased a origon8 black ops carbon fork, went tubeless with small block tires on the stock rims, upgraded to a sealed headset when the stock failed after a year, thompson seatpost, ergo grips,
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Submitted by
DC43
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2011
Strengths: M1A1 Tank like quality, great looks, amazing when on dirt
Weaknesses: Doesn't like to ride on pavement, small front sprocket, large rear sprocket.
Bottom Line:
Can't go wrong for the money. Thing is slow on pavement but a beast on the trail. I've owned several types of bikes and have been wanting this for years now. Glad I bought it, freaking amazing.
As my first 29er, this bike has been astounding. It's big, heavy, a rough ride, and I love it. The bike is tough as nails and brings back all the good feelings you are supposed to get from riding a bike. It's not a super racer, and those into serious competition need not apply. It's simple, reliable, and provides a good starting platform for someone who wants to start in the right direction, or for a veteran who wants to get back to the roots of biking and reconnect with what it feels like to ride for real. For what it does it does things very well and has almost no weaknesses. If you go into this purchase with the right mindset, it will deliver everything you want and more. If you are wanting a taste of the 29er trend, or would like to give single speeding a try, or are on a budget and just needing a fun ride, look no further.
Bike Setup: 2010 Stock, just my rear end on the seat. The stock components are pretty good. Clipless might be an option for you if you feel the need. The stock bars are good. Some people have problems with the headset. A beefier one coult not possibly hurt, but it depends on your experience. I have had no problem with the V-brakes, even in mud and water. disks are superior of course, but for the money the stock ones are doing fine. Mine came with Kenda Nevegals which I have had a good experience with, but I'm looking at branching out.
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Submitted by
REVCO
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon, but currently in Detroit.
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2011
Strengths: This bike is 'less-is-more' incarnate. Great ride quality, great handling, cheap, fun, grab it and go! No thinking necessary, just ride.
Weaknesses: The factory grips sucked beyond belief.
Bottom Line:
This is my first SS and my first 29. It's now the only bike I have. I sold my other bikes before I moved to Michigan because the trails here don't require anything fancy, and gravity is considered something that just pulls your pants down. I was worried that my legs wouldn't be able to handle riding a SS 29, but it doesn't take long before you're pulling hills seated, that had you praying for death a few weeks before.
I would completely recommend this bike to someone who wants to try a 29 or a SS, and doesn't want to risk wasting a lot of money if they don't like it. You'll probably end up riding it WAY longer than you originally planned. It was only meant to be a 'toe dip' for me, but here I am 2 years later, and it's the only bike in my stable. The best thing about the Monocog is that it really takes me back to when I was a little kid on my BMX bike. Back then, it was more about having fun on a bike and really enjoying the ride, instead of exercising my credit card on the latest & greatest soon-to-be obsolete fancy stuff. If you really just love to ride, and you're only racing yourself (or your wife), this is all you really need. It's cheap fun, built great, and does everything it's supposed to do, well.
Who shouldn't buy it? Hmmm... Bench racers, I guess. And people who like lots of logos on their bikes.
Similar Products Used: Lots of ex-bikes floating around out there.
Bike Setup: Factory stock with the exception of Ergon grips (I switch back & forth between the GX1 and GA1, depending) and a heavier-duty chain/rear sprocket, but with factory stock ratio.
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Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Tiverton, Rhode Island, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2011
Strengths: Price
Weaknesses: brakes
Bottom Line:
Great bike…and you can’t beat the price! I now ride this bike more then my $1300 plus specialized. There is nothing better then a 29er SS in the woods. I did have to upgrade the stock v-brakes after a few rides. If those wagon wheels get any mud or water on the rims and your moving, you aint stopping with the stock brakes. Upgrade to disk brakes ASAP. I would recommend this bike to anybody that wants a mountain bike, or an SS, or a 29er, or just a good bike.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Rig, SE Stout 29er
Bike Setup: 2010 Mono Cog 29er with stock steel fork, Avid BB7s, Tioga Spyder D Saddle
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Submitted by
bennypesquire
a Racer
from Hollywood, FL
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2011
Strengths: Redline Monocog Flight 29er SS. I love this bike, before I got mine I would ride my wife's, we'd switch on and off at the trails. The Geometry is the greatest asset to the bike...feels like a hugh BMX bike and flies just as nice!
Weaknesses: None!
Bottom Line:
Almost anyone can get this bike out of the box and take it straight to the trail (if you're used to clipless pedals, that'd be the only real change to make). Im a 240# clydesdale and I deliver a beating to any bike I ride and the Redline Monocog 29er handles whatever Ive been able to dish out so far!
Similar Products Used: I have raced a Stumpjumper full suspension for many years
Bike Setup: Factory at first (clipless pedals and seat are the exception)then replaced rigid fork with Fox 80mm travel and the bike was like new again. Also went tubeless on the tires...a must for any serious rider.
