Highest quality Japanese Sanko double butted chromoly frame, with a rear derailleur hanger and disc brake mount. Suspension compatible geometry. Hand crafted Japanese Sanko taper leg chromoly fork with CNC dropouts. Sure stopping Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors. SRAM X.7 shifter and rear derailleur combined with the Redline aluminum crankset with 34T chainring. Sturdy, smooth rolling Redline sealed bearing hubs laced up to 29” WTB Laser disc trail rims.
Available in 4 sizes ( 15”-21”) center to top.
Submitted by
wwwmattcom
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, NJ Date Reviewed: September 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Stokes St. park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The rigid forks helps in climbs. The chromoly feels lieghtweight to me. The entire bike feels lightweight. I wish i had a scale to weigh this bike. My aluminum bike seems to weigh a little more. The disc brakes are all I could ever ask for (avod bb5) I guess i don't ride hard trails, but weighing 240 lbs. i thought i would need a better brake. Not true. good brakes! shifting witht he x9 is unmatched. the 29er wheels are for real. wow i climb so well. The gearing (1x9) i thought was going to make riding more difficult becaue you are missing the lowest level of gears (granny gears). However I gained speed on climbs and was catching up to my buddy who is usually waiting for me at the top of the hill. I still can't believe i like a rigid bike so much. I thought my next bike would be a full suspension. No. I think rigid is for me. Until i find a trail that proves me wrong. I am purely a trail rider, no ramps/jumps/drops. This bike is a crusier in the woods and a climber on the hills. I hit mud easier and I am climbing through annoying rock gardens easier. I am so happy that i love rigid because it is going to save me a lot of money not getting a full suspension mtb. I also used to peel out a lot at low speeds trying to climb, especially in the granny gears but this bike is geared so well I never lost traction.
Weaknesses:
Little difficult going through rock gardens at low speed. Get some speed though and you rip right over them.
Similar Products Used:
trek 4500 26" (not so similar) but I came off this bike for the redline.
Jamis 29er single speed. demo'd this bike, eh.
Bike Setup:
full stock, but will be getting new pedals. NO WAY I AM PUTTING A SUSPENSION FORK ON THIS BIKE, its a beauty. I padded the handbars to absorb shock with my own custom pads.
Bottom Line:
I am a 25 yr. old 6'1" 240 lbs. overgrown child who is learning there is no such thing as too many bikes. I currently ride a trek 4500 but think it is going to sit in the basement behind the redline. This bike rocked the 26" trek. I am high on 29ers right now. I will make no assumptions about my height and weight being the reason why i feel so comfy on this bike, but I gotta say, i had no idea i was on a larger wheeled bike because i felt just the same as on any other bike. the difference was the ride. smooth. Not to mention cheap!! i was debating between the redline and the gary fisher cobia. I was not sold on the fisher's tora fork. seemed too soft when locked out. So i went with a solid fork that i had the option of putting another suspesnion fork of my choosing on later. I don't think i will though. I am glad the granny gears are gone because now i don't waste my time in them. I am glad the suspension is gone because now i don't bounce off my bike and i cane take level ground obstacles with ease. downhill was only rough for the first ride down of the entire two hour ride and i got used to it. I enjoyed using my bike like i was a slalom skier avoiding buoys. more fun! If you can find this bike get it. personally i never pay msrp, i will buy a bike that is discounted because of age. never buy a 2010 bike in 2009 or 2010. I still can't beleive how i never felt as winded on climbs compared to the 26" wheel. i also was verycomfotable on this bike. decent seat too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wanderer_smatt
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
So Many
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
AZ Bikes
Strengths:
Strong Frame, Excellent Geometry almost a trials bike but with 29ers, Good tires (turned the back tire around for better traction in the soft stuff).Can't say enough about 29ers.
Weaknesses:
Rear Brakes do fade after prolonged downhills.
Bike Setup:
Added front Fox Shock.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for the money. Just enjoy the feel of steel compared to aluminum. Adding a front shock is the only thing missing from this bike, but with the added benefit on 29ers you don't have too, just air down and go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damn Dan the Biker Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, Co Date Reviewed: April 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Chimney Gulch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Stable, ride is very smooth and it just handles remarkably. Does everything well, commutes, climbs 2500 feet up single track after work and looks great doing it. Hauls the kid trailer into town for bagels, and sometimes the trailer bike and the kid trailer.
Weaknesses:
None - takes a little while to get used to fully rigid - and on rugged trails a suspension fork would soften things up a bit. The brakes are a little weak - I might upgrade those.
Similar Products Used:
None - this my first 29er.
Bike Setup:
19 inch size frame Origingal Mono9 19 inch setup, X9 rear deraliur and shifter, FSA 32T front gear. Avid BB5 brakes, Ritchey seatpost, stem and bar.
Bottom Line:
I Love this bike. I was looking for a new commuter bike last year and had been intrigued by the 29er thing. I had test ridden a Redline monocog 29er at the LBS but was not quite sold on the single speed thing. Then I saw this thing on e-bay and I just bought on impulse. Wow - have ever been converted over to 29ers. This thing handles great - I have been riding bikes for a long time - and I was amazed that after each ride this bike just got better and better. I have a farily short commute - but I find myself leaving early in the morning to take a longer route to work. I find myself riding at lunch just to ride. I find myself going 10 miles out my way on the way home just because it so darn fun to ride this bike. Great Bike - I would buy this bike again for twice what I paid for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stifa
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: April 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Uphills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Pedalim
Strengths:
Fun ride ,fast , stable cool looking
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
My first 29er
Bike Setup:
Mono9 bike converted to 3X9 , XT gears , LX crankset , Magura brakes , Time ATAC pedals
Bottom Line:
After about 2000Km on the bike it is even more fun to ride each time , and I still love to step back and just look at them . Size large are a bit long for me (1.79M) but I prefer it on medium size . Seatpost height is still something I play with a little. Changed the brakes to Magura hydro discs - WAY better then the Avid BB5 the bike came with . The front derailleur is not usually a problem although it is very close to the rear tire .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rotem
a Cross Country Rider
from Jerusalem ,Israel Date Reviewed: April 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Uphills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Pedalim
Strengths:
Fun ride ,fast , stable cool looking
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
My first 29er
Bike Setup:
Mono9 bike converted to 3X9 , XT gears , LX crankset , Magura brakes , Time ATAC pedals
Bottom Line:
After about 2000Km on the bike it is even more fun to ride each time , and I still love to step back and just look at them . Size large are a bit long for me (1.79M) but I prefer it on medium size . Seatpost height is still something I play with a little. Changed the brakes to Magura hydro discs - WAY better then the Avid BB5 the bike came with . The front derailleur is not usually a problem although it is very close to the rear tire .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ttam
a Cross Country Rider
from St. George UT Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
JEM / hurricane rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Great climber, technical or otherwise, great in the twisty stuff and better on the downhill than I thought a rigid bike could be
Weaknesses:
Brakes are OK until you really NEED them
Similar Products Used:
First 29er
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike as a second bike to my full suspension and planned to ride it on only the most tame xc trails. That would have been a waste. This bike is good on most all trails within reason. It's better on a fast downhill than you would expect(as long as it's not too rocky)and on a tech climb the 29er lives up to it's hype. I may never buy another FS bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hoodoohoo
a Cross Country Rider
from colorado Date Reviewed: December 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$661.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
nice parts and frame for the price; 9 spd; solid build quality;
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
trek mtn bikes; bianchi cross bikes; salsa road bike
Bike Setup:
redline oem: avid bb5; sram x-7; wtb wheels
Bottom Line:
Great trail and fire road assault vehicle; good way to take a break from single speed riding; 9 spd is nice to have; good way to try a 29er bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darin Devine
a Weekend Warrior
from CB, IA Date Reviewed: November 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Trails Edge
Strengths:
Price, steel frame, looks - this is a great looking bike. I found a 2008 - like the color over the 2009. 1x9 and rigid fork is all about simplicity. Load it up and ride it.
Weaknesses:
Tires - not a fan of the stock tires. Purchased 2.3 tires for a more plush ride with the rigid forks.
Similar Products Used:
none in terms of 29er. First 29er.
Bike Setup:
Changed out the grips and seat post
Bottom Line:
For the money how can you go wrong? Great way to get into a 29er. The steel frame is great, very comfortable. I'm 6'1 32" inseam and the 19 inch fits me. Redline got it right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phpeter
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellicott City, Maryland Date Reviewed: October 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
I'll never tell.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor, Timoniu
Strengths:
My bike is actually the MONO9, which is step above the 460, but a step below the D660. The D460 replaced the MONO 9. If you can find this, go get it because it has upgraded componants (brakes and gearing) and has the better steel frame. Anyway, this bike is outfitted well for this price range (SRAM 9), very comfortable bike for a bigger guy (6'2" 225#), climbs really well, rides very smooth (for a rigid) and it handles like a dream. I have about 20 hours on the bike and I love it more than my old specialized rockhopper or my cannondale killer v500.
Weaknesses:
Grips are not my favorite and I think I am going to upgrade to a different bar (wrist pain).
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
I have this bike stock.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a ton of fun. I bike in Triathlons, cyclocross and also mountain biking, so I am no MTB expert...just a weekend MTB hack who likes to have fun. What I can say is that all you need are 9 speeds and the gearing is perfect for the hills of Maryland and I have a blast riding this bike. Plus, with the 29er wheels, I can swap out cyclocross tires for training or put hybrid type tires on for nieghborhood rides. My bike is totally rigid, which is good for now, but come spring I will switch to a Reba fork, but no need now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crashly
a Cross Country Rider
from El Cajon, Ca USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$808.00
Purchased At:
Zumewalts
Strengths:
Good frame. Very solid rims if you are a heavy rider. Decent Brakes, Good shifting
Weaknesses:
Cheasy crank arms. These things feel paper thin in some areas. Hard narrow seat, perfect if you are into those type of seats, but give me a little cushion.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR4, Gary Fisher/Cinelli Otomilia
Bike Setup:
Stock except for gel seat
Bottom Line:
Great bike so far. The price was right and I really wanted a quality steel hardtail with a lifetime warranty. The rim build up was also what I was looking for. These things are not light but they are strong and I would rather spend an extra minute pedaling than 10 minutes truing my rims every other ride. This is also my first 29er. I am 6'3", with the 21" frame it felt nearly spot on. The cockpit will get some of the fine tuning that takes a few hundred miles but that is really all a riders preferances anyway. My first ride was in the dark this morning at 5:30AM, on a steep dirt road that I have never before ridden. I was on and off the brakes the entire ride which drops 1000' in 3 miles. The bike did not feel squirmish and held all of my chosen lines. If redline would have put some real cranks on this bike it would be perfect out of the box. The large tires felt completly natural to me and I have never given them a second thought. Overall it is a great bang for the buck when you comapare the alternatives and their prices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mrsato1
a Weekend Warrior
from Bentonville, AR Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008
This bike is F-awesome! This is the first real MTB bike that I have purchased. My buddy in FL told me the RedLine 29er was the way to go and he was right. This thing can handle it all. This bike has just a solid feel, much better that some of the aluminum 29er bikes that I tried. Several other bikers on the trail were in awe when they saw the stock setup with the REBA SL fork. I got a great deal on the 2008($769.00)and I ordered the REBA SL fork ($306.00). This bike was a steal for this price. These bikes are worth every penny-even at retail prices. Lifetime warranty. Get it! Ride it! Break it!...and get another one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Rocklin, California Date Reviewed: May 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Granite Bay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$960.00
Purchased At:
iBikes, Rocklin
Strengths:
Light, fast, fun, sturdy. Reasonably priced. Easily upgradable, and able to be setup with a double/triple crankset and/or a front shock. Tons of fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
Cheap-o Avid BB5 brakes and SRAM x7 derailleur/shifter
Similar Products Used:
Compared to the Salsa El Mariachi or any other frame only do it yourself rigid steel 29er build, this bike is a steal.
Bike Setup:
All stock except for a set of Specialized Lo Pro Mag 2 platform pedals and a Specialized Saddle.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike recently after shopping around and reading all the reviews I could find. I settled on this bike after comparing it to other bikes like the Salsa El Mariachi, Surly Karate Monkey, and Vassago Bandersnatch. For the money, this bike is spec'd well and is -- in most ways -- as good as or better than it's competition. Sure, the Avid BB5's arent' exactly the best brakes, and the SRAM x7 derailleur/shifter combo isn't the best, but you get what you pay for. I paid 960 out the door for this thing, and compared to other bikes in the same price range, this thing is doing well. Besides, there's something so cool about running below the top of the line for parts, I think... it's like you're able to ride harder faster with less worry. The components do their job, too. The brakes are good, and so is the shifting. I kind of wanted stronger brakes, but I've been commuting on a near-brakeless bike for a while and have gotten used to not stopping on a dime. I've been riding some fast, sweepy single track and this thing comes alive. It's like the cockpit of the bike is designed for me... there was no awkward "getting to know you" phase, I just jumped on it and went. It feels like I've been riding this bike for years, the geometry is that good. For all you stats seekers out there, I'm 6'2" w/ a 34" inseam and riding the XL (21"). The 1 x 9 gear setup is perfect, too. I don't want any more -- or less -- gears. I can cruise at 20mph+ without spinning out, which is great for commuting and riding around town, and I can chug up the steeps without any wheezing. I'd recommend this bike over the single speed for these reasons. So, for these reasons this bike rocks. I'd say that I had more fun on it today than I've had in a long time (I own a 2007 Santa Cruz Blur LT, too). I'm probably going to race it at a local mountain bike race, too, and do better than I did on the blur. If you want a fast, fun, nimble, light, ergonomic, cool bike, this is the one. Finally a bike company nailed the geometry and feel I've been searching for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jared granger
a Cross Country Rider
from wilsonville Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
good ones, Post Canyon, Lewis river, Siouxan, Ape canyon, Mt. Hood , and South West Washington
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fairly light. After replacing the front fork the bike is 26.5 lbs. Good ritchey pro cockpit components. Rides really nice.
Weaknesses:
Fully rigid. The front wheel was untrue out of the box.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
I replaced the front fork with a white brothers rock solid. Everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to try a 29er and had the oppotunity to get a redline for a good deal. I replaced the front fork to lose some weight. The white brothers fork scares me. In the parking lot using the front brake you can watch the fork flex. White brothers assured me it has been adequately tested and it does have a weight limit of 230lbs. I have been riding full suspension for ten years and I can't believe how well I can ride this bike. I don't know if the maxxis ignitor tires are really good or if it is a result of a larger contact patch but there is an amazing amount of traction. The 1X9 setup makes climbing a bit more challenging but you just have to attack small stuff and takes it easy on long stuff. Momentum is your friend. Down hill is OK, you just have pay more attention to the trail. When riding my 575 I just go over everything. I rode a rocky fire road downhill on teh redline and I could hardly ride. Fully rigid hammers you to death on that type of terrain. Regular trails are fine though. I am very glad I got this bike and I will be riding for most of my rides in town but will use the 575 for longer rides and more technical terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Noam
a Cross Country Rider
from Jerusalem,Israel Date Reviewed: December 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Amazing ride, beautiful frame , great parts for the $,relatively lightweight
Weaknesses:
Not easy to install a front der.Not enough time to ride
Similar Products Used:
My first 29er
Bike Setup:
Mono9 converted to 3X9 w/LX crank ,XT ders and shifters
Bottom Line:
This review is for the mono9 that originaly had slightly different part collection , swapped anyhow by the convertion to 3X9 . The frame is amazingly built and painted , looks like a way more expensive frame . Rides like a dream . Buy it .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JayJay Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE, USA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All area trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Relatively inexpensive, very good components for the money.
Weaknesses:
Headset, single chainring sometimes allows the chain to come off.
Similar Products Used:
Klein
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Overall impression Riding this bike reinforces the idea that different solutions work differently for different people. My previous mountain bike was a Klein Pulse Comp hardtail (26 inch wheels) with a Skareb Super suspension fork. It was a good bike but, for me, the Redline 460 is the better bike. The D460 in noticeably heavier but I find that I can climb better now than I could on my previous bike. At first I believed that it was the newness of the bike that allowed me to improve my riding but over the months I have discovered several factors that work in my favor. Geometry The 19 inch 29er geometry fits me well. I am 5 foot 11 inches but I have a long legs (33 inch inseam). In my opinion choosing 26 or 29 inch tire depends on what works best for you. It seems that riders with longer legs are more comfortable with a bike with larger wheels. This bike seems to be set up for me right out of the box. Steering Some people report that the 29 inch wheel reduces maneuverability. The D460 has correct 29er geometry. Redline has increased the fork rake to compensate for the larger wheel, decreasing trail. The increased rake contributes to the “turnability” of the bike. Additionally, the 29er appears to steer a bit differently. Counter-steering, seems to be more effective with the larger wheeled bike. Specifically, to make a right turn, I make a very short, quick movement of the handlebar to the left (inertia shifts my weight to the right) then turn to the right. Since my body is already moving in the direction of the right turn, the big-wheeled bike seems to turn more quickly. The bike may be more difficult to get around in really tight single track when counter-steering has less of an impact. Rigid Fork The rigid fork is a pleasant surprise. Riding the rigid fork has improved my bike handling skills and forces me to take a better line when riding. The rigid fork also addresses brake dive, bob and maintenance issues. Nine Speeds Most of my road miles are on a single speed fixed gear bike. Riding a single speed off road is more than my 51-year-old legs can handle. Nine speeds have worked well. It is a great compromise between single speed and 27+ gears. I really like this bike! To this point I believed my previous bike was the best I could get. This bike is off the hook!! I give the product five chilis because of the value and the fun factor of the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Peterson
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: November 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
shoreline
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Price, components, frame
Weaknesses:
none that I've seen yet
Similar Products Used:
fisher ferrous, salsa el mariachi, specialized rockhopper comp 29er
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
A great deal on a geared 29er. The 1x9 setup rules, all the gears you need, save some weight and some money. I actually bought the Mono9 (last year's model), it's spec'd with the sram x9 instead of the x7 and I think they are downgrading the crankset on the D460 too. It's a very nice steel frame, a lot lighter than my Monocog even though it's has 26" wheels and is a singlespeed. A guy down the street has the El Mariachi, it's nice but it's spec'd almost identical, is heavier and costs several hundreds more. bottom line, I've never loved a bike this much before, it just feels right. no suspension but the frame is suspension corrected so it can be added later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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