Super lightweight and strong U6 double butted aluminum alloy tubing frame with a replaceable rear derailleur hanger. Race worthy RockShox Reba SL fork with 100mm of travel. Sure stopping Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors. SRAM X.9 shifter and rear derailleur combined with the Truvativ Stylo 32T crankset with 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
Mman
a Cross Country Rider
from Yardley, PA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Phila. area trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Handling at speed, cornering, comfort, weight, climbing
Weaknesses:
Stupid dog tooth crap, customer service reps need to put the bong down, wheelset
Bike Setup:
mostly stock outside of N-gear-jumpstop and cut bars, grips
Bottom Line:
Great bang for the buck. This bike is simple. I was initially concerned about the 1x9 but it has not been a major issue...if anything, it made my legs bigger. I spend more time out of the saddle than I would ever dream of on a 26' rig. Love the Sl up front...it's simple and easy and I don't touch it (although I will probably get a lockout mechanism at some point and time). This bike corners like a dream, you can really lay into it. It did take some time to learn this because it did have the "tractor trailer" affect on my first few rides which could be associated to the 26' crossover. The stylo is really sharp and no complaints on the X9 setup (does what it is supposed to). My biggest complaint is with the wheelset that seems to fall out of true on occasion...it's on the list of upgrades for down the road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dwsteig
a Cross Country Rider
from Andreas, PA Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
various hardtails and fs bikes... this is my first 29er
Bike Setup:
stock w/ these exceptions: Hayes strokers, ergon grips with barends, Ritchey carbon seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Great frame and parts spec for the price. Reba SL is very adjustable with nice action... I use the lockout more than I thought I would due to the amount of time out of the saddle. Pretty light frame. You can drop 1 pound+ if you swap out the wheels for a lighter tubeless wheelset.
SRAM stuff shifts noticeably better than Shimano. I ride some really rocky, steep trails and I rarely run out of gears. Big wheels allow you to stand and crank up climbs where you'd normally lose traction... it's really an improvement.
I'm 5'11" with a 33" inseam and 34-35 " sleeves. I bought the large (19") and it fits me perfectly. The only downside I can see so far to the 29er is the slower response in turning... first few rides I found myself overshooting turns that I normally rail on a 26" bike. Once I got used to it and started to begin turns a bit earlier, this became a non-issue. I've officially jumped on the 9er bandwagon.
If you ride trails that are very technical in the way of rocks, roots, rutted climbs then a 29er makes sense. The difference in slow rock sections is definitely noticeable. As far as 29ers go, I think the D660 is tough to beat... even at retail $.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nOOky
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona, MN U.S.A. Date Reviewed: June 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The twisty ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good component specs for the price. Pretty gray/green color. 29" wheels. The Sram stuff shifts great. The stock seat seems okay so far.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, handlebar width, no tubeless wheelset
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar, it's my first 29er hardtail
Bike Setup:
Added Bonty Racelite tubeless wheelset, different grips, cut an inch off of each end of the stock handlebars, changed to different tires soon to be replaced by some Schwalbe's, changed to Avid Juicy R brakes for a bit more power.
Bottom Line:
Changed out a few items to suit my liking. I think stock the component pic is pretty spot on. The seat is good so far, the fork is great, the geometry suits me (6' 180lbs 19" bike), the shifting is excellent. The bike is a bit heavy stock, and I added a device to keep the chain on the front sprocket. I also swapped to a 11-34 cassette and a 36 tooth up front. Added some lime green water bottle cages and it's perfect for me.
My gear selection won't work for every trail, I think an 11- 34 in back and a 34 up front would be the best choice.
I took the bike new without trying it to Colorado for my first trip out there. I was easily comfortable riding most of the stuff in the Springs area, I rolled over stuff that initially I was a bit hesitant to do but she rolled right over it without a hitch.
Accelerating takes a bit more work, but extra exercise is all good. Large rollers are fun with this bike. Being used to full suspension I miss the rear boing, but I will probably go with 2.4's for a bit more added plushness.
Overall I like the bike and the simplicity of a 1 x 9 setup. I would recommend it to anyone looking to spend a reasonable amount of cash for a good bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slower_than_u
a Weekend Warrior
from Western NY Date Reviewed: May 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Advance Cyclery Syra
Strengths:
Light weight, good component group, 29" wheels
Weaknesses:
Paint seems to chip easily. Chain falls off!! See below
Similar Products Used:
My first 29er. Previous bike was an Iron Horse Hollowpoint Mk III Expert with DW link
Bike Setup:
Stock with Candy pedals and Specialized lock-on grips. I also added an 11-34 cassette.
Bottom Line:
After riding full suspension for the last four seasons, I decided to simplify my life and switch to a 1x9 hardtail. So far I haven't been sorry. I love the "set it and forget it" suspension with no bearings or bushings to wear out. The 1x9 drivetrain has proven more than adequate for the riding in WNY although I did swap the 11-32 cassette for an 11-34. What it loses when descending rough, bumpy singletrack it more than makes up going back up the hill. This is a very efficient climber and the 29er wheels, while a bit heavy, offer almost unlimited traction.
My only complaint; the third eye/dog fang chain guide that comes stock is worthless. On one two hour ride, I lost my chain off the inside of the chain ring eight times. The Redline/SBS warranty department was not very helpful. The gentlemen I spoke with was not familiar with the D660 and suggested I adjust my front derailer!! He insisted that I return my bike to the Redline dealer so they could check my chain tension and chainline.
As I do all my own maintenance, the idea of leaving my bike at a shop for an extended period was not an option. Out of my own pocket, I purchased the N-Gear jump stop and my chain problems have disappeared. As I did some research before I bought the bike, I was aware of the chain drop issue and Redline's attempt to remedy the problem. I think they should offer the Jump Stop option to people experiencing problems. If you are buying a D660, definitely don't take delivery without having the shop add the Jump Stop.
Overall a great value and a great bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mountainbiker55
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh area Date Reviewed: May 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wolf's Rock on Laurel Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Greensburg Cyclery
Strengths:
Light, good component group, handeling, color. Tech support is very helpful and you can call them on the phone!
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dragon 29er, several 26ers.
Bike Setup:
Stock except I repaced the front chain stop with a Jump Stop http://www.gvtc.com/~ngear/whatis.html recommended by Redline tech support.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! I was riding a dual suspension with triple chain ring and was concerned that the Redline was a hard tail with a 1x9. Not to worry. This bike rocks! I have ridden mud, rocks, roots, technical, fast downhills, and haven't found any limitations. I do a few races every year and this bike will definitely make me faster. Also, I read that taller riders benefit from the larger frames and they're were right on. I am 6' and very comfortable on this bike and feel like I can climb better than my 26er. GO BUY ONE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vonpepperberry
a Weekend Warrior
from bay area, ca, usa Date Reviewed: February 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
Rides over anything
Great components, flawless shifting, stiff
Weaknesses:
grips suck. Handlebars are a little wide
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
stock, will replace handlebar and grips
Bottom Line:
Awesome, I'm home. I'm larger 6'6" 200lbs, and this feels GREAT. The gearing is fine, I make it up all the climbs in a hilly area, a bailout granny gear would be nice for when I feel lame, but this keeps me honest. I entered my first race in 15years on this thing, it was the cheapest bike there, and....I won (disclaimer, it was the 40+ novice group, but still a win in a significant race). I could not believe how fast the bike responded in the course, and absolutely obliterated the flats and downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NoMoEndos
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: December 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Great specs for the money; very responsive; light weight for a base level 29'er
Weaknesses:
Grips (that's it)
Similar Products Used:
Vassago Jabber (SS); Cannondale Caffeine 29'er
Bike Setup:
Added NoTubes rims
Bottom Line:
I can't believe how much I enjoy this bike. I'm a SS'er and own an overpriced, tricked-out SS with Ti 'this' and custom 'that'. I can honestly write that I might have forgone buying a custom set up if I had this in my garage. The parts are outstanding for the money, and the bike handles great at speed, over logs, and through rock gardens. The wheels are on the heavy side, but I like having a more sturdy wheelset riding in some of the areas I ride. However, for $120 I added NoTubes rims to lessen the wheels' weight and ride at lower air pressure.
Bottom line... awesome bike, even for purchase at the full MSRP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PeteHall
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, Mi, USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Climbs very nicely, front end doesn't wander around when climbing, confident descender, stable at speed, great stock spec for the price, not to bad at all in the tight stuff
Weaknesses:
stock wheels are tanks, could use an 11-34 cassette instead of 11-32 for the extra climbing gear
Similar Products Used:
Kona Unit 2-9
Bike Setup:
I set mine up as a 2x9 because I wanted the big ring for racing, also upgraded the wheels and cut 1.5 pounds off the bike
Bottom Line:
A great value for a hell of a bike! Climbs very nicely, has that pop for getting over the hill. Nice stiff rear end, doesn't waste any energy.
The bike descends like a dream, the big wheels smooth out all the little bumps and the 100mm Reba does the rest. The geometry is perfect for just railing corners with confidence. I felt at home on this bike during the 1st ride.
I set mine up as a 2x9 so I could have a big ring for racing, but it worked just great as a 1x9 before I swapped it. Gives you a pretty good range for most conditions.
The wheels, while pretty quality wheels, are quite heavy. I put on a lighter set (Velocity VXC Rims, WTB Laser Disk Lite Hubs, Wheelsmith spokes) and lighter tires (Kenda Karma and Small Block 8) and cut 1.5 lbs of rotating weight off the bike to bring it to 24 lbs. Not super light, but for the price you can't beat it.
I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking to get into a 29er. Which I highly recommend, those big wheels will change your life. Oh, and the 2008 version (which you probably can't get anymore) is an awesome red.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill
a Weekend Warrior
from wausau, wi, usa Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Simple, tough, well-spec'd
Weaknesses:
chain throw in rough areas.
Similar Products Used:
Specialied Stumpjumper, Biachi CUSS
Bike Setup:
Stock, with Candy C pedals
Bottom Line:
I'm 5'7" with long legs and ride a 17" frame. Seemed large at first but I'm use to it now. I wanted something simple that would accomplish much of what a full suspension bike would do with much less money or complex technology (shocks, derailleurs, etc.). It has thrown the chain once in bumpy, technical single track but all was forgiven on a long, technical stretch where all I had to do was ride over everything that others were riding around. Handles technical single track well and climbs well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M_S
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula/Portland Date Reviewed: August 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Prodeal
Strengths:
High speed handling, parts per dollar.
Weaknesses:
The wheels are freaking tanks. I think the spokes must be like 4.0 guage or something (kidding) but they are huge. If I were racing very often I would consider getting a lighter set, but for training and more aggressive riding they're very sturdy. I also hated the grips.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er. Owned and ridden many 26" hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Stock but with Thomson stem, Forte Carbon bars, Oury grips, and Crank Brothers candy pedals
Bottom Line:
It's my first 29er, as mentioned. I think I'm sold on the 29" concept as far as XC/trail hardtails go. Increased ability to roll over stuff really is nice, at least for me. I'm 5' 11" and ride a Large, for what it's worth.
The Reba is great, but that's to be expected: it's a high end fork. Very smart of Redline to spec the bike with 100mm of travel instead of the usual 80. I think this will appeal to many people. Some have complained of flex in the Reba, but I haven't noticed any. On the other hand I only weigh about 150 pounds w/out gear.
The 1x9 is pretty good and keeps the cost down. It works for me, but considering this is a 29er Reldine should have specced an 11-34 cassette instead of 11-32. That's a pretty minor gripe though.
The bike has a very neutral feel, which I like. Slow speed handling is decent. I do notice the longer wheelbase vs. most 26" hardtails in the really slow speed, tight, techy stuff. Going to narrower handlebars seemed to quicken up the steering enough for my tastes.
Where this bike really shines is at high speed. Very, very stable at speed. Shockinly so. I'm no geometry expert, so I can't point to the numbers and say what it is about this bike, but it simlply rails singletrack when you let it all hang out. The stiff frame and wheels encourage hammering.
Simply an outstanding value, and the frame is a keeper. Good welds, and pretty light (I weighed it but now I can't remember exactly). Stock my Large weighed 26 and half pounds with candy c pedals. Not bad for 1400 dollars. All the stock components are good, but something abou this bike begs to be upgraded. Too bad I'm a college student and can't really afford to.
That's sort of the key too. Other manufacturers are speccing Tora forks or x.5/x.7 drivetrains at this pricepoint, along with lower end cranks/stem/bars. The 2009 will still be a great value--rumor is only 100 dollars more for the same bike in a different color. Not too bad since most bikes will be going up 10-20% in price for 09.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pschwind
a Cross Country Rider
from Slinger, WI, USA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Glacial Blue - West Bend, WI
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1295.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Hangar
Strengths:
Rock Shox Reba SL, Avid BB7 Brakes, SRAM X9, Truvativ Stylo, Ritchey Pro... everything is quality
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Cobia, X-Caliber, Paragon
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I bought this Redline after riding friend’s Salsa Dos Niner and another friend’s Redline monocog. I started looking at Gary Fishers then found a Redline D460 that impressed me but I couldn’t fathom a rigid fork. One trip to the Redline website and the D660 model seemed to be the answer.
I sold my 2007 Giant Anthem and went to order the Redline. The dealer told me Redline was completely out of stock by early July. Now I felt screwed. I searched the web and eventually found that Bicycle Hangar in Missoula, MT had a 21” in stock. One quick call and the Redline was on its way to WI. The folks at Bicycle Hangar deserve a shout out for there great prices, fast shipping and overall great service.
I was worried that going to a 1x9 hard tail from a 27-speed fully slung machine might be a mistake. One outing on the Redline and I knew this bike for me. The bike climbed much better than my fully slung 26er. Obviously the hard tail was more efficient climbing but the bigger wheel handled terrain that would have slowed the 26… even with suspension. The bike seemed to carry more momentum into the climbs and inspired confidence descending.
I worried the large front wheel would make it hard to maneuver in tight single track but I was proven wrong. The 29er was easy to maneuver. The 100mm Reba SL and 29er wheel made small obstacles no obstacle.
This bike specs awesome for the price. Sure you could add some carbon fiber goodies and lose some weight but this is a very serious machine in stock form that needs nothing other than a great rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wspanicrunner
a Weekend Warrior
from wasilla,ak Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
alaska bike center
Strengths:
Fun, fast, suuuuperlight. 1X9 is perfect set up. For a bike right out of the box you can't get a better deal!
Weaknesses:
Prolly just the grips.
Similar Products Used:
First 29'er owned. Why isn't everyone riding these? They roll so much faster.
Bike Setup:
Stock right out of box. Prolly gonna change the grips, possibly a King headset for the bling.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line...very nice intro 29'er!! You will not find a better bike out there. It's light (26.4 lbs, for a 21" frame) rolls really fast, and it looks sweet too!! Redline really did a great job!! Just put some pedals on this thing and ride!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BTown29r
a Downhiller
from Bordentown, NJ USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Allaire
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Pure Energy Cycling
Strengths:
Great quality, nice components, 29'r!
Weaknesses:
None that I have discovered yet, but give it time...
Similar Products Used:
My first 29'r, so no other bike similar for comparison sake...
Bike Setup:
Bone stock...for now!
Bottom Line:
Great bike that I got at great price too low to list through a friends shop! Would do it all over again, but it wouldn't be a great value at full retail. Regardless, it would still e a good bike and I think worth it for the full retail price...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Ken's Bike Shop Winston Salem
Strengths:
Just about everything. The frame, Reba fork. The Ritchey Pro group is solid. I love the 1x9 gearing...the red frame with the subtle graphics look awesome.
Weaknesses:
About the only thing I can think of are the grips...but that's being petty.
Similar Products Used:
Never had a 29er before. Last bike was a Bianchi Supergrizzly....
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock...added some 2008 Mallet 1 pedals...
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. The 1x9 provides just enough gearing, while reducing the weight as compared to a 27 speed. The frame/fork combo is sweet. The WTB wheelset with the Redling sealed hubs seem to roll just fine. The bike climbs like a mountain goat. Very smooth. Redline scored with this one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Liam
a
from Massapequa Park, NY, USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The one I am on.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1260.00
Purchased At:
gorideabike.com
Strengths:
It's a 29er. Light weight (26lbs @ 19"). Affordable. Simple. Porsche color red with barbed wire stripes.
Weaknesses:
Can't ride it when I'm working or sleeping. Won't fit in an Element without folding both seats or taking off wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Redline 460. 26ers... Had a '06 Stumpjumper HT.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Just added a Lizard skin to protect my chain stay. Haven't seen anything I want to replace or upgrade. Added Shimano 520's.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Find money, buy one.
I looked at a few bikes (IBEX Section, GF Rig) and decided to go with the d660. I wanted a light 29er that had some gears and some suspension. I don't feel roots as much. I'd be surprised if I ever bang my pedals on anything. It climbs well. Great bike for local trails and my type of riding (XC). I'll never go back to a 26er. Good mix of componets and price.
Join the revolution.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Schofield pass
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1370.00
Purchased At:
Rowletts
Strengths:
Light Weight, nice rims, shock, shifters, and brakes all for a reasonable price.
Weaknesses:
not sure if it's product weakness or just bad luck...On the second ride i broke my chain 3 times! then last week, while leisurely crusing with my dog, i bent the Derailleur hanger and broke the derailleur...WTF?? one thing i have noticed is that a lot of debris (sticks) seems to get thrown up into the wheels and derailleur. i dont remember that happening as frequent with my 26" bike, but maybe it's just the time of year.
Similar Products Used:
my first 29r so nothing to compare it too.
Bike Setup:
pretty standard besides the ergo grips.
Bottom Line:
Although i labeled myself as a weekend warrior (that hurts) it's only recent; i don't think i suck that bad to break what i referenced. So far i think I’ve just had a run of bad luck. My wife probably put a curse on me for buying my 3rd bike! I like the simple 1 X 9 set up. It‘s a 19" size, and yet seems lighter than my old 26". Personally, I’m a believer in standard aluminum frames. I’m sure steel and scandium is fine, but cost more $$. I’ve not had the bike for to long, and have not raced it yet. I’ll keep you posted on any issues I have. But like I said, the bike seems pretty solid.
Who should buy it: probably weekend warriors looking for a budget yet race worthy bike. who shouldn't: guys just getting into the sport, unless you intend to put a front derailleur on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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