None, this is my first 29er, but my second SS bike
Bike Setup:
2009 Model in Maroon/ Brown color; All stock except: Crank Bros Candy C pedals, KMC Z chain w/ quick-link, 32x18 Gearing, ODI Lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a steel, rigid 29er that wouldn't break the bank. I picked the Redline because of the value. Geometry for me in the 17.5" frame (I'm 5'10", 135lbs) with the Syncros flat bar was strange at first, but is spot on now. I thought my arms would get punished riding rigid, but the big wheels and double butted tubes & fork soak up most of the hits and vibrations. Only really rocky downhills slow me down.
Advantages of 29" wheels negate the supposed negatives (slow spin-up, weight) especially on this bike. You will love the extra momentum 29" wheels give! It accelerates & corners beautifully with the compliant but stiff tubing. Love the WTB Laserdisc rims & sofa-comfy Pure V saddle. A smattering of Ritchey comp parts (light enough) and reliable Avid BB5 brakes & levers sold me on this bike.
Only weakness is the Hubs, which are sealed (good), but lack a good pre-load lockring/ washer system (bad). Really noticed this in the front hub, where it is adjusted properly, but on larger hits it makes a sound like a clunking loose headset. Also for ease of trail side repairs & compatability I switched out the stock single speed 1/8" chain for a more common 3/32" KMC Z chain.
If you want the most cutting edge intrinsic dampened, air-sprung ti nitride coated, carbon fiber gear- this bike isn't for you. If you want tractor tough performance, stupid simple maintenance, and 29" wheeled bliss: Try one out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rwb552
a Cross Country Rider
from Apex, NC Date Reviewed: October 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Harris Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
What can you say, I finally found my perfect bike. Rids like a dream, very compliant and durable. I love the simplicity and have completely fallen out of love with my 26" FS.
Weaknesses:
I don't think it has any.
Similar Products Used:
Surley karate Monkey
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, 32X21 gearing.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, I like it so much I have another on on the way so I can turn one into a 1X9 so I can sell my Iron Horse Azure, which was the love of my life till I rode the monocog.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Emile Smith
a Racer
from Canaan, NH Date Reviewed: July 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Burke, VT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Bethel Cycle Sport
Strengths:
Quality steel, Fit, Ride, Climbs like a mountain goat, felt very confident on technical terrain. Responsive to pedal stroke.
Weaknesses:
Little heavy, but don't feel the weight when riding.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Rig, Niner SIR
Bike Setup:
Stock, except American Classic wheelset, and 180mm Stylo Cranks, 34x19 for the New England terrain. Thompson seat post, BB7 brakes, FSA orbit headset.
Bottom Line:
This bike rules, I broke my Niner SIR, and tried this bike out since Niner is slow to warrenty the frame. I'm sticking with this bike. I raced it in a 12 hour solo endurance race, I had to back-out after 7 hours only because my hands couldn't handle the trail anymore running full rigid steel. The bike was very comfortable and climbed and handled the trail great in very slimy conditions.
Get the bike and up grade components to your needs.
Very impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
subiguy04
a Cross Country Rider
from Corona, CA Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Idyllwild
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
http://www.bicycledo
Strengths:
Steel is awesome and frame is relatively light weight. This bike rides really well over most terrain and gets down hill surprising well for a completely rigid bike. 29er's are pretty great when going gets tough, but I like the flickability of 26's. The 29's have saved my butt in quite a few instances though. I really love the simplicity of this bike, no derailluers, no suspension, just hop on and ride. The single speed makes it pretty challenging in areas, but its worth the effort. This bike performs best on rolling trails where there aren't sustained steep climbs. It will make you a stronger rider if you stick with it.
Weaknesses:
Cheap components, but for the price, you can't complain too much. The skewers are really cheesy and show their deficiences quickly if you take the wheels on and off frequently. Pretty sure I already whacked the rear wheel out of alignment.
Similar Products Used:
None. Only ridden 26" geared rigid and full suspension bikes before this.
Bike Setup:
Size XL. I'm 6'1", 215 lbs. and this bike fits me pretty well. However, seat sits too far back and stem is a tad too long for my bodies geometry. Want to get it fitted soon. 20 tooth rear cog, otherwise stock. I may upgrade the wheel set, skewers, stem, and headset sometime, but for now I'll wait till they wear out.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic bike for the money. 29er's are something else! But I'm not as fanatical about them as I though. I considered a Turner Sultan and wanted this to see how I liked the 29, but I don't think I like it that much. They are great under certain conditions, but I feel they have their limitations as well. That being said, I will keep this bike for local rides I know can handle it. For everything else, I'm going to build up a full suspension 26".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joesrepsol
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Grantie Bay, CA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great ride quality! Steel is very nice. 29er wheels just roll anything. Very surprised in how much I like the 29er movement. Great starter bike to join the revolution.
Weaknesses:
weight. Some of the stock parts are heavier than other makes. Although, 29ers are just bigger. Bigger = weight. Still rides great, and the weight isn't that noticeable.
Similar Products Used:
Bianchi SS
Bike Setup:
Fox 100 RLC, Kenda Small Block 8/Nevegal, Carbon bars, Avid Juicy 7 170mm, Tim ATAC carbon pedals
Bottom Line:
BUY IT. If you haven't rode a 29er, you should. I went the cheap way, bought the bike and LOVED it. Been upgrading parts along the way and it's really a fun bike. I've got about $1400 total in the bike, and it's fantastic. Bike is nice, add a fox fork, and some hydraulic brakes and you'll be amazed at how good the bike is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ZomblibulaX
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO Date Reviewed: January 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Phil's World
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
2nd Ave. Sports
Strengths:
Just about everything. Climbs like a goat.
Weaknesses:
HEADSET
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for Woodman headset, 100mm Marz fork, BBG bashguard.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike, excellent value. You'll save enough money to replace anything you don't like on it. Steel frame + 29er = rad. Put a $15 bashguard on it and haven't lost a chainring bolt since. Great for rolling singletrack, after-work trail rallys, humiliating your friends on a climb, and pretty much anything you can throw at it. Just keep the chain clean and roll.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ishmael
a Racer
from phila Date Reviewed: December 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
cali
Strengths:
beautiful frame. I hate the holes in the seatstay and fork and this doesn't have them. nice color in blue and speced with ok stuff
Weaknesses:
the cranks I guess. I like 170s. are the tires wire bead?
Similar Products Used:
zion 737ebb-great except the afore mentioned holes and lack of 9x1 capability, motobecane- great but dont like the bolt-on wheels...n holes. Haro Mary- nice, bit heavy, holes, n dont like the bars as much.
Bike Setup:
carbon bars n likely a 17 or 16 tooth cog with 170 cranks.
Bottom Line:
I've got the downpayment down and will be picking it up..and I'm a discriminatiing bicycle consumer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stevereeneo
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Greenfish
Strengths:
Geometry is PERFECT! Sliders work very well, tough frame/fork, easy to upgrade. Cost for frame/fork is reasonable, Steel!!!!
Weaknesses:
The frame/fork is a bit heavy - but it doesn't feel like it on the trail, paint is easily scratched - but it's a mountain bike! The seat collar started to strip out the first time I used it - but I was going to get a Salsa anyway.
Similar Products Used:
Kona, Santa Cruz, Pipedream, Scott ...
Bike Setup:
XTR Crank (M960 chop-shop to SS specific), Crank Bros Acids, Monkey Lite XC bars, Bonty Rhythm wheels (tubeless), Thompson stem, Hayes Nine Carbon brakes...
Bottom Line:
This is a stellar bike. For $400 I got the frame and fork and built it up with parts that I'd either had or picked up... my Santa Cruz Blur has not seen much use lately... I just enjoy riding the Monocog. The bike flows effortlessly over windy singletrack and it floats over rocks and gravel without hesitation. I feel like I'm 10 years old again when I ride this bike.
If you're even thinking about getting a 29er and hesitant about trying it - pick up one of these and you'll be glad you did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Niskayuna, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
CK Cycles, Albany, NY
Strengths:
Nice ride, decent handling, nice parts spec. WTB saddle is excellent. Looks cool.
Weaknesses:
Wish it had the same geometry as the base Monocog 29er with longer ETT. Aluminum chain ring wears fast. Fork is very flexy. Downtube gusset weld design issue? The downtube gusset weld developed a stress riser and cracked in the same manner described by the other posters. This was under XC use. I opted not to warranty the frame and went with a Vassago Jabberwocky instead.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Stock with Shimano 540 or 959 pedals.
Bottom Line:
Nicely spec'd bike. Frame is nice but not durable. I was disappointed that it cracked. Seems to be a common theme among these reviews.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jaydub
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sidewinder/Shanes
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
El Bobo's
Strengths:
Geometry for my build 5'9" 190lbs; wheel set; bb5 brakes; wide bar; can convert to 1x9
I really like the smoothness and cushion of this thing. I would never have expected this from a fixy. This is my first fixed frame bike, single speed and 29er. I prefer to ride it over my other bike now! It just has made me a better rider overall. I am running as a single until I get in better shape, then convert to 1x9 next month.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, California Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Nice butted steel frame, lighter than original Monocog. Love the green. I like how the bike handles. This is my third Redline frame and all have been winners for me in bike choices.
Weaknesses:
Possible downtube gusset design issue. My frame cracked after 6 months.
My first mountain bike was a rigid. And I still have three rigid bikes. I also have bikes with suspension, but the Flight is my main rig. It handles so well! The steering precision of the rigid fork with the smooth 29 inch wheels really reward your input.
My one concern with the design of this frame is the gusset on the headtube junction. The weld and tube cracked and failed at the underside of the downtube gusset in less than six months of riding or 1,200 miles.
I'm a big guy, 220 lbs and ride all sorts of trail, with small step drops. But nothing crazy. I wonder if flex from the rigid fork stresses the butting of the tube and the gusset? The fork has flex which is a good thing, but I also wonder if the longer length of the fork acts as a stress lever to the HT junction.
I have old rigid 26ers that don't seem to have this fork flexing issue.
Redline customer service was great for me. I had a new frame in LESS than a week. In my previous purchases Redline always communicated quickly to any questions I had. I'll continue to buy these frames!
The Flight has a great geometry, I totally recommend this bike for rigid cross-country riding. I hope the frame crack issue is resolved with my new 2008 blue frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
50 Year Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
BicycleBlowout.com
Strengths:
cheap and I really like the horizontal dropout and sliders; very nice to have QR and disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
heavy, poor craftsmanship
Similar Products Used:
Kona Unit, Gary Fisher Rig
Bike Setup:
rigid SS what else?
Bottom Line:
great bike, fit like a glove and could roll ANYTHING! I did snap the frame though ont he down tube just under the gusset. I guess the gusset is there for strength but it was a weak spot.
Great customer service though and Redline shipped me a new frame set (mathcing fork) within two weeks! Not too bad for a $300 frame!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any day on any trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$975.00
Purchased At:
Kulshan Bikes
Strengths:
Great price,lite 26lb,well set up parts group,handling. Good paint and a clear coat over the decals, a nice touch.
Weaknesses:
Grips are rock hard but that is a minor nit pick.
Similar Products Used:
94'Trek 970,02 Surly 1x1, 02 Specialized Enduro pro hard tail, rode friends Santa Cruz Blur for a weekend. First 29errr.
Bike Setup:
Changed to Oury grips, Surly 22 cog winter tractor cog, FSA DH pro pig head set. Also Crank Bros egg beaters SL. Everything else stock.
Bottom Line:
After a lot of shopping around and thinking this 29er stuff is a bunch of marketing hype I gave it a try. Well I shopped around a lot for a new mountain bike. Tried Kona 29er, and Redline Flight. I test rode them so much I think the shop got tired of seeing me. I bought the Redline Flight 29er because it came with a nicer steel frame and already had disk brakes, and the wheel set and tire combination is a lot better than what comes on the regular mono cog. If your going to up grade anyway spend the extra money and by the flight. The flight also has cable stops and one can buy a derailur hanger if one wants gears,I liked that option if I decide I don't like the single speed thing. The Blue color grows on you after awhile too. Actually on the gearing I run the Surly 22 and I took apart an old cog and put a 20 beside it. I ride to the top of the trails lossen the sliding drop outs drop the chain on the 20 retighten and ride down. It only takes about 3-5 minutes to "change gears" this way. Iam sure people will say ohh you can't do that what about chain line? Chain line shman line it works great. I was also told a 45 year old guy can't ride a ridged, single speed up these trails you have to have full suspension. Bottom Line 29er are not all hype, this is a great bike and value for the money. It sticks where you steer, climbs admirably, sure I walk some times but thats not the bikes fault. And it is even fun zipping downhill on trails that "they say" only full suspenion can go. Slow down, pick your line, take your time and enjoy the ride. Oh I run 25 psi in the rear,20 in the front. This bike is very versitile and is for anyone looking for a great deal for just a little extra money but not blowing the budget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wiliam
a
from Gainesville, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Santos and Alafia
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Tropic Bikes
Strengths:
Great frame build and super light Lower end of the higher end components
Weaknesses:
Grips are crap, but none that I have found yet
Similar Products Used:
Karate monkey
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price, handles better than I ever thought. Did some off road distance rides, switched cog and took it on a 20 mile trail ride and loved every second of both. I will probably buy the reba shock for it eventually but for now it is fine. Love this bike dont when I will ride my new Trance again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from San luis Obispo, CA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
East Cuesta Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Power Bicycles, Santa Maria, CA
Strengths:
Price, fit and finish, component selection, and frame geometry.
Weaknesses:
Needs 180mm cranks, limited tire clearance in rear,and geared a little stiff for me
Similar Products Used:
Tested a Rig, Karate Monkey
Bike Setup:
All stock right now (first ride was today).
Bottom Line:
What a great bike! Smooth, silent, and handles like a dream. Though I would miss a front shock but not so far. Reverted back to old school riding style (weight back and arms loose, pay attention!) and the big wheels did their job.
In my opinion it needs 180 cranks but other than that it's a hell of a bike for the money. 2008 color (retro bluewith creame lettering) is very cool. fit and finish is first class in any price point. Very upgradeable.
Steel frame is a joy and rides excellent.
for those on the fence regarding a 29er, jump into this one quick; you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Links
a Cross Country Rider
from Morrow, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Caesar's Creek / Hueston Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
BikerBob.com - Hueston Woods
Strengths:
Actually reviewing the 2008 Redline Mono-9 (same set-up as Monocog Flight but with nine in the back and a REBA fork) Awesome Japanese CroMoly Frame, Great components, REBA race fork handles anything.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
None - I just made the jump to the Mono-9 after riding my entry-level Giant into the ground.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2008 Redline Mono-9 (21" frame)
Bottom Line:
This bike is Awesome! I'm 6'5" and 240lbs. and this thing fits great and handles everything without beating the crap out of me. The Japanese CroMoly Frame is lightweight and has great geometry, making steering through the more technical stuff a breeze. Getting on this thing after riding my previous bike is ridiculous. The 29" wheels roll over everything so smoothly, climbing seems much easier, and the REBA really takes the jolts out of the big stuff. At my size and riding ability, I'm pretty hard on bikes, but I have a felling this thing is going to be able to take anything I throw at it. I look forward to riding the crap out of this thing for years to come.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarksville, TN Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Wood N' Wave
Strengths:
Price, sturdy frame, sturdy wheels, sturdy tires.
Weaknesses:
Brakes & levers, heavy, headset, front skewer needs to be extra tight or the wheel will shift in the drop outs.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er I've been on.
Bike Setup:
BB7's, Ergon grips w/bar ends, homemade tubeless setup with Stans sealant, WTB Rocket V.
Bottom Line:
For the price you can't beat this bike. I'm absolutly sold on big wheels. My Pimped out Hifi collects dust. Changing the grips on this bike was the best thing i could do. The stock grips are aweful. It tooks a few rides to get used to riding rigid but i'm in love with it now. This bike climbs and corners very well. It does everything well actually. Because it weighs a ton it's a little sluggish on the climbs but that is only gonna make me stronger. Disk brakes are another worthy upgrade that makes it a little more enjoyable. It's nice to fly down hills and not have to think about brakes. If you set your tires up tubeless like it did, I would resist the urge to drop too much pressure in the front. The fork is not very forgiving if you hit a rock and the tire takes the brunt of the impact. As far as handling goes it really doesn't feel that slow. The grip you get form the big tires more than makes up for any sluggishness in handling. I can climb all of the tight switch back that i could on any other bike that i've ridden. 5 chilis because you get a lot of bike for your money. 4 overall because some of the parts are shoddy, but at this price i'll not complain too much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Single Speeder
a
from North America, Earth, Solar System Date Reviewed: September 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Single speed and 29 inches: who knew? FUN, FUN, FUN!
Weaknesses:
The 32/20 ratio is too slow on flats for my liking. The VP platform pedals it comes with are a joke.
Bike Setup:
Changed to an 18 tooth cog, shortened handlebars by about 1.5in, switched to Serfas Rx grips, added Profile Designs Stubby SOS bar ends and Dangerboy Jr platform pedals.
Bottom Line:
After a few tweaks, this bike is my dream machine. Single speed and 29 inch wheels are a match made in heaven. Granted, an SS 29er is a bit of an oddity, and may require one to change their philosophy toward cycling. The 'less is more' cliche really works here. This is the essence of cycling. I've never had so much fun in the saddle, largely because I'm not worrying about what gear I'm in and whether or not I can get clipped in/out of my pedals at a critical moment. So it isn't the most efficient bike, I really don't care, I'm having so much frikkin fun! Also, this bike is SO quiet: the only thing you hear are the tires on the earth. Bliss.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedal Shop
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashburn Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mother Nature's best...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
www.pedalshop.com
Strengths:
Things that count: tough frame. nice geometry. nice price. rides great.
Weaknesses:
too early to say... sorry, I have only used it 4 hours so far.
Similar Products Used:
Surly - Soma - On One - Niner - Kona - Gunnar - Astrix (all the brands we sell)
Bike Setup:
NOTE: It's actually the 2008 Mono 9 that I'm talking about but it's not posted yet BUT --- it's basically the same bike --- with gears (no sliding drop out).
Bottom Line:
NOTE: Employee purchase (shop owner)...yeah yeah, sounds like a sales pitch but here's the deal, I can ride (promo & "EP") almost anything I want. There's very few brands we carry where I can't get a discount for buying the product discounted below wholesale. I have tried several 29ers, some were rigid, some where not but I haven't been thrilled about this-that- and the other thing with em other folks (for the price, build kit, bla bla). All things considerd, I just wasn't happy with something on the other brands. Redline's kit is pretty nice, swapped out the fork to a Reba and changed several items: added King headset, Stronglight cranks, carbon post, SLR saddle (just adding some bling to the bike). First trip was a 4 hour ride up in MD (part of the Liberty Jamboree)> I was helping between the stages of the race. Sections of the trail were REALLY rocky but that bike ate it up and spit it out like my full squish can. The flat sections I really felt that bike truck along more than the 26er can ever move along. I'm now totally sold that 29ers are fun and here to stay. Redline has a really nice bike. I like the 1x9 option. Single Speedin' is behind me now. My knees can't handle the hills any more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge Bornsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$574.00
Purchased At:
Seattle Bike Supply
Strengths:
Supple. Simplicity. Rock solid.
Weaknesses:
Huh?
Similar Products Used:
What a great consumer I am, I have spent thousands of dollars
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Da-da-goo-goo. This bike takes you back to your ROOTS. Get some clipless cleats to truly enjoy. You won't set any land speed records, but this bike is pure joie de vivre. Utter simplicity. I personally like the minimalist Avid FR-5/BB5 brake setup, it compliments the mindset of SS. Deal with it. You really don't need what everyone is trying to sell you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Smooth ride, great handleing, and killer paint job.
Weaknesses:
the brakes need a little fnagleing also see below
Similar Products Used:
my friends 29er soul craft, stumpjumper fsr, cannondale ht
Bike Setup:
Shotened the bars, changes grips (oury), changed seat, time ATAC's
Bottom Line:
I love the bike. The bike rides great. It is so smooth and I can climb just about anything. I thought about a front shock... not needed. Carbon fork... overkill. My issue with this bike was not with this one but my first one. Thats right, when i first got this bike I ordered it online for a great price (redline said this was a no no). When I got it the rear dropouts were out of alingment (2-3mm) wtf. It rode fine so i resigned myself to be only able to run 2.1 tires on the rear... Two weeks after my purchase while cc trail riding the front end folded under on me. Right behind the cable brazon on the toptube and on the down tube right below the headtube triangle. wtf! Anyway redline replaced the frame and I have been in love ever since. No problems... except for the broken wrist but that was my fault and another story. Bottom line great buy and fun ride. Enjoy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Emmett Oberrender
a Racer
from Lititz, PA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Gretna
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
The Cycle Works
Strengths:
Great Price. Nice spec for the $$. Sanko double butted tubeset is very nice. Welds are great, color is killer. Gearing is spot on for PA riding (32-20). Drop on a hanger and ride it geared (if thats what blows your skirt up)
Weaknesses:
No real issues.. Headset loosened a pinch on my first ride. No biggie.
Similar Products Used:
First SS 29er. Have ridden several hardtails and dualies over the years.
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of some candies..
Bottom Line:
This thing is the real deal. Great spec for the green. Steel frame seems to soak up the rough stuff quite well. Ritchey Pro stem, bar and seatpost and a WTB saddle make a very nice package. Mech. disks work well. The best thing though about the bike is how well it climbs.. This is my first 29er and I am amazed with how well the bike hooks up during out of the saddle climbing. I did a good bit of research before a decided on the Redline and feel like I definitely made the right decision. Great combo. of price / value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Overland Park Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kill Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$912.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
There is something to be said for beauty in simplicity. I never thought when I threw a leg over this bike, that it would change my outlook on biking. I felt carefree.. like a kid again. I'm 36 and this bike makes me feel 12. It's so much fun! I don't miss 6" in the front and rear anymore. It's mano o' mano just you and your bike. Fair warning if you ride one, you will buy it. The single speed is awesome, the effort you put out is rewarded.
Weaknesses:
One headset adjustment, rigid + rock garden = loose headset. keep an eye on that, and cinch the front wheel skewer pretty snug and you are ready for action.
Similar Products Used:
None previously caught up in long travel.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
29" + Steel + Rigid + SS = Renewed fun in biking again. It was very welcomed and needed change. Very refreshing. Do yourself a favor and ride one.. you'll see.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
Gorgeous frame, nicely spec'd, seat (WTB is a great seat), ride, easy to maintain
Weaknesses:
The front skewer keeps coming loose but easy to replace
Similar Products Used:
I've owned a SC Bullit, and now own an 06 Enduro, 1st 29er SS
Bike Setup:
Stock except a Thompson post and stem
Bottom Line:
The price to fun ration is second to none. In other words, for $900 you can have such a great time with this bike. I haven't touched my $3500 Enduro since I bought this bike. This bike is ADDICTING! Why? Mainly the 29er wheels is so awesome. You just roll over stuff like it's not even there. It's really cool. You have to try it. 2nd, SS. I'm more of a DH/FR guy that like bike suspension bikes, bombing hills. I HATE climbing! It's always been a means to an end for me. Now that I have a SS, I love the challenge of making a climb. My legs are twice as big. I'm so much stronger a rider because of SS. The simplicity of this bike is a trip!
Bottom line is RL really made a nice bike that is spec's nicely for a very reasonable price. You cannot go wrong with this purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Six Lakes Date Reviewed: February 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Free Wheeler-Grand rapids, Mi
Strengths:
Very light, nice lines, quality components, good fit and finish. Dealer was accommodating ( nice people ) and down to earth. good deal-good bike.
You have to be a biker to appreciate this, but riding it makes me LOL with a big-assed grin.....and I'm in my 50's.
Weaknesses:
None, you have a stick in your behind if you can find fault with this beauty of a bike.
Similar Products Used:
I have 19 bikes, none like this.
Bike Setup:
Stock sans One-One mary bars that should have been standard their so F'ing cool.
Bottom Line:
You don't need a bougtique bike to be cool and have 3 1 in quality. Spend 1000.00 more if you want a better decal, otherwise LOL like me and get a keeper at rock bottom prices.
Redline and Jamis have the world by the balls IMHO. Great frames, great values. Great Bikes that ride like butter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Revolutions
Strengths:
Light and snappy. It feels like a cross between a 26 inch bmx cruiser and a surly pugsly
Weaknesses:
The pedals weren't grippy, i swapped them out with Kona platforms, but will be riding clipless on it from now on. I felt the handlebars were a little too wide, but nothing a hacksaw can't fix. The gear ratio is off, maybe an 18T or 16T cog will do the trick. Avid discs need some fine tuning.
Similar Products Used:
Trek fuel 90, various 90s hardtails.
Bike Setup:
took her out on her maiden voyage stock. Currently changing to time clipless. also changing the gear ratio and setting her up as a dingle. trimming handlebars as well.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. it reminds me of being 12 and racing bmx bikes with my friends through the woods. it's light enough to throw around, yet sturdy enough to take a beating. with a few changes she'll be perfect. Great bang for the buck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington DC Date Reviewed: December 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
http://www.bicycleblowout.com/
Strengths:
Great price. Great looks. Nice double butted chromo frame. And a well balanced feel to the entire bike.
Weaknesses:
Avid 5 would not be my first choice in brakes but brakes should be the last thing to consider. Also, the 32 x 20 gear ratio is all wrong. Consider an 18 or even 16 for a true 2x1 ratio.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock except: better platforms pedals, smaller cog, pitlock skewers for the wheels.
Bottom Line:
This is my first 29er and I love it. I generally don't ride off road much; I'm more into riding my track bike on the streets of DC but the feel of this bike is steadily changing my attitude towards riding. From the moment I hope into the saddle and head down my front stairs I get the feeling the bike can handle anything I or the streets / trails of DC can throw at it. If you're interested in returning to the trails then this bike is all you need. If you're already a trail rider, then this bike will add some zest to your ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nrdbomber
a
from east bay Date Reviewed: December 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
cal bicycles
Strengths:
great price! fairly light bike, decent specs, good geo, feels quick...did i mention a great price?
Weaknesses:
pedals not very grippy (minor), grips slide around a bit (minor)
Similar Products Used:
singlespeed kona, steel framed 90's bikes
Bike Setup:
stock, except for a short titus stem, 2.5" azonic riser bars, chris king 18 tooth ss cog, and a raceface bashguard
Bottom Line:
i'm eating my own words. last summer i ranted about how mountain biking used to suck because everything was hard-tail, cross-country oriented. i have seven other bikes, three of which are full suspension...yet this bike has made mountain biking fun again.
the bike is just fun to look at. it was fun to build. it was fun to ride around the shop i work at. it was fun to ride around the block. it was fun to ride to work. it was fun to put on the roof of my car. it was fun to hit the dirt.
the bike feels very quick in the steering department, dispite having such big hoops. the frame and fork feel very lively...especially compared to the "dead" and "stiff" feeling of aluminum tubing. remember your first ride off-road? maybe it was a 20" bike, maybe it was a dept. store bike, maybe it was a mountain bike, but it was a blast right? the flight monocog 29er is so basic and simple and straightforward, that it has made mountain biking fun agian.
i'm eating my words about the superiority of full suspension and platform shocks...this bike is worth owning. go out and buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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