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Submitted by
periwinklekog
a Racer
from portland oregon usa
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2010 | | Favorite Trail: | Barton park, PIR, Forest park/Germantown road area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Excellent frame geometry with reasonably short wheelbase offers good combination of nimbleness and stability. The 26" wheeled version feels like a slightly lighter-weight BMX bike for Big People. Steel construction feels strong, inspired confidence without feeling klunky. Stock parts are decent enough to start with but you'll definitely want to upgrade if you plan to ride this a lot. | | Weaknesses: | Syncros flat bar with 31.8 clamp size -- not my ideal choice in reach or shape, had to go asap. Also, my bike was factory-assembled WITHOUT lube on the BB and crank bolt threads AND was installed with too much torque, which made removal a nightmare. I *almost* had to destroy the Drive-side crankarm to remove it! | | Bike Setup: | I bought this bike for the frameset and upgraded the drivetrain and brakeset pretty much immediately after purchase. I will use the wheels for the time being but am looking for a lighter pair. This bike will be raced singlespeed class in both short-track xc and cyclocross disciplines, so I also removed the V-brakes and swapped in cantis. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, great ride quality, excellent value for an entry-level rider wanting to get into singlespeed. Rides really well, with just the right conbination of nimbleness and stability. Stock parts are decent enough to start with but if you upgrade right away you can probably sell the stock parts and make a little money back on your investment. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny301
a Weekend Warrior
from Laurel, MD
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Fairland, Rosaryville | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Compliant steel frame and fork, quick handling, stable ride, WTB Exiwolfs stock, | | Weaknesses: | Stock bar grips are thin and slip, only comes with V brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | I guess my Huffy Mudslinger I had as a kid because it was also full rigid, though not a single speed and certainly not a 29er. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Avid BB5 disk brakes with 160mm Hayes rotors. | | Bottom Line: | I picked up this bike as my first foray into 29ers, single speeds, and full rigid bikes. That being said, this thing is a hoot to ride! I think that I am faster on this bike than I ever was on my geared 26" hard tail Jamis Trail X3 or the BMC Super Stroke I built up. The BMC is not really a worthy comparison because it is not really meant for climbing.
I have no problem going over rooty and rocky sections of trail and after a few rides I stopped getting arm and shoulder pain not only because my upper body strength improved but I began to pick better lines, which is absolutely necessary on a rigid bike.
We are living in a disk brake world now and I think that all mountain bikes should come standard with them. I have never ridden this bike with the stock V brakes but given my rides on other bikes, disks are the way to go.
The wheels and hubs are decent; however, it seemed that the wheels were out of true relatively quickly. The stock tires are great for the trails I ride most often.
I also read on other reviews that there is issue with the stock saddle. Most of the trails I ride are up or down with little flat area. I spend most of my time out of the saddle mashing uphill or descending.
Overall, I think this bike is great and I see myself keeping it for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shamus275
a Cross Country Rider
from Big Rapids, MI
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Sweet 4130 Steel frame | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat sucks, grips, stock tubes refuse to hold air... | | Similar Products Used: | Redline Monocog Flight 2005 model. | | Bike Setup: | All stock setup from my Flight minus the back wheel. Flight model had a 110mm rear hub and steelie has a standard 135mm rear hub. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame a couple years ago and its sat in the box in storage for almost 4 years! Anyway, swapped over my components from the aluminum flight and I gotta say the ride is much better!!! Butter smooth I'd call it. I wish I'd would have bought this one first and saved my tailbone from 4 years of riding the aluminum one. If you're gonna buy one go for the steel, you won't regret it. Get back to your kid roots and enjoy riding again! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
civusamericanus
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | ying Squirrel at Chicopee Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Solid frame! Great price! | | Weaknesses: | Ummm None! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper converted into single speed, Origin-8 Scout 29er | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Brown Redline Monocog Stock except Shimano PD-M737 pedals | | Bottom Line: | (Often catch myself staring at it saying I love my bike!!!)I love this bike, it goes over anything, and hasn't failed me yet! This is a SS, so don't expect to win races on straight aways, but if you like to have fun and get some air on a big BMX, this bike rocks! I eat up hills with no problems and often pass my friends using their granny gear. I plan to upgrade to disc brakes and perhaps a Reba shock in the future. If I was going to buy a geared bike I'd likely go with the Redline D440, but I just don't see any reason for gears so far! I hate the sound a geared bike makes after a big jump, I enjoy the silence and simplicity of a single speed! Buy a Monocog, you won't regret it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
One track mind
a Weekend Warrior
from suffolk, va.
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | james river park loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$445.00 | | Purchased At: | goodly bikes | | Strengths: | great price point! solid frame, fork & wheels. frame tabs & disc hubs are stock. | | Weaknesses: | grips & headset | | Similar Products Used: | first ss & 29er | | Bike Setup: | swapped the stock grips w/ oury & stock can creek headset to a fsa dh pignose. changed tires to irc mythos. changed rear cog (20t) to a 22t | | Bottom Line: | After 3 days riding, i sold my ol 26 hardtail & found out what all the hype was on riding a ss rigid 29er. great intro to ss & 29er without robbing your wallet. great pricepoint & soilid great performing ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikeparts24
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Walker Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Great quality, solid components, awesome price. | | Weaknesses: | Comes with V-brakes (not that big of an issue), Stock grips are very thin and gave me blisters. | | Similar Products Used: | None like this. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Avid BB7 disk brakes and Oury grips. | | Bottom Line: | An awesome bike. I considered buying a more expensive SS 29er, but I am glad I went with this one. As I said above, I changed out the brakes to Avid BB7's because I like the extra stopping power. I also changed out the grips to some Ourys because of personal prefrence. The nice thing about buying a bike that is this cheap is that you have money left over for upgrades. I wasent sure if I would like the rigid fork, so I saved some extra cash for a Reba or something. I do like the rigid, and I am now thinking about a carbon fork. If you are on the edge of buying a Monocog, just do it! You won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gtdynobmx
a Weekend Warrior
from orange
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | peters canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | A.B.S. | | Strengths: | Nice frame smooth ride ok price depends on were purchased from. | | Weaknesses: | I guess well what you expect it shows dirt real easily other than that none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Chumba EVO Iron horse warrior | | Bottom Line: | ITs a great smooth ride i have the 26 inch model for what im doing its great getting back into mtbing again its great good for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hereforfun
a Racer
from Saint George, Ut, USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$539.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | Simple and Durable | | Weaknesses: | None noted yet | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first single speed | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the 26" wheels | | Bottom Line: | I just bought the bike and have rode it to work for the past three days (three miles both ways). I'm converted to single-speeding. One is all you need.
There is a long steep hill (Foremaster Ridge)on the way to work and I have to stop and take a breather. I don't mind stopping for a minute but I think as I get in better condition I will not need to stop. I can effortlessly travel at a good pace on the flats. I can jump curbs, have fun and save on gas. My wife rode the bike and loves it too. Maybe I'll get her one.
Prior to the Monocog, I had a Motobecane 24 speed road bike. I hated it. Very uncomfortable and the derailurs started skipping. I don't like maintenance.
To anyone interested in a good inexpensive single speed I would definatly recommend this one.
I plan on riding it everyday so maybe I'll check back in a year to let you know how it's holding up to daily use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trailhound78
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Route 66 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Jim's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Simple,Durable,efficient,inexpensive and fun as hell to ride!!!! | | Weaknesses: | For the money, Nothing!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Rig | | Bike Setup: | "Stock" Fully Rigid Single Speed 29er | | Bottom Line: | Gets you back to the roots of Mountain Biking! It's an awesome bike!!! I needed a bike I could ride so my race bike (Ginat Anthem X0) didn't get beat up. I use this bike for commuting around town, trail ridng and running my dogs. The geometry is neutral/ laid back like a trail bike so its very comfortable to cruise on. The stock parts are pretty decent. I say get one just to have in your stable. I plan on taking it along with my XC and Road bike on trips to North Carolina and Pennsylvania this summer. Plus you just look O.G. Ruff,Rugged and Raw!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CowtownTX
a Weekend Warrior
from TX
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | tough as nails, eats up hills, rolls over about everything. for the size it seems light to me...freakin fun to ride, like a grown up bmx | | Weaknesses: | wide in fast tight turns, but it might be user error | | Similar Products Used: | 1st new bike since 89 Panasonic. Tested Haro Ally...rigid aluminum frame scared me. Sat on friends full suspension marshmallows. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Getting old, had to give up soccer cause the ankles and basketball cause the knee. decided to buy my first bike in 20 years. Shopped around, couldnt believe that my LBS wanted me to to test ride a rigid SS. Chain Store tried to steer me onto a full suspension ride, but all I could think about was the Cog SS 29er. So when big chain called me crazy for wanting to take a rigid steel bike off road, I agreed and hauled off and bought the Cog. I love this bike. I havent ridden a bike in 10 years, all my riding friends are suckers for technology and ride at least hard tail...most full suspension. And understand I dont know any better, my last mtn bike was pre suspension, so I dont have an issue w getting out of the saddle and absorbing the shock. Same goes for climbing, since you dont have an option all you can do is get up and dig in...but what you find out is you actually end up climbing faster than your fiddle fart gearie friends. If you want to go fast on hard top, dont buy this bike. If you want to screw around, look for overgrown hills to climb and neighbors curbs to jump, buy this bike. Because you didnt spend $2000 on the bike you will be more willing to push the bikes limits and act like you are 10 again. Im now 38, not in great shape, smoke a little, drink a lot, I have been riding some pretty heavy single track courses and the rigid frame doesnt bother me. The 1 speed was a bit of a chore at times for the first week, but can feel my legs are getting stronger and now I cant wait to get out and tear it up. But honestly it takes a certian kind of nutt to enjoy this bike. If you want easier and soft, look at the technological achievements in cycling. If you want challenging but sooo rewarding (which I cant put words to, but it is so much fun to ride), get the Cog. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BasilRathbone
a Weekend Warrior
from Watertown, MA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Decent components, fairly lightweight, rear hub is a cassette hub, Redline reputation | | Weaknesses: | I don't trust that front quick-release axle. They should have made it a nutted axle—you're carrying a wrench for the rear axle anyway, so why not both? | | Bike Setup: | stock aside from pedals and saddle | | Bottom Line: | I chose the Monocog 29er to be my first mountain bike after being VERY satisfied with my Redline 925 singlespeed road bike. So far the Monocog lives up to my expectations as a cheap, tough, and fun ride. The components appear to be solid and offer good bang for the buck.
The one exception being the front axle. My quick-release was knocked askew once and now I'm considering replacing it with either a solid axle or better quality closed-cam quick-release.
When I first took it out for a ride I felt the stock 32/20 gearing was too low, but in use on the trails it's really perfect. I plan to install another cog and chainring to give me a higher geared option for riding to the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tapple50
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, Fl
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$402.00 | | Purchased At: | a bike shop | | Strengths: | fun, fun ,fun, feels good, steel, solid ride, price | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Cheap, Fun, Upgradeable to the way you like, Comfy
Surprisingly light for steel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
p nut
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | Solid frame, price, mostly solid components. | | Weaknesses: | Headset and BB will need attention, if you ride a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | Motobecane Outcast 29er single speed | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except ESI Chunky grips. | | Bottom Line: | At this price, how can you argue? It is a great product for its value. My last bike was the Motobecane Outcast 29er. The bike was great, but it's aluminum frame was a bit too harsh. The Monocog's steel frame feels very nice. The TT is also a bit longer, which I like better. It is also suspension corrected, which means I can look for a good deal for a Fox/RS over the winter time.
Anyone looking to get into the singlespeed 29er scene should DEFINITELY check out this bike first instead of spending twice or three times as much with some of these other bikes. It's a bike that will not disappoint. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ajaxamillion
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Central London | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | A good solid ride | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Fixed Wheel, Brakeless | | Bottom Line: | This is a monster truck of a ride and I've been riding it fixed and brakeless all over central London and its my best girl at the mo.
Its all that you would expect from the creators of the bmx.
I was always too tall for bmx bike, even the 24" cruisers so this is the ride I've always been looking for.
I got a Brown 19" fixed solid dropout and I've got a three piece Planet X crankset with 19mm axle and Profile euro cups. Shadow Conspiracy Halflink chain and DMR Saturn 40tooth Bmx Chainring and Shimano half SPD Pedals.
Wheels are Mavic A719rims and Surly fixed 10mm axle Hubs handbuilt with 1.5" Armadillo tyres
Headset is FSA Pig.
Bars are NC-17 Trekking 4.5 Super Riser Bar with Massive 4.5" rise and big Layback.
Just go get one. I'm lovin it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
apeacock
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | TC's Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Fun, Fun, Strong, Simple, cheap, Fun, wheels suprisingly good, bar and stem are great | | Weaknesses: | Cranks are a bit flexi - what am I talking about for this price. | | Similar Products Used: | converted SS for commuting | | Bike Setup: | Stock except - Shimano Deore cranks (shot blasted and sprayed in enamel, ODI grips, SPD pedals, Bassano leather "Down Hill" saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great ride - so cheap and so much fun. If your not sure about the single speed thing just try it out, no suspension and steel will make you remember why you started riding in the first place. It takes a bit to get it moving but then it's all good. Have your heart checked before you start getting too crazy if you have any doubts!!
29" wheels are great but it is hard to get tubes and tyres in Australia at this point (the price of fashion I guess).
I'm sure the bottom bracket and headset aren't great but don't get uptight, enjoy them till they crap out, remember these things are cheap and fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jpp001
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Springs, Mo. USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Landahl Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop Blue Sprin | | Strengths: | Price, Redline Quality, Cro-mo frame, Fun Factor | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to BB7 discs | | Bottom Line: | Coming from a life-long BMX background I wanted something simple, tough and fun. I found all these and more with the Redline Monocog 29er. After 20+ years of BMX racing I was hesitant to enter MT. Biking. I've had a few Mt. bikes over the years but never felt comfortable. The overall frustration of the complex bikes (compared with BMX), gears, as well as unfamiliar bike brands. I was thrilled to stumble across the Redline Monocog 29er, just what I was looking for. It is a relatively lightweight bike, comfortable, SIMPLE and you can't beat the price. The best thing about the bike is that it is a super fun ride. I picked the bike up from my lbs (Big props to Bike Stop), hopped on it and went for a ride. No fuss ~ No muss! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rowbear314
a Weekend Warrior
from Waco, Texas, United States
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Vortex | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Steamrolls over obstacles; solid frame; solid feel while riding | | Weaknesses: | Harder to get going on hills from a standing-still start. | | Similar Products Used: | Surly Karate Monkey | | Bike Setup: | All stock | | Bottom Line: | I guess the first thing I noticed about this bike is how lightweight it really is; considering that redline frames have lifetime warranties, I was expecting it to feel like an anvil, but surprisingly, it is lighter than my 26" Colombia Trail Head HT. Can definitely see the likeness to BMX bikes that I had ridden as a kid, and gives me a great workout on the hills. Overall, fantastic bike for the price; can't wait to get out on it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doggity
a
from Santa Fe, NM USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one I ride back from | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame build quality and geometry pretty darn good for the money. Simple, strong, fun bike. | | Weaknesses: | Lot of the small parts are marginal. I notice Redline is slowly improving these. | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Rocky Mountain Blizzard, converted to a SS. | | Bike Setup: | Surly stainless steel chainring, Dual ACS claws freewheels on a Surly 'new' SS flipflop hub. | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup to my review below. As it turned out, the clanking sound mentioned with heavy pedaling was because the cheapo aluminum chainring had ovalized under my Clyesdale weight. Replacing it with a stainless Surly fixed the prob. Conclusion: Replacing the headset, bottom bracket, rear cassette with a flipflop hub (if so inclined, as I was), chainring, saddle, seatpost clamp,and brakes, starts running into some money. These parts were all marginal on my bike, and needed replacing pretty quickly. For this reason, you're probably better off just buying the frame, and building it up RIGHT from the get go. I foolishly sold mine,and started missing it so much that I am now running a Rocky Mtn Blizzard, converted to SS. It's good, but the damn vertical dropouts mean I have to run a tensioner, which is not as optimal as the track ends on the Monocog. Just get the MC frame, build it with good parts, and you'll probably never break it. ONE THING the Rocky Mtn does a LOT better than the Monocog is, taking street corners at high speed. The MC's high bottom bracket makes it just handle like a pig at this. Tight cornering at high speed? Fahgeddaboudit! Everything else, they're pretty close. The Rocky Mtn Blizzard is a highly respected Reynolds 725 frame, and it is a little lighter and livelier. The MC soaks up roughness a bit better. Hard to go wrong...just keep SS'ing, is the main thing. This bike is proof you don't have to spend 2K to have a serious piece of offroad gear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Hislop
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$308.00 | | Purchased At: | Simple Living | | Strengths: | Study steel frame .Great geometery .Handle bar | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost , come loose fequently .Cheap bottom bracket. | | Bike Setup: | Stock redline parts | | Bottom Line: | This is my first 29er. I am 6 1" and have raced all kinds of 26ers HT and FS . There is something about the 29er feel that is a totally new experience .Add the rigid fork , single speed cog and you are in a different groove altogether , it truly beings the fun and challenge back into trail riding .Everyone should have one if they are getting bored with technology that babysits your skills on the trail .
I am currently riding in snow here is Boston , and the bike just refuses to loose traction , even as I enter some scetchy terrain I am thinking "get ready to dismount" wrong !The wheels roll over a lot of stuff that the 26er's would not. It climbs like a goat. I am running motorraptor DNA tires .
If you want value for your money and a total new experience , you should get this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron
a Racer
from Arkansas
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Vista | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | J&P cycle | | Strengths: | Strong, well made frame. Has good handling and smooth ride qualities, perfect fit (for me). Price of course. The stock replacement parts are really inexpensive. | | Weaknesses: | Not a very good fit between the seatpost/frame. Cheap headset. Replace it right away. | | Similar Products Used: | First singlespeed I bought, don't feel a need to buy any other, this one has the right stuff. | | Bike Setup: | I have upgraded it from stock with a rockshox 80mm suspension fork, avid bb7 discs, mavic 318 disc rims and a cane creek s3 headset. | | Bottom Line: | Good steel SS you can upgrade as you go. I have ridden mine for over 2 years and I cannot say a bad thing about it. It is the most ridden bike I own. You could spend alot more cash on a SS, but you will not get more for your hard earned dollar. With upgrades I still have less than 700 in my bike.
BW | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good single speed to find out if you can push the gears | | Weaknesses: | poor componants, Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | first SS, but I own softies | | Bottom Line: | If you are lookin for your first SS then this may be a good bike for you. Problem is that if find you like riding SS you may want to change may componants. Ive had problems with the peddles, chain ring bolts, saddle, grips, hedset, wheels, lock ring for the rear cog and creaking in the bottom bracket. Most of this stuff needed to be replaced, but some of the drive train just needed tcl. Ive also added disks, a 100mm fork, changed the stem and now want longer bars. Ill admit im hard on the bike and keep up with most people riding softies uphill and downhill. After an overhaul the bike is trail worthy. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott McRoberts
a
from San Luis Obispo
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | adrenaline bikes | | Strengths: | Great bike that's easy to take care of and built to last. An inexpensive setup to get onto the trail with only one gear. | | Weaknesses: | Headset, cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | a couple of years ago I had a Titanium bike that was built up by the LBS just for me. That thing rocked! But, I had to part it out, needed money at the time. A big mistake on my part. This new Redline is no match for a titanium frame or the custom parts I had assembled onto it. The Redline is a great buy for someone who's not sure if they would like the SS experience. For me, it has been an epic ride. | | Bike Setup: | Since buying it; new cane creak s-3 headset, free felt 110mm stem, Truvativ firex cranks, an old set of fox vanilla forks, old set of Avid BB disc brakes, old set of cane creak grips.
| | Bottom Line: | The only additional cost in fitting this bike into something that I can't get off of would be the headset, 20 tooth rear sprocket and cranks. Everything else I had sitting around in my garage. Plus, the hand me down Felt stem. Thanks LBS! I have been riding this bike more than my FS and having a blast.
I'm not rating this bike with 5 chilis because it's not perfect, not many bikes are. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Van
a Cross Country Rider
from Dunbar, WI
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | 10 miles of track in the woods around my house | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Mortls | | Strengths: | Good sturdy ride in 29er SS for the money. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy. Some components cheap (bottom bracket creaks - tightening the crank bolts helps, seat is a little thin) | | Similar Products Used: | Hah! My last bike was to get me into the sport - a Wally-world, Mongoose, geary, full-suspension piece of junk. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I will replace parts as the shear off or our too difficult to work with. First off is the seat. Next off is the BB. | | Bottom Line: | The LBS in Wausau (Rib Mountain) turned me onto the 29er SS scene and let me ride one of these. I was hooked, and it hasn't been a disappointment yet. I started this season a little out of shape with my riding buddy goat walking up 45 degree inclines in his Gary Fisher, while I barely could carry my bike (the old Mongoose). A few weeks later, he now eats my dirt as I actually accelerate on the uphills while the geary grinds on. It is great for the kind of interval type ride of 5-10 miles we do every other weekday. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from the dirty south
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | crooked stick | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$459.00 | | Purchased At: | the bicycle shop | | Strengths: | simplicity, value, rear wheel placement adjustments, 29er | | Weaknesses: | headset, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for headset (chris king) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a blast!!! I normally ride freeride/downhill but wanted a cross country/hybrid street machine. Replaced stock crap headset with a King (king of the sets) the day I bought the bike. Cost me a Ben but worth it. I had some chainring bolts loosen up and as a result I bent a chainring. Since then I have replaced them and havn't had any more problems. I guess a fully rigid rig needs more attention to nuts and bolts... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Albuquerque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Cheap. Solid. Nice rootbeer color. | | Weaknesses: | Headset | | Bike Setup: | put ritchey cyclocross tires and 15t cog | | Bottom Line: | The main issue I have with this bike (which I use for a 6 mile roundtrip commute) is that it has the most dead feel to it for a steel bike. It really beats you up. It is probably from the heavy steel used. I am selling mine because the ride quality is so crappy. Sure, it is a deal at under $500, but the ride feels less than $500. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olafur
a Racer
from Minsk, Belarus
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | - cheap
- solid frame
- cool graphics
| | Weaknesses: | - seat should be immediately thrown away
- some have crap headsets
- rear tire clearance a bit narrow | | Bike Setup: | completely stock | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike, set it up with the pedals and seat you want, then forget about it. It isn't light, it isn't trick, but it does everything a singlespeed needs to do. Spending more than this is just an extravagance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Simple one speed gearing, built solid and very fun to ride. Frame and hubs come disc ready. | | Weaknesses: | The hubs do not seem all that great so in time I think I may need to change them. | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! I had been kicking around the idea of a single speed for the last year and finally decided to bite the bullet and get one. This bike is so much fun I only wish I bought it sooner. Couldn't decided between the 29r or the 26r but Redline solved that problem for me, the 07 26r's are readily available but the 29r's are still a ways off from shipping. I have a road bike, flat bar road bike, hardtail, FS trail bike and a downhill bike and this is bar far my favorite. Every time I ride this bike I have a stupid, silly grin on my face from ear to ear. This bike can do it all - from street urban riding, to dirt trails this bike really is a blast to ride. The new 07's come in a flat brown color that I like because it doesn't stand out like other colorful bikes. It's so nice not to have to worry about gears, jumping chains, mis-shifts and broken rear deraileurs. I am almost tempted to buy the 29r when it's available. Sure people can be hard on this bike due to it's mostly in-house branded components but it's sure hard to find a fully built single speed bike that is this much fun for $500 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln, Ne
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Strong frame, lots of bike for the money. | | Weaknesses: | 1. Saddle Blows 2. Headset (see my review) | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 Cannondale F700 | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | I have probably put about 50-70mi on this bike over the last 2 weeks I have owned it. I have mostly been doing concrete trails commuting around town here in Lincoln. I really dig this bike!! I bought it because all of the reviews I looked at here on mtbr. I am liking the SS thing a bunch as I feel as if I am 6 yrs old again sometimes riding this bike. The bike is a heavy pig, but that is ok, I am not a racer. I feel that I get great acceleration, and this bike coasts down the little rolling hills here in Lincoln quite well.
I am running the stock head set with no problems right now. But that is because I printed off a copy of all the reviews from this website and showed them to my LBS when I bought this bike. My LBS contacted Redline and had parts shipped out to fix my headset, as well as all the other Monocogs they had on the floor at the shop. I am sure the headset is not top quality, but I will continue to ride it for at least a season or two before I replace it with a top notch unit.
The saddle on the other hand is a real POS. It is very soft and fairly thin in the tail area. I don't consider myself a big guy (6'2"-3" and 195lbs), but my sit bones as all the bicyclist's call them are hanging off the edge of this saddle. So, my first upgrade will be a new saddle and not a new head set.
Overall, I am really quite happy with this purchase. I will continue to upgrade parts around this frame for the next few seasons of riding. Then, if I decide that I am back into mtb'ing for a good long time(if it continues to be this fun...I AM!!!), I will buy a new frame in a few years and just move over all the components I have upgraded.
I think this bike is a great way to get into 29ers and real affordable way to try out SS as well. This bike is not a 3K XC racing machine, but that is not what it is trying to be. It IS a real fun machine that can be had for less than 500.00 and can be majorly upgraded to suite the rider's tastes. And you can probably buy this bike and do some big upgrades and still come in way less than 1K.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S.J.
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, CA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Ord | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa | | Strengths: | Excellent geometry, great cable run placement(rear brake cable runs under the top tube, very responsive frame (no flex, it goes where I want it to go.) | | Weaknesses: | 110mm rear spacing limits rear hub options. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Solo-One | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Mars Super fork (which, for some extra fun on the trails, I occasionally swap with the stock rigid RL fork), Chris King headset, Raceface stem and bars, XT levers, SRAM brakes, Avid flakjacket cables/housing, Raceface XY seatpost, SDG Belair saddle, FSA bottom bracket (the best and smoothest!) Truvativ cranks, SRAM chain, Shimano DX hubs laced to Mavic 217 SUP rims with DT Swiss double butted 14/15/14 spokes. | | Bottom Line: | Great frame! I can't vouch for the stock complete bike because I bought this frame/fork only in 1999 and built it up from there. With solid components this bike is unstoppable (until the rider runs out of gas!) The BMX size rear severely limits your options for rear hubs but I was able to find Shimano DX hubs and they are the smoothest, quietest hubs I've found. I tried a Phil Wood 110mm but I put the DX back because it plain ol' outperforms the Phil Wood. I've raced this bike at the Sea Otter Classic twice (once as a hardtail and once as rigid) and it performed perfectly (the rider, me, was the limiting factor in those races.) I've ridden several hundred miles on the Fort Ord/Sea Otter Classic trails (their only four miles from my house) and this bike has delivered a great ride every time. 4 Flamin' Chilis overall because of the rear spacing (bump this to 5 if Redline has upgraded to 135mm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bigpoppabear
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisiana
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame geometry, frame material, stock tires (Kenda Karmas) | | Weaknesses: | Headset, bottom bracket, freehub | | Similar Products Used: | My last singlespeed was a Schwinn Stingray. A couple geared hardtails not worth mentioning. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Selle Italia Flite saddle, Crank Bros. Eggbeaters, Cane Creek S2 headset, Shimano bottom bracket, and Mavic/Shimano wheelset on order. | | Bottom Line: | Headset and bottom bracket creaked from the first shakedown ride on flat pavement. Freehub started skipping after first month has gone the way of the dodo with last ride.
Frame geometry is perfect for my riding style. The steel makes for a very forgiving ride. The 32:16 stock gearing is a good all-around gear for where and how I ride, although for racing a 14T cog may be in order. This bike climbs like a goat on steroids. The stock tires hook up in loose, hard, mud, corners, and on climbs.
Basically be prepared to upgrade any and all bearings pretty much out of the box or build up a frameset.
4 flamin value poos b/c it is a decent value even replacing bearings. 4 flamin overall poos b/c the bike is great once the upgrades are made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Norwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, South Carolina
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop | | Strengths: | The price was a factor for me being out of work at the time didnt help. | | Weaknesses: | I'd have to say the cranks I need to up grade them ASAP!
the stock tires suck! | | Bike Setup: | 04 Mono-cog with a Manitou SX fork & Specialized Enduro tires 2.25's otherwise stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | I love it this is my first SS & no matter what I buy I'll never get rid of the bike unless the frame breaks.
I want another geared bike later down the road but this bike rocks for training with. It handles very well & it tough has a tank!! over all a VERY solid bike!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Xavier
a Weekend Warrior
from Mililani, HI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikewerx - Mililani | | Strengths: | Plain, simple and hella fun to ride.
Redline shipped this to my local bike shop in very impressive time. | | Weaknesses: | Nada. | | Similar Products Used: | Old School BMX - The Shizzle from the good ol' days. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Too new to tweak. | | Bottom Line: | Gears are for girls (and boys who talk with a lisp).
I got this bike after reading numerous reviews and spending hours of research. All I wanted was a simple bike that wouldn't fail after a few rides or require constant shop maintenance. The Monocog is what fit my criterion. This site along with a few others helped me with my decision making.
Mahalo to Jason @ Bikewerx for hooking me up and assembling my new MTB as soon as it arrived. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Belmont, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Water Dog Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Through a friend | | Strengths: | Incredible feel. Never in my 10 years of riding avidly have i ever felt something this good. | | Weaknesses: | Kinda Heavy. But those are my wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | 19" Monocog. PIG headset. Thomson stem and seatpost. ACS Claws. Raceface cranks. Syncros FR wheels. | | Bottom Line: | For a good all around bike good for just about anything the redline monocog will knock your socks off.
Best thing is jumping with it on the jumps the neighborhood kids have set up. They think it's the coolest looking thing ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ean
a Cross Country Rider
from Truckee, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Great price. I know a lot of people think it's heavy but my 17" is 25.5 pounds - stock (other than clipless pedals). That's light as far as I concernced with a steel bike that's only $450 brand new. | | Weaknesses: | The headset - mine has a tiny amount of slop. The headtube and fork are straight and the cups are set so the heaset is the only thing I can blame, but I can get a new one for $20. Also the brakes, but for $200 I can't complain too much. | | Similar Products Used: | A custom Nuke Proof (no longer made) that I converted to SS but I was way too stiff for the rocky trail I ride. | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than the SPD pedal. | | Bottom Line: | This bike absolutely rocks for the price. It could cost $800 brand new and I'd be happy (as long as the headset didn't have slop).
I'd also suggest a 17 or 18 tooth rear freewheel for riding in any areas with steep technical sections or with steep sustained long climb (we have both where I ride).
I took it out for a 30 mile ride yesterday and I was able to complete it in about the same time I can on my full suspension bike - it only lost out big time in the flats where you can only go so far.
I am now a SS convert. I can climb faster than almost anyone as long as I can push the gear.
I thought the rigid setup would need a suspension fork but I like the feel of the rigid setup since the steel gives a little. It rails corners in a very predictable manner, has quick steering, and is great to jump - as long as you don't come up short or go too long and land in the flats.
I would also suggest a little more aggressive tire than the stock Kenda's if you live in areas with dust/steep terrain where bigger stiff knobs would help.
Everyone should try a SS bike. Yeah it's harder but that's the point and it will climb like a mountain goat after a triple espresso as long as you can push the gear. Get your anarobic on and feel the sweet pain that only a SS can give! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilroy
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Cost, at $150 for the frameset brand new, how much cheaper can you get for a good quality steel frame | | Weaknesses: | Frame and fork are heavy. Frame is 5.5 lbs. In the winter, watch out for the rust. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float Fork 100mm
XT cranks
32/20 gearing | | Bottom Line: | Built it up from left over parts I had. Low cost, low maintenance bike. It was tough at first but once you changed your riding style, it makes you a better, stronger rider. I wanted a 4" fork up front as with the rigid, it was too hard a ride over the technical terrain we ride. Now I ride it more than my full susp. and my road bike. Once jumping back on my FS and road bike, I was a much faster and stronger rider. You go anerobic a lot, but it teaches you to push your limits and hold it there for longer periods of time. Best of all, after the ride, clean up the chain, lube it and you're ready for your next ride. The most reliable bike I ever owned. Went with a 20 tooth cog and a 32 ring up front as my knees couldn't turn over the steeper long climbs we go on. Jumping back on my FS made me faster descending as I picked better lines and climbed faster as I am stronger as a result of SS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stoney
a Downhiller
from fairfax, va
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | pro deal! love working at a shop | | Strengths: | every thing. | | Weaknesses: | nothing so far | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | funn skinny rl seat, mant. r7, mallet c pedals, slime tubes and liner, cinder tires | | Bottom Line: | i fell in love on the first ride! i'am a free rider who wanted a beater. pro dealed from sbs. not my beater anymore. i love it! made me switch back to hard tail(dropped my 6" for a fr hard tail). i loved the rigid feeling. made me feel like i was on a bmx bike in the woods. so much fun to climb. i can smoke my friends on geared bikes up the steep stuff. use it commute also, takes 5min. off( i live 2 miles down hill from work). i just put a r7 on it( sick deal couldn't pass up) and it rides even better. a lil bit faster on the down hills. bottom line one hell of a bike all round! i'am a mech. and this thing rocks it is so simple. every one should ride ss! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rome
a Cross Country Rider
from Everett, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Whoopsie Woodle-Galbraith MT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$169.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Singlespeed! Horizontal dropouts. No chainslap. Cool flat green paint. 135mm rear axle spacing! Affordable entry into the SS arena. Fun. Did I mention singlespeed? | | Weaknesses: | HEAVY. Chromoly steel will rust. I have some rust on the V-brake bosses, and I am running disc brakes. The rigid fork is pretty heavy too. I guess I have been spoiled running titanium and aluminum frames for the past 8 years. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Access Titanium frame reborn as SS. 2005 Access Aluminum frame setup as SS. Both with Surly Singleator. | | Bike Setup: | 2005 RL Monocog frame and fork. Weyless shorty XC stem, Chris King Rasta Nothreadset, Titanium XC riser bar, Avid 2.0 brake levers, ODI Ruffian lock on grips with Brooklyn Machine Works Pimp barend caps, FSA aluminum seatpost, Forte racing saddle, Powertools chromoly square taper BB, Raceface North Shore crank 32 with Raceface bashring, KMC BMX chain, 16 tooth cog, pair of Surly Tugg-nuts, Supergo (RIP) Method XC wheelset with sweet Vuelta burnt orange Excalibur XC rims laced in, Slime presta tubes, Specialized Rhythm 2.3 tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. It is my first true SS frame that I have owned since my 16" wheeled kiddie bike I had when I was 4 years old. I have ridden this bike at Hannah Park in JAX, in Panama, and in Manzanillo Mexico. For those who are interested in returning to your cycling roots, this is an affordable route. I might have to get my V-brake bosses ground off and the frame repainted though, since I have no plans to ever go back to rim brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doggity
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Fe, New Mexico Republic
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Guadalupe rail trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$449.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The core is bombproof. | | Weaknesses: | It can be a pig to push up long hills. The stock brakes are adequate, but not great. Avid 7's are what I'd recommend. IT'S ONLY GOT ONE FREAKIN' SPEED. (This may be a strength). | | Similar Products Used: | This is my 1st SS MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Had rear hub replaced with Surly SS hub, with dual ACS Claws freewheels-18T and 20T. Stock Kenda tires replaced with Specialized Armadillos...highly recommended! | | Bottom Line: | This is just a brief addendum to my review below. I feel a little bad now about dissing the stock cassette hub. THOUGHT it was failing, because it was making a clanking noise under load. Surprise! My new Surly hub does the same thing...who KNOWS? Ah well...I like the dual freewheel setup better anyway. I've found that just going with 18T in the rear, as opposed to the stock 32/16, is a huge relief, and a very good 'all around' gear ratio for commuting in a hilly city, and/or trail riding. The 20T is useful mainly for technical, which I don't do that much of. Every time I get on this bike, my body screams "Oh, NO....not THIS pig again! WHY do you insist on TORMENTING me with this thing?" (It's used to my roadie.) By the end of the ride, it's lapping it up, saying "More, more..." This bike ain't the most practical, but it DOES bring out the kid in one. It'll never replace my roadie, but it's a nice change. This is THE most bombproof bike I've ever ridden...TRY and break this bike! Riding 25 miles on this bike is about as much a workout as 50 miles on my roadie, so if you're rushed for time.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, Cali
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$440.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bikes | | Strengths: | The best deal in mountain bikes right now. Ridiculously cheap for a complete bike. Nice chain tensioners, wheels, crank and pedals. | | Weaknesses: | The stock headset is a deadset from the start, the Tektro brake levers do their job but can hang up the ferrule in the lever or something like that. A bit heavy, but you don't notice it. | | Similar Products Used: | Monocog 26er, Rumble w/Fox RLC, Giant VT1 | | Bike Setup: | Rigid 17-inch frame, Chris King headset, Avid BB5s, extra Surly 18 tooth | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for the Monocog 29er, since there isn't a category for it yet in the 29er section.
The bike is a sweet, sweet ride and I can't get over the 29er feeling when you are rippiing faster (at least it feels that way) on your favorite trails. This is my second singlespeed and second bike from Redline. Redline has made another great product for every rider. Totally affordable. Their friendly and concientous customer service is the best. I had a creaking frame issue that they resolved immediately and within two weeks I was back on the bike.
The steel frame and long fork length, combined with the Exiwolf tires hook up on the trail amazingly well. Pick a line, hold on and the big tires plow through the little stuff. I've ridden full suspension for a few years on the same trails that I take the 29er on now and though the rides are different they are both fun. There is just a flat out squishy-lively feel in the handling and I haven't had any problems with the rigid fork, but you can see the flex. This is not a freeride bike! The headtube is pretty short on a 17 inch bike, I hope it can take the pounding.
The stock gearing of 32-20 is pretty spot on for a climbing setup. I added an 18-tooth gear on the cassete hub easily with a spacer. This simple bike will surprise anyone with the rideability and fun you get. Buy one if you can, you won't regret it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mootsgearhead
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas concrete jungle
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | bluebonnet bikes my shop | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | hope hubs, mavic 819 rims, easton carbon bars, avid v brakes, michelin tires, thomson post, titec stem, monocog frame. 26 pounds as it stands. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best bike for the money hands down, you can leave as it is, or just plain pimp it out and still be in love. Never thought I would be riding a singlespeed but this bike has converted me. I'm even thinkin about changin my moots ybb to a ss. Bottom line is the monocog has made me a better rider I pick the best lines and I flow like you wouldn't beleive, and it's gratifying dropping a friend riding on a Orbea Alma. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Strong frame, decent components for the price, horizontal dropouts, rigid fork, and superb handling. Lots of bang for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | Stock saddle is phenomenally uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Surly 1X1, On One Inbred, various converted geared bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 19" frame, with stock fork, wheels, seatpost, cranks, BB, and headset. 90mm Salsa lip-lock stem, Bontrager CrMo Crow Bar, ODI Rogue lock-ons, Time ATACS, Avid SD7 brakes, and WTB Speed V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to get into singlespeeding and preferred to start with a complete bike that features hotizontal dropouts and a steel frame. The fit of the 19" works great for me as an added bonus. The original idea was to use it as a no-frills, solid commuter in hope of saving my rather expensive geared bike from thieves. To my surprise, I've had so much fun riding the Redline that the geared bike has been collecting a fair amount of dust and may be sold soon. The 72^ head tube angle of the Monocog is steeper than the average mountain bike, but its handling reminds me of my old, much missed Bontrager frame. I smile whenever I ride this bike, even in the rain, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another if something happens to this one. Buy this bike if you are looking for a complete singlespeed with a rigid fork, horizontal dropouts, a relatively low price, decent components, excellent handling, and a steel frame. Stay away if you don't like steel frames for any reason, and prefer to own and ride the lightest bike available. The components are easy to upgrade if the spec puts off potential buyers, and the low price tag compared to a Surly or On One leaves a fair bit of extra cash for such. Try one and see for yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doggity
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Fe NM USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Guadalupe Rail station to Lamy | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$449.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Absolutely bombproof frame, fork, and rims. All the other components are at least OK, except the cassette rear hub (see below). Terminally cool retro look-it looks a lot like a MTB your WWII era grandfather would've ridden, if you can imagine such a thing-especially with the brown sidewalled Armadillo tires I'm using. Even the saddle has surprised me-it's comfortable! The reviewer who likened this bike to a Willy's Jeep nailed it. Climbs unbelievably well. Just stand on it, put your weight into it, watch it skitter up those hills....long as they're not TOO long! It'll climb long as you can push it. | | Weaknesses: | The freewheel/cassette hub is REALLY marginal. Mine's already failing, and it's been less than a month. I'm going to pay to put in a decent hub, one that I easily change out the freewheel myself.
Plus...can we get REAL here? This thing is heavy as all sin, at least to me (I ride a roadbike). It is an absolute PIG to push up city streets that happen to be going up hills, which we have a LOT of around here in Santa Fe. Not being able to gear down is blowing out my knees. You have to stand on it a LOT. I would NOT recommend it as a commuter, unless you live where it's fairly flat. Then you'd probably want to gear it up a bit. I'm going to try gearing it DOWN...I'm replacing the cheapo 16T cassette with a proper hub and 20 teeth freewheel. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my 1st SS MTB. I used to ride a fixie track bike a long time ago, which is probably why my knees are shot now. | | Bike Setup: | All stock for now, except Armadillo tires. The Kenda tires that it comes with are decent, but no match for all the cholla cactus spikes out here. I'm throwing in something like a Surly or Phil Wood rear hub if I keep it, and an ACS Claws freewheel. | | Bottom Line: | The core is GOOD, and STRONG, and imminently upgradable.
The bike is a BLAST to ride as is. But as your only bike?
Maybe if you're 21 years old, and are in phemonenal shape. It is at least twice as hard to ride as a regular mountain bike if you're trying to push it up long or very steep hills, and probably 4 times as hard as a roadie on long grades...what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. If you can survive the 1st month with this bike, it WILL make you a stronger rider! You WILL go anaerobic on a regular basis, pushing this thing around. Ah well...as you stop, gasping to catch your breath, you'll catch a lot of nature that the other riders are missing. You got patellar chondromalacia, or any other knee condition, think carefully. The price is of course very good to get it out the door, but if you start upgrading, you've spent as much as you would on a decent geared bike. But if you just want to see if single speeding is for you, it's hard to see how you could go wrong, long as you've got good knees:) Enjoy the burn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Manor Dweller
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz ,CA ,USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Trey's True Wheel | | Strengths: | this is a review for a 29er monocog, frame feels very solid, especially the bottom bracket area, large size fits me perfect, I'm 5'10", I love the finish, great tires, especially at this price point, longer wheel base etc. allows just the right amount of vertical compliance, geometry feels spot on, this bike should last awhile. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | stock 2004 Redline Monocog | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for upgrade to Avid 7 disc brakes, FSA pig DH pro headset, Avid brake levers | | Bottom Line: | I've only had the bike a few days but I love this thing already. Outstanding bicycle for the money, anyone into the single speed thing or who wants a rock solid all around bike should run out and buy one. I'm leaving to go ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JMW
a
from Westside LA, Cali
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | I love 'em all. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepiont.com | | Strengths: | Low, low price! Steel really is real!! Frame and fork are very well constucted for the price. Well laid out, and sized for cross country/trail riding. | | Weaknesses: | NONE! SHUT UP AND RIDE!!! | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first singlespeed... I normally ride a SC Hekeler... haven't been ridig it too much lately though...! | | Bike Setup: | Stock rigid fork, Easton EA50 low-rise bar, sette stem & post, LX cranks (from my Heckler) w/ 34t Blackspire ring, Crank Bros. Candie SLs, Mavic Crossride rims w/18t CK cog, SDG saddle, Conti. Vertical Pro 2.3"s, Avid SD5 levers, BB5 front disc, SD5 rimbrake for the back and a Surly Tugnut to keep things in place when I climb the steep stuff... | | Bottom Line: | I built this bike up to try the one gear thing, and man-oman do I love it. It would have been cheaper to buy the whole bike from Redline, but now I have all the parts I want. This is a GREAT bike. I have NO compaints. Its stiff, yet fairly forgiving, climbs really well, and is pretty darn light for a bike that will likely last a good long time if treated well.
The only thing I can comment on is this is very much an old school XC frame set up, and coming off a 5" full suspension ride, it can be a bit sketchy on the descents. Some people say I should put a front suspension fork on it (which slacken the head angle a bit for descents and smooth the ride), but I say SCREW THAT! I've relearned to pick some smooth lines and use arms and legs for suspension, and I really like the bike being sooo light! Sure, it can be hell up hills and in the rocky stuff, but hell is a damn fun place to be sometimes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rome
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington WA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Simplicity. | | Weaknesses: | None so far discovered. | | Similar Products Used: | 05 Access setup as a singlespeed with Surly Singleator | | Bike Setup: | 06 frame and fork, Chris King Rasta headset, Kona Stem, Ti riser bar, Tektro levers, FSA post, Litespeed saddle, NOS vintage Kooka Bonnie crank with Blackspire 38T, Gusset One-er 18T cog. Supergo Method XC wheelset with Specialized 06 Rhythm 26x2.3 tires and Slime tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Bike is a blast to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron
a Cross Country Rider
from AR
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$419.00 | | Purchased At: | J&P bikes Sherwood, Arkansas | | Strengths: | Solid components,disc brake hubs,wide bars,long cranks, cassette type rear hub, looks like a shimano pattern on the cassette. Damn good looking bike. Price. | | Weaknesses: | I think maybe the seat post is not clamping solidly. I am gonna mark it and see if it is sliding down into the frame. The stock seat post clamp is diminutive and is causing the problem I think. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. A suspension fork is in the very near future. | | Bottom Line: | This is a 2006 model. The bike has mostly red line components but I have had no problems with them. They are light, solid parts. It has a Ritchey bar, very wide. The rigid fork has gotta go, it requires you to be very selective about your line or it will test your ability to hang on. This is my first SS bike and I love it already. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | still searching for the holy trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Gregg's Greenlake | | Strengths: | Cool pain job, sharp handling, fun to ride | | Weaknesses: | The chain gaurd is very lame. I removed it. The tires are a little little, I think the freewheel is about to fail, and the grips made me mad. | | Similar Products Used: | Ibuprofen | | Bike Setup: | avid mech. disc, new grips/bar plugs | | Bottom Line: | I have really enjoyed this bike. I ride it every day to work, and most weekends on the trail. Its a little sketchy in loose, muddy conditions, but that's sort of fun too. I have been on a full sus for the last 6 yrs, so its helping me become a smoother (faster) rider. Uphills aren't so bad. And it actually goes downhill pretty well. I was suprised. Then I crashed and dislocated my shoulder, so I am writting a review instead of riding.
If you want to try something new, this bike's for you. If you like your 24 gears and all the trouble they cause when caked with mud, and when they get out of adjustment, more power to ya. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from GA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Outfitters | | Strengths: | Steel. Highly upgradeable. Low Initial price. Good stock parts. 06 comes with 135 mm rear spacing | | Weaknesses: | ZERO | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi, Surly, KHS, GF Rig, you name it!!! | | Bike Setup: | 06 Monocog (Matte Green), 135mm Rear Spacing, Green CK Headset, Matching Green CK SS Hubs, Green Ti Spokes, Green Nips, Stock Rims, Avid SD 7 Brakes, Avid SD 7 Levers, Stock Kenda Karma 2.0's...All Built Before 1st Ride!!! | | Bottom Line: | Like I said, this bike is highly upgradeable! I had mine built like this from the get go. Got a smoking deal on the stock bike. Left me with plenty of money in the budget for BLINGN upgrades!!! I love this bike. It's the only bike I ride anymore. My highly modified GF Tass (geared/squishy) goes along on all my rides, but usually sits locked on the roof rack! Purely back up... I have had ZERO problems from this bike. Buy it, Ride it, Love it... You cant go wrong!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Traichel
a Weekend Warrior
from Northford CT usa
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ones w trees | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | all over | | Strengths: | strong light smooth 3 years and counting of beatings | | Weaknesses: | none for the money . Well allright kinda wish I had more rear tire clearnce | | Similar Products Used: | kabom | | Bike Setup: | 02 15" frame, 03 DJ3, 1996 powerlite 180s, standard bash 36T
profile euro conv kit, shinburgers, nyc freeride stem, fsa pig DH,protapers,headlock,oury grips,front deore cable disk,rear magera HS33,GT mohock rear hub w/acs claws 18and14t, xtfront hub and rynolites. Primer gray paint.
| | Bottom Line: | you cant go wrong for the money and you can allways upgrade later. Mines ben downhill,crosscountry,at the bmx,street beaten, I can even flip the wheel around, jack up the seat
and play death rodie. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Rohwer
a Cross Country Rider
from Gig Harbor, WA USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Northbend, WA | | Strengths: | Rigid, precise, tough | | Weaknesses: | brakes, bb | | Similar Products Used: | I haven't ridden a hardtail with no suspension since 1992. I forgot how much fun they can be. Takes me back to riding as a kid. Very simple. | | Bike Setup: | I changed the brakes to Machine Tech and switched the tires to Mosquitos. | | Bottom Line: | I haven't ridden my other rigs since I bought it. I keep in on the rack on my truck, and can be on the trail in minutes if I feel the need. You can't help but go aerobic on a rigid SS. Enjoy the burn! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott C
a
from New Berlin, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | eBAY | | Strengths: | Indestructible steel frame and overall build quality, nice componentry for the price, and a great price - used ones show up under $300 on eBAY all the time. I got an '02, absolutely like new for $250. These babies keep going and going and going, so don't hesitate to buy one a few years old - after all, what could go wrong with a SS? Overall a really fun bike that has made me push my geared mountain bikes into storage. Whenever I get a chance to ride and have to pick a bike, I always grab this one. Who needs anything more expensive? | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy for a singlespeed. | | Similar Products Used: | Geared mtn bikes | | Bike Setup: | Because I use this on a pretty tight course, I've changed gearing to 32x18, which is perfect for blasting out of corners and zipping up hills. My main course doesn't have long straights, so don't need higher gearing. May experiment with 32x17 or 16 soon. Also, since I run mainly on soil with a high clay content and little mud (but exposed roots,etc) I run Maxxis Worm drive tires. They're fast and grippy enough. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, this is a bike everyone into mountain biking should try and own as a second (or third, or fourth, etc) bike. The solid front fork sounds like it'll punish the crap out of you, but as long as you run 40 lbs or less, you'll really be surprised at how plush it can run. As I stated before, this bike is indestructible, easy to maintain and great for getting into shape (my main reason for buying). It can't do everything - if you have a lot of steep hills it doesn't make a lot of sense unless you're in phenominal shape. But for most courses and everyday riding, GO for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Erie, PA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$419.00 | | Purchased At: | Mid City Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light quick feel. Responsive handling. | | Weaknesses: | Came stock with some cheap componetry | | Bike Setup: | Tru Vativ Stylo SS cranks and BB, Ritchey comp seatpost, Easton EA50 stem, WTB Momentum "C" headset, WTB Speed V saddle, WTB Weirwolf 2.1 up front and WTB Moto Raptor 2.14 in the back. Avid 7 V Brakes and Speed Dian 7 Ti levers. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike to start out in single speeding, and not have to pay a fortune. As you can see, I upgraded the bike and it is like a brand new machine now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ranger Rick
a Racer
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Snail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Steel. Nice geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Um, it's not the lightest frame out there... | | Similar Products Used: | Redline Monocog Flight | | Bike Setup: | Black Super 100 fork, RaceFace Dues cranks, Redline hubs, Ritchey WCS stem, Eggbeaters, Redline post and bars, Hayes hydro discs... 32x16 | | Bottom Line: | I have a much of bikes, and this is by far my favorite. Love to race this thing, and trail riding is a blast. The frame is bomb-proof. I regularly pound the crap out of it riding with my DH buddies and this frame is unstoppable. I'm on my second wheelset but you wouldn't know it by looking at the frame. Just enough give to keep you on the trail. Climbs like crazy. I win sport MTB races against geared bike on this thing and I do it on the hills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Beverly, MA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | E-bay | | Strengths: | The bike has solid components, the wheels and rims are very tough, and have taken a ton of abuse. The geomety is great for XC riding, the bike climbs and decends well. The Steel frame resists dents, but is still feels compliant. | | Weaknesses: | I wasn't crazy about the stock brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi BASS, Bianchi DISS, Specilaized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame, rear wheel, bars, and stem. I put on a Manitou Axel Elite 80mm fork, Avid mechanical front disk brake, Shimano XT rear V-brakes, Specialized Strongarm crank, Avid 5.0 brake levers, and Odi lock grips. | | Bottom Line: | This is one tough bike. Mine has shot off trails, bounced of rocks, and besides scratching a little paint, the bike has always been fine. When I was riding my BASS, I would throw myself under the bike so not to dent those double butted Easton tubes. The Redline is a totaly different bike, a little heavier, and much tougher.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Mattern
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln, NE, United States
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Platte River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$235.00 | | Strengths: | Good beginner singlespeed frame. Lots of bang for your buck. I bought mine used off of the MTBR classifieds. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Cane Creek Headset, Shimano LX crank, Maxxis Ranchero Tires, Avid Brakes, Stock Rigid Fork. | | Bottom Line: | I Love this bike! Since getting it my Gary Fisher has sat in my basement. I'm looking at upgrading to a Rock Shox fork here in the next couple of months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua
a Cross Country Rider
from Sharon Springs, KS
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilson Lake Rollarcoaster, Wilson Lake Kansas | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | CHEAP!!!! Really light (for the price) Solid quality. nice acceleration. Good handling | | Weaknesses: | I thought the handling was a bit quick, but I know I'd get used to it if I owned it. So thats not really a weakness. A lot of generic items on it. But all solid stuff, so thats not really a weakness either. | | Similar Products Used: | um, a friends 29er single speed. Not sure of the brand though. Loved the 29er wheels!! | | Bike Setup: | TREK 930. STEEL!!! ;) 02 Duke XC. Sram X-9 rear der, shifters, LX front der. 517 on XT wheels. Truvativ crank, stem, and handlbars. All solid reliable stuff. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a cheap bike for commuting or are just wanting a cheap way to boost your fitness. Go for this bike. I was thoroughly impressed by it. I think this summer I'll be buyiing an alluminum Redline. Putting Avid discs and some 2.2 tires on it and if it'll fit a 2.4 tire up front. And eventually putting my 3 inch travel Duke on the front. But I have to wait until the summer. :( When I'll actually have money for it. But if you are wanting to try single speeding, I don't know of a cheaper and more reliable bike to start on. 5 flaming....uh...whatever they are, for it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from san francisco, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | streets of sf | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes, Sausalito | | Strengths: | solid, no nonsense frame, disc mounts, decent parts for the price | | Weaknesses: | begs for customization | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock wheels, avid mechanical disc brakes, shorter stem, riser bar, manitou black fork, armadillo slicks, squishy seat | | Bottom Line: | you are going to customize this bike, so just buy the frame if you have the chance and go from there. works well with a medium travel fork and most disc brakes will fit easily. the bike is fast and fun to ride and takes a whomping with no complaints. i never thought i was a single speed kind of guy, but tuning and cleaning my other 4 bikes makes this one feel very low maintenance and reliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
johnnyb
a
from San Anselmo, Calif
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Sturdy Steel! | | Weaknesses: | 19 inch frame small for 6'2" with 34 inseam | | Bike Setup: | Commuter dream: 3-speed Nexus wheels, 2.0" slicks and Campy Record crank | | Bottom Line: | Okay, this may be blasphemy for the single-speed crowd but I built this bike on a whim when Jenson was selling the frame for $110 and Nashbar had the 3-speed wheelset for $89. I built the rest with parts from my older bikes and for about $250 I have a nice commuter. The Campy crank was from a road bike and I'm using the big ring for the road and will use the inner for singlespeed when I have a nice flip-flop rear built. I have a longer stem (110mm, 0 degree) to help compensate for the frame size and set the seat all the way back on the rails. It rides great on the street and corners well. The hub is set up stealthy with the shifter hidden under the seat. It makes the roadies take a second look when I take their wheel and pass them :^) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtnbikingattitude
a Cross Country Rider
from Ocoee, Tanasi, USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chilhowee and Tanasi | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2.00 | | Purchased At: | Won in a raffle. Support your local club | | Strengths: | Solid ride. Great feel. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing yet. Like all bike builders, BB and Headset are corners that get cut. I expect those to fail within a year. | | Similar Products Used: | None. This is my first SS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2004 model. Swapped pedals to Crank Bros. Candy | | Bottom Line: | I've enjoyed it the past two weeks. Can't complain about the rigid fork. No pain here. But only have been on the 'Open and Flowing' trails (tanasi). No rock gardens yet (chilhowee). Used it on the road to run errands. 15 miles of urban riding was great. Can't ride now due to Hurricane Ivan. But when the trails dry, I'm out again. I plan to upgrade to Avid disc. May keep the rigid fork.
>>>>>>>>Greasy side up>>>>>>>> | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Robinson
a Cross Country Rider
from culpeper va
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | burke farm | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | bike stop | | Strengths: | This bike is bomb proof, and fun. Totally reminds me of being a kid, just pure fun. | | Weaknesses: | I changed the crank, mostly cause mine came with a 36 front, and I wanted to go to a splined bb, and 32x16. Frame doesn't hold up to hitting a deer with bike on car rack. However I won't hold that against it, cause the rack didn't make it either. | | Similar Products Used: | I love this bike, for awhile its been my only xc bike, ridden just about everything. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, switched to a cannondale 2x crank with makes and awesome single ring with bash guard. (if you can find one grab it up) | | Bottom Line: | I'd say I'd keep buying these forever, but I don't think I'll have to, cause this bike feels like it will last forever. You can't beat steel (its old skool for a reason) awesome ride, a little heavy, but hey its single speed we're supposed to be getting away from high tech, super lite stuff, and just ride. Really would recomend it to you weight weenies who keep breaking your race bikes. You'll be able to ride forever, and not break anything, save you high dollar super lites for race day. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WILLIAM PAYNE
a Weekend Warrior
from SKIATOOK OK USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | cambiabike | | Strengths: | EXCELLENT FIT AND FINISH. LIGHT WEIGHT | | Weaknesses: | STEERER TUBE COULD BE LONGER FOR FAT STEMS! | | Similar Products Used: | NASHBAR 15 INCH MOUNTAIN FRAME | | Bike Setup: | VARIOUS USED AND "SALE" PARTS: 48 HOLE QUANDO/SOVOS HUBS.48 HOLE SUN RHYNO-LITE 26 INCH RIMS. KENDA "WALMART" KNOBBIES.NASHBAR LEVERS.KOSKI STEM. USED CROMO BARS. KMC CHAIN. 36T CHAINWHEEL. 18T ACS CLAWS FREEWHEEL. RATTY OLD SEAT. PROMAX URATHANE PUCK SUSPENSION SEAT POST.TEKTRO QUARTZ A BRAKES. SHIMANO TEFLON BRAKE CASING. JAGWIRE CABLES.HUTCHISON PRESTA VALVE TUBES.STAINLESS STEEL WASHERS USED AS DROP OUT PROTECTORS.SHIMANO UN72 BB. VUELTA CRANK ARMS. | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE IS A LITTLE TANK! I USE IT TO RUN ERRANDS. I ABUSE IT ON TRIALS AND CITY STREETS. I THROW IT INTO THE PICKUP AND GO TO OTHER PLACES TO RIDE AND EXPLORE. IT SHOULD OUTLAST ME! BUY IT. USE IT. CHEAP FUN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SingleTrackHound
a Cross Country Rider
from COS, CO
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer park , Fruita, & Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$115.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Price, frame strength, & appearance. | | Weaknesses: | Rear tire clearance & somewhat steep head angle. | | Similar Products Used: | No SS ever tried other than BMX bike in high school. | | Bike Setup: | ODI grip, Easton EA50 handle bar, Weyless 60mm shorty stem, FSA pig headset, Sette 27mm seatpost, cheap seat from privous bike, RL rigid fork, Shimano LX brake lever w/ XTR v-brake, ALEX DH wheel with RL hub (sealed bearing version), Welgo plaform pedal, Turvative SS 170mm crakset (33t), Race Face SRX ISIS BB, & White industries instant engagement 17 & 33t freewheel. | | Bottom Line: | I built the bike with an intent for casual ride around town & to work but ended up going overboard once I started the build process. Even then, I was able to buld it for around $600. I love this bike as it is so versatile. You do what ever: urban, trail, casual, & trials. I even took it to Slickrock trail in Moab with rigid a both ends. With 21t in the rear, I was able to clean every section at Slick rock except two super steep climbs. If I had a front suspension fork, the ride would have been a lot more enjoyable. Never the less, it does eveything you ask for, even descending! I bought a 15" fram and it suits me perfect. I normally ride 17 to 18" frame but I intended on using it for trials so bought one size smaller. To my surprise, it was the perfect size for me if you go by the top tube lenght as I ride 22 to 23" top tube on other bike. I recommend that people buy one size smaller since top tube length is what matters not the seatpost length. Any rate, this is a fantastic bike and a must buy if you want SS or versatile bike. You can also use the rigid fork that comes with the frame or use 3 to 4" fork. I think going with suspension fork is way to go if you are planning on using the bike for trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | webcyclery.com | | Strengths: | Super strong, rigid frame, nice wheels, long top tube feels good offroad and suits me well. | | Weaknesses: | Strong frame is a little on the heavy side. Narrow rear hub (although easy to find BMX hubs for it) | | Similar Products Used: | None really, Trek hardtail, but not really similar | | Bike Setup: | 03 Redline Frame and fork, 04 wheels, Titec Big Al stem, Cane Creek S2 headset, Axiom downhill bars, ODI lockon grips, Avid speedial mag levers, Avid single digit 7 brakes,
PC 48 chain, Truvativ FireX cranks, ACR claw freewheel, Bontrager AC Jones tires, Shimano PDM-515 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Super fun bike and really easy to pedal. I'm currently running a 32X16 setup and it is working well. You definatly get a work out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Racer
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Top Secret... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Price. For $115, this frame is a steal. Geometry. Long top tube helps climbing. Bomb proof. There isn't really anyway you could ever breakt this (unless you weigh 300 lbs and use it for freeriding) | | Weaknesses: | None so far. If the rigid fork weren't part of the SS thing...then it would be a weakness. A little on the heavy side...but what do you expect for $115? | | Similar Products Used: | Surly, Kona, Spot | | Bike Setup: | Alex/Redline DA-19 wheels, Hutchinson Cameleon 1.95 tires, Tahoma alloy seatpost, FSA The Pig headset, Bontrager stem, Nashbar handlebar, Profile Double Durometer grips, Shimano Deore V's, Shimano Deore Levers, Shimano Alivio crankset (with little ring taken of and big ring being used as bashguard) | | Bottom Line: | Overall, this is a very solid bike. There is just something about this bike that will make you feel that it's unbreakable. On the trail, this bike is a charm. The steel soaks up most of the trail vibrations, and the frame has good handling. The headtube angle and top tube length make this bike easy to climb, even if you're riding a 2:1. Other than that, there isn't much else to say about this bike. It's a good, solid beginner bike that can take tons of abuse, and will still function. The frame is a little on the heavy side, but my bike still comfortably gets 20 lbs, so it's still pretty light.If you ride in really rough terrain, consider getting a suspension fork.
Note: If you're debating wether or not to go SS...be forwarned. It's tough, if you have to go up hills. But it's also very fun. And great training. And best of all, you can spend more time riding your bike than fixing it.
P.S.:And it can also be used for the occasional dirt jumping fun... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Essex
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Joaquin Miller | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | prodeal from SBS | | Strengths: | price, geometry, concept, ride quality | | Weaknesses: | fairly cheap components, seemingly endless break in | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 800 (years ago) | | Bike Setup: | stock, but for pedals, and Weirwolf front and Velociraptor rear tires | | Bottom Line: | So far so good. This thing is fons of ton, both on and off road. A great bike to have if you like a good workout and only want one bike. It's about the lightest bike ever for the price, and the ride reminds me of a Willys Jeep, it will go anywhere if you're patient. (with stock gears it will take you across and down if you take it up....) Next it will get a bigger freewheel and better saddle, as well as some disc brakes, but I see no need for either suspension or gears if you just want to ride. I dig the single speed, as it places emphasis on something that too many mountain bikers seem to be forgetting about, and that is PEDALING!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Racer
from Stateline, NV (LT)
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Pine Nuts | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Cheep stuff, sturdy frame, no one will steal it. | | Weaknesses: | Shyte bb and headset | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi Boss n' a Bass and a convered Fisher cdale' IFG super (very nice, test rode only) | | Bike Setup: | Bont s2 headset, shimano xt bb n' avid brakes (not breaks)lock on grips, race face bash guard | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike, very fun and sturdy. I used it for commuting for a bit, and it worked well. I even put on a road stem & bars with a fixed rear for a while.
For sure the cheepest ss in the lot, so long as you ride on smooth roads. Other wise u need a sus fork. 4 flamn' shytes for the headset and bb and 4 overall cuz it's not as nice a a real ss (Bianchi, Cdale, Sy, Surly, and all of the other $$$$$ ss bikes) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from La Mirada, CA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop or Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Strengths: | Fun bike, great price, compliant steel frame, cool black color. Frame is gusseted and has the feel that you would never break it. | | Weaknesses: | Hubs are narrower BMX width and therefore not as strong and not as easily replacable or upgradeable. I had problems with a very noisy bottom bracket that the shop fixed for me. This bike only come in a 19" large and no XL size. I opted to replace the seat and tires right away but that is a matter of preference. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Solo One | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I lowered the gearing and upgraded the stem, seat and tires. | | Bottom Line: | I liked the bike. The size was a small for me at 6'2". and I was concerned about the durability of the Redline hubs as I've heard they tend to fail pretty quickly. I replace my Redline with the KHS Solo One, but I probably would not have bothered if it had fit better. This was my first single speed bike I had a blast on it, and I would recommend it if it fits you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | bought used | | Strengths: | PRICE! This bike is about the cheapest single speed you're gonna get your hands on. Great way to introduce yourself to another style of riding without refinancing your house. The steel frame feels great and the bike handles very well in tight twisty single track. It's like riding an adult BMX bike made by one of the best BMX manufacturers. | | Weaknesses: | Hubs? Horizontal dropouts? They don't make bigger than a 19" frame. | | Similar Products Used: | No other single speeds. Kona Bear, Giant XTC SE1. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for brakes, and fork. I added a 100mm bomber and Avid Arch Rival brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for the money. A steel frame bike with decent parts for about $420 rigid can't be beat. I've been riding mine for 2 years now with no problems at all. I did however change the gear ratio for better climbing ability. I'm running a 32x18 gear ration and it flies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 419.99
