Submitted by
SW
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, California Date Reviewed: May 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
A really good bike for such a bargain.
- ChroMoly frqame is compliant & light enough. - The components are trail-ready; not the best & the lightest, but decent. - 29r that is also available in small size (I'm 5'6".)
Weaknesses:
- Small Pedals. - 26.8mm diameter for seatpost -- not many aftermarket seatposts are offered in this diameter.
- 26' vs 29' - High-Tension Ordinary Steel vs ChroMoly - Cheap Inaccurate Heavy Multi-Speed vs SS
Bike Setup:
Stock...
except the saddle. The bike originally came with WTB Laser V saddle (leather!), but it was too nice and was robbed by my downhill rig.
Bottom Line:
- The seatpost is 26.8mm diameter -- beware!!!
It doesn't take the usual ubiquitous 27.2mm that are standard on many other aluminum mountain bikes -- I had no clue. I made a mistake of forcing-in a carbon seatpost found in my parts bin. The post got stuck, then a trip to LBS. It took 3 guys sweating (2 holding the bike) to pull out the seatpost & the saddle. Keep in mind 26.8mm is because of the chromoly tubing, which are smaller tubing by nature than aluminum.
- Replace the small stock pedals with large platforms.
I descend with this bike just like I do with my other XC-oriented 4' FS bike, and Peace 9r's big wheels and the ChroMoly frame does the job surprisingly well. Don't forget that this bike is hardtail. You would want a pair of large platform pedals so that you don't lose control of the pedals. Stock pedals (stamped-out U-cage) were too small, and they smacked my shins several times (Ouch!) during a trail ride. I now use Odyssey Twisted PC pedals which have large platforms. These help me plant my feet even during the shuddering descent. They are also made of ABS, so easier on my shins.
- Mine is 2007 lacquer-white liner-pull brake version.
I got this bike initially for my guest who was visiting me for a month, because I was uncomfortable lending any of my other 4 bikes each costing a few thousands of $$$ for her to commute. But now, I ride this bike just as much as I do with others, & I have the same fun.
This was my first experience in everything: 29' wheels, ChroMoly, & SS, or even non-disc brakes for that matter (sorry, I'm spoiled). This bike stops nice. It rides fairly comfortable. And it's cheap but not so heavy. It made me question why did I spend so many thousands of dollars for other bikes, when all I have to do was to have discovered sooner the evangelism of this triad: 29', ChroMoly, & SS.
Recommended for:
A beginner who doesn't want to commit a lot of money for the mountain biking. Nothing much to lose & much more to gain by going directly to 29' & SS.
A bike-wh0re (like me) who needs an extra cheap ride that doesn't ride cheap. Simplicity & ease of maintenance is great because you already spend too much time working on your other bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erwin Frank-Schultz
a Weekend Warrior
from Hampshire, UK Date Reviewed: April 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Local
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle - price in £
Strengths:
Fun, Steel frame, fun, wheels seem to be holding up well, fun, components good for the price, fun, cheap, did I mention that it is fun to ride?
Weaknesses:
at £299 - not much - Wheel removal issue, though I get my front wheel out with Kool-Stop brake pads and the 25PSI I run
I bought this as an experiment in 29" and SS. Wow, was I surprised. Once you adjust your attitude to SS it is soooo much fun. As someone said: "I like to ride my bike, not operate it"
29" single speed & steel just seem to go together very well! I was, as others mentioned below, a bit worried about rigid but the combination of bigger wheels, the lower pressure that they allow me to run with the fat rubber (and possibly the steel frame) absorb most of the rough. Lack of disc brakes? I seem to brake a lot less with the SS than I do on my geared bike and the original brakes (with KoolStop pads) seem to be powerful enough for one finger braking in most situations.
Evan's are now selling these at 299 - get one if you can!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Brunswick Street Cycles
Strengths:
Climbs like a mountain goat, makes bumpy trails smooth, has great components for the price, 29er wheels do everything that everyone says they would and more...
Weaknesses:
None...
Similar Products Used:
Redline Monocog Flight, Avanti KISS 29, Haro Mary
Bike Setup:
29er, SS, Rigid fork
Bottom Line:
I have the 2008 model which comes with disc brakes standard (as compared to 2007). This bike is brilliant in all respects. Firstly it was dirt cheap $750 AUD and it rides amazingly. Smooth rolling wheels, nice steel frame which has plenty of give for the price range, and it's just so much fun to ride. My first 29er, SS and rigid fork and now I can't think of any better way to ride around. I ride all my usual trails now quicker than I did before thanks to the 29er wheels and it's twice as enjoyable. I know it's not an elite bike but man it feels like one. I heard some people say it's heavy for an SS but it's actually lighter than my geared bike and no heavier than the Mary SS which is nearly double the price. If you are looking for a 29er SS rigid then get this sucker... you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Out my front door: Trail 100
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike, Peoria AZ
Strengths:
White paint job, WTB rims and saddle, triple triangle steel frame, $450 price tag, and above all, the ride.
Weaknesses:
A bit porky, cheap hubs and pedals, and why should I have to deflate my front tire to get it past the V-brakes when I need to remove and re-install the front wheel?
Similar Products Used:
Singlespeed conversion I built with a steel Nashbar frame and leftover components. This is my first dedicated singlespeed and 29er.
Bike Setup:
Medium frame, stock except for Wellgo MG-1 pedals, kevlar bead WTB Exiwolfs and lighter tubes (to save some rotating weight), an 18t Kick-Ass cog in the rear and Avid SD7 levers and V-Brakes (although the Tektros worked fine).
Bottom Line:
Let me start off by telling you that I've often turned to MTBR.com for advice but have never felt compelled to write a review until I bought this bike. I'm 47 years old and have been riding mountain bikes for 20 years, during that time I've tried front suspension, full suspension, steel frames, aluminum frames, and nothing has put a bigger smile on my face (while riding) than this bike. Sure, it's a bit porky, but at 5'9" and 200 pounds I'm no lightweight either. The stock components are mostly crap, although surprisingly durable so far, but it's all about the ride right? That's where this bike really shines, it flows over rocks and ruts and lets me descend faster than I probably should at my age. It climbs well and rails through the corners with more confidence than any of my 26" wheeled bikes ever did. There's nothing like seeing the look on the faces of those younger guys on their $3000.00 bikes when I pass them on the trail, uphill as well as downhill. I'm now a firm believer in 29ers and will upgrade the remaining stock parts as they break, bend, and wear out. I wouldn't have it for my only bike, but who among us has only one bike? Should you buy it? Well, if you're looking for a lightweight bike with high dollar chi-chi bits off the showroom floor, no. But if you are looking for a great value in a singlespeed 29er, you owe it to yourself to try one of these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl Hungus
a Cross Country Rider
from Valparaiso, IN Date Reviewed: October 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
499.00
Strengths:
Steel Frame, Rims & Cranks
Weaknesses:
Hubs, Seat post and brake levers
Similar Products Used:
Karate Monkey, 07 GF Rig & KHS
Bike Setup:
Stock except for SPD pedals and Avid brake levers
Bottom Line:
I was really impressed by this bike. It handles and accelerates better then any other 29er I have rode so far (all of which were geared the same). Which was an awesome surprise. I'm not going to repeat all the pluses of having 29 inch wheels, but I am true convert now and there is no looking back.
The only rub with this bike is, well its a cheap bike, and you can't get around that. I have about 50 trail miles on the bike and already the seat post is bent and the rear hub is shot. Also the brake levers had to go immediately, they worked put just felt cheap.
But in all honesty I'm not disappointed. The bike handles great and you really do get a lot for your money. I'm totally satisfied with the frame, cranks, stem, handle bars, seat and WTB rims.
If your unsure about the 29er thing and can handle a bike with out disk brakes this is a great way to go. If you have to have discs brakes buy the 08 version.
One more thing, the set post diameter is 26.8. You will need that bit of information.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Hmmm, let's see, it has 29 inch wheels. (I'm a 9er fan through and through
Weaknesses:
weight, before you remove the factory reflectors it weights just over 28 pounds for a medium, but that is easily fixed by a new set of wheels, and for my tastes the brakes were a little mushy and tended to fade a little
Similar Products Used:
first ridged bike, i bought it because i didn't want to leave a specialized epic laying around campus, locked up or not
Bike Setup:
i replaced the brakes with XTR, had a new set of wheels made with Chris King hubs (i know someone who works at their factory is Portland OR and got a sweet deal) DT Swiss revolution spokes and their 9er rims, easton ec90 XC bars, king no thread set, thompson masterpiece seatpost and stem, all that more than doubles the cost of the bike, but you have spares now that you can keep or sell, and it drops more than 3 and half pounds (down to 24 for mine)
Bottom Line:
I do local short track races and one week my friend and I thought it would be funny to go out to the track and race on it, (while it was still stock) and just suck it up. but there was a problem with that plan, I actually held my own, it definately wasn't my best showing, but it wasn't my worst either. everyone was shocked, on a ridged SS i finished just below midway in an intermediate race. this bike is so much fun once you learn the technique, the momentum, line selection and flow, great into 9r at an amazing price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordy
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: July 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Nirvana, Daisy Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
For the Riders
Strengths:
Simplicity, no gears, no suspension and v-brakes
Weaknesses:
Wheels could be lighter
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Medium
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. SS, steel, ridgid and v-brakes, not to mention my first 29er. This setup just suits me. Even with the stock gearing, I have ridden everything in Daisy (not the hilliest place around, but some hills). I have changed the wheels (Mavic open Pro rims, XT hubs) and tyres (Maxxis Ignitors),this saved 1030grams easy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Classic simplicity means less maintenance and more riding; white paint job; straight and rigid fork; steel.
Weaknesses:
Does anyone want to ride without disc brakes anymore? Seat post kept slipping until it got a rubdown with some magic grease.
Similar Products Used:
Ridden more than a dozen bikes, but nothing really similar. Unless you call a GT Zaskar with a rigid front fork converted to a single, similar.
Bike Setup:
Stock with Syncros bar, RaceFace stem and Time ATAC pedals. Didn't think I would, but actually like the stock WTB saddle a lot.
Bottom Line:
No suspension, no discs, no gears, no war. The Peace 9r is a blast to ride. There's just something to carving singletrack on a bike that flips the finger at technology. It's been a long time since I've ridden something other than alum. and I have to say the steel really is forgiving. 2.3 inch treads don't hurt either. Not sure I could ride rigid all day, but a three-hour technical hammering is no problem at all. Yes, it's heavy for a "stripped-down" bike, but you're talking about 29 inch wheels on a bike that only costs 500 bucks, so yea, you've got some weight to haul around. But the first time you roll up and over a giant log pile with ease and aplomb, you'll wonder: gears, suspension, discs, war...who needs 'em?! Kudos to GT. At this price point, you can't go wrong. You get 29 inch wheels on a steel single speed. Trust me, the riding experience is wholly different. And well worth the measly 500 bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mickey
a
from Dallas, TX, USA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Simple, solid, low-maintenance design. Good value for riders looking to get into the "single-speed thing" without breaking the bank. Surprisingly forgiving in the rough stuff for a rigid bike (29" tires help in smoothing things out, I'm sure). Oh, and it's steel!
Weaknesses:
A little heavier than you'd think such a stripped-down bike would be. Then again it is cro-moly... Sometimes I catch the toe of my shoe on the big ol' front wheel when riding through tight, twisty sections. Not really the fault of the bike, though... The stock grips feel hard and make riding harsh with the rigid fork. I replaced them with some Ergon grips and my wrists and arms feel better. The bike feels larger than I think it should, but maybe it's just me getting used to the larger wheels that have me sitting up higher than normal.
Similar Products Used:
Redline Monocog Flite borrowed from a friend
Bike Setup:
Medium frame. Stock except for the following: Deity 31.8 riser bar (had to get a white bar to match the frame), Thomson X4 stem, Thomson Elite seatpost, Brooks B-17 saddle, Ergon grips, Crank Bros. Mallet pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike surprised me. I was afraid that the rigid frame would beat me up in the rough stuff, and had visions of putting a REBA up front. One ride on the trail convinced me that there was no need. Even in the roots and rocks the bike was well behaved. It climbed readily, although I'm still learning how to handle a single-speed and had to walk a few climbs. It also descended better and more smoothly than I expected.
In response to the reviewer's comments above about the "odd" choice of components, I'll say that there's nothing "odd" about it. GT spec'd a disc-ready front hub because they know that a lot of folks will opt for an 80mm suspension fork like the RockShox REBA 29er. Such forks are, 9 times out of 10, disc brake only. Hence the need for the disc hub on the front. I think it's rather thoughtful of them, myself. I'm told that GT plans on making the 2008 model of the bike ready for front and rear disc brakes out of the box. Goes to show they listen to their customers.
Bottom line, this bike is a good performer and a good value for the money. It might not have the name recognition or component spec of a Bianchi or Redline singlespeed, but it's a whole lot of bike for a whole lot less money than some other offerings.
Now if it would only stop raining long enough for the trails to dry out...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
lots
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Performance bike
Strengths:
Great bike for the money, even at retail. Parts are ok, but sometimes oddly chosen. A front disc hub, but no disc tabs on the fork...weird. I think it looks like it cost more.
Weaknesses:
27 lbs for a singlespeed with no suspension is not exactly light. Tires suck, but at least they have lots of cush.
Similar Products Used:
Niner One 9, Cannondale 1FG, and lots and lots of geared bikes.
Bike Setup:
Stock with a carbon handlebar and eggbeaters. And a different saddle too.
Bottom Line:
Great way for someone to dip into singlespeeds. I bought this as a bike to ride in the worst of conditions. It is cheap and I won't worry about scratches and so forth. It is very stable and is great feeling bike.
In giving my chilis I did based on what the bike is. It has great value thus 5 chilis there. And for the price and performance I give it 5 chilis also. But if the bike were 800 bucks or more the chilis would start going down. For what it was designed for, GT nailed it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CLiVE Dove
a Weekend Warrior
from Blackburn, Lancs,UK Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles,Kendal
Strengths:
Simplicity, fun, big wheels, low cost
Weaknesses:
The EBB kept coming loose, but the guys at Evans in Kendal soon sorted it! A great shop, which I highly recomend !
Similar Products Used:
An old Raleigh MTB converted to single speed.
Bike Setup:
As it comes, 18T cog.
Bottom Line:
This bike is really good fun, and a real challenge to ride. The big wheels really do work, and if you can keep your momentum going you feel unstopable. (It is a big if though) Steep hills soon have your eyes bulging with effort, but the other side is always good fun. Riding on the road is a bit of a drag, as the gear is so low, but off road it is just what I expected, and more. I had already converted an old MTB to single speed, but the big wheels are quite different. The bottom line of the bottom line, all of this for £399.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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