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Looking to get a SS. Help me decide!

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sandmangts

· Master of the Face Plant
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I just got a bonus and decided to try a single. I am looking at a Redline Monocog and I also found a builder on ebay with good feedback. The bike is a fetish with a manitou black comp and truvativ cranks. It is under 700bucks but I am not sure if I want to go with a full rigid or just a softtail. Are you guys running full rigid or softtail? I like the simplicity of the redline but the Fetish is a pretty sexy frame. I think the wheels are pretty decent but the brakes on it are probably crap but I have some avid mechs that will do nicely. Please share your opinions/ recommendations and let me know if there are any other good manufacturers in this price range. Any input is greatly appreciated. The item number is 7221650417 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7221650417&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks for the input.

1 cog frog said:
Wait about a month and get the new Monocog 29er that is coming out. 450 retail for a built 29er, great deal for an entry level ss, plus 29er and ss seem to be natural partners. Good luck and post pics of whatever you end up getting.

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/monocog-29er.html
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I think I should go demo a 29er but I can't find a local shop that has one. I understand the dynamics of the larger wheels making it a fast roller but having never tried one I don't fully understand the benifits. Perhaps some of you guys could enlighten me. Having read other threads it seems everyone who tries one gets hooked. But looking at the Fetish frame I start drooling.
 
#4 ·
You dodged a bullet!

sandmangts said:
I think I should go demo a 29er but I can't find a local shop that has one. I understand the dynamics of the larger wheels making it a fast roller but having never tried one I don't fully understand the benifits. Perhaps some of you guys could enlighten me. Having read other threads it seems everyone who tries one gets hooked. But looking at the Fetish frame I start drooling.
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Well thank god you came here before doing something stupid! First of all, don't bother wasting your time talking to anybody except the people on mtbr. A demo ride is pointless. No one in your town or local shop knows anything. The mtbr experts have all the answers, but there's only one answer anyway. The ONLY bike to even consider, regardless of any variable, including weight, price, size, and terrain, is a 29-inch-wheeled bicycle. All other bikes are childish playthings and you're a moron for even considering them. The 26" SS bike is a hopeless anachronism and is utterly useless for any application.

There. I just saved everyone the trouble of posting the redundant 29er peptalk and endorsement. You're welcome.
 
#5 ·
Breath Slowly, that's it

Li'l Bastard said:
Well thank god you came here before doing something stupid! First of all, don't bother wasting your time talking to anybody except the people on mtbr. A demo ride is pointless. No one in your town or local shop knows anything. The mtbr experts have all the answers, but there's only one answer anyway. The ONLY bike to even consider, regardless of any variable, including weight, price, size, and terrain, is a 29-inch-wheeled bicycle. All other bikes are childish playthings and you're a moron for even considering them. The 26" SS bike is a hopeless anachronism and is utterly useless for any application.

There. I just saved everyone the trouble of posting the redundant 29er peptalk and endorsement. You're welcome.
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I'm not saying one is better than the other (26 vs 29) I just think, for the money, a monocog 29er is the bike I would get, he did ask for opinions :)

There are more and more choices for entry level ss rides, so test riding is a great place to start, but the input of other riders is valuable as a reference point as well!

Cheers
 
#6 ·
Li'l Bastard said:
Well thank god you came here before doing something stupid! First of all, don't bother wasting your time talking to anybody except the people on mtbr. A demo ride is pointless. No one in your town or local shop knows anything. The mtbr experts have all the answers, but there's only one answer anyway. The ONLY bike to even consider, regardless of any variable, including weight, price, size, and terrain, is a 29-inch-wheeled bicycle. All other bikes are childish playthings and you're a moron for even considering them. The 26" SS bike is a hopeless anachronism and is utterly useless for any application.

There. I just saved everyone the trouble of posting the redundant 29er peptalk and endorsement. You're welcome.
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good one
 
#7 ·
1 cog frog said:
I'm not saying one is better than the other (26 vs 29) I just think, for the money, a monocog 29er is the bike I would get, he did ask for opinions :)

There are more and more choices for entry level ss rides, so test riding is a great place to start, but the input of other riders is valuable as a reference point as well!

Cheers
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I couldn't agree more. Just anticipating the onslaught.
 
#8 ·
You can get the Fixation for the starting price of $549. It's a nice bike for a good price. Setup on the brakes is fussy and I switched out for some SD7 levers which definitely improved them. Overall the brakes are good enough for my riding. Same for the fork, good enough. Due to back, elbow and shoulder problems I can't ride without a front shock. It's a little heavy but, again, in the acceptable range, especially considering the price. Decals were not put on straight and had some wrinkles but they don't affect the performance one whit so who cares. Wheels were true and decently tensioned. If you buy one make sure they size the cranks for your needs. Overall I'm pleased with my Fetish purchase and think it's a good value.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
meloh1 said:
You can get the Fixation for the starting price of $549. It's a nice bike for a good price. Setup on the brakes is fussy and I switched out for some SD7 levers which definitely improved them. Overall the brakes are good enough for my riding. Same for the fork, good enough. Due to back, elbow and shoulder problems I can't ride without a front shock. It's a little heavy but, again, in the acceptable range, especially considering the price. Decals were not put on straight and had some wrinkles but they don't affect the performance one whit so who cares. Wheels were true and decently tensioned. If you buy one make sure they size the cranks for your needs. Overall I'm pleased with my Fetish purchase and think it's a good value.
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I decided to get it! I have some Mavic 819's with xtr hubs and some avid mechanicals. I also have a spare thompson post and stem and some monkeylite bars I meant to sell but never got around to it. All that and a new set of crank bro's mallet pedals should make for a pretty kick ass build. And if I decide I don't like singlespeeds I can always hang a derailler on it. Thanks for the input.
 
#10 ·
29'er this and 29'er that

That 26'er is fine and a blast to ride. I just finished building mine up about 6 weeks ago now and my SC Heckler is just hanging out looking for a pal. I believe the official SS chant should be: "I can't believe what I can clean on this thing!"

Here's a pic of my new love!
 

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#11 ·
Been there done that,

okie_calvin said:
That 26'er is fine and a blast to ride. I just finished building mine up about 6 weeks ago now and my SC Heckler is just hanging out looking for a pal. I believe the official SS chant should be: "I can't believe what I can clean on this thing!"

Here's a pic of my new love!
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Now I'm on a SS 29er...I can't believe what I can clean on this thing.

Sold the Heckler and only ride the 26" SS around town...

BTW, that Fetish is sweet
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Thanks for the Pic!

okie_calvin said:
That 26'er is fine and a blast to ride. I just finished building mine up about 6 weeks ago now and my SC Heckler is just hanging out looking for a pal. I believe the official SS chant should be: "I can't believe what I can clean on this thing!"

Here's a pic of my new love!
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My build up will be very similar to yours. Same brakes post and stem and even the saddle. I like the blue chain, it adds an extra touch of cool. I demo'd a 29er today at the trek store. It was a Fisher Rig. I liked the innovative way the chain tension is adjusted at the crank. The larger wheels made my usual frame size a bit to big for me but it rolled well although it felt sluggish starting off compared to the redline mono 26er. But it does just roll over small bumps like they arent there. If I lose the auction on the fetish I may try it.
 
#20 ·
My Vulture is fast and comfortable...

Miker J said:
What's up with the square seat stays? Does it make the frame more vertically (sp?) compliant?

Mike
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Why Wade from Vulture cycles uses square stays is his choice, if you do a little research you will find his customers are very happy...

We actually live in the mountains and ride everyday, and as far as the "fugly' factor goes I can't see my seat stays when I'm tearing up singletrack.

All this said, I'm getting another 29er with square stays built out of lighter steel to race this season.
 
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