[frankenbike]

My Inbred 29er is in the mail.

I had ordered a 16" Monkey and had it on my workstand. Installed the headset and BB then decided to stop because I thought more about some things that I thought would be neglible: 1) limited seat tube distance to lower seat due to bent design, 2) Multiple step rear wheel removal with Monkey Nuts and loosening caliper, 3) Top tube length was a compromise from my usual preferred geometry. Many people have no problems with Monkey Nuts and loosening the caliper and/or the limited distance to lower the seat, but it's just a personal preference thing for me.

Looking at the Inbred, I noticed it solved the three things I didn't like about the Monkey. The Kona Unit 2-9 also would have been nice, but I was a $100 more and I felt like the Inbred was solved what I was unhappy with on the KM.

The recent threads on the Inbred with build details and pics also helped me to decide on it over the Monkey as well. So now I have in Inbred in the mail and a Monkey to sell.

Here's some nice pics of the frame taken by the shop I bought it from (Bens Cycles). I'll post build pics and a review of it once I build it up and go for some nice long rides

 

[Om Flyer]

frankenbike

just wondered about your thoughts regarding the size diff between the two frames(16KM & 18IB), I know you were sold on the small KM for lower standover. I think we have similar inseam measurements...32ish and 5'10" height. I've often considered the on-one, but thought the 18 would be bit tall(for me) for real off road use but a fine size for road/commuting...

 

[realbiker]

Good choice men - this bike rocks !!!

 

[EricJames]

Very nice.
This might be my next bike too.
Are you going SS or geared?

 

[SpinWheelz]

I'm always a day late and a dollar short. Was in the market for a 16" Monkey, but I just picked up an Inbred. Would be curious to know what the Monkey would go for anyhow...

 

[frankenbike]

I am going to build it up as a gearie (please refrain from booing)

It's going to serve double duty as my fireroad mtn bike and my daily commuter to work. I am not strong enough to pedal up the 2000 ft climb on my usual ride on a single speed. I using all the help with my granny gear and my 34t in the rear. Then commuting, I would want to use the 42t chainring up front.

I wish I was strong enough to ride SS or that there were easier trails near me, but they all involve alot of climbing. I miss the rolling hills up in NorCal. Down here in SoCal it's all climb climb climb then fast decents.

 

[frankenbike]

just wondered about your thoughts regarding the size diff between the two frames(16KM & 18IB), I know you were sold on the small KM for lower standover. I think we have similar inseam measurements...32ish and 5'10" height. I've often considered the on-one, but thought the 18 would be bit tall(for me) for real off road use but a fine size for road/commuting...

As to the size reason I switched to the 18" Inbred over the 16: Monkey...

For the first time, I measured the SO height on my 26" bike, a Giant VT, and realized it was 32 inches! All this time I have been riding a 32" standover bike and never had a problem. With my riding shoes on, I have about an inch of clearance, which is fine by me. Of course the more the merrier, but I am cool with that distance. I also wear the taller sole "recreation" mtn biking shoes from Cannondale, so that gave me a boost compared to wearing shoes like the mountain Sidis.

I only have had one close call with the hitting my crouch on the top tube in recent years. And in that instance I hit the front section of the top tube near the headtube, which would happen even if the standover was shorter.

On an unexpected note... I am taller than I thought. I am 5'11" instead of 5'10". Nice surprise when I decided to check my height this morning. and my inseam is taller than thought aswell. First time I measured my height in 12 years.

So the Inbred having a 31.5" standover ended being fine after all.

On a different note, I like the taller headtube on the Inbred for different reasons. One, I like running my bars higher, so less spacers or a riser stem needed. Two, I plan to some day mod a Cannondale Lefty fork for my 29er and the Inbred taller headtube is closer to the Cannondale headtube length. The Monkey has a rather short head tube.

So there you have it. That's why I changed my tune and went with the taller SO height Inbred geometry wise.

 

[frankenbike]

OM Flyer

I'll have my Inbred built in about 1 week or so. I can take measurements at different points of the top tube to give you a more accurate gauge for standover. I will be building with XT/Delgado wheels on Nanos.

 

[frankenbike]

More parts for the Inbred arrived today

SunRace Thumb Shifters. And yup, they are friction, no index.

 

[frankenbike]

OM Flyer,

One additional reason is that I am building this up as my fireroad ride, so not too much technical riding. So clearance wouldn't be much of a concern for the purpose that I am building this. I have a full suspension Giant VT for all the gnarly tech stuff (I know it's a 26 incher, shame one me).

 

[Om Flyer]

frank

Damn! I'm still 5-10. Thanks for the run down...it does make plenty of sense, and you gotta love the details of the inbred...gucci looks @ a bargin price. congrats!

 

[frankenbike]

...and you gotta love the details of the inbred...gucci looks @ a bargin price...

I agree. The Inbred is high on looks. Reminds of some nice custom 29ers that I have seen on the board here.