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My Redline Monocog Flight 29er build thread

10891 Views 47 Replies 26 Participants Last post by austy37, Dec 8, 2011

Bounty Hunter

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2009

3

Just before the holidays I picked up a brand new 08 Redline Monocog Flight 29er frame at a LBS for a good price. :thumbsup: I've been riding in my adult life the past 2 yrs and I'm hooked. This will be my first build. I will probably take the frame into a LBS to get certain things done for lack of tools or fear of screwing something up.

Christmas (which was also my birthday) has came and went. I didn't buy anything for my Redline build because I was waiting to see if I would get anything for it as gifts.

My gf got me a set of cheap and heavy, but strong wheels. My thoughts are wheels can always be upgraded later (and I will). It also doesn't hurt to have a 2nd set of wheels if I decide to start racing sometime in the future.

WTB Dual Duty FR rims w/ Shimano hubs.

Okay so now I need to get serious about piecing this thing together. First off I'm trying to build a really good bike on a budget. Is that even possible?

Let's talk forks...I'm going squish. I haven't decided on 80mm or 100mm of travel. The Reba or Fox has gathered most of my interest. I had a Reba on my 07 GF Rig and I also have had a couple different Fox forks on my Specialized bikes.

If I want to save some money...I've read some good things about the Manitou Drake after searching here. It's on sale at Jenson for $235 right now. It looks like the only model they have left has the 20mm Thru Axle. My hubs have the regular QR. Can I still use that fork with my wheelset? Any benefits to the 20mm TA?

Another option I've been thinking about is buying a leftover bike on sale and then parting it out...swapping over the parts to my frame and selling what I don't need on e-bay and CL.

Thanks for the comments and criticism ahead of time.

-Todd

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1 - 20 of 48 Posts

amillion3

· #2 · Dec 28, 2009

Are you planning on geared or SS? What is your budget like?

If it were me, I'd go for a light & strong wheel set as one of my most important component choices (pending budget).

Nice blue color too, I look forward to the final build.

Bounty Hunter

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 28, 2009

I'm going SS. Not sure on the budget yet. I will definitely go with a better wheelset later, but I'll start off on these to get it road worthy. I almost bought an 09 model complete Flight, but I loved the color of this 08.

I found some Fox F29s pretty cheap on ebay. I'm tempted to pull the trigger.

Natedogz

· #4 · Dec 28, 2009

Nice frame looking forward to more progress and pics.

NEPMTBA

· #5 · Dec 28, 2009

I assume if you wanted to go geared wih that frame you could buy the sliders with a derailer hanger from Redline? Any idea on price cause I have the same frame and undecided weather to go SS or geared right now I have the SS sliders.

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Bounty Hunter

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 28, 2009

I haven't really looked into it because I decided to go SS. I briefly thought about picking up a new 2010 Flight and running it 1x9 with the OEM steel fork. I really like these bikes. I was able to test ride a 2009 before I decided on purchasing this 08 frame. I just didn't like the 09 paint/decals.

BokorSolo

· #7 · Dec 28, 2009

In my experience with forks I had some trouble with fox forks in the past. when my talas stopped talas-ing I called into the warranty center and they didn't offer much help at all. The wanted a reciept furnished and I bought it at my LBS and they didn't keep any records and I did not either (obviously) anyhoo, that prevented me from buying a Fox product ever again. The Rebas for 29er are awesome though. I'd highly recommend those.

blunderbuss

· #8 · Dec 28, 2009

I have a 2007 MC Flight (the green one) that has seen it all. Fully geared, 1x9, SS, 80mm, 100mm. Both forks were/are old style Rebas with the 38mm offset. The 80mm set up handled a little on the quick side, which was good since I was racing it at the time. I now have it built with the 100mm, mainly because I already had the fork (the 80mm was sold a while back) when I built the bike back up and was too lazy to change the travel. I was riding a Trek TopFuel 69er up until recently which had somewhat slow steering (69 degree w/ a 51mm offset Fox F29) and the MC with the 100mm Reba feels very similar. I'm now riding a 2007 GF Sugar 293 with that same F29 and the steering is considerably quicker, so I'm probably going to change the travel on the MC sometime in the near future so the two bikes will handle simlarly.

Bounty Hunter

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 28, 2009

BokorSolo said:
In my experience with forks I had some trouble with fox forks in the past. when my talas stopped talas-ing I called into the warranty center and they didn't offer much help at all. The wanted a reciept furnished and I bought it at my LBS and they didn't keep any records and I did not either (obviously) anyhoo, that prevented me from buying a Fox product ever again. The Rebas for 29er are awesome though. I'd highly recommend those.

IMO your LBS should've taken care of it if you bought it there...receipt or not (if they REMEMBER you and that you bought the fork there).

Bounty Hunter

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 28, 2009

blunderbuss said:
I have a 2007 MC Flight (the green one) that has seen it all. Fully geared, 1x9, SS, 80mm, 100mm. Both forks were/are old style Rebas with the 38mm offset. The 80mm set up handled a little on the quick side, which was good since I was racing it at the time. I now have it built with the 100mm, mainly because I already had the fork (the 80mm was sold a while back) when I built the bike back up and was too lazy to change the travel. I was riding a Trek TopFuel 69er up until recently which had somewhat slow steering (69 degree w/ a 51mm offset Fox F29) and the MC with the 100mm Reba feels very similar. I'm now riding a 2007 GF Sugar 293 with that same F29 and the steering is considerably quicker, so I'm probably going to change the travel on the MC sometime in the near future so the two bikes will handle simlarly.

Thank you for all the helpful info. I'm assuming the 07 and 08 MC Flights are the same geometry. What size frame do you have?

So...it sounds like you prefer the 80mm travel on your MC Flight. Which fork do you think is better?

Flat Ark

· #11 · Dec 28, 2009

NEPMTBA said:
I assume if you wanted to go geared wih that frame you could buy the sliders with a derailer hanger from Redline? Any idea on price cause I have the same frame and undecided weather to go SS or geared right now I have the SS sliders.

You can get the "geared" slider online at the link below. I ordered/received one earlier this month. Have yet to use it. $16.48 plus shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/REDLINE-Monocog-Replacement-Dropout-Derailleur/dp/B000QSXNNM

GreenLightGo

· #12 · Dec 29, 2009

Nice! Would have matched my fork well!

In my view - you're missing out on the Flight's rigid fork - it's quite a nice fork, 474mm w/ 47mm offset. Will save you some money in the budget department that you could put towards some nicer components. Save some $$ over the winter and pick up a used bouncy fork on Ebay. In this case, I'd recommend a 80mm Reba - they have 46mm offset and will come closest to matching the OEM rigid fork offset.

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mo0se

· #13 · Dec 29, 2009

2

Nice... that was the color mine was. I had it powdercoated green. When you get her built up, ride it like you stole it! I do..

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blunderbuss

· #14 · Dec 29, 2009

Bounty Hunter said:
Thank you for all the helpful info. I'm assuming the 07 and 08 MC Flights are the same geometry. What size frame do you have?

So...it sounds like you prefer the 80mm travel on your MC Flight. Which fork do you think is better?

Afaik, yes the 07 and 08 use the same geometry. Mine is a 19". I do think the bike handles better with the 80mm fork, but I don't really mind the slightly slower handling with the 100mm, I just want my 2 mtb's to handle as close to the same as possible.

Bounty Hunter

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 30, 2009 (Edited)

So I went shopping at 3 LBSs today...2 of which are offering 20% off any components or accessories until Dec 31st (even special order). I think I might make a decision and order a fork tomorrow. I'm really being indecisive about everything which is rare for me. I swear I didn't learn anything new about which is better today between the two I'm considering. Okay maybe I take that back. I got an ear-ful about how both are great forks, but different.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Fox F29 FIT RLC 100mm or Reba Race 100mm. Both are adjustable and can have their travel reduced to 80mm from what I've been told. I like that flexibility in case I decide to start racing later. I know the Reba has the Pushloc which is great BTW, but I'm not sure if the Fox has that (their website only shows it available with 15QR which I'm not interested in).

Price: After discounts I can get the Reba Race w/Pushloc for $460 and the Fox F29 FIT RLC F100 for $600.

Lastly...the looks. I know I know it shouldn't even matter.

I think the white Fox with blue decals will look better than a Reba (black or white with red), but it really shouldn't be a factor.

As far as the continuing build...I can get a leftover 09 Monocog Flight 29er complete for $850 at one LBS still. I think they'd sell it for less than that even because they have 3 sizes still and they've been there forever. I thought about buying one in my size, stripping the parts to build my 08 Flight then later building the 09 as a rigid 1x9.

It might be worth it. I'm still trying to figure that out still.

I test rode a new 2010 Scott Scale 29er today. It had a Reba SL with remote Pushloc. I think I'd actually use the lockout more with the Pushloc. I only did a short ride throughout the store, but the Scott still felt good. I wish I could've spent more time on it, but the roads are full of snow and slush still.

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Jaybo123

· #16 · Dec 30, 2009

Fo' runs a Reba. Get it.

The white version would look great with your frame, and you could always remove the red stickers if you feel like it.

BruceBrown

· #17 · Dec 30, 2009

Bounty Hunter said:
Lastly...the looks. I know I know it shouldn't even matter. I think the white Fox with blue decals will look better than a Reba (black or white with red), but it really shouldn't be a factor.

Sure it should matter and be a factor. You've gotta match when doing a build. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

mo0se

· #18 · Dec 30, 2009

Bounty Hunter said:
So I went shopping at 3 LBSs today...2 of which are offering 20% off any components or accessories until Dec 31st (even special order). I think I might make a decision and order a fork tomorrow. I'm really being indecisive about everything which is rare for me. I swear I didn't learn anything new about which is better today between the two I'm considering. Okay maybe I take that back. I got an ear-ful about how both are great forks, but different.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Fox F29 FIT RLC 100mm or Reba Race 100mm. Both are adjustable and can have their travel reduced to 80mm from what I've been told. I like that flexibility in case I decide to start racing later. I know the Reba has the Pushloc which is great BTW, but I'm not sure if the Fox has that (their website only shows it available with 15QR which I'm not interested in).

Price: After discounts I can get the Reba Race w/Pushloc for $460 and the Fox F29 FIT RLC F100 for $600.

Lastly...the looks. I know I know it shouldn't even matter. I think the white Fox with blue decals will look better than a Reba (black or white with red), but it really shouldn't be a factor.

As far as the continuing build...I can get a leftover 09 Monocog Flight 29er complete for $850 at one LBS still. I think they'd sell it for less than that even because they have 3 sizes still and they've been there forever. I thought about buying one in my size, stripping the parts to build my 08 Flight then later building the 09 as a rigid 1x9. It might be worth it. I'm still trying to figure that out still.

I test rode a new 2010 Scott Scale 29er today. It had a Reba SL with remote Pushloc. I think I'd actually use the lockout more with the Pushloc. I only did a short ride throughout the store, but the Scott still felt good. I wish I could've spent more time on it, but the roads are full of snow and slush still.

Offer them 750 for the complete.. they will take it.

The_Stig

· #19 · Dec 30, 2009

Bounty Hunter said:
I'm going SS. Not sure on the budget yet. I will definitely go with a better wheelset later, but I'll start off on these to get it road worthy. I almost bought an 09 model complete Flight, but I loved the color of this 08.

I found some Fox F29s pretty cheap on ebay. I'm tempted to pull the trigger.

If its from Wheels and Sprocket....DO IT...I got my Fox F29 100mm from them $450 free shipping.

amillion3

· #20 · Dec 30, 2009

mo0se said:
Offer them 750 for the complete.. they will take it.

As someone who just finished a frame-up SS build, this will be your more affordable option!

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